Did you know that November is National Homelessness Awareness Month and National Homeless Youth Awareness Month? Amidst preparations for holidays that celebrate gratitude and generosity, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on how income and housing inequality impact those in our lives and communities.

In addition to providing direct support to the unhoused, one way that people can help is by discussing homelessness with young readers, both to help those with housing insecurity feel seen and to build empathy for those who may not understand its realities. In that regard, here are some of the best picture and middle grade books on homelessness and housing inequality.

Picture Books

A Home for Spark the Dragon by Michael Sheen and Jess Webb, illus. by Sarah Massini

While this title is the most abstract in its approach to understanding being unhoused on our list, it is a sensitive and empathic introduction to the topic. When the tiny dragon Spark’s house is destroyed in a storm, he must seek new shelter… but not only is it difficult to find housing, it’s especially hard to find somewhere that feels like home.

A Place for Us by James Ransome

In this wordless picture book, readers follow a slice-of-life tale as a mother picks her child up from school. The two enjoy a fast-food dinner, then head to the library for studying and reading. Yet as the sun sets and the library closes, the small family’s living situation becomes clearer to the reader, underscoring that income and housing inequality are often more present in people’s communities than they realize.

Still a Family: A Story about Homelessness by Brenda Reeves Sturgis, illus. by Jo-Shin Lee

The realities of being unhoused are often lost on those who have never experienced it. In this powerful tale, shelter policy dictates that a small family must live separately, with the main character’s father in the men’s shelter while she and her mother live in the one for women and children. Still, the family makes an effort to spend time together when they can, dreaming of the day they can all live under one roof again.

A Stronger Home by Katrina Chen and Elaine Su, illus. by Delphie Côté-Lacroix

Too often, those who are unhoused have become so due to domestic abuse, something addressed in this stirring picture book. Following a mother and child as they take refuge in a series of temporary housing situations after leaving an abusive home, this title provides a tender, reassuring story of how uncertain times can often be a pathway to stronger and more secure foundations.

After the Shelter by Brenda Reeves Sturgis, illus. by Amy Everson

One of the most poignant emotions for those experiencing homelessness is uncertainty, something that does not necessarily end once more stable housing is secured. This feeling is at the center of this title, as Lily and her mother adjust to an apartment of their own after an extended period at a homeless shelter. Gentle, assuring, and filled with hope, this tale of new beginnings is deeply impactful for readers in any housing situation.

Middle Grade

Norah’s Ark by Victoria Williamson

On the surface, 11-year-olds Norah and Adam couldn’t be more different: the former is living on food assistance and in temporary housing, the latter is a silver-spoon kid recovering from cancer. However, a mutual love of animals brings the pair together, especially as a flood threatens the small herd of stray animals they’ve been caring for. A compelling story with winning leads, this title also provides a nuanced and sensitive look at housing and income inequality.

The Anxious Exile of Sara Salt by Gabrielle Prendergast

Ten-year-old Sara has anxiety and is selectively mute, and has been sent to stay with her half-sister, Abby, as her infant brother, Oliver, and her mother recover from a traumatic premature birth. As a means of processing, she writes letters to Oliver, describing her life and what she learns about the realities of homelessness as she helps Abby build a transitional housing community. Deeply empathic and empowering, this title not only confronts housing insecurity candidly but also assures young readers that they have the power to help the unhoused.

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen

Felix has been dealing with housing insecurity and the fear of foster care for most of his life, due to a mother whose depression makes it difficult for her to hold on to a job and swears him to secrecy about their living situation. Yet the 12-year-old has a plan: win the junior edition of his favorite quiz show and use the prize money to solve all their problems. If only life were that easy… Often heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful, Felix’s story is one that will stick with readers.

A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser

After June and her sister, Maybelle, are evicted from their home after their father’s death, the adjustment to living in a homeless shelter with their mother is difficult. Yet for Tyrell, who has been at Huey House for three years, the shelter is a vast improvement from his previous living situation. As the two bond over their experiences and shared love of music, readers are given a deeper understanding of the realities of housing inequality, including the personal traumas that often lead to becoming unhoused.

No Place Like Home by James Bird

Opin, his older brother Emjay, and his mother live in their car, slowly trying to make their way to Los Angeles, where the hope of a more permanent and secure living situation waits. However, their progress is hampered by various factors: meager resources, Emjay’s tendency to disappear, and the constant threat of separation by child protective services. A raw and gripping story of a Native unhoused family with a deeply endearing main character that lingers long after the final page.

We hope that this list encourages you to check out these titles with your young readers and to consider finding ways that you can help the unhoused. As the number of individuals facing housing insecurity has risen sharply in recent years, it is on all of us to make a difference in the lives of those who need community support the most.