Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community

by Lois Peterson, Taryn Gee (Illustrator)

★ “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 people who live on the street 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Mental Health

120 pages, Hardcover

Published October 12, 2021

About the author

After writing for adults for more than 20 years, I turned to writing for younger readers in 2007. My first children's book, MEETING MISS 405 was published by Orca Book Publishers in Fall, 2008, and subsequently won top place in the BC Choclate Lily Children's Choice Award.

My subsequent seven books for readers aged six to 14 have been nominated for awards and included on prestigious lists of recommended reading.

My how-to book '101 - and more - Writing Exercises to Get You Started & Keep You Going' is used by writing teachers, students, and writers.

My first nonfiction book SHELTER; HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITY will be published by Orca Book Publishers on Oct 12, 2021.

www.loispetersonwriter.ca

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, comprehensive introduction to homelessness. It addresses the big issues and explains things in child-friendly language without “pretty-ing” things up for them. I would read it with my grade 3s and recommend it for libraries in elementary and middle schools.

[Alex Nonymous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Shelter in exchange for an honest review.

Shelter is an easily consumable yet informative read on Homelessness. I think it can serve as a good primary introduction into homelessness for adults looking to start getting informed (aka me), and the use of a lot of pictures to break up text also makes it consumable for a younger audience.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think this is technically a living book but it was not only informative about many aspects around the issue of homelessness, it also includes plenty of real-life and personal anecodotes. It explores the many casuses and effects of homelessness, as well as ways kids and others can contribute to and help people experiencing it.

It does cover difficult issues such as personal safety and mental illness. For those whom issues of gender identity and sexuality might be a consideration, there is one brief mention (page 18) of how a very high percentage of homeless youth identify with the LGBTQ2S community (acronym is defined in the glossary). In my experience working in urban ministry, I have found this to be true and I feel it is an important factor to discuss when exploring homelessness.

One other side benefit of this book is that while it does discuss homelessness in the U.S., it mainly centers on homelessness in Canada which can help to break kids out of the U.S.-centric reading that is so easy to slip into here in the States.

All in all, a really excellent overview to start (or continue) conversations with children about homelessness regardless of whether you witness it on a daily basis, are experiencing it yourself or are preparing for a trip to a major city where homelessness can present in more obvious ways.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book you pick up and know that the person behind it had a fire in their heart driving them to write this.
As I was reading this more then once I thought of people I wanted to slam this book down in front of, and be like here read this, and maybe you might stop acting like such a terrible person.

While this book is primarily about Homelessness, it covers so much more and does an awesome job and destroying the assumptions that are often held.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC! It was a real eye-opener and very educational. I think this is a great opening for a discussion with young people about homelessness. I think Peterson does a good job discussing this topic objectively, without being judgmental or discussing homelessness in a negative way. I would highly recommend this book. Peterson also lists all their sources and some great resources at the end of the book.

4.5/5 Stars

[Lellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelter is a very informative non-fiction picture book. As an adult I found this informative and a great tool for education. My only qualm is that I don't know if it would hold the target demographic's attention. Regardless, teachers need this in classrooms!

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really made me think and want to talk about the issue of homelessness. The author presented the information in a way that made it easy to understand and think with a more open mind. Definitely a good book for middle grade classrooms.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very concise but informative overview of homelessness in North America. The author is clearly very connected to this topic and works as an advocate throughout the book. Recommended for middle grades through adults.

[Cindy Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book that every adult should read. Peterson provides so much to think about, challenges stereotypes and assumptions and provides examples of ways to help with this issue that affects so many people in America.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Tracee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well put together book for middle schoolers to learn more about homelessness.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative book. A perfect read if you're researching for an article or a book about homelessness.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viral and humanizing.

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

目标读者主要是young readers所以文字十分平实，内容也相对比较浅显，但是全面。排版上有很多小的栏目，有时候不知道该先读哪个。Resources列表的书可以参考！

[Heidi Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The primary lesson here (besides clear explanations of the many reasons/topics involved) is the importance of respect for others.

[Emily Griswold Bunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of the issues of housing and the plight of the unhoused in North America. Written with compassion and practical advice for addressing homelessness in your own town.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helps dispel myths about homelessness. Should be read by adults as well.