On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty

This Canadian picture book provides a straightforward introduction to homelessness and poverty through the eyes of two young children who see these problems in their community. It empowers students to become advocates for human rights and to support people in a caring way, and references shelters, food insecurity, lack of access to medical resources, refugees, equitable access to basic human rights, mental illness, and drug abuse. Written in a question-and-answer format, and accompanied by illustrations and coloured photographs, it can be useful as a read-aloud or mentor text and to encourage critical and creative thinking. Social considerations noted; evaluate suitability for students and amend or provide context as required.