Books about poverty

Step into a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl's timeless masterpiece, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This beloved classic tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy living in poverty who defies the odds by finding a Golden Ticket. Along with four other children—each with their own humorous but cautionary character flaws—Charlie embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Willy Wonka's mysterious and magical chocolate factory. From the Chocolate Room with its edible grass to the Inventing Room filled with Everlasting Gobstoppers, the story is a feast for the senses and the soul.

This book is perfect for children who love whimsical adventures and stories where kindness and honesty are rewarded. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in magical worlds, quirky characters, and lighthearted humor. Parents will appreciate the subtle moral lessons woven into the narrative, making it a great choice for family read-alouds or independent reading. Fans of magical realism and inventive storytelling will find themselves captivated by Wonka's eccentric genius and the Oompa-Loompas' witty songs.

Highlights:

• A magical journey through an inventive and edible world.
• Memorable characters that teach important lessons about behavior and virtue.
• Humorous and engaging prose that keeps young readers hooked.

Katherine Applegate, the Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan, delivers a poignant and magical story in Crenshaw. The story follows Jackson, a young boy whose family is facing the harsh reality of poverty and potential homelessness once again. As the stress of their situation grows, an old friend reappears: Crenshaw, a large, outspoken, and very imaginary cat. While Jackson tries to be logical and grown-up about his family's struggles, Crenshaw’s presence forces him to confront his fears and embrace the power of imagination.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love stories that blend real-world issues with a touch of magic. It is ideal for readers interested in social themes, as it handles the difficult topic of food insecurity and housing instability with grace, honesty, and hope. Parents looking for books that build empathy and discuss resilience will find this to be a great choice for family reading or classroom discussion.

Highlights:

• A unique blend of realistic fiction and magical realism.
• Explores sensitive topics like poverty and homelessness in an accessible way.
• Features a memorable and quirky imaginary friend.
• Encourages emotional honesty and the importance of family bonds.

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is a timeless masterpiece that follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of growing up in Civil War-era New England. With their father away at the front and their mother, Marmee, working hard to keep the family afloat, the sisters must rely on their unique personalities and deep bond to overcome poverty, illness, and societal expectations. From Jo’s fierce independence and literary ambitions to Beth’s gentle spirit, this story captures the universal joys and heartaches of adolescence.

This classic novel is perfect for children who love character-driven stories and historical settings. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in strong female protagonists and the complexities of sisterhood. Parents looking for a book that emphasizes moral character, empathy, and the importance of family will find this an essential addition to any home library. Whether they are performing plays in the attic or forming secret societies, the March sisters offer a heartwarming look at what it means to grow up and find one's place in the world.

Highlights:

• A beautifully written exploration of sisterhood and family dynamics.
• Inspiring themes of independence, creativity, and resilience.
• Rich historical detail that brings the 19th century to life.
• Memorable characters that readers will relate to for generations.

Mi planta de naranja lima es una obra maestra de la literatura brasileña que narra la conmovedora historia de Zezé, un niño de cinco años con una imaginación desbordante y un corazón de oro. Viviendo en la pobreza en un barrio de Río de Janeiro, Zezé descubre que la vida puede ser dura, pero encuentra refugio en su amistad con una pequeña planta de naranja lima a la que llama Minguinho y en su relación con el 'Portuga', un hombre que se convierte en su figura paterna ideal. Esta novela es perfecta para niños y jóvenes que buscan historias profundamente emotivas y realistas.

Ideal para lectores interesados en relatos de superación y crecimiento personal, este libro enseña el valor de la ternura y la resiliencia frente a la adversidad. Es una elección excelente para padres que desean introducir a sus hijos en los clásicos contemporáneos que fomentan la empatía y la comprensión de diferentes realidades sociales. La historia de Zezé cautivará a cualquiera que haya encontrado consuelo en la fantasía durante los momentos difíciles de la infancia.

Highlights:

• Una historia clásica sobre la pérdida de la inocencia y el crecimiento emocional.
• Explora temas profundos como la pobreza, la amistad intergeneracional y el poder de la imaginación.
• Personajes inolvidables que dejan una huella duradera en el corazón del lector.
• Perfecto para fomentar la lectura crítica y la sensibilidad social en adolescentes.

On the Come Up is a powerful and unflinching look at the life of sixteen-year-old Bri, an aspiring rapper who dreams of making it big to help her family survive. As the daughter of an underground hip-hop legend who died before his big break, Bri faces immense pressure to succeed. However, when she is unfairly labeled a hoodlum at school and her mother loses her job, Bri pours her frustration into a song that goes viral for all the wrong reasons. Suddenly, she is at the center of a media firestorm, portrayed as a menace rather than an artist.

This New York Times bestseller is perfect for teens who love hip-hop culture and stories about finding one's voice in a world that tries to silence you. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in social justice, complex family dynamics, and the realities of urban poverty. Angie Thomas delivers a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, making it a great choice for fans of The Hate U Give who want to return to the world of Garden Heights.

Highlights:

• A deep dive into hip-hop culture and the power of lyrical expression.
• A realistic portrayal of a teen girl navigating systemic racism and poverty.
• Compelling family relationships and a strong, relatable protagonist.
• Explores the complexities of viral fame and media representation.