Books About Homelessness · 75 titles considered

The Best Homelessness Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about homelessness? 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.

#4 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Homelessness

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Bridge Home

By Padma Venkatraman

Homeless kids find hope and freedom, but illness threatens their fragile world.

Golden Kite Award (2020)

208 pages· 34,537 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,979 ratings

$16.99

Hardcover

Summary: In the bustling streets of Chennai, runaway sisters Viji and Rukku find refuge with two boys under an abandoned bridge. As they form a makeshift family, they navigate the harsh realities of survival. But when illness strikes, Viji faces a heart-wrenching choice: seek help from strangers or protect their hard-won independence. Can they hold onto hope in a world that seems so unforgiving?

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

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Wolf Hollow

By Lauren Wolk

A girl confronts escalating cruelty in her town, risking everything to defend an innocent outcast.

Newbery Honor (2017)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2017)

304 pages· 60,499 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 30,448 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a quiet Pennsylvania town, Annabelle's life is upended by the arrival of Betty, a manipulative bully. As Betty's cruelty targets Toby, a reclusive war veteran, Annabelle must summon courage to stand against injustice. With tensions rising, her resilience and compassion become a beacon in a community at a crossroads. Can Annabelle's lone voice for justice illuminate the darkness threatening to engulf them all? Discover a haunting tale of bravery and the power of kindness in 'Wolf Hollow.'

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1998

Holes

By Louis Sachar, Vladimir Radunsky (Illustrator), Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Holes series

A cursed boy digs for secrets at a mysterious camp.

Newbery Medal (1999)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1999)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (1998)

233 pages· 47,105 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

5.1/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,392,371 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Stanley Yelnats, plagued by a family curse, finds himself at Camp Green Lake, a detention center where boys dig endless holes. But these aren't just for character building. As Stanley unearths the truth, he must confront the camp's hidden motives and his own destiny. What lies beneath the dry lakebed, and can Stanley break the curse that haunts his family? Dive into this darkly humorous tale of mystery and redemption.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2015

Crenshaw

By Katherine Applegate

Can an imaginary cat help a struggling family find hope and stability?

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2016)

272 pages· 25,030 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,935 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jackson's family faces homelessness, with eviction looming and food scarce. Amidst this turmoil, Crenshaw, his imaginary cat friend, reappears. As Jackson grapples with reality, can Crenshaw offer the support needed to change their fate? Discover a tale of resilience and the power of friendship, real or imagined.

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

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1978

The Clown of God

By Tomie dePaola

A juggler's last performance on Christmas Eve may lead to a miracle.

48 pages· 1,403 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,480 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Giovanni, once a celebrated juggler, finds himself poor and forgotten. As Christmas Eve approaches, he decides to perform one last time with his colorful balls. Will this act bring about a miracle? Discover the magic and wonder of a legend where hope and talent intertwine, leading to an unexpected Christmas miracle that could change everything for Giovanni.

Sale price

$1140

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

Great Joy

By Kate DiCamillo, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator)

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

32 pages· 714 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,467 ratings

$12.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: As Christmas nears, young Frances is captivated by an organ grinder and his monkey outside her window. Their presence haunts her thoughts, especially during the Christmas pageant. When it's her turn to speak, she struggles with the organ grinder's sad eyes in her mind. Just as hope seems lost, a door opens, revealing the perfect words she needs. Discover how a simple encounter transforms Frances's holiday in this heartwarming tale of compassion and unexpected connections.

Otto Tattercoat and the Forest of Lost Things

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Otto Tattercoat and the Forest of Lost Things

By Matilda Woods

A city darkens, a boy is lost, and a girl seeks answers in a magical forest.

256 pages· 48,458 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 422 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Hodorf, Nim lives by the Tattercoats' code, surviving with her rat, Nibbles. When Otto, a new boy, is ensnared by a fallen Tattercoat's schemes, Nim must save him. As the city grows colder and darker, Nim ventures into the mysterious woods, seeking Otto and the truth behind the vanishing sundragons. Can she uncover the secrets before the city freezes over?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found

By Karina Yan Glaser · Book #4 in the The Vanderbeekers series

A hidden identity in the garden challenges the Vanderbeekers' compassion.

351 pages· 50,086 words· Est. 7 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,834 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Autumn on 141st Street brings new challenges for the Vanderbeekers. As they prepare Mr. Beiderman for the marathon, they discover a mysterious figure living in the community garden shed. Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney must navigate the complexities of helping someone in dire need, testing their resolve to improve their neighborhood. What secrets will they uncover, and how will it change their lives? Join the Vanderbeekers as they face an unexpected journey of empathy and understanding.

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Homelessness Picture Books

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

Sale price

$999

Mortimer's Christmas Manger

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A holiday tale that warms hearts and unites families.

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

$1699

Hey, Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A boy's love helps a stray dog trust again.

Sale price

$1600

I Am a Bear

Ages 4–8 · 2010

A homeless bear finds hope in an unexpected friendship.

Sale price

$799

The Little Match Girl

Ages 4–8 · 1845

A poor girl's matches light up her cold, fleeting world.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Be Who You Are

Ages 3–6 · 2001

Celebrate your uniqueness and embrace who you truly are.

Sale price

$1795

Monty and the Poodles

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A scruffy pooch and a poodle defy exclusion to create a home for all.

Series

Sale price

$1995

On Our Street

Ages 5–8 · 2018

Explore poverty's impact and learn how kids can make a difference.

Sale price

$999

The Christmas Eve Tree

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A homeless boy finds hope in a forgotten Christmas tree.

Series

Sale price

$1295

McDuff Moves In

Ages 3–6 · 1997

A stray dog finds an unexpected home.

Sale price

$1699

Dorothea Lange

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A photographer captures the faces of the Great Depression, revealing untold stories.

Laika the Astronaut

Ages 0–5 · 2013

A stray dog vanishes in space, but her journey is far from over.

View all homelessness picture books

Browse by age

Homelessness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about homelessness for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1799

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Ages 10–14 · 2024

A boy's quest to keep his family together when his mom vanishes.

Series

Sale price

$799

Kit: Turning Things Around

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Can one girl bring hope to homeless kids during the Depression's darkest days?

Sale price

$799

Stay

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl in a shelter must reunite a lost dog with its family before it's too late.

Sale price

$899

Fast Break

Ages 10–+ · 2015

A boy's journey from survival to state finals tests his trust and dreams.

Sale price

$899

Almost Home

Ages 10–+ · 2012

Homeless in Chicago, a girl learns resilience and gratitude amidst life's challenges.

Sale price

$799

No Fixed Address

Ages 10–13 · 2018

A trivia-loving boy must keep his homelessness secret while competing for a life-changing game show prize.

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

$2199

Mr Stink

Ages 9–12 · 2009

A mysterious tramp changes a girl's life forever.

Sale price

$999

Sweep

Ages 8–12 · 2018

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

#2 in Series

Sale price

$699

Catwings Return

Ages 5–9 · 1989

Winged cats return to a changed city, uncovering a hidden surprise.

Sale price

$899

Paper Things

Ages 10–+ · 2015

Ari navigates school and friendships while secretly homeless with her brother.

Sale price

$1699

Shelter

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl faces homelessness, bullies, and a storm, seeking hope in adversity.

View all homelessness chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about family problems Books about homelessness and poverty Books about orphans Books about bullying Books about buried treasure Books about caregivers Books about courage Books about factories

Our 10 Favorite Books About Homelessness

Great books, picked for their age.

Homelessness Picture Books

Homelessness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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