Home

by Tonya K. Lippert, Andrea Stegmaier (Illustrator)

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.

Includes a poignant Reader's Note on how homelessness affects children and what we can do to help.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Social Issues, Poverty, Social Justice, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 8, 2022

Reviews

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork illustrates a trying time in one family’s life. Where before they lived in a house and decorated and dreamed in it, something happened and the family became homeless. Relying on friends, and eventually ending up in a shelter, the kids had a hard time, and felt anxious and worried about what would happen next.

I like how a difficult and scary subject is presented honestly and without judgment, educating kids about an aspect of homelessness, and how the family has things it needs to deal with, and how, with work, they end up in a house by the end of the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and to American Psychological Association for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tackles a tough issue - homelessness - not just by having kids encountering the homeless on the street, as I have seen done in a few other children's books, but by actually having the two main characters be homeless. It's a scary topic, handled sensitively by the author, who was herself briefly homeless as a child.

Here we meet Clare and Wes, first in their happy home, then forced to move around to a variety of shelters. They know that something is off, something is different, but they stay secure in the love of their parents, and manage to keep dreaming, and keep planning "adventures for today and tomorrow."

It's a nice bit of encouragement for any child who may be experiencing all sorts of loss to know that things won't always be this way.

The sweet illustrations by Andrea Stegmaier add greatly to the appeal of the book.

This would make a wonderful addition to any classroom or library.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this title.

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another children’s book that I wish was not necessary, but am very glad it exists. It pulls back the curtain on homelessness, especially as experienced by children. Whether a child is suffering through housing insecurity or an adult is looking for a way to open a dialogue with a child about homelessness, this book will help. Highly recommended.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait to get this into my classroom as it is honestly one of the best books about homelessness I've ever read. This is a great resource not only for children experiencing homelessness, but for all kids, to help them demystify and destigmatize the experience of homelessness and to begin developing empathy for those who are unhoused.

The story is told in a very realistic, matter-of-fact way that uses kid-friendly language while still respecting kids' capacity to understand complex issues much more than we often give them credit for. The family in the book experiences homelessness in a very common, undramatic way--for some reason the family loses their housing, spends time temporarily staying with family/friends, goes to a shelter (where it's subtly acknowledged that this often results in family separation), and eventually finds new housing. The kids experience stresses and worries, but the overall tone is not scary. The kids cope and the members of the family support and love each other.

I cannot encourage elementary teachers, school psychologists/counselors, and librarians strongly enough to order this book!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are various books that explain homelessness for children. What makes this book different is that the kids never say they’re homeless. To them it’s just various versions of home. Sometimes it somewhere, sometimes it’s anywhere, and sometimes it’s nowhere, but since they are family, and they are together they are home. This book is written to show empathy and it does a fantastic job of it and I would suggest it for any library collection

[Hannah Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens with two children (a brother and a sister) living in Brown House. The family goes through a rocky transition (not specified) and end up living from house to house before finally ending up in a shelter. The book addresses the worries of houselessness from a child perspective without either making it anxiety provoking or glossed over. The children wonder such things as:

...will by friends still think of me as me if they know I live in a shelter,

and

...how to respond to awkward questions like, "Are you poor?"

Color and black and white illustrations are used to differentiate feelings and situational changes. The end papers feature different types of homes from boats, to apartments, to houses, to cars.

The books has a happy ending and a hopeful final spread. A great book to prompt discussions for any child about what it means to be home.

[Lisa]

I've often seen reviews about children's books that say they "introduce a difficult subject," and I've rarely found that to be my own experience - but that was what actually happened with this book for my family. I applaud the author - this book was nuanced and can be read/understood at many different levels.

[Zahro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nowhere, somewhere, and anywhere.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what my early childhood looked like, but with a single mother. We never lived in a shelter, but we did live in other people's basements or garages for a while. We kids stayed with my father for a short time when my mother lived in her car (I didn't know that until much later). By the time I was 8 or so, we had more stable housing and my mother was a bit better off financially, but I have never forgotten what that felt like.

[A Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

According to the dust jacket, Lippert runs mental health therapy groups and was a visiting psychology professor at Reed. I appreciate that a mental health professional wrote this book and one who experienced homelessness as a child, too! The "Reader's Note" says that we should be honest about the causes of homelessness when taking to children about it and explains that poverty and lack of affordable housing are the leading causes according to research. "Rather than blaming homelessness on individuals, we'd do better to change its causes." In the main story, readers are introduced to Clare and Wes, who enjoy typical activities in their brown house. Then comes a "big change, with big words" and the family has "nowhere of their own to arrive" and "nowhere kept changing." The family is shown staying on couches or in spare bedrooms in these illustrations. "After nowhere, somewhere came, a place to stop and wait. Somewhere was better than nowhere. And anywhere." During this part of the story, the illustrations indicate that the father is not staying with them at the shelter and readers learn that the siblings "imagined their names first on a list." While they still have fun with their friends, Clare and Wes keep the shelter a secret at first. Eventually their peers ask questions, such as "are you poor?", and Lippert writes "The questions kept Wes and Clare from pretending nothing was lost. And helped them remember what would always be with them ... wherever they were." The book ends with, "When they moved into the Blue House, Clare and Wes learned that some things never go away. And what you can count on most is love ... and each other ... But they never forgot what it was like to nowhere, somewhere, or anywhere." The last illustration shows the family giving items to a woman in need and her dog, whom they had passed on the street at the beginning of the book. Clare and Wes are shown doing some of the same activities from the start of the book, too. Where color was added to the otherwise grayscale illustrations is interesting and I enjoy studying those details. I do like this book and I am very glad that it exists. I would love to see more books carefully and lovingly handle this topic.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that needs to be in every classroom and library. "Home" is a sad reality of two children who are victims of being homeless with their parents. Claire and Wes's present home turns into nowhere and this nowhere turns into anywhere.

