On Our Street
Our First Talk About Poverty
By authors: Dr. Jillian Roberts, Jaime Casap Illustrated by: Jane Heinrichs
Orca Book Publishers
February 2018
A portion of all proceeds go towards supporting UNICEF's programs around the world.
Children's Book Council's “Notable Social Studies 2019”!
Short-Listed for the Bolen Children’s Book Prize! (2018)
Highly Recommended -- CM Magazine
Debuted at #10 on the British Columbia Best-Seller list! See Here!
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues in a straightforward and accessible way. These illustrated nonfiction picture books tackle global concerns and initiate conversations about subjects that are difficult, sad or overwhelming with school-aged children who are just beginning to observe the world outside their homes.
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.
Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts created this series to guide parents/caregivers through conversations about difficult issues in a reassuring and hopeful manner and help children understand their expanding awareness of the world around them.
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Reviews
"This straightforward, gentle, entry into the World Around Us series does a good job of explaining those concepts to a young audience in terms they can understand." -- Booklist Dec 2017
"Helpful in encouraging children to ask questions and to gain understanding and compassion for marginalized members of their communities" Canadian Teacher Magazine. 2018
"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." -- CM Magazine Nov 2017
"The layout of On Our Street is inviting: double spreads for each question, with large clear fonts and generous space allocated to photos and drawings." -- CM Magazine Nov 2017
"A positive attempt at a difficult subject, this book will probably be most useful in situations where caring adults can help children understand and work through their feelings about the topic." Kirkus Reviews
"This slim book combines photos with realistic watercolour illustrations of diverse children asking questions about adult and child homelessness, mental health, poverty, child abuse and neglect, access to education and health care, and refugees."
The book takes the form of a conversation between an adult and a child, after a child has observed a homeless person while out on a walk. As the story unfolds, the child learns a little bit about some of the reasons people end up on the street, leading to the natural moment where the child asks “What can I do to help?”
" [A] frank yet sensitive introduction to the issues of poverty and homelessness." Quill And Quire
"Simple, straightforward information is given about topics that are not often addressed in children’s literature." Kids Book A Day
