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The World Around Us
On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty
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. Quotes from individuals and organizations such as UNICEF are included throughout to add further perspective on the issue.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 13, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 29, 2021
5★
“When you venture out into the world around us, you may notice things that are new to you. The world is filled with unique people, who live in a variety of different ways. Sometimes people are happy in these different situations, and sometimes they are not. It’s okay to ask questions when you do not understand the way another person is living.”
Roberts is an educator and Casap is Google’s Global Education Evangelist. He’s the man who said: “Don’t ask kids what they want to be when they grow up; ask them what problem they want to solve.”
Because he said that, Roberts tracked him down and asked him to collaborate on a book to introduce and explain poverty to children. This is a wonderfully illustrated picture book that shows what homelessness is and includes photographs of real people sleeping on real streets. There are tents, there are people outside a busted-down building.
There’s nothing too grimy or confronting, but it’s real. There’s a man asleep, surrounded by his belongings, so a child asks why he’d do that. In amongst it all are sketches of other people and places, enough to trigger a lot of questions.
The book says there are many reasons that people might not have a home, or if they do, it isn’t a safe place to be. We are told about natural disasters (a photo of a flooded town), wars and abusive families.
“Are homeless people the only ones who live in poverty?’
“No, being homeless is only one kind of poverty. There are other kinds of poverty that are harder to see, like when people are not able to go to school or to the doctor.”
We’re told that many children grow up not able to get an education.
“‘Poverty is not simply measured by inadequate income. It is manifested in restricted access to health, education and other essential services and, too often, by the denial or abuse of other fundamental human rights…’
—Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General
The authors explain what essential services are and what human rights are, with relevant quotations in coloured text boxes in the margins.
“What can we do to help people who live in poverty?”
In line with Casap’s philosophy of education, there are many suggestions for ways to help solve the problems.
“One of the most important things you can do is care.”
Ideas range from giving someone a sandwich to helping with a food collection drive, keeping an eye on kids at school who seem troubled, finding a teacher or coach or religious leader who might help, getting to know the newcomers in your neighbourhood. I loved the phrase saying to donate "gently used clothing""
There’s an explanation of how people can’t afford to go to the doctor or may be so new to the place that they don’t know the language or where to ask for help. Get to know your neighbours and find out if any of them are newcomers who need advice or directions.
We learn what refugees are and something about what war is but just enough to create empathy but not so much as to create fear.
All in all, this is a wonderful way to initiate discussions not only with kids but with their families and teachers. And if it helps you decide what problems YOU want to solve when you grow up, all the better! :)
Wonderful idea. Kudos to the authors and thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for a great effort.
Another one that all schools and libraries should add!
“When you venture out into the world around us, you may notice things that are new to you. The world is filled with unique people, who live in a variety of different ways. Sometimes people are happy in these different situations, and sometimes they are not. It’s okay to ask questions when you do not understand the way another person is living.”
Roberts is an educator and Casap is Google’s Global Education Evangelist. He’s the man who said: “Don’t ask kids what they want to be when they grow up; ask them what problem they want to solve.”
Because he said that, Roberts tracked him down and asked him to collaborate on a book to introduce and explain poverty to children. This is a wonderfully illustrated picture book that shows what homelessness is and includes photographs of real people sleeping on real streets. There are tents, there are people outside a busted-down building.
There’s nothing too grimy or confronting, but it’s real. There’s a man asleep, surrounded by his belongings, so a child asks why he’d do that. In amongst it all are sketches of other people and places, enough to trigger a lot of questions.
The book says there are many reasons that people might not have a home, or if they do, it isn’t a safe place to be. We are told about natural disasters (a photo of a flooded town), wars and abusive families.
“Are homeless people the only ones who live in poverty?’
“No, being homeless is only one kind of poverty. There are other kinds of poverty that are harder to see, like when people are not able to go to school or to the doctor.”
We’re told that many children grow up not able to get an education.
“‘Poverty is not simply measured by inadequate income. It is manifested in restricted access to health, education and other essential services and, too often, by the denial or abuse of other fundamental human rights…’
—Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General
The authors explain what essential services are and what human rights are, with relevant quotations in coloured text boxes in the margins.
“What can we do to help people who live in poverty?”
In line with Casap’s philosophy of education, there are many suggestions for ways to help solve the problems.
“One of the most important things you can do is care.”
