Books featuring homelessness

When Fluffy the dog becomes lost in the big city, she is saved by a homeless man and his dog. Their adventure encourages readers to reconsider the perception of homeless people. 

This marvellous picture book with stunning artwork from Nia Tudor will quite possibly provide an introduction to young children about the concept of homelessness, and it does so in a gentle but still realistic way. 

A little mouse, and a medley of animals, create a home where everybody is welcome, no matter who they are. With beautiful illustrations and rhyming text, the poignant message of tolerance and inclusivity is integral to this heart-warming tale of love, friendship and hope. 

When Isabel’s family moves to a new neighbourhood, everything is strange and different. Isabel feels like people look right through her – that is, until she starts to notice the other invisible people trying to make the world a better place.

Hector is a bully who reports an innocent homeless man to the police because he thinks he’s probably responsible for a spate of thefts – but when Hector discovers he’s got it wrong, he must race to restore justice.

One day, 12-year-old Lenny meets Bruce, a homeless man, and they strike up an unusual friendship. With the feel of a modern-day classic, this book will make readers cry but is also hysterically funny and life-affirming.

Jamie and July have both run to Bournemouth – but what are they running from? A page-turning contemporary story that will spark empathy and shines a light on different difficult circumstances. 

Norah and Adam are from very different backgrounds but, united by their loneliness and love of animals, they form an unexpected friendship. This powerful, uplifting novel sensitively highlights some tough issues, including homelessness, addiction, illness and bullying.

Riley and her mum can’t pay the rent and are suddenly homeless. But how long can Riley keep up the pretence to her friends? A moving contemporary story full of empathy. 

Since her house burned down, Ren has nothing. Surely everyone else deserves to lose stuff too? Friendship and ​‘doing the right thing’ are the focus of this excellent novel.

Ayrton was stolen as a baby – and Stanley’s mysterious grandmother did it! But can they find her? A gripping story of family secrets and friendship.

This pacy coming-of-age adventure concentrates on the private hopes, dreams and feelings that drive its characters along, but also keeps enough sense of the gritty realities of street life.

Jordan is in remission from cancer but finding it difficult to make friends at his new school. One day, he gives a homeless man some soup and then, in the spirit of doing kind things, ends up secretly running a soup kitchen. Very funny and deeply moving. 

When a homeless man’s body is discovered wading in a local river, police determine the death to be an accidental drowning. Kieran, however, suspects that the body he himself found in the river was the victim of murder and takes it upon himself to investigate a case about which no one else seems to care.

If Felix can win Canada’s biggest junior quiz show, he and his mum can stop living in a car park. Or is that just wishful thinking? Felix’s story is hard to put down and the gritty issue of homelessness is tackled with sensitivity and gentle humour.

Sipho runs away looking for freedom, but finds that the streets of Johannesburg are hard to escape. This powerful, moving book conveys complex shades of good and evil. The characters, with all their flaws, ring true, and will excite passionate discussion.