Books About Poverty · 86 titles considered

The Best Poverty Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Poverty

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 11–16 · 1868

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott, Anna Bond (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little Women series

Four sisters navigate life's challenges while awaiting their father's return from war.

816 pages· 184,747 words· Est. 17 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,522,143 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: In a world where their father is away at war, the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—must rely on each other to face life's trials. As they grow from childhood to womanhood, they grapple with dreams, ambitions, and the hope of their father's safe return. Will their bond withstand the pressures of society and personal aspirations? Discover the heartwarming journey of sisterhood, resilience, and the quest for identity in a time of uncertainty.

Sale price

$2850

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Ready Player One

By Ernest Cline · Book #1 in the Ready Player One series

In 2045, a virtual treasure hunt turns deadly as rivals vie for control of a digital empire.

480 pages· 132,733 words· Est. 12.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,334,633 ratings

$30.00Save 5%

Summary: In 2045, Wade Watts escapes his grim reality by immersing himself in the OASIS, a vast virtual world. When its creator dies, he leaves behind a series of puzzles promising immense wealth and control of the OASIS to the first solver. Wade cracks the initial clue, igniting a fierce competition with ruthless adversaries willing to kill for the prize. As the stakes rise, Wade must navigate a perilous quest filled with pop culture riddles and deadly rivals. Can he outsmart them and claim the ultimate prize, or will he become another casualty in this high-stakes game?

Sale price

$1805

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1943

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By Betty Smith

A young girl navigates hardship and family drama in early 20th-century Brooklyn.

496 pages· 145,092 words· Est. 13.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 527,995 ratings

$19.00Save 5%

Summary: In the Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn, young Francie Nolan faces the challenges of a tumultuous family life. With a father prone to drink and an aunt with a string of marriages, Francie must find strength and resilience. Amidst the chaos, she discovers the simple joys of childhood, from trading junk for pennies to the thrill of holiday celebrations. As she comes of age, Francie's journey is a poignant exploration of survival, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams in a world that demands fortitude. What will Francie learn about life and herself in this vibrant, challenging world?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2020

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

By Kelly J. Baptist · Isaiah Dunn series

A boy finds strength in his late father's journal, discovering poetry and hidden powers.

208 pages· 41,637 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,498 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Isaiah Dunn faces the challenge of stepping into his late father's shoes, managing a silent mother and a curious sister. With his friend Sneaky's schemes and classmate Angel's ideas, Isaiah navigates life's hurdles. His father's journal, filled with tales of a superhero fueled by beans and rice, becomes his guide. Can Isaiah find the strength within these stories to become the hero his family needs? Discover the journey of a ten-year-old boy learning to harness his inner power and resilience in a world that demands he grow up too soon.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Efrén Divided

By Ernesto Cisneros

Efrén's mother is deported, and he must reunite his family.

Pura Belpré Award (2021)

272 pages· 44,601 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,178 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Efrén Nava's life turns upside down when his mother is deported to Mexico. With his father working tirelessly, Efrén must step up to care for his younger siblings, Max and Mía. As he navigates the challenges of school and home, Efrén's determination to reunite his family grows stronger. Can he find a way to bring his mother back, or will the weight of responsibility prove too much? This heartfelt journey explores the bonds of family and the courage needed to overcome adversity.

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.

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,969 ratings

$16.99

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

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

By Alicia D. Williams

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

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

370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,033 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Genesis struggles with self-hatred and a chaotic home life. Her father's gambling leads to eviction, and her family's harsh words deepen her insecurities. At a new school, Genesis discovers her singing talent, but can she overcome her doubts and embrace her true self? As she nears the end of her list of self-loathing, Genesis must decide if she can rewrite her story and find the courage to love herself.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1988

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

By Ann Cameron

A young boy in Guatemala dreams of school but fears his grandmother's refusal.

64 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,472 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: In the heart of Guatemala, seven-year-old Juan dreams of escaping his shoe-shining routine for the classroom. Abandoned by his mother, he lives with his grandmother, who holds the key to his future. As he gathers the courage to ask for her permission, Juan faces a surprising response that challenges him to stand up for himself. Will he find the strength to pursue his dreams amidst the harsh realities of his world? This poignant tale of hope and resilience unfolds with warmth and dignity, inviting readers to journey with Juan as he navigates his path to education.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2017

Piecing Me Together

By Renée Watson

A girl seeks her voice in a world that labels her 'at-risk.'

