Still a Family written by Brenda Reeves Sturgis and illustrated by Jo-Shin Lee was published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2017. It gives us a look into the life of a little girl and her parents while they are homeless. The child and Mom live in a women’s shelter and Dad lives in a men’s shelter.
In this touching story we walk through the child’s days of sleeping on a mat on the floor of the shelter, standing in line at a soup kitchen and playing with her only toy-her doll. Mom and Dad take turns caring for her while the other looks for a job. And sometimes they all get together at a park to visit and hug.
Throughout the difficult details of her life the little girl courageously reminds us-and herself-that they are still a family.
I think this picture book isn’t typical for several reasons:
I think that Still a Family will become an excellent resource for lower elementary classrooms. It can also be a starting place for parents and children who want to make a difference in their own communities regarding homelessness or other social issues.