Books About Homelessness And Poverty · 87 titles considered

The Best Homelessness And Poverty Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about homelessness and poverty? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Homelessness And Poverty

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2006

Tyrell

By Coe Booth · Book #1 in the Tyrell series

A teen struggles with homelessness, love, and the lure of crime. Will he escape his father's fate?

310 pages· 85,285 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,088 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Tyrell, a teen in a homeless shelter, grapples with his father's incarceration, a supportive girlfriend he feels unworthy of, and a complicated attraction to another girl. Desperate to improve his situation, he faces the temptation of quick money. As he teeters on the edge of right and wrong, Tyrell must decide if he will follow his father's path or carve out a new future. Can he break the cycle, or is he destined to repeat it? The stakes are high, and every choice could change his life forever.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2000

Esperanza Rising

By Pam Muñoz Ryan

A privileged girl must adapt to harsh labor camp life during the Great Depression.

Americas Honor (2000)Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2001)

262 pages· 41,873 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 117,581 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Esperanza's world shatters when tragedy forces her from a life of luxury in Mexico to a labor camp in California. Facing the Great Depression's harsh realities, she must navigate financial struggles and cultural challenges. As her mother falls ill and labor strikes loom, Esperanza must find strength to overcome adversity and protect her family. Can she rise above her circumstances and forge a new path?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1969

Sounder

By James Barkley (Illustrator)

A boy's world shatters when his father is arrested, leaving him to find hope through his loyal dog, Sounder.

Newbery Medal (1970)

116 pages· 22,582 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 31,724 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the harsh 19th-century South, a young boy's life is upended when his father, a struggling sharecropper, is arrested after a rare feast appears on their table. With his father gone, the boy must navigate a world of injustice, clinging to hope and the companionship of their loyal dog, Sounder. As he faces the challenges of growing up too soon, will the boy find the strength to endure and keep his family together? Discover a poignant tale of resilience and faith in this Newbery Medal-winning classic.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1981

Homecoming

By Cynthia Voigt · The Tillerman Cycle series

Four siblings abandoned, a journey to safety, and a hope for trust.

400 pages· 110,893 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 23,496 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Abandoned in a mall parking lot, Dicey Tillerman and her siblings must navigate their way to Great-aunt Cilla's house in Bridgeport. With little money and nowhere safe to stay, they must avoid authorities and rely on each other. As they journey forward, Dicey clings to the hope of finding someone who will care for them, but fears it may be an impossible dream. Will they find the safety and love they desperately seek, or is it too much to hope for?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1958

The Family Under the Bridge

By Natalie Savage Carlson, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

An old man's solitary life changes when he finds three children needing a home under a Paris bridge.

Newbery Honor (1959)

97 pages· 17,723 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 17,187 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Armand, a contented old man living on the streets of Paris, cherishes his solitary life. But just before Christmas, he discovers three cold, hungry children under his favorite bridge. Despite his initial reluctance, Armand's heart opens to this makeshift family, leading him on a quest to find them a real home. As they navigate the city, encountering gypsies and even Santa Claus, Armand learns the true meaning of family and belonging. Will he succeed in giving them the home they deserve? This heartwarming tale of unexpected bonds will captivate readers with its charm and warmth.

Sale price

$3324

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2014

The Red Pencil

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Shane W. Evans (Illustrator)

A young girl flees her ravaged village, finding hope in a red pencil.

336 pages· 20,420 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 7,475 ratings

$34.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Amira dreams of school, but her Sudanese village is destroyed by the Janjaweed. Forced to flee, she embarks on a perilous journey to a refugee camp. Amidst the hardship, a red pencil ignites her imagination, offering a glimmer of hope and new possibilities. Can Amira find the strength to rebuild her life from the ashes of her past?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1881

The Prince and the Pauper

By Mark Twain · Signet Classics series

Two boys swap lives, revealing the thin line between royalty and poverty.

240 pages· 66,817 words· Est. 6 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 126,859 ratings

$5.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a twist of fate, Tom Canty, a pauper, and Edward Tudor, a prince, swap lives. As Tom navigates the royal court's opulence, Edward faces the harsh realities of London's slums. This identity swap challenges societal norms and exposes the absurdity of class distinctions. Will they reclaim their true selves, or remain trapped in their new worlds? Discover the humor and critique of social injustice in this timeless tale of mistaken identities.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

By Marcy Campbell, Corinna Luyken (Illustrator)

A girl learns the truth about a classmate's horse.