Ideas range from giving someone a sandwich to helping with a food collection drive, keeping an eye on kids at school who seem troubled, finding a teacher or coach or religious leader who might help, getting to know the newcomers in your neighbourhood. I loved the phrase saying to donate "gently used clothing""
There’s an explanation of how people can’t afford to go to the doctor or may be so new to the place that they don’t know the language or where to ask for help. Get to know your neighbours and find out if any of them are newcomers who need advice or directions.
We learn what refugees are and something about what war is but just enough to create empathy but not so much as to create fear.
All in all, this is a wonderful way to initiate discussions not only with kids but with their families and teachers. And if it helps you decide what problems YOU want to solve when you grow up, all the better! :)
Wonderful idea. Kudos to the authors and thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for a great effort.
Another one that all schools and libraries should add!
March 1, 2018
Not a huge fan of this book. While I think exploring the topic of poverty and economic stability is important for children, this book presents the topic from an outsider's point of view. "Homeless" people or refugees are talked about by using the word "they", whereas the audience is spoken to by using phrases like "you" or "I". This creates an "othering" of people living in poverty, not an inclusive look at neighbors or communities who might be struggling.
This book is obviously meant for children who do not experience poverty or economic instability in their lives. I would worry about this book being taught in a classroom where children whose families do struggle, as this book does not invite them into the conversation about how to tackle these issues in an inclusive environment.
This book is obviously meant for children who do not experience poverty or economic instability in their lives. I would worry about this book being taught in a classroom where children whose families do struggle, as this book does not invite them into the conversation about how to tackle these issues in an inclusive environment.
May 25, 2024
This book lost one star because I take other reviewers' point that it others homeless people and children in poverty. For that reason, it may not be a book for classroom use. But for a child who walks past homeless people and drives past encampments every week, it is an important conversation to have and a good resource to help you have it. Because without help, you'll try to explain that some people don't have everything they need, like your family does, and you'll just end up explaining that unicorns are not domesticated.
February 21, 2018
This book attempts to answer a child’s questions about homelessness and poverty. It is exceptionally well done. The mix or real pictures and illustrations help make the information understandable, and relatable.
April 7, 2018
I loved the premise of this book which is based on a powerful and inspirational quote that galvanized Dr. Jillian Roberts into writing this book. The quote: "Don't ask kids what they want to be when they grow up; ask them what problem they want to solve." I also loved the well thought out questions and their informed and accessible answers. I also appreciated the additional information and resources supplied to enable children to be part of the solution when appropriate.
January 22, 2018
Very good book that talk about poverty, homeless, refugee, and all the difference between people in they basic way of loving. Really cool and easy to use with kids to show them how they are lucky to live the way of live they have, to make them aware of social issues and to explain to them how we can all play a part to make others lives better. Useful and educational!
November 3, 2018
School Library Journal suggests Grades 1-4
Nice mix of real pictures and illustrations.
I like that each section started with a question.
Nice mix of real pictures and illustrations.
I like that each section started with a question.
January 23, 2026
“On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty” is a children’s nonfiction book focusing on having a straightforward and compassionate conversation with children about the complicated topics of homelessness and poverty.
The book begins by authors Dr. Jillian Roberts and Jaime Casap informing the reader that when they go outside their home, they will notice things that are new to them. By engaging in the outside world, Roberts and Casap attempt to prepare the reader to encounter a variety of different people living in different ways. Although people the see may live differently than they do, Roberts and Casap aim to empower the reader to feel okay to ask questions when they don’t understand the way someone else is living that is different from how they live.
The rest of the book consists of fourteen questions including what is homelessness, why would someone run away from home, are their homelessness children, are homeless people the only ones who live in poverty, how can I help children who are homeless or unsafe, what are refugees, and what is a fundamental human? Each question provided is thoughtfully answered through a combination of photos and animated children of various races, and written resources.
The book ends with Casap discussing his childhood growing up in poverty and how collaborating with Roberts helped create this book as a way to inspire children to help solve the global problem of homelessness and ends with a list of websites for the reader to visit including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and child abuse hotlines.
As I finished this book, I appreciated the straightforward, compassionate and easy to understand way in which the Roberts and Casap discuss the heavy topics of homelessness and poverty using conversational language. I feel this book is a powerful tool to help children establish empathy for those experiencing homelessness and poverty as well as learn ways to help the less fortunate at a young age.
The book begins by authors Dr. Jillian Roberts and Jaime Casap informing the reader that when they go outside their home, they will notice things that are new to them. By engaging in the outside world, Roberts and Casap attempt to prepare the reader to encounter a variety of different people living in different ways. Although people the see may live differently than they do, Roberts and Casap aim to empower the reader to feel okay to ask questions when they don’t understand the way someone else is living that is different from how they live.
