Children’s Books About Homelessness

Many children and adults deal with homelessness in their lives.  Broaden your students understanding and compassion by reading these children’s books about homelessness together.

You can even extend the discussion about homelessness during a Family Dinner Book Club.  See how to below.

Books About Homelessness for Children

The Queen on Our Corner by Lucy Christopher and Nia Tudor is a touching and uplifting look at how we need to change our perspective on how we view people dealing with homelessness.  And, how a community can come together to support someone in need.

Sanctuary by Christine McDonnell is the story of a woman named Kip Tiernan who started the nation’s first shelter for women.

A mother and her daughter are forced to live in their car when the mom can’t find steady work in A Shelter in Our Car by Monica Gunning.

Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting is the story of a homeless boy and his father who are living in an airport trying to stay undetected. It’s a good pick for helping children practice empathy.

Lily and the Paper Man by Rebecca Upjohn is the story of a young girl who prefers to take the bus to avoid being close to a homeless man.  But, her attitude changes when she starts to notice more details about the homeless person.

A family thinks about a homeless woman living in a box during the winter in The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern.  They decide to do something to help.

Still a Family by Brenda Reeves Sturgis dives into some of the tough situations and challenges homeless families must face.  In this story, the family has to be split up with the father going to a special shelter just for men.  It’s a story about a family is still a family even during separation.

The Can Man by Laura E. Williams is the story of a boy who gets an idea from a homeless man for collecting money to purchase something he wants.  But, he learns an even bigger lesson about people and their needs in the process.

I See You by Michael Genhart is a wordless book that puts the spotlight on how many of us live our daily lives ignoring people who are dealing with homelessness. There are so many rich discussions to be had with this book. There is also an extensive back matter for parents on how to talk about homelessness.

On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty by Dr. Jillian Roberts and Jaime Casap addresses all the questions that come up around homelessness from “Are there children who are homeless?” to ” What is it like to live on the streets?” All these questions are answered and accompanied by photographs. There is also a section on how to help people living in poverty.

For a chapter book option try The Family Under the Bridge. The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson is the story of a mother and her children who are living under a bridge. They meet another man (grandfather figure) who is also living under the bridge.  The kids have an instant bond with the gentleman.  They, in turn, help each other discover the true meaning of kindness, friendship, and family. It’s was our pick for the France Family Dinner Book Club.

Get the Printable Book Lists and Conversation Starters

Grab the printable book list that you can take to the library or share with other families. You also get six conversation starters to spark discussion on the topic.

Just click the button below.

Create a Family Dinner Book Club Featuring Homelessness

What is a Family Dinner Book Club?

Each month:

• On the first of each month, we provide all the details for your dinner.
• Sarah from Chef Sarah Elizabeth shares a themed menu to compliment the theme for the month.
• Laura from Sunny Day Family shares an activity that relates to the theme.
• And, I share a book list that compliments the themes, conversation starters, and a family service project.

Books and Conversation Starters

For our theme of  HOMELESSNESS,  you have found the book list and discussion starters on this page. (see above)

Themed Menu

Check out the themed menu you can eat with your family from Chef Sarah Elizabeth. —> Menu

Book Related Activity

And, visit Sunny Day Family for an activity to do with the theme.—>Home Activity

Family Service Project

There are so many ways to help people who are homeless and/or living in poverty.  Try one of these ideas this month with your family.

• Donate food, clothing, toys, or money to local charities.
• Share a smile or meal with a homeless person on the street.
• Learn more about the situations that cause poverty.  Brainstorm solutions with your family.

This Family Dinner Book Club can just be the first of many.  Join us in a year-long focus of kids making a difference in the world.—>See All The Kids Making a Difference in the World Family Dinner Book Clubs

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