Description
A gentle introduction to the issue of poverty, On Our Street explores the realities of people living with inadequate resources.
Using age-appropriate language, this book addresses mental illness, homelessness and refugee status as they are connected to this issue. Insightful quotes from individuals and organizations such as UNICEF are included throughout to add further perspective on the issue. An invaluable section on how kids can help empowers readers to take what they have learned and use it to make a difference.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 6 to 8
- Grade:
- 1 to 3
- Reading age:
- 6 to 8
Awards
- Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
- Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
- Short-listed, Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
Editorial Reviews
"The writing is clear and accurate. A positive attempt at a difficult subject, this book will be most useful in situations where caring adults can help children understand and work through their feelings about the topic."
— Kirkus Reviews
"This straightforward, gentle entry in the World around Us series does a good job of explaining those concepts to a young audience in terms they can understand…This is a useful starting point for conversations about an important topic."
— Booklist
"This is a frank yet sensitive introduction to the issues of homelessness…Colour photographs offer a humanizing and diverse representation of poverty. Realistic watercolour illustrations featuring two girls and a boy throughout the book and provide a sense of continuity."
— Quill & Quire
"An important addition to the school or public library collection. Recommended."
— School Library Connection
"A sensitive and thoughtful approach to a difficult subject, this book offers parents and teachers an opportunity to encourage kids to think more deeply about how we can make our world a better place for everyone. "
— Canadian Children's Booknews
“Purposeful, accessible text.”
— The Horn Book Online
"This timely book is a brief invitation to children to wonder and to ask questions…The layout of On Our Street is inviting: double spreads for each question, with large clear font and generous space allocated to photos and drawings…This book will be a terrific catalyst for parents and teachers to open kids' eyes to the realities of their day-to-day world and to encourage them to share personal experiences…It may never be too soon to begin to learn about these complex issues. And whenever they are ready, On Our Street, part of 'The World Around Us' series, will be a fine first step toward enhancing that understanding. Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine
“Offers us a world of understanding and, once again, reveals the delicacy and strength of the written word.”
— CSP Book Blog
"This is a unique and essential book where hard questions are answered in a clear straightforward way."
— Youth Services Book Review
“Beneficial resource for a classroom…A useful tool for teaching children how they can safely help and the importance of caring about others.”
— Children's Literature
