As I was writing my essay for PaperTigers about raising compassionate children, Mary E. Cronin asked members of the Child_Lit listerv to recommend picture books depicting families experiencing economic hardship. I thought my fire escape visitors might appreciate seeing her compilation. Interestingly, most of the suggested books focus on life in North America, and shoes seemed to be a common theme:
- Adler, David. The Babe and I.
- Bunting, Eve. A Day’s Work.
- Bunting, Eve. Fly Away Home.
- Cooper, Melrose. Gettin’ Through Thursday.
- Fleischman, Sid. Scarebird.
- Gunning, Monica. A Shelter in Our Car.
- Hazen, Barbara Shook. Tight Times.
- Hesse, Karen. Spuds.
- Hopkinson, Deborah. Saving Strawberry Farm.
- Jimenez, Francisco. The Christmas Gift = El Regalo de Navidad.
- Lindsey, Kathleen D. Sweet Potato Pie.
- Lipp, Frederick. Running Shoes.
- Miller, William. Rent Party Jazz.
- Noble, Trinka Hakes. The Orange Shoes.
- Palacios, Argentina. A Christmas Surprise for Chabelita.
- Ringgold, Faith. Tar Beach.
- Rylant, Cynthia. When I Was Young in the Mountains.
- Rylant, Cynthia. Silver Packages.
- Smothers, Ethel Footman. The Hard Times Jar.
- Stewart, Sarah. The Gardener.
- Stuve-Bodeen, Stephanie. Babu’s Song.
- Stuve-Bodeen, Stephanie. Elizabeti’s Doll.
- Williams, Vera B. A Chair For My Mother.