Shelter

  • Illustrated By: Taryn Gee
  • Pages:120
  • Publisher:Orca Book Publishers
  • Series: Orca Think
  • Themes:homeless shelters, homelessness, houselessness, poverty, substance abuse
  •  
  • Available:10/12/2021
  • Age Groups:Nonfiction Ages 9-12
  • Lexile:1080L
Hardcover
9781459825536
$24.95
Ebook
9781459825550 LICENSE OPTIONS
$19.99

“An outstanding, sophisticated introduction to a complex topic, this book encourages readers to prioritize kindness towards and dignity for people experiencing homelessness. ­Recommended as a first purchase.”—School Library Journal, starred review

There are 150 million people experiencing homelessness worldwide, and that number is increasing every year.

Homelessness is not a choice, yet it exists in almost every community. But why are people homeless? Who are they? What can you do? In Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community, readers will get answers to these complex questions. They’ll learn about the root causes of homelessness and its effects, and what people and organizations around the world are doing to address the problem. It shares the personal stories of unhoused people and the adults and kids who work with them. As a former homeless-shelter worker, author Lois Peterson encourages young people to approach the issue with knowledge and compassion. She dispels some of the myths about homelessness and makes the case for why everyone deserves a safe, permanent place to call home.

“Balanced, up-to-date coverage...Students, teachers, and parents will appreciate these detailed and engaging offerings.”
– Booklist
“A very accessible and compact overview on the causes of homelessness in society and various ways to help those in need.”
– School Library Connection
“A thought-provoking book that is suited to the target audience. Recommended.”
– CM: Canadian Review of Materials

★ “An outstanding, sophisticated introduction to a complex topic, this book encourages readers to prioritize kindness towards and dignity for people experiencing homelessness. ­Recommended as a first purchase.”

– School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review
“An insightful deep dive into a huge issue that is presented in a sympathetic and accessible way. Overall, the content makes for a well-written, thoughtful primer that would prove useful for children and adults alike.”
– Quill & Quire

“Author Lois Peterson brings years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness—as a librarian who often helped people use computers to access support services and as the executive director of a shelter. She speaks directly to children, offering clear instructions on dealing with specific problems”

– BC Books for Schools
Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection   | 2021  |  Commended
Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People   | 2022  |  Commended
Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards   | 2022  |  Nominated
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection   | 2022  |  Commended
Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable Information Book Award   | 2022  |  Short-listed
BC Books for Schools   | 2021  |  Commended