How far will a mother go to turn Christmas joy into back-to-school readiness? And what happens when her solution risks taking away the very thing that makes her child feel special?

Kemunto is no stranger to tough decisions. As a hardworking mother in a rural African village, she’s mastered the art of stretching every coin just to get by. But when her son Mogaka’s beloved gray Christmas shoes—his pride, his confidence, his magic—don’t meet the school’s strict uniform rules, Kemunto is faced with a new kind of dilemma.
To Mogaka, those shoes help him run faster, dream bigger, and believe in himself. To Kemunto, they represent sacrifice and love—but now they’re a problem she must solve before the first day of school.

Can she find a solution that keeps both the school and her son happy? Or will one pair of shoes unravel everything she’s worked so hard to build?

What follows is a touching and humorous journey through cobbler stalls, community whispers, and a mother’s boundless love. From moments of laughter to quiet heartbreak, Kemunto must dig deep for a fix that doesn’t just change the shoes—but deepens her bond with her son.

Perfect for fans of:

• Small-town short stories and books set in rural Africa

• Mother and son relationship books filled with heart

• Back-to-school family stories that reflect real parenting challenges

• Funny and emotional parenting fiction

• Stories about resilience, sacrifice, and the magic in everyday life

Told with warmth, honesty, and a touch of humor, The Mother with Wrong Shoes is a heartfelt tale of resourcefulness, identity, and the quiet power of maternal love.
Will Kemunto choose rules or dreams? Will her decision bring her and Mogaka closer—or change how he sees her forever? Read the book for answers.