Old Blue is my Home by Lita Judge

Everyone deserves to see themselves represented in books and for other readers 
to experience a bit of someone else's life and build empathy through books.

Little Readers

My friend commented the other day that one very serious consequence of less reading b, and to, our young children is the loss of empathy. In my former school of over 900 children I do know of one family where the boys spent their weekends with dad sleeping in a boathouse but I think I can say none of the children in that school were actually homeless and living in a car or van - that's why a book like this is important. Other children need to see kids living in very different circumstances. And this is not about  the happy van or caravan trip around Australia such as in We Live in a Bus (CBCA 2025 shortlist) or Dirt by Sea (CBCA Honour 2023) but the harsh reality of living every day in a van with your parents, siblings and pets and of trying to fit in at school and keep clean and have a little space of your own. 

Expertly capturing a child’s perspective, Judge’s matter-of-fact text is tinged with deep emotion—this is both a paean to a temporary home and a wish for more. Her sumptuous illustrations glow with warmth, inviting readers to linger. Kirkus Star review

Publisher blurb: An old blue van may not look like much, but it holds everything this family needs—shelter, a place to sleep, and each other. They can cook outdoors and sleep under the stars, but sometimes living in Old Blue makes our narrator feel like she’s from everywhere and nowhere all at once. When those feelings start to take over, Mama reminds her of the love inside Old Blue’s walls. Inspired by her childhood experience with economic and housing insecurity, acclaimed creator Lita Judge tells the gentle and ultimately hopeful story of a family who hopes for a forever home—but until that day comes, Old Blue will look after them. (Read more plot details here)

Here is an interview with the author.

Some kids point and laugh at Old Blue. And because they don't understand, they point and laugh at me. The invite each other to their houses to play. No-one wants to play in Old Blue.

Old Blue is my home

Try to find this book to read after Old Blue is my Home:

A place to stay

And I have added this book to my 'to read list' because it has similar themes:

I really like the idea of wide reading. Here are some companion novels for older primary students to extend their thinking about Old Blue is my Home with similar themes of housing insecurity:

Paper Things

Hold Fast

Just under the clouds

The family under the bridge

How to Steal a Dog

Shelter