A Home For Margaret
A story about homelessness and community care, A Home for Margaret by Denise Davy and Bérengère Delaporte shows readers that leading with kindness will always win the day.
Emma and her mom love to walk in Cherry Hill Forest. One winter day they find a tent in the forest and in the tent is Margaret. Emma is concerned that Margaret must be cold living in the forest in the winter so she empties her piggy bank to get some warm things for Margaret. As they spend time together, they ask questions and learn a little more about Margaret, prompting Emma and her mom to try and find Margaret a home.
Denise Davy was inspired by a real life Margaret. For those of us who live in the city, we all may have a Margaret in our orbit. A person experiencing homelessness, living outdoors because the shelter system doesn’t feel comfortable or safe. I love how Denise Davy treats Margaret in the story with dignity and respect. Through Emma and her mom, readers have an example of what they could possibly do if they have a neighbour experiencing homelessness, how they can provide help and care.
I think books like this are important to dispel myths and biases that readers will have with respect to homelessness. When we encounter unhoused people in our community, the truth is that it can be worrisome or a bit scary for young readers. Stories like this one, show readers that anyone can experience homelessness for a myriad of reasons and we can be community helpers by sharing what we have, when we have a little extra to help our neighbours.
Bérengère Delaporte’s illustrations are colourful and bright. The coloured pencil illustrations are vibrant and lively inviting readers into the story and giving so much texture throughout the story. The illustrations are a cozy blanket, just like the one Emma gives to Margaret and makes the story perfect for a read aloud.
