Discover amazing books that teach why it’s important for everyone to have enough healthy food. These stories and facts will help you understand how we can all work together to make sure no one goes hungry. Happy reading!
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Poverty and Hunger
by Louise Spilsbury
Reading Age: 2 – 6 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
This informational book about the many questions children have about poverty and hunger from Who is poor and hungry? to Why are people poor and hungry? Link
Saturday at the Food Pantry
by Diane O’Neill
Reading Age: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Molly makes her first visit to the food pantry with her mom one Saturday morning. It’s much different than the grocery store they typically go to but her mom explained they needed help with food this week. Link
One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference
by Katie Smith Milway
Reading Age: 3 – 11 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
The story of how one idea to raise money for food grew into a huge food resource. Change happens one idea at a time by one person at a time. Link
Mama Miti
by Donna Jo Napoli
Reading Age: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Based on the work of Wangari Muta Maathai, who worked to pull together people in the country of Kenya for food, shelter, and a better sustainable life. Link
Uncle Willie & the Soup Kitchen
by Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan
Reading Age: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3
This book is a great pick for introducing children to how a soup kitchen works and who it serves. Link
Our Little Kitchen
by Jillian Tamaki
Reading Age: 4 – 9 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
A crew of resourceful neighbors comes together to prepare a meal for their community. With a garden full of produce, a joyfully chaotic kitchen, and a friendly meal shared at the table, Our Little Kitchen is a celebration of full bellies. Link
Tight Times
by Barbara Shook Hazen
Reading Age: 4 – 9 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3
When money is tight choices have to be made to purchase less expensive foods and foods that will stretch. Link
Maddi’s Fridge
by Louis Brandt & Vin Vogel
Reading Age: 5 – 9 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4
This story is about two friends one of which has very little in her fridge. But, friends always help their friends and Sofia is determined to help fill Maddi’s fridge. Link
Lulu & the Hunger Monster
by Erik Talkin
Reading Age: 5 – 9 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4
In this story illustrating the reality of childhood hunger and food insecurity, Lulu invites kids into her world to help them understand what it’s like to battle the Hunger Monster. Link
Don’t Waste Your Food
by Deborah Chancellor & Diane Ewen
Reading Age: 6 – 9 years
Grade Level: Preschool and Up
Amara’s dad says they shouldn’t waste food. But why is this such a big problem? Follow their story and find out what happens to food waste, what can be composted, and how to reduce the amount of food we throw away. Link
Katie’s Cabbage
by Katie Stagliano
Reading Age: 7 – 11 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 1
One girl donates her very large cabbage she planted as a school project to families in need. Her family was then inspired to expand their growing gift efforts. The book is based on a true story. Link
The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough
by Katie Smith Milway
Reading Age: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Based on the true story of families living in the country and Don Elias Sanchez who worked to help families deal with food insecurity. Link