Fiction and nonfiction titles for children on the topic of homelessness.
Voices of People Experiencing Poverty and Homelessness
Picture Books and Younger Elementary
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Wil)
After watching a man experiencing collect empty soft drink cans for the redemption money, a young boy decides to collect cans himself to earn money for a skateboard––until he has a change of heart. Recommended for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Whe)
During the Great Depression six-year-old Marvel, her seven siblings, and their mother find a tar-paper shack in the woods and, over the course of a year, turn it into a home. Based on the author's grandmother's childhood; includes historical notes. Recommended for ages 6-9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Gen)
A wordless picture book that depicts a woman experiencing homelessness who is not seen by all the life around her, except by a little boy. Ultimately, in a gesture of compassion, this boy approaches this woman, in an exchange where he sees her and she experiences being seen. Recommended for ages 3-6.
Juvenile Picture Books - Ej V
Day breaks over the town. Get up, everybody! It's time to go to school. For the old man too, it's time to wake up. The night was icy and he's hungry. His name? He doesn't know... Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.5 Rob)
Using illustrations, full-color photographs and straightforward text, this nonfiction picture book introduces the topics of homelessness and income below the federal poverty threshold to young readers. Recommended for ages 6-9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Gun)
Since she left Jamaica for America after her father died, Zettie lives in a car with her mother while they both go to school and plan for a real home. Recommended for ages 6-9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Te)
Davey describes how he spends his time after school trying to keep safe and warm until he can meet his mother and older brother when the shelter opens at eight o'clock. Recommended for ages 6-9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ree)
Despite living in separate shelters, a little girl and her parents find time to be together, demonstrating that even in the most trying of times they are still a loving and committed family. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.7 Lyn)
Moving is stressful anytime, but when a family is forced to move because they cannot afford to pay their mortgage-it is a whole different experience. This book also gives some ideas of what to expect when a family moves in with relatives while they get back on their feet. Recommended for ages 6-9.
Older Elementary
(Juvenile Fiction - J Applegate)
Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again. Recommended for ages 9-12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Cruz)
After the loss of her father and home, twelve-year-old Nora lives with her mother in Manila's North Cemetery but then her mother disappears, sending Nora on a dangerous quest to find her. Recommended for ages 9-12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Messner)
Zig lives for the world of simple circuits, light bulbs, and motors. Electronics are much more predictable than people––especially his father. When his dad's latest visit is canceled and his mom seems to be hiding something, Zig is convinced that his dad is leaving clues around town and sets out to find him. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.592 Poo)
This book looks at the problems of homelessness--not only the challenges, but also how families can meet and rise above them. Recommended for ages 9-12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Sarno)
Since her father's death, Cora longs for a permanent home while navigating middle school and studying trees using her father's field notes. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.7 Fie)
This informative, nonjudgmental series examines living on the streets or in a shelter without a real home and facing prejudices. Questions encourage readers to consider the information presented. Recommended for ages 9–12+.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Nielson)
12-year-old Felix's appearance on a game show reveals that he and his mother have been experiencing homelessness, but also restores some of his faith in others. Recommended for ages 9–12+.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Jacobson)
Ari and her brother Gage have been couch surfing, making it hard for Ari to keep up with schoolwork and friendships. Recommended for ages 9-12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Svetcov)
Newly experiencing homelessness, Jeanne Ann and wealthy Cal form a vital friendship as they both search for stability and community, finding it through love of books, art, and food. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Pyron)
Piper's life is turned upside down when her family moves into a shelter in a whole new city and hates being labeled the "homeless girl" at her new school. When a dog's person goes missing from the shelter, Piper knows she has to help. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Wolk)
Twelve-year-old Annabelle must learn to stand up for what's right in the face of a manipulative and violent new bully who targets people Annabelle cares about, including a World War I veteran experiencing homelessness. Recommended for ages 9-12+