Zero Hunger, the second UN Sustainable Development Goal, is closely allied with the first goal of No Poverty. The books below explore poverty and hunger in the world around us, highlighting contributory factors and possible solutions. Ranging from an introduction to the topic to a powerful, award-winning book recounting the author’s own experiences of poverty and hunger, this selection enables young readers to explore and develop their understanding of this issue.
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Children in Our World: Poverty and Hunger
by Louise Spilsbury and Hanane Kai
Review: This beautifully illustrated book explores the causes behind poverty and hunger in an easy-to-understand, child-friendly manner. Contributing factors such as natural disasters, war and poor farming conditions, are presented and explained. The book subsequently addresses ways in which people can help, highlighting the work of charities and schools in particular. In addition, the author addresses the target audience directly, providing tangible action they can take such as giving canned food to a food bank. This book would make a great entry point into the topic.
Suggested Reading Age: 2 to 6-year-olds. In my opinion, this book is more suitable for readers in the 7 to 10 year age bracket will .
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Look It Up: Take a look at the work of charities or NGOs that are working towards combatting poverty and hunger. Explore the programmes they have put in place. Look at how they are working alongside populations to provide support and long term solutions to tackle the problem.
Maddi’s Fridge
by Lois Brandt (author) and Vin Vogel (illustrator)
Review: This multiple award-winning book (2014 Christopher Award, Books for Young People; 2014 ILA Primary Fiction Award; 2015 MLA Mitten Award Honor) introduces young readers to poverty and hunger around us. Children quickly discover that whilst Sofia and Maddi appear to lead similar lives the reality is quite different; Maddi’s family don’t have the money to fill their fridge with food. Having promised not to tell anyone about Maddi’s secret, Sofia is faced with the dilemma of whether or not she should tell her parents so that they can help out. A compassionately written, thought-provoking book, Maddi’s Fridge would make a perfect addition when first looking at this topic with children.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Discussion Starter (for older readers): Pose the question, “Is it ever OK to break a promise if you have given someone your word?”
Make A Difference: At the end of the book, the author presents some ways to help friends and people with empty refrigerators. Read these together. Ask students if they can think of any other tangible suggestions.
Beatrice’s Goat
by Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter
Review: Based on real events, Beatrice’s Goat tells the story of Beatrice Biira. The book depicts how her family’s lives are transformed when they receive a goat from Heifer Project International. Written in a flowing, narrative style and accompanied by beautiful illustrations, readers are quickly drawn into Beatrice’s story. They learn how Maguisa (the goat) changed Beatrice’s life and that of her family for the better. The money earned from selling her milk enabled Beatrice to stop working in the fields and allowed her to go to school. Beatrice eventually became an advocate for Heifer Project International herself. An inspiring story, this book is well worth the read.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Fact-Finding Mission: Take a look at the Heifer Project International. Explore the many ways in which people can provide support to communities, ultimately enabling others to help themselves.
The Good Garden
by Katie Smith Milway and Sylvie Daigneault
Review: The Good Garden is another great addition to the CitizenKid series of books. Set in Honduras, this book tells the story of María-Luz and her family. Struggling to cope after a bad harvest, María-Luz’s father leaves home to find work putting the family garden in María-Luz’s care. Inspired by a teacher, she puts sustainable farming practices into place. Eventually, her family and those families around them are able to sustain themselves with profitable businesses. Stunning illustrations throughout bring the story to life. A super introduction to sustainable farming practices.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 to 12 years old.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Dig Deeper: Encourage students to inquire into various examples of sustainable farming practices. Discuss how they could use these in their gardens or school gardens if they have them.
Free Lunch
by Rex Ogle
Review: This highly acclaimed YALSA award-winning book lays bare the harsh realities of poverty for many young people in developed countries. Written in the first person, present tense, Rex Ogle tells the story of navigating his youth in this narrative nonfiction book. Readers follow Rex as he goes about his life, trying to hide visible signs of hardship from those around him at school. Despite the harsh realities of Rex’s life, hope shines through. Uncompromising in its approach, and at times hard to read, this impactful book gives a voice to those suffering from hardship whilst raising awareness in its readers.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 to 12 years old. In my opinion, this is more appropriate for older teenage readers owing to some of the adult language included and content matter addressed. Please check content appropriateness before reading.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Time to Talk: Once having read the book, in addition to exploring Rex’s experiences of hunger, be guided by students as to areas they would like to further discuss.
Other Sustainable Development Goal Posts:
UN Sustainable Development Goals: No Poverty
Happy Reading!
Do YOU know any books about hunger to add to this list? Please leave a recommendation below to help further support our community.
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The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health & Well-Being