Author(s): Katie Flannigan

Personal & Social Discussions

Melody watches a man build a makeshift home under a bridge, on the bank opposite her house. Their homes are different. Their lifestyles are different. Their cultures are different. How will they get on? Here is a story of compassion and empathy for the homeless and marginalized in society. On Monday, a mattress appeared under the overpass. On Tuesday, a blanket, and an upside-down box. On Wednesday, most of a sofa. On Thursday, a pile of clothes. On Friday there appeared a rickety old man asleep on a rickety old chair. ‘We have a new neighbour!’ said Mum. It is Christmas time, and a homeless man sets up a makeshift home under a bridge, across the river from Melody’s house. Their homes are different. Their lifestyles are different. Their cultures are different. What will Melody think about her new neighbour? How will they get on? Christmas Under the Overpass is a delightful, sensitive, heart-warming story of compassion, curiosity, and empathy for the homeless and marginalized in society. As of 2022, around half a million individuals are homeless in America. Christmas Under the Overpass explores the realities of homelessness, and the kindness of a child. ● This is a positive, feel-good Christmas story. ● This story role models kindness, curiosity, compassion, and empathy. ● This book addresses diversity, non-judgement, and acceptance with respect to immigration, culture, ESL and single parent families.