The rest of the book consists of fourteen questions including what is homelessness, why would someone run away from home, are their homelessness children, are homeless people the only ones who live in poverty, how can I help children who are homeless or unsafe, what are refugees, and what is a fundamental human? Each question provided is thoughtfully answered through a combination of photos and animated children of various races, and written resources.
The book ends with Casap discussing his childhood growing up in poverty and how collaborating with Roberts helped create this book as a way to inspire children to help solve the global problem of homelessness and ends with a list of websites for the reader to visit including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and child abuse hotlines.
As I finished this book, I appreciated the straightforward, compassionate and easy to understand way in which the Roberts and Casap discuss the heavy topics of homelessness and poverty using conversational language. I feel this book is a powerful tool to help children establish empathy for those experiencing homelessness and poverty as well as learn ways to help the less fortunate at a young age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2024
I definitely wanted to read this book WITH my 8yo because, while it is a useful overview, there were parts I disagreed with, or phrasings I didn’t like, or places where I wanted to add lots and lots of additional info besides what was in the text. That said, it was an excellent conversation starter and my kid said they learned some new things and found it interesting.
July 14, 2019
A very good book to start a discussion about poverty and homelessness. It is kid-friendly, but blunt. This book will help adults have a conversation worth having about a tough topic with kids.
August 9, 2019
Just discovered The World Around Us series. Very good look at some truly tough subjects.
February 12, 2018
This was a good explanation of poverty for middle grade schoolers and middle schoolers. Not too difficult an explanation of the different types of poverty and their causes in easy to understand language. I think it would be a useful book to use in a classroom.
February 5, 2018
On Our Street was an honest portrayal of the poverty we see on our streets each and every day. It approached poverty and homelessness in a way that made it less scary for children and made them feel comfortable asking questions. This book would be an excellent pair with Crenshaw and Maddi's Fridge to give a more non-fiction bend on the concepts of homelessness. I would love to have this as part of my classroom library.
October 8, 2018
Breaks down for kids what poverty is and what homelessness is, and many factors that can contribute to a person winding up in those positions. Includes lots of ideas of how kids can get involved practically (and safely) and links to organizations with further information on poverty, homelessness, and refugees.
I thought this did a great job of breaking things down for kids, explaining it in terms they can understand, keeping the dignity of others, and also realizing that these are complex issues with no easy solutions. It also touches on fundamental human rights and factors that can cause someone to become a refugee as well. In all, a tactful and respectful look at poverty for kids. Definitely read the authors' notes in the back, especially Jaime Casap and his experience with poverty as a child. A handy resource for families or schools.
I thought this did a great job of breaking things down for kids, explaining it in terms they can understand, keeping the dignity of others, and also realizing that these are complex issues with no easy solutions. It also touches on fundamental human rights and factors that can cause someone to become a refugee as well. In all, a tactful and respectful look at poverty for kids. Definitely read the authors' notes in the back, especially Jaime Casap and his experience with poverty as a child. A handy resource for families or schools.
May 5, 2021
While this books means well and indeed may be helpful for some children, it is a narrow and overly simplistic look at poverty. I felt it conveys that people who live in poverty mainly have themselves to blame, or just need an education. Nowhere does it address how certain people are likelier to live in poverty, the impact of generational poverty, a lack of affordable housing, and how capitalism/the economy comes into play. For the book's credit, it does emphasis the right to being housed and safe and that everyone should be treated with dignity.
May 11, 2018
Simply and sensitively answers questions that young children may have about poverty and homelessness, touching upon universal human rights, the plight of refugees, and access to health care and education.
May 21, 2024
This is a non-fiction books that focuses on the topic of poverty on the streets. It first discusses about those who are homeless and offers reasons why and what they face. It then looks at other types of poverty – such as being unable to afford medical care..
This is the first non-fiction book I have looked at for children in a while. I admire the purpose behind it but I feel it misses the more relatable poverty – at least from an Australian perspective – so bear in mind my thoughts about this American published book are probably coming from a different headspace.
One of the biggest types of poverty that, as a teacher, I have come across are those reliant on welfare. While many think that “dole-bludgers” have it easy more often then not their children go without a lot of things that others take for granted. While the book is quick to suggest refugees have limited or no access to some essential services to me it seems like the every day struggling family are pushed to the side in an attempt for the book to be more relevant to the current social media focus. For example, here in Australia we are fortunate to have a generous welfare scheme that negates a lot of homelessness from occurring in addition to many services and charities who can be reached out to for help. I think because of this I found (as an adult) this book difficult to relate to. There are many who choose to be homeless in our country and I’ve even heard stories in the news of homeless people who are collecting welfare but choose the life on the streets. Of course, that doesn’t account for everyone but it isn’t really dealt with in the book.
