The Little Shelter That Could

“The Little Shelter That Could: Literacy Resilience of Mothers and Children Facing Homelessness is an inspiring book reminding us that advocacy begins with relationships by seeing families for their wisdom, tenacity, hopes and dreams for their children. It illustrates how early childhood programs can challenge inequities while celebrating the diversity that defines many communities. Grounded in knowledge and empathy, Dr. Warsi documents the role of mothers creating successful learning environments for their children while experiencing homelessness. Encouraging empathy helps early readers develop deeper comprehension, allowing them to connect with characters’ feelings and situations. This book is a call to action, helping learners manage disappointments and maintain positive self-perception despite ongoing struggles.”

Ayn F. Keneman, EdD, Professor of Early Childhood Education, National Louis University

“In The Little Shelter That Could: Literacy Resilience of Mothers and Children Facing Homelessness, Dr. Warsi offers a fresh, deeply grounded view of literacy and resilience. Her writing is alive with detail and resonates with deep respect. The practical guidance and book lists she shares are remarkable, and because they are rooted in the real stories of children and families committed to learning, they are treasures that teachers will turn to again and again. The honesty, vivid storytelling and actionable suggestions make this book a highly recommended read.”

Shaunti Knauth, PhD, Director of Engaged Research, National Louis University

“In The Little Shelter That Could: Literacy Resilience of Mothers and Children Facing Homelessness, Dr. Sadia Warsi brings forward the quiet brilliance and enduring strength of mothers and children whose stories are too often unseen. With extraordinary compassion and scholarly depth, she reframes what resilience and literacy mean when viewed through the lens of families navigating housing insecurity. This work is both deeply human and profoundly educational. Dr. Warsi’s research invites us to witness literacy not as a privilege of stability, but as a living practice, sustained through love, imagination, and the daily acts of mothers determined to keep learning alive for their children. Her narrative honors these families as co-educators and change-makers, reminding us that wisdom grows even in the most fragile spaces. As an educator and researcher committed to healing-centered and equity-driven approaches to learning, I find The Little Shelter That Could: Literacy Resilience of Mothers and Children Facing Homelessness to be a vital contribution to our field. It bridges scholarship, advocacy, and heart, showing us what is possible when we listen deeply to the communities we seek to serve.”

Karen F. Tardrew, EdD, Professor and Chair of Learning Sciences in Education, National Louis University

“The Little Shelter That Could: Literacy Resilience of Mothers and Children Facing Homelessness is not only about literacy resilience but most profoundly about dignity in the face of systemic barriers and inequalities. With compassion and brilliance, the author guides us through unexpected literacy places and invites us to the world of family literacy wisdom and educational opportunity. The choir of children’s, parents’ and the author’s voices tell us the stories that will leave educators meaningfully informed and above all deeply transformed to support families facing unstable housing and life challenges.”

Dorota Celinska, PhD, Professor of Special Education, Roosevelt University, Chicago

“In The Little Shelter That Could: Literacy Resilience of Mothers and Children Facing Homelessness, Dr. Warsi illuminates the powerful educational journeys of families often marginalized by circumstance. Through rigorous research and genuine empathy, she reveals how learning thrives even in precarious conditions, driven by maternal determination and creative resourcefulness. This book challenges deficit narratives while providing educators with meaningful, classroom