Written from experience the author documents the life and emotions of two little ones who are thrust into uncertain housing scenarios: their house, to a motel, to a shelter, and then finally into a permanent home that the whole family cherishes.

The children experience fears, anxiety, a sense of loss as they are torn from familiar surroundings and thrust into a world that is scary and unknown to them. They sort through their challenges but never lose the spark of optimism and determination. Although things appear dire and out of their control the thread holding them all together and giving them hope is that their family remains a strong loving unit. Through all the uncertainly and hardships they never give up.

The author sums it up perfectly...

"They have each other, no matter at home, nowhere, anywhere, or somewhere - always."

That reality brings this family hope for their future and peace in their hearts. I highly, highly recommend this book and suggest it be shared with lots of conversation regarding this tender important subject. Excellent!

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

A window peek into what it can be like to be a child and homeless...

What is a home? For some children, it can be nowhere, somewhere, or anywhere. In this case, two children experience all three when they are forced to move from their home to couch surfing to a shelter, at last finding their "forever" shelter/home.

Lippert's story is powerful. Told from the child's point of view, this book appeals to their sensibilities at a level they can understand. (How do you tell a child that we cannot go home because we no longer have a house to go to? It has been repossessed by the bank.)

Illustrations by Andrea Stegmaier support the story well. The family only is shown in full color; their world is all in white with black lines. Note the only two homes with color: the brown house at the beginning and the blue house at the end - when the parents are on solid ground financially. I read this as it is the family that makes a home "home".

Outstanding to use by counselors and therapists to build empathy and understanding on this very difficult topic that causes us to squirm when we have to deal with it.

Highly Recommended for PreS-grade 3.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire and Wes were happy in their lovely brown house, until one day they had to leave. As they moved with their parents from place to place, the siblings tried to remember that they will always have each other.

Home gives a positive spin to a very difficult issue. The children have friends and classmates in the story that are curious, but friendly. Unfortunately, those who live in shelters or on the streets are rarely treated well by others. As this is a children's story, the happier outlook does not bother me. The author's note would have been better at the beginning of the book, as it helps to give parents context for the story. It is pretty far on before the dialogue mentions the word shelter. Overall, Home provides a good teaching moment for parents and educators, so I would recommend it for that reason.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Home by NetGalley and the publisher, Magination Press. The decision to read and review this book was entirely my own.

[Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the illustrations and the idea of this book. I genuinely feel like there was a hole in children's literature that this book filled. It's a sad reality but kids need to know that whatever position they're in in life, they are still valuable. I think that this could even become a series of books regarding different ages going through different versions of the same thing. Teenagers who have left their homes because they aren't safe and are living under bridges. Teenagers whose whole family is living under a bridge and the kids don't like him because he doesn't smell good. I feel like there's so many different ways that this message needs to be out there. Especially now that Biden is our president and he's completely held meant on making sure we are all going to be homeless.

Thank you #netgalley as well as the author of this book for not only allowing me to read it but for writing this book that can help many children understand situations other than their own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this short little story about Clare and Wes as they find themselves in limbo. They have lost their house and are now "nowhere" and then "somewhere." But neither of those places is home.

They continue to have adventures and make the most of the situation, but are still obviously distressed about how their lives look different than their friends' lives.

This title was extremely well-written and made this topic accessible to its audience. I would definitely purchase this title for my future children to talk to them about houseless people and what their experiences may look like. Highly recommend to any of my parent friends who want to get a title about homelessness for their kids.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara and Wes once lived in the Brown House, but then things changed and they lived "nowhere." Eventually, they move to "somewhere," which is better than "nowhere" or "anywhere." Stegmaier's use of color versus black and white illustrates the family's feelings throughout the story. Using her childhood where she experienced being "unhoused," Lippert gives a kid's perspective on a reality that many experience but not enough books represent. I love that the kids projects (wreaths and pictures) made each place they lived feel like a home. A home doesn't have to have expensive furniture or items purchased by an adult. Personal touches make it a home wherever it is. I wish there was some phrases or questions to prompt discussion at home.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

There was a lot I liked about this book but it definitely wasn't the home run for me as if was for many other reviewers.

