Maddi's Fridge

By Lois Brandt, Vin Vogel

Two young friends navigate the challenges of poverty and friendship in their urban community

4.8/7 Bookroo expert·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,995 ratings

32 pages· 1,108 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

$17.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Sofia and Maddi are inseparable friends, but Sofia discovers Maddi's fridge is empty. Torn between keeping Maddi's secret and seeking help, Sofia faces a moral dilemma. Will she break her promise to help her friend? This heartfelt tale explores poverty, friendship, and the courage to make tough choices, encouraging young readers to empathize and take action against hunger.

From the publisher

With humor and warmth, this children’s picture book raises awareness about poverty and hunger

Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge. Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others. A call to action section, with six effective ways for children to help fight hunger and information on antihunger groups, is also included.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 1,108
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD520L

Themes & topics

Books about friendship Books about homelessness and poverty Books about social themes Books about social issues Books about poverty

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.8

out of 7

4.8

“Maddi's Fridge deals with a really important topic that isn't easily addressed in a children's book: income inequality. In the book, one friend notices that another doesn't have a lot of food in their home and wants to help without making her friend feel bad for having little. The book is ambitious but doesn't read like it's pushing a particular agenda. I think it's a valuable book for teaching awareness and sharing, and despite a difficult topic, it's humorous and lighthearted.”

Lemony Snickers

Trusted reviewer

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