Best Fiction about Homelessness & Poverty Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman is a heartwarming tale about a Cleveland community garden's founding and first year. Through the voices of thirteen diverse characters, the story shows how a simple act of planting lima beans in a vacant lot can bring together people from different backgrounds and cultures. The book's short length, relatable characters, and universal message of hope make it suitable for both children and adults. This book is a beautiful tribute to the power of community and the importance of diversity.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt is a touching and powerful story of family and sacrifice. The novel follows Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never met his daughter Jupiter. Placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine, Joseph meets twelve-year-old Jack, who narrates the account of the troubled teen's search for his baby girl. The story is heart-wrenching, but beautifully told in Jack's direct first-person voice. The ending is bittersweet, but satisfying. Schmidt's emotional gut-punching writing style makes this book stand out among other siblings fiction books for teens and young adults.

"On The Come Up" by Angie Thomas is a YA novel that tells the story of Bri, a 16-year-old girl who aspires to become one of the greatest rappers of all time. Bri's first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, and she soon finds herself at the center of a controversy. Despite being portrayed by the media as more menace than MC, Bri fights for her dreams, even as the odds are stacked against her. This insightful and unflinching book is an ode to hip hop and a powerful story about fighting for what you believe in, even when the world is against you.

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney is a heartwarming classic that has been loved by generations of children, parents, and teachers. The story follows the lives of the widowed Mrs. Pepper and her five children as they face poverty and adversity with courage and good cheer. Despite the tough times, the Peppers remain a happy and close-knit family, and their story is sure to inspire young readers. This edition, published by Dover Children's Classics, is a must-read for anyone looking for a timeless tale of family, love, and perseverance.

The Tillerman Cycle's "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt is a timeless and iconic book that won the National Book Award Honor. The story follows the four Tillerman siblings as they navigate their way to their great-aunt's house after their mother abandons them in a mall parking lot. The book is a heart-wrenching tale of survival, hope, and the power of family. Voigt's writing is captivating, and readers will find themselves rooting for the Tillermans throughout their journey. This book is a must-read for young adults and anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story.

I Kick and I Fly is an inspiring story of a girl who escapes being sold into the sex trade in Bihar, India. Heera, the protagonist, learns the value of her body through kung fu as she practices martial arts with other at-risk girls at a local hostel. The story is a hopeful tale of triumph and heroism, inspired by the author's experience making the Emmy-award winning documentary, The Selling of Innocents. This book is a must-read for those interested in martial arts fiction books for teens and young adults.

The Tillerman Cycle is a poignant and unflinching series that follows the lives of the Tillerman children, their family, and friends as they navigate the challenges of finding a home. The boxed set includes seven books, including the Newbery Award-winning Dicey's Song and the National Book Award Honor-winning Homecoming. Cynthia Voigt's writing is masterful in capturing the complexities of family relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in siblings' fiction books for teens and young adults.

An impressive debut from the author, Tyrell is a compelling read about a young African-American teen who struggles to make ends meet while living in a homeless shelter with his family. The author effectively captures the raw emotions and hard realities of life on the streets, as well as the complex relationships between the characters. The book also highlights the challenges faced by teens living in poverty and the difficult choices they have to make. Overall, Tyrell is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and authentic portrayal of urban life.

How Do You Live? (Spanish Edition) is a beloved classic of Japanese literature, and it will now be available in Spanish for the first time. This enriching story follows fifteen-year-old Copper as he contemplates the lives of those around him and seeks answers to life's biggest questions after the death of his father. With the guidance of his wise uncle, Copper embarks on a philosophical journey that offers a touching reflection on what it means to be human. This book is a must-read for fans of classic literature and anime enthusiasts alike.

"Mas alla de mi Reaching Out Spanish Edition" is a compelling story of a young adult, Francisco Jimenez, who faces financial hardship and self-doubt while continuing his education. The author's honesty and truthfulness make the story even more inspiring. Francisco emigrated from Mexico to California and worked in the fields with his family. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and is now the chairman of the Modern Languages and Literature Department at Santa Clara University. This book is an excellent read for teens and young adults interested in cultural heritage biographies.