A Shelter in Our Car by Monica Gunning
Appropriate Age Range: 6-9 years
What this book is all about:
A Shelter in Our Car shares the story of Zettie and her mom who leave Jamaica to come to the United States. However, due to Zettie's mom not being able to find a steady job to sustain them they must live in their car and navigate various challenges.
Why you might want to read it:
A Shelter in Our Car highlights an authentic and moving image of homelessness while providing opportunity for discussion regarding misconceptions about poverty and homelessness.
7 questions for you to ask your children after reading it:
Do people need shelter? Why?
If someone doesn’t have their own home, how might they find shelter?
How does Zettie get ready for school? How is her morning routine different than if she lived in
a house or apartment?Why do you think Zettie wants her mother to drop her off at the corner behind the school instead of in front of the school?
At bedtime, how are Zettie and Mama similar to families who have permanent homes, even though they’re using their car as a shelter?
What do you think Zettie wished her peers understood?
What do you think makes a perfect home?