On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty

Gr 1–4—The creators use a question-and-answer format to address common beliefs and misconceptions surrounding people who are homeless. Illustrated children ask one another questions, such as "Why would he sleep outside?" and "How can I help children who are homeless or unsafe?," which are then answered in a paragraph format. The text covers each topic at a measured pace and uses a gentle tone. The book emphasizes the belief that "It's okay to ask questions when you do not understand the way another person is living." Watercolor artwork of kids talking and working together appears alongside photographs of adults and children in various stages of homelessness. The photos are key in reinforcing that this social issue effects people of all ethnicities, races, and age groups, including children. The text acknowledges that homeslessness is only one type of poverty—those who can't attend school regularly or visit a doctor are at-risk in a different way.