34 pages· 644 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

6.6/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,228 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Adrian insists he owns a magnificent horse, but Chloe is doubtful. Living in a small house with worn shoes, how could he possibly have a horse? Chloe's frustration grows, leading her to confront Adrian at school. Yet, instead of the satisfaction she seeks, Chloe discovers a lesson in empathy and the true value of friendship. This tender tale explores the power of imagination and the rewards of kindness, challenging assumptions and opening hearts.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

What Is Given from the Heart

By Patricia C. McKissack, April Harrison (Illustrator)

A young boy helps his mother put together a care package for a family in need, and finds a way to give something special to a girl his age.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)

32 pages· 1,095 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

6.4/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,193 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: James Otis faces a dilemma when his church collects donations for a family who lost everything in a fire. With little to give, he must find a way to contribute to the 'love box.' As he searches for something meaningful, James learns a powerful lesson about the true value of giving from the heart. Will he discover that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference? This touching tale of compassion and generosity will warm your heart and inspire you to see the beauty in selfless acts.

Sale price

$1699

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew

By Margaret Sidney

Discover the trials and triumphs of the Pepper family.

352 pages· 68,945 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 24,230 ratings

Bookroo Collection Edition: Hardcover

Summary: In a world where every penny counts, the Pepper family faces daily challenges with unwavering spirit. As they navigate life's hardships, their bond grows stronger, revealing the power of love and resilience. What trials will test their unity, and how will they find joy amidst adversity? Join the Peppers on a heartwarming journey of hope and determination, where each day brings new adventures and unexpected surprises. Will their dreams of a better future come true, or will life's obstacles prove too great? Dive into their story and find out.

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Homelessness And Poverty Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about homelessness and poverty for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1200

Great Joy

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A girl finds unexpected inspiration from a mysterious organ grinder at Christmas.

Sale price

$1699

The Day War Came

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A child's world shatters as war arrives, leaving her to seek hope in a foreign land.

Sale price

$1695

The Orange Shoes

Ages 6–9 · 2007

A school event turns dark, testing a young girl's courage and heart.

Sale price

$1800

Four Feet, Two Sandals

Ages 7–10 · 2007

Two girls share a pair of sandals, forging a friendship amidst the challenges of refugee life.

Sale price

$799

Fly Away Home

Ages 4–7 · 1991

A homeless boy finds hope in an airport when a trapped bird gains freedom.

Sale price

$1799

Home in the Woods

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A family moves to a new home in the woods after the father's death.

Sale price

$1895

The Library Bus

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A young girl helps her mother bring books to villages where girls were once forbidden to learn.

Sale price

$1799

A Gift from Abuela

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Abuela's surprise for Nina faces a challenge when the world changes.

Sale price

$1699

The One Day House

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A community unites to transform a friend's home, discovering the power of togetherness.

Sale price

$1895

Ten Cents a Pound

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A girl must choose between family ties and a future beyond the mountains.

Sale price

$1899

Last Stop on Market Street

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A young boy spends the day with his grandmother, exploring their neighborhood and learning about the beauty in unexpected places.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Be Who You Are

Ages 3–6 · 2001

Celebrate your uniqueness and embrace who you truly are.

View all homelessness and poverty picture books

Browse by age

Homelessness And Poverty Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about homelessness and poverty for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1299

A Tree for Peter

Ages 9–12 · 1941

A mysterious gift transforms a hopeless town, sparking a miraculous renewal.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Season One

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A benchwarmer faces magical trials to transform his basketball dreams into reality.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1499

Saves the Future

Ages 9–12 · 2020

Time travel, danger, and a mystery from the past threaten Max's mission to end child hunger.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1499

The Genius Experiment

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A young genius joins a secret mission to solve global problems, but a sinister group threatens her plans.

Sale price

$1699

My Jasper June

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Two lost girls find solace in a secret summer hideaway, but can their friendship withstand reality's return?

Sale price

$1899

Tune It Out

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A girl must find her voice after her world is upended.

Sale price

$1799

A Wish in the Dark

Ages 8–11 · 2020

A young boy named Pong escapes from a prison in a city called Chattana and embarks on a journey to find his place in the world.

Sale price

$1699

Lizzie Flying Solo

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl in a shelter finds hope and friendship with a pony and new friends.

Sale price

$999

Sweep

Ages 8–12 · 2018

An orphaned chimney sweep discovers a mysterious ally in a soot golem.

Series

Sale price

$1299

Almost Zero

Ages 7–9 · 2010

A girl's quest for sneakers leads to a lesson in needs and friendship.

Sale price

$1699

Courage

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A young diver faces family turmoil and suspicion as his brother returns from prison.

Sale price

$899

Firestorm!

Ages 8–12 · 2010

An orphaned pickpocket and a jeweler's son face the Great Chicago Fire. Can they survive and find a new life?

View all homelessness and poverty chapter books

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Books about siblings Books about caregivers Books about childhood Books about empathy Books about family life Books about family problems Books about farms Books about helping others

Our 10 Favorite Books About Homelessness And Poverty

Great books, picked for their age.

Homelessness And Poverty Picture Books

Homelessness And Poverty Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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