I think the topic of homelessness is handled delicately and I think it's a good idea to have a book that tackles this topic in such a way.
But I found the text to be kind of confusing myself and I highly doubt kids who don't have any background knowledge on homelessness will be able to really understand what the narrator is saying at times.
One other thing I loved is that the idea of home was connected to people and not a place.

As this is a BES book for next school year and I will probably read it to many classes, it might grow on me. ;)

[saidthestory KIDS BOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was told perfectly for a young audience. It conveyed the message in a way that was truthful, but easily digestible for a toddler.

This story follows two young siblings as they navigate losing their home. It shows how homelessness feels for young children and how it affects them.

This is a great way to show kids that everyone's life outside of school and playgroups is different, but it also shows the power of compassion and understanding.

And I really enjoyed the artwork which is also a bonus for me!

We need more stories like this for kids, that show different people going through different things in an age-appropriate manner.

[Sharon Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is possibly the best picture book about homelessness that I have read. It doesn’t sugarcoat the topic, and I appreciated that it showed homelessness in a way that is very common but not often thought about - a family moving from place to place, eventually ending up in a shelter.. I love that the book showed that it is hard on the family, but also the hopeful ending where they land in a house of their own. The illustrations are beautiful, with the family pictured in colour and their surroundings in black and white. This book would be excellent for any classroom or home library.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. The story very gently describes two sibling's lives as they experience homelessness. It is a very hard topic, but one very worth talking about. The story is simple enough for young children to understand, but does not lose it's powerful message of empathy and understanding. The ending is uplifting, despite the issue remaining unsolved for many. An author's note gives more background on their own experiences with childhood homelessness, as well as more info on homelessness in general.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kind of tracks the journey many unhoused people take, they first stay with friends/loved ones, eventually end up in a shelter, and then are housed again. It is an important "mirrors and windows" book in that it allows unhoused children to see themselves represented and also allows housed children a glimpse into an experience different from their own (and may open up some productive discussion).

The author of this book was homeless for much of the time until they were in 1st grade so, though it may be a long-ago experience, it was part of her experience.

[Erin]

There have been a few picture books tackling houselessness of late, and in general I find it positive to have more of a pool to draw from on a challenging topic. This story focuses on how home does not have to be a location, but having a stable and reliable place to be safe is important. The illustrations are incredibly sweet and the contrast between the full-color elements and the black and white linen drawings offers an additional layer of meaning.

Homelessness is one of those issues that even grownups have a hard time discussing, so having a way to broach this with kids is important.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and difficult and challenging and timely and necessary book focusing on the experience of homelessness. It's no one's fault. The brother and sister maintain their optimism, although it is of course challenging. This book makes a difficult subject relatable and concrete and it also adds humanity and a mirror for the increasing # of children who may find themselves in this situation. Some of my students lived in their cars. Tonya Lippert does an excellent job validating them and all others with this experience.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that this book about homelessness was written from a child's perspective and I liked that the author uses their own experience to make it realistic. I thought the reader's note was great and that it provided helpful information for speaking to children and providing help to children and families experiencing homelessness.

This would be a great addition to school and home libraries as well as public libraries.

[Zf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Empathetic children's book to understand "houselessness" or for house-less children to see themselves reflected in the pages of a book. The generalized story allows readers to fill in the gaps in different ways that apply to them. The lack of detail can be a positive or a negative depending on the reader. Definitely a unique subject that does not get much representation in picture books. The illustrations are calming to match the soothing tone.

[Brunette Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations - A story about being homeless and having empathy. This is an aspect of poverty that many just gloss over. Impacting children, their perceptions of the world, and their future thoughts are all thought through with this book and inspected. This book is about love, empathy and caring. Beautiful thoughts, optimistic, and frankly, a story we don't see very often, this book is important to be read and added to library collections.

[Abbi DeRenzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare and Wes lived in a beautiful brown house, but soon home turned to nowhere. Soon that nowhere turned into somewhere, somewhere where they could wait.

This book is a resource for teaching children about homelessness and insecurity, but also a resource to teach kids experiencing it that not everything lasts forever. Uncertainty can be scary, but having people around you who you know love you and will be there for you can make it a little less scary.

[Grace Calvin]

This book does an awesome job of discussing a difficult topic- homelessness. The main characters are siblings who suddenly had to move place-to-place, not knowing where they will be living and having to have difficult conversations with friends. This book has great illustrations that really help to convey the story. This would be a great book to read in the classroom to introduce this situation to children and potentially help students in my classroom feel accepted and not alone.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire and Wes Live with their parents in a beautiful brown house... Until they don't. This poignant picture book traces a family story from secure house to living in a shelter. Using the concepts described as NOWHERE, to SOMEWHERE to ANYWHERE to describe their moving from home to car to shelter and finally to a beautiful blue house portrays the frightening uncertainty of going from house-security to insecurity from a child's perspective.

[Isabella Beato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book in many ways because of its warmth and sweet tone it had to it throughout the story. This book is about feeling like you belong and making the best out of every place you go to. I enjoyed how strong the message of the story came out through the book, which was about acceptance. The illustrations were one of the reasons the book felt so cozy because of all the warm colors that were used.