This is the first non-fiction book I have looked at for children in a while. I admire the purpose behind it but I feel it misses the more relatable poverty – at least from an Australian perspective – so bear in mind my thoughts about this American published book are probably coming from a different headspace.
One of the biggest types of poverty that, as a teacher, I have come across are those reliant on welfare. While many think that “dole-bludgers” have it easy more often then not their children go without a lot of things that others take for granted. While the book is quick to suggest refugees have limited or no access to some essential services to me it seems like the every day struggling family are pushed to the side in an attempt for the book to be more relevant to the current social media focus. For example, here in Australia we are fortunate to have a generous welfare scheme that negates a lot of homelessness from occurring in addition to many services and charities who can be reached out to for help. I think because of this I found (as an adult) this book difficult to relate to. There are many who choose to be homeless in our country and I’ve even heard stories in the news of homeless people who are collecting welfare but choose the life on the streets. Of course, that doesn’t account for everyone but it isn’t really dealt with in the book.
August 15, 2018
It’s not easy to explain poverty to young children and to further explain that it can mean homelessness, but it is a complex issue, so also means those with little income, needing to choose to use their limited funds to buy food, or go to a doctor, or pay the utility bills. Dr. Jillian Roberts writes in her author’s note that she read this quote, discovered who said it and contacted him. The quote by Jaime Casap, “Don’t ask kids what they want to be when they grow up; ask them what problem they want to solve,” started their collaboration to inspire children to help solve a most important problem in our world--homelessness. She says the result is this book.
Following a group of three children who ask questions, each page offers the question and gives brief but clear answers. One helpful addition found on each page is one specific added explanation, like this page which gives more information about mental illness. The brief illustrations by Jane Heinrichs of the children looking for answers and sometimes showing concern to those answers offer a personal connection for children reading this. Here is one example of the way the double spreads of the pages look. And the resource page showing all three that were the questioners in this book.
Following a group of three children who ask questions, each page offers the question and gives brief but clear answers. One helpful addition found on each page is one specific added explanation, like this page which gives more information about mental illness. The brief illustrations by Jane Heinrichs of the children looking for answers and sometimes showing concern to those answers offer a personal connection for children reading this. Here is one example of the way the double spreads of the pages look. And the resource page showing all three that were the questioners in this book.
November 1, 2018
On Our Street by: Dr. Jillian Roberts is a nonfiction picture book masterpiece, that depicts homelessness in its authentic form by using real pictures. What I love about this book is that it shows real world pictures and includes side notes with more kid friendly illustrations. This book includes diversity and shows many variations of how homelessness can look. I love that the book addresses questions that children are likely to ask like, Don't all kids go to school, or Were they always homeless, and are children homeless? All of these questions are sensitive and can be difficult to answer, but this book explains in a way that young minds will comprehend and grow a sense of compassion and determination to help people in this situation. The book would be fairly long for Kindergarten but can still be read if you focus on discussing what is going on in the pictures or focus on answering the questions. I also appreciate how the book has definitions on the side of important key terms children may not understand, like, orphan, poverty, homelessness. The book also features help lines and some statistics. The author thought of everything when creating this wonderful book about homelessness. Most importantly, the author gives insight on how we can help people in these living conditions.
May 28, 2018
I appreciate a lot about "On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty", a joint effort of child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts and Jaime Casap, Google Inc.'s education evangelist. This non-fiction picture book tackles everything from homelessness to mental illness to the refugee crisis with a mix of photographs and illustrations. The writing was straight forward, and the educational sidebars are great for promoting deeper/different conversations. I do feel, though, that there was a bit of "othering" happening between those who are struggling vs. those who are not - but it's refreshing to see this topic being tackled in this approachable format, especially with the emphasis that poverty exhibits itself in various ways.
October 27, 2018
There is a lot to love about this book. The question/answer format. The "What Can I Do?" sidebars. I was thrilled to find this overview of poverty and hope that it makes its way into many American classrooms and homes.
I do agree with other commentators that a little more emphasis should have been placed on "we" instead of "they." There is a slight feel that poverty happens to others, when all of us are at risk and many kids reading this book will have experienced some aspect of poverty. (Especially those in the United States where the safety net is fraying or non-existent.)
