A Good Night for Mr. Coleman

This feel-good story teaches children about homelessness and the power of one person to make a difference. Based on a true story told in the companion adult title, The Hundred Story Home, Grace meets a homeless “neighbor,” Mr. Coleman, while volunteering in a soup kitchen. When Grace finds out Mr. Coleman doesn’t have a bed, she knows she must do something. Grace begins selling lemonade to help build housing for Mr. Coleman and others who are homeless. With whimsical, colorful illustrations by Southern artist, Evelyn Henson, this story encourages readers of all ages to Dream Big and Do Good.

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Jenny Branstetter Socioeconomic Differences Jenny Branstetter

A Place to Stay

This simple, touching picture book shows readers a women’s shelter through the eyes of a young girl, who with her mother’s help, uses her imagination to overcome her anxiety and adjust. Includes factual endnotes detailing various reasons people experience homelessness and the resources available to help.

Read More

Genesis Begins Again

There are ninety-six reasons why thirteen-year-old Genesis dislikes herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list:

-Because her family is always being put out of their house.

-Because her dad has a gambling problem. And maybe a drinking problem too.

-Because Genesis knows this is all her fault.

-Because she wasn’t born looking like Mama.

-Because she is too black.

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Jenny Branstetter Socioeconomic Differences Jenny Branstetter

Home

In the brown house, Claire and Wes were home. But home turned to nowhere and nowhere turned to anywhere. Then somewhere finally came, and finally, always. 

This lyrical story is timely and thoughtful, depicting the life of two children thrust into homelessness and uncertain housing situations as they move out of their house, to a motel, to a shelter, and finally another more permanent home.  Throughout, the duo is challenged by uncomfortable new places and inquiries from strangers, but ultimately, never lose their optimism or determination. They have each other, no matter at home, nowhere, anywhere, or somewhere—always. 

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Anne Davis Socioeconomic Differences Anne Davis

Last Stop on Market Street

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn't he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty-and fun-in their routine and the world around them.

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Annie Totten Socioeconomic Differences Annie Totten

Lunch Everyday

Every day Jimmy takes ‘Skinny Kid’s’ lunch at school. No way will he be caught dead standing in that FREE LUNCH line. Even when he’s called into the principal’s office, Jimmy just shrugs. “Yeah. Whatever.” Until a surprising act of kindness stops him in his tracks. For a split second a door cracks open into Jimmy’s heart. Who knows? Maybe he’ll just kick that door right open.

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Annie Totten Socioeconomic Differences Annie Totten

No Fixed Address

Twelve-and-three-quarter-year-old Felix Knutsson has a knack for trivia. His favorite game show is Who What Where When; he even named his gerbil after the host. Felix's mom, Astrid, is loving but can't seem to hold on to a job. So when they get evicted from their latest shabby apartment, they have to move into a van. Astrid swears him to secrecy; he can't tell anyone about their living arrangement, not even Dylan and Winnie, his best friends at his new school. If he does, she warns him, he'll be taken away from her and put in foster care.

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Anne Davis Socioeconomic Differences Anne Davis

Saturday at the Food Pantry

A sensitive story about food insecurity.

Molly and her mom don't always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly's happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who's embarrassed to be at the food pantry. Can Molly help Caitlin realize that everyone needs help sometimes?

Read More

The Bridge Home

Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge. With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts.

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Anne Davis Socioeconomic Differences Anne Davis

Those Shoes

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Annie Totten Socioeconomic Differences Annie Totten

What to Bring

A moving story about making tough choices when disaster strikes

Malia and her family are spending a day outside when they notice something strange. Huge white-and-gray clouds fill the sky, planes zoom overhead, and the air smells funny. A forest fire is sweeping the area, and they need to evacuate their home.

Daddy tells Malia that she needs to choose what to bring. “Pick small things. Things important to you,” he says.

Read More
Socioeconomic Differences Annie Totten Socioeconomic Differences Annie Totten

Yard Sale

Almost everything Callie’s family owns is in their front yard — their furniture, their potted flowers, even Callie’s bike. They can’t stay in this house and are moving to a smaller apartment where most of their things won’t fit, so today they are having a yard sale.

Read More