Top Children's Books About Homelessness and Poverty

The best Children's Books on Homelessness & Poverty includes Kids Changing the World: An Inspiration, Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate [Hardcover], Esperanza Rising Audiobook by Pam Muñoz Ryan and many others as mentioned below.

1

Kids Changing the World: An Inspiration

  • Inspiring stories of young change makers worldwide.
  • Beautiful illustrations and color photos throughout.
  • Includes maps and fun facts about each change maker.
  • Motivates kids to follow their dreams and make a difference.
  • Ideal for classrooms and personal libraries.
  • Encourages young readers to take action and inspire others.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.31
2

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate [Hardcover]

  • Heartwarming tale of family and friendship.
  • Magical story by Newbery Medal winner Katherine Applegate.
  • Features an imaginary cat named Crenshaw.
  • Addresses themes of resilience and hope.
  • Perfect for young readers facing challenges.
  • Common Core educational connections included.
  • Encourages imagination and creative thinking.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.18
3

Esperanza Rising Audiobook by Pam Muñoz Ryan

  • Heartfelt coming-of-age story set in 1930s California.
  • Explores themes of resilience and family bonds.
  • Richly detailed depiction of Mexican culture.
  • Inspiring heroine navigating life's challenges.
  • Captivating audio performance by talented narrator.
  • Perfect for young readers and listeners alike.
  • Encourages empathy and understanding of diverse experiences.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.84
4

How to Steal a Dog - Barbara O'Connor

  • Heartwarming story of family and resilience.
  • Written by bestselling author Barbara O'Connor.
  • Perfect for fans of Applegate and DiCamillo.
  • Georgina faces tough choices in desperate times.
  • Explores themes of loyalty and morality.
  • Engaging for middle-grade readers and beyond.
  • Captivating narrative with unexpected twists.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.19
5

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts [Paperback]

  • Witty picture book about consumer fads.
  • Kid's perspective on wanting trendy shoes.
  • Jeremy's struggles with peer pressure highlighted.
  • Grandma teaches valuable lessons on needs versus wants.
  • Promotes the importance of friendship and gratitude.
  • Starred review from Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.
  • Engaging illustrations enhance the storytelling experience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.02
6

SOLD (Paperback) by Patricia McCormick

  • Powerful coming-of-age story of resilience and strength.
  • Follows Lakshmi's journey from Nepal to India.
  • Highlights the harsh realities of human trafficking.
  • Written in evocative, spare vignettes.
  • Explores friendship and survival in dire circumstances.
  • A poignant, impactful read for young adults.
  • Bestselling National Book Award finalist novel.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.11
7

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster (Audiobook)

  • Historical fiction set in Victorian London.
  • Follow Nan Sparrow, a courageous chimney sweep girl.
  • Features a magical creature, a golem made of ash.
  • Engaging narration by Sarah Coomes with distinct voices.
  • A heartwarming tale of friendship and hope.
  • Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.
  • Immersive storytelling that captivates young listeners.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.46
8

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate [eBook]

  • Engaging story about family and friendship.
  • Imaginary cat helps boy during tough times.
  • Author Katherine Applegate's latest captivating novel.
  • Explores themes of resilience and hope.
  • Suitable for ages 8 and up.
  • Common Core educational connections included.
  • Heartwarming tale of overcoming challenges together.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.99
9

Then Boom! by Lisa Fipps [Paperback]

  • Gripping novel in verse for young readers.
  • Follows Joe Oak's challenging life journey.
  • Explores themes of resilience and hope.
  • Illustrates the struggle of poverty and survival.
  • Joe finds solace in art and comic books.
  • Unexpected friendships emerge in tough times.
  • A powerful story of courage and determination.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.67
10

Maddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt (Paperback)

  • Award-winning children's picture book.
  • Addresses poverty and hunger with sensitivity.
  • Highlights the importance of friendship and empathy.
  • Colorful artwork engages young readers.
  • Includes ways for kids to fight hunger.
  • Portion of proceeds supports childhood hunger initiatives.
  • A touching story promoting kindness and understanding.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.43
11