But, that said, there are few books that provide this gentle overview and and answer questions already stirring in many children's heads. This was very well done.
I do agree with other commentators that a little more emphasis should have been placed on "we" instead of "they." There is a slight feel that poverty happens to others, when all of us are at risk and many kids reading this book will have experienced some aspect of poverty. (Especially those in the United States where the safety net is fraying or non-existent.)
But, that said, there are few books that provide this gentle overview and and answer questions already stirring in many children's heads. This was very well done.
March 8, 2018
As there are not a whole lot of books out there on homelessness and explaining it to children, this is an important book. I think the title might be a tad misleading in the "First Talk" as it is definitely for an older age group. I really like that the illustrations are photographs of actual people who are homeless, rather then cartoons or drawings. Even if you have a younger child, you can still use the photos to help your younger children relate to someone they may have seen in person living on the streets. Especially for a community where there is a large number of people who are homeless, this is an important book.
July 6, 2018
"Fundamental human rights are things that every human being deserves. Everyone deserves a home that they feel safe in. No one should have to go hungry. Everyone deserves to have access to schools and doctors." EXCUSE ME WHILE I MAIL A COPY OF THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE I KNOW... AND TO EVERYONE I DON'T (cough*membersofcongress*cough). I love that this answers many of the questions kids naturally have, without talking down to them or being condescending. It includes great resources and information and is well-written in a way that is helpful even for adult readers. Should be in every school library and/or classroom collection (grades 1-5, though the reading level is likely 3rd grade up).
September 27, 2022
Hmm, not sure about "first talk," there is a lot of text in this book and there are some picture books (some mentioned in this list) that are better for being a jumping-off point for a "first talk" about homelessness and poverty. But this book does have a lot of good (but hard) information and would be a nice resource for talks about poverty for, perhaps, 1st grade and up. It is also neat that one of the authors, Jaime Casap, was raised in poverty but grew up to work at Google for 14 years and rose to a prominent and important position during that time.
March 22, 2018
Obviously, one book can't completely cover this complicated issue. Perhaps best as a resource for (white, middle class and up) adults who want to talk about poverty, homelessness, refugees or fundamental rights with (white, middle class and up) children as it asks the types of questions a (white, middle class and up) child might ask. No mention of racism perpetuating poverty and very much downplays the numbers of children experiencing homelessness and poverty in the US (not sure about Canada where the book was published).
February 21, 2019
An introduction to homelessness. What makes this book stand out is its format. Each page starts with a question followed up by an answer on page two. Then there is supporting information on the side to help understand the answer or provide supporting documentation. The mixture of real pictures and illustrations provide the impact of homelessness but does not overwhelm. Additional resources are provided at the end. Published with the support of unicef Canada
September 6, 2019
I read & evaluated this book for the Vancouver Children's Round Table (VCLR)'s 2019 Information Book Award.
3.5 stars
This book is full of great information with accessible language. I was also impressed that the book talks about children & homelessness, as well as factors (such as mental health) that may result in homelessness. It was nice to see a balance between discussions of homelessness and poverty in a broader sense.
3.5 stars
This book is full of great information with accessible language. I was also impressed that the book talks about children & homelessness, as well as factors (such as mental health) that may result in homelessness. It was nice to see a balance between discussions of homelessness and poverty in a broader sense.
December 15, 2023
John Green once stated that if you want to learn about a topic, start with the children's books about it. My goal/theme for 2024 (I'm getting a bit of a head start) is to learn and read more about poverty and homelessness. This was a good book to begin with, though I had a few issues with it.
Some of the wording is outdated, or at least not terms used in Canada. In Canada children are not "given up" they are "placed in care". We also typically don't use the term "orphan."
Some of the wording is outdated, or at least not terms used in Canada. In Canada children are not "given up" they are "placed in care". We also typically don't use the term "orphan."
March 3, 2018
Not a book that kids will pick up on their own, but one that can be used by parents to start dealing with hard discussions about homelessness and poverty. While world conditions are mentioned, the perspective is North American, dealing with the issues close to home for people in Canada and the US.
Review based on an ARC from NetGalley.
Review based on an ARC from NetGalley.
April 23, 2018
Dr. Jillian Roberts is a child psychologist who teamed up with Jaime Casap, Education Evangelist at Google and a survivor of poverty. The book is straightforward, and arranged by questions that lead into each other. It is age-appropriate, informative, and gives parents a starting place for this important conversation. It starts with homelessness and then explains poverty in general.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews