SOLVED. Privileged girl learns about helping less fortunate people. [s]

[Rosa]

I barely read the first chapter of this book, but it stuck in my mind. The girl covets an expensive toy hedgehog--I think she wants him for Christmas. I think the story begins with her going to the toy store after school to visit him. She's already named him. That's as far as I got, but the summary on the inside cover (or maybe the back) said that she would meet a beggar, befriend him, become aware of the homelessness problem in her town, and work to help. This was a children's book.

[Annamariah]

I searched worldcat.org with keywords "homeless", "christmas" and "hedgehog" and found Sophie & the Sidewalk Man by Stephanie S. Tolan. The blurb seems to fit your description.

[Rosa]

My gosh, that's it! Thank you very much. Weird--this is the second book by Stephanie S. Tolan that this group has helped me rediscover.

[Annamariah]

You're welcome. Apparently there is something in Tolan's writing to make her books memorable :D

[Kris]

Reminds me of a picture book - The Teddy Bear by David McPhail.