Key Selling Points

• Shelter answers the often difficult questions young people have about homelessness in a straightforward, compassionate and age-appropriate way.
• There are approximately 750,000 people experiencing homelessness in the United States and 350,000 in Canada.
• Homelessness is regularly in the news cycle as communities discuss and debate how to address the problem. All levels of government are spending millions of dollars addressing the issue.
• The author brings personal stories from her experience working at a homeless shelter and introduces us to some of the people who live on the street.
• The book challenges young readers to think about homelessness from a different perspective and gives them examples and practical ways they can take action and help in their own communities.
• Features full-color illustrations and photos.

Lois Peterson is the award-winning author of eight books of fiction for children, and numerous short stories, essays and articles for adults. She was the executive director of a homeless shelter and worked at a public library for more than 40 years. Lois lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Taryn Gee is an artist who specializes in lifestyle illustration and possesses an affinity for both figurative and narrative art. She has been illustrating since 2011 after earning her bachelor of applied arts at Sheridan College. Her work has garnered numerous awards, appearing across various local and international publications. Some of Taryn’s clients include The National Post, The Globe and Mail, IBM, RBC, LA Galaxy and the social networking service Ravelry. Taryn is passionate about the process and exploratory nature of traditional sketching and often finds herself filling many pages of her various sketchbooks. She lives in Stoney Creek, Ontario.

Marketing and Promotional Plans

• Print and online advertising campaigns
• Promotion at national and regional school, library and trade conferences
• Extensive digital ARC distribution, including NetGalley
• Blog and social media promotion, including online events
• Feature in Orca newsletters

“Balanced, up-to-date coverage...Students, teachers, and parents will appreciate these detailed and engaging offerings.” - Booklist

“A very accessible and compact overview on the causes of homelessness in society and various ways to help those in need.” - School Library Connection

“A thought-provoking book that is suited to the target audience. Recommended.” - CM: Canadian Review of Materials

★ “An outstanding, sophisticated introduction to a complex topic, this book encourages readers to prioritize kindness towards and dignity for people experiencing homelessness. ­Recommended as a first purchase.” - School Library Journal, starred review

“An insightful deep dive into a huge issue that is presented in a sympathetic and accessible way. Overall, the content makes for a well-written, thoughtful primer that would prove useful for children and adults alike.” - Quill & Quire