No Fixed Address

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler begins to notice the silent disparities between their life and their peers, or if they are carrying the heavy burden of a family secret. Felix Knutsson is a twelve-year-old living in a Westfalia van with his mother, Astrid. While Felix is incredibly bright and a trivia whiz, he is paralyzed by the fear that someone will discover he is unhoused. This story masterfully navigates the intersection of poverty and pride, showing how the love between a parent and child can be both a safety net and a source of deep anxiety. It is an essential read for building empathy for the 'hidden' struggles of classmates, offering a realistic yet hopeful look at financial instability without ever losing its sense of humor or heart.