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Children's Stories 
on Poverty

Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting (1991)

A homeless boy and his father blend in by living in the airport since it is open all night and has clean facilities. The young boy speaks to having to blend in, and carrying all their worldly possessions in suitcases. Readers understand a counterculture that many don’t even realize exists.

Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt (2014)

Sofia and Maddi are best friends but when they go to Maddi’s fridge to get a snack after playing there is nothing there but a carton of milk. Maddi begs her friend not to tell anyone that her mother doesn’t have enough money to buy much food. This story brings to light poverty, child hunger compassion, and friendship.

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier (2001)

Beatrice lives in Uganda and longs to go to school but her family cannot afford the books or uniforms required. Beatrice’s life is transformed by the gift of a goat from the Heifer nonprofit. This helps readers to consider how one small gift can lead to big changes.

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts (2007)

Everyone at school has the newest fad in shoes and Jeremy wants a pair too. Jeremy’s Grandmother reminds him that they don’t have room for “want”, just “need”. Jeremy is determined to find a way to get those new expensive shoes, but learns about how family and love is so much more important.

A Shelter in our Car by Monica Gunning (2004)

Zettie’s and her Mama came to the United States from Jamaica after her father dies, in hopes for a better life. However, life and work proves to be difficult and Zettie and her mother are forced to live in their car. This book provides students with powerful experiences that can help to combat misconceptions people have about homelessness.

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen (1979)

A young boy who really wants a dog finds a tiny kitten in the trash the same day his father loses his job. This book helps students understand how hard it can be living in a time of "tight times".

The Can Man by Laura E. Williams (2010)

Tim wants a skateboard more than anything for his birthday, but he knows his parents can’t afford one. To earn money, he decides to collect and redeem empty pop cans. However, he finds out that a homeless man was collecting cans to save up enough to buy a coat for the upcoming winter. When Time finds this out, he ends up giving his money to help the local homeless man instead.

Still a Family by Brenda Reeves Sturgis (2017)

A little girl and her parents have lost their home and must live in a homeless shelter. Due to shelter rules, her father must live in a different shelter. The text and images show the family trying to maintain its closeness despite the challenges of shelter life, which can be noisy, crowded, and provide little privacy. The book shows readers how they still find time to be together as family and reminds them that better days will happen again in the future.

The Hard Times Jar by Ethel Footman Smothers (2003)

Emma loves books and has always wanted a store-bought one so she doesn’t have to just write her own on the back of grocery bags. Unfortunately, Emma’s migrant worker family is unable to afford them. Her new school has beautiful store-bought books and so she sneaks two home even though it is forbidden. Her mother finds out and makes her apologize to her teacher, but they take some of their hard time money to reward Emma for her honesty.

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor (1994)

A young girl looks at her family’s rickety old truck, beat up furniture, and holey clothes and shoes. Her mother has her look around and see the richness in their lives that cannot be bought. This serves as an incredible reminder to value all of the things in our lives that we so often take for granted, and to look past material possessions when determining our wealth.

Getting Through Thursday by Melrose Cooper (1998)

Andre is not a fan of Thursday because it is the day before payday and money and food are always scarce. Andre realizes that report card days falls on Thursday and that his Mother’s promise of a throwing a royal party for making the honor roll will probably not happen and it will just be another miserable and hungry Thursday.

Crenshaw by K. A. Applegate (2015)

Jackson is 10 years old and has a very rough life. The landlord is constantly pounding on the door, there is little food, and he knows their days are numbered in their current apartment so they may have to go and live in their minivan again. This powerful book provides insight into the feelings of a boy who's doing his best to keep a stiff upper lip and maintain a positive outlook during tough times.

Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan (2000)

Thirteen-year-old Koly is forced to get married to a groom she has never seen like many young girls in India. Koly finds out the groom is very ill and they only brought her to their home to receive to dowry. Koly is then left as a homeless widow but finds ways to make her life better.

The Boy Who Painted the World by Melody Bremen (2017)

Indigo was abandoned by his mother and lives in a homeless shelter but he dreams of becoming a famous artist. When his friend is arrested for shoplifting, he sets out on a quest to find her and discovers a whole new world full of amazing art that he loves.

Tyrell by Coe Booth (2006)

Tyrell just can’t get a break. His father is sent to jail and they are forced out of several apartments, only to end up in a homeless shelter with his spaced-out mother and brother. Tyrell’s mother wants him to sell drugs to support the family, but he is someone who wants to make a difference; he wants to set an example not only for himself but for his little brother.

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