Esperanza Rising [Scholastic Gold Edition]

  • A modern classic for all generations.
  • Award-winning bestseller with fresh resonance.
  • Perfect for fans of beloved authors.
  • Explores themes of resilience and determination.
  • Follows Esperanza's journey through adversity.
  • Highlights immigrant experiences during the Great Depression.
  • A compelling read for young audiences.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
12

An Invisible Thread: A True Story

  • Celebrates a true story of unexpected friendship.
  • 10th anniversary edition with new introduction and afterword.
  • Highlights kindness overcoming injustice and inequality.
  • Chronicles life-changing bond over nearly three decades.
  • Provides hope and reassurance for a better future.
  • Engaging narrative that restores faith in humanity.
  • Inspires readers with stories of resilience and heart.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.77
13

Esperanza Renace (Spanish Edition)

  • A captivating story of hope and resilience.
  • Based on a family's true experiences in Mexico.
  • Award-winning author of Riding Freedom.
  • Explores themes of family, community, and survival.
  • Set against the backdrop of California's farms.
  • Engaging for readers of all ages.
  • Available in Spanish for wider accessibility.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.69
14

Benefits of Being an Octopus: A Novel (Paperback)

  • Engaging story about a seventh-grader's challenges.
  • Explores themes of class and social divides.
  • Award-winning novel recognized by multiple organizations.
  • Strong character development and relatable experiences.
  • Encourages courage and self-advocacy in youth.
  • Insightful perspective on family and friendships.
  • Ideal for middle school readers and educators.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $5.94
15

Free Lunch: A Memoir by Rex Ogle

  • Winner of the 2020 YALSA Excellence Award.
  • Authentic portrayal of poverty in America.
  • Rex navigates challenges of sixth grade life.
  • Explores themes of hardship and hope.
  • Realistic experiences of being a free meal kid.
  • Compelling voice and relatable storytelling.
  • Highlights moments of grace amidst struggles.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.24
16

Thirst by Varsha Bajaj (Paperback)

  • New York Times Bestseller.
  • Heroic girl fights for water access.
  • Set in poverty-stricken Mumbai.
  • Water shortages threaten community survival.
  • Minni witnesses water theft firsthand.
  • Contrasting lifestyles in high-rise buildings.
  • Minni faces a life-threatening dilemma.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.50
17

The Wrong Way Home [Newbery Honor Winner]

  • A heartfelt journey of self-discovery and courage.
  • Newbery Honor Award Winner for outstanding children's literature.
  • Explores themes of trust, truth, and freedom.
  • Ages 8-12, perfect for middle-grade readers.
  • Engaging narrative with relatable, strong characters.
  • Set in a unique, off-the-grid community.
  • Encourages questioning norms and finding your own path.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.92
18

A Wish in the Dark [Model: 978-1-4998-0406-2]

  • A gripping tale of freedom and justice.
  • Set in a captivating Thai-inspired fantasy world.
  • Explores themes of privilege and social inequality.
  • A unique twist on Victor Hugo's classic story.
  • A fast-paced adventure with unforgettable characters.
  • A Newbery Honor Book for young readers.
  • Challenges perceptions of law versus justice.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.18
19

Home in the Woods Art Print

  • Beautifully illustrated by Eliza Wheeler.
  • Inspired by the author's grandmother's childhood.
  • Explores themes of family and resilience.
  • Set in the enchanting Wisconsin woods.
  • Children find joy in simple moments.
  • Heartwarming story about love and togetherness.
  • A perfect gift for young readers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.69
20

Saturday at the Food Pantry: Diane O'Neill

  • Heartfelt story about food insecurity.
  • Ideal for ages 4-8 years old.
  • Teaches empathy and understanding of needs.
  • Highlights importance of community support.
  • Featured in Chicago Public Library best list.
  • Encourages conversations about help and kindness.
  • Beautifully illustrated to engage young readers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.25
21