Coretta Scott King Award (2018)Newbery Honor (2018)

264 pages· 50,736 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 27,529 ratings

$17.99

Summary: Jade navigates the challenges of a private school where she feels like an outsider. Pressured to join a mentorship for 'at-risk' girls, she resists being seen as someone needing help. Instead, Jade yearns to express her true self, to share her joys and struggles, and to make a real impact. Can she find her voice and redefine what it means to succeed on her own terms?

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1994

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2007

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

By Sherman Alexie

A Native American teen seeks a new future at an all-white high school.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2008)

320 pages· 44,681 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 288,034 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Summary: Junior, a young cartoonist from the Spokane Indian Reservation, defies expectations by transferring to an all-white high school. As he navigates this new world, he faces cultural clashes and personal challenges. Will he find his place or be torn between two worlds? With humor and heart, Junior's journey explores identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club

Browse by age

Poverty Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1999

The House That Jane Built

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A woman transforms a Chicago neighborhood with a community center, impacting thousands.

Sale price

$1899

Ada's Violin

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A landfill town's children create music from trash, transforming their lives and spreading hope worldwide.

Sale price

$1799

The Magical Christmas Store

Ages 3–7 · 2021

Can Benji find the true magic of Christmas in a mysterious store?

Sale price

$1799

A Christmas Carol

Ages 4–8 · 2010

A miser's heart is transformed by ghostly visits on Christmas Eve.

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

$799

Fly Away Home

Ages 4–7 · 1991

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

Sale price

$1099

The Royal Bee

Ages 5–7 · 2000

A boy defies poverty to pursue education against all odds.

Sale price

$1700

The Gift of the Magi

Ages 6–9 · 1905

A couple sacrifices their dearest possessions for Christmas gifts.

Sale price

$799

The Little Match Girl

Ages 4–8 · 1845

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

Sale price

$1799

From My Window

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover the vibrant life seen from a favela window in Rio de Janeiro.

Sale price

$1999

One Potato, Two Potato

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A magic pot doubles everything, but can it grant the O'Gradys' wish for friends?

Sale price

$1795

Maddi's Fridge

Ages 4–8 · 2014

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

View all poverty picture books

Browse by age

Poverty Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about poverty for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$2395

I Capture the Castle

Ages 14–18 · 1948

A teen's journal unveils family chaos and unexpected love in a crumbling castle.

Sale price

$1800

A Little Princess

Ages 8–12 · 1905

A wealthy girl becomes a pauper at boarding school. Can kindness be her true wealth?

Sale price

$899

Crenshaw

Ages 9–12 · 2015

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

Sale price

$2299

Eleanor & Park

Ages 14–18 · 2012

Two misfits navigate first love, knowing it rarely lasts but daring to try.

Sale price

$899

Kira-Kira

Ages 12–15 · 2004

A sister's illness challenges Katie to find hope in a world that seems to dim without her light.

Sale price

$595

The Prince and the Pauper

Ages 11–15 · 1881

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

Sale price

$1295

The House on Mango Street

Ages 12–18 · 1984

A young girl navigates harsh realities and dreams of escape in a Chicago neighborhood.

Sale price

$1699

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew

Ages 9–12

Discover the trials and triumphs of the Pepper family.

Sale price

$1099

Gather

Ages 13–17 · 2023

A teen and his dog flee to save their home and future.

Sale price

$1699

Lost Boy

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy's quest to find his father may be his mom's only hope for survival.

Sale price

$1799

Thirst

Ages 10–12 · 2022

A girl uncovers a water mafia in Mumbai, risking everything to expose them.

Sale price

$999

Touchdown Kid

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A talented boy must prove himself in a world of privilege to change his future.

View all poverty chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about prejudice and racism Books about abuse Books about codes, ciphers and puzzles Books about coming of age Books about deportation Books about family history Books about family life Books about hard work

Our 10 Favorite Books About Poverty

Great books, picked for their age.

Poverty Picture Books

Poverty Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo