Homelessness was not something talked about when I was young. I knew it happened, but at the same time had no concept of what that meant. Friends of the family were living in a tent for a while. There was the person who slept in the neighbor’s horse trailer when I was little. And I knew the stories of “hobbos” who used to come to my grandmother for food. But what did that mean? It was not until I was much older did the word homeless take on its real meaning.
Yet, many children must deal with this issue. Tonya Lippert introduces the concept in a relatable, understandable, and even at times, poetic way with the book Home:
A Story of Two Children Thrust Into Homelessness and Uncertain Housing Situations. They show how two children are made to live in “uncertain housing situations.” Sometimes they are in shelters, hotels, waiting in lines, and finally able to find a more permanent situation. The story is not autobiographical, but Lippert’s own life inspired some of the feelings the children have.
The story shows that this is a family (mom, dad, two kids) and not someone “bad” (fill in the blank what you think that means). It shows it is not a “them” issue but could be an “us” issue if the situation is right, or probably wrong. Most ages can have this read to them, it is probably not for the very young or overly sensitive child. It might help in a classroom setting or if your child has a classmate, friend, or family member in this situation, but does not allow itself for casual reading.
The artwork is strong, in its simplicity. There are several details, but nothing is overly crowded. Color is used to mark certain characters, concepts, ideas and highlights important situations and concepts to be aware of. Andrea Stegmaier created illustrations that take a difficult, unpleasant subject and softens the tone without losing the power behind everything. The illustrations are part character and part supporter of the text. You can read the story through them.
An afterwards ties the story with factual information on the situation, along with an author note, where we are introduced to the phrase unhoused children.