How to Steal a Dog Audiobook

  • Engaging story of family and resilience.
  • Georgina schemes to steal a dog for reward.
  • Critically acclaimed and beloved by readers.
  • Highlights challenges of childhood and poverty.
  • Emotional journey filled with humor and heart.
  • Perfect for middle-grade readers and dog lovers.
  • Written by award-winning author Barbara O’Connor.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.77
22

Maddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt (1 Copy)

  • Award-winning children's picture book.
  • Addresses poverty and hunger sensitively.
  • Engaging story of friendship and empathy.
  • Colorful illustrations enhance the reading experience.
  • Encourages action against hunger in children.
  • Includes resources for fighting hunger.
  • Promotes important values like trust and kindness.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.39
23

Stacey Speaks Up: A Powerful Message

  • Third book in bestselling Stacey’s Stories series.
  • Features artwork by talented artist Kitt Thomas.
  • Addresses important themes of community and activism.
  • Inspires kids to make a difference in their world.
  • Teaches empathy and understanding towards classmates' struggles.
  • Encourages collaborative problem-solving among friends.
  • Perfect for young readers and advocates alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
24

I Will Always Write Back Audiobook

  • True story of friendship across continents.
  • Inspires readers to connect with others.
  • Compelling dual memoir of Caitlin and Martin.
  • Starts with a simple pen-pal assignment.
  • Chronicles six years of heartfelt correspondence.
  • Encourages understanding of diverse life experiences.
  • Best-selling audiobook that captivates audiences.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.10
25

Crenshaw: A Novel by Katherine Applegate

  • Heartfelt story about family and friendship.
  • Imaginary friend Crenshaw aids Jackson's struggles.
  • Explores themes of resilience and hope.
  • Acclaimed author Katherine Applegate's latest work.
  • Newbery Medal-winning author returns with magic.
  • Perfect for young readers facing challenges.
  • Engaging audiobook format for immersive listening.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.18
26

The Magician's Elephant: Illustrated Middle-Grade Novel

  • Best-selling fable by Kate DiCamillo.
  • Enchanting story of hope and belonging.
  • Features atmospheric illustrations by Yoko Tanaka.
  • Ideal for children aged 8-13 years.
  • Explores themes of magic and mystery.
  • Captivating narrative about trusting the unexpected.
  • Perfect for readers in grades 3-7.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.09
27

Dust for Dinner (I Can Read! Level 3)

  • Engaging story set during the Great Depression.
  • Beautiful illustrations by Robert Barrett enhance the narrative.
  • Explores themes of family, resilience, and hope.
  • Captivates young readers with relatable characters.
  • Part of the I Can Read! series, Level 3.
  • Teaches history through an emotional family journey.
  • Ideal for early readers and family read-alouds.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $4.79
28

Kit: American Girl Historical Character Doll

  • Explore Kit's life during the Great Depression.
  • Experience challenges and changes in her family dynamics.
  • Aunt Millie's arrival brings hope and creativity.
  • Discover Kit's adventurous spirit and resilience.
  • Richly illustrated in full color throughout the book.
  • Learn about homelessness and compassion through Kit's story.
  • Immerse in the historical context of 1934 America.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.43
29

Lyddie (Puffin Books) by Katherine Paterson

  • Written by two-time Newbery award winner Katherine Paterson.
  • Engaging historical fiction for young readers.
  • Follows Lyddie's journey to reunite her family.
  • Explores themes of determination and personal growth.
  • Includes educator's guide aligned with Common Core.
  • Highly praised by The Horn Book and others.
  • An ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.34
30

The Vanderbeekers' Lost and Found [eBook]

  • Continuation of the beloved Vanderbeekers series.
  • Heartfelt story set in a vibrant Harlem neighborhood.
  • Focuses on community, kindness, and caring for others.
  • Engaging characters: Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney.
  • Explores themes of empathy and friendship.
  • Perfect for middle-grade readers and families.
  • Written by New York Times bestselling author Karina Glaser.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99