Shelter - by Christie Matheson (Hardcover)

About the Book

While ten-year-old Maya attends an elite private school on scholarship her classmates are unaware that she and her family are living in a homeless shelter, but on one poignant day Maya discovers having a house is not the only way to have a home.

Book Synopsis

A heart-wrenching middle grade debut that considers homelessness from one girl's perspective and explores deep truths about the resounding impact of empathy. Perfect for fans of One for the Murphys and Paper Things.

Fifth grade can be tough for anyone. There are cliques and mean kids and homework and surprise math tests. But after tragedy strikes her family, almost-eleven-year-old Maya has a painful secret that makes many days feel nearly impossible.

And today might be Maya's toughest yet. Her family is on edge, she needs to travel alone across the city, a bully is out to get her, and Maya has to face this winter's biggest rainstorm without a coat or an umbrella.

But even on the rainiest days, there's hope that the sun will come out soon.

Emotional and compassionate, Shelter looks at homelessness through one girl's eyes and explores the power of empathy, friendship, and love.

Review Quotes

Junior Library Guild Selection
CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Selection
Bluestem Award Nominee (Illinois's Grades 3-5 Readers' Choice Award)
William Allen White Children's Book Award's Master List (Grades 3-5)

"Brings a pressing national crisis into clear focus for young readers; highly recommended." --Kirkus Reviews

"By turns heartbreaking and affirming, this novel reminds readers what is most important--and what we often take for granted. . . . An important purchase for upper elementary and early middle school collections." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Christie Matheson is the author and illustrator of many picture books, including Tap the Magic Tree, Touch the Brightest Star, and Bird Watch. Shelter is her first novel. She lives in San Francisco with her family. Find her on Instagram at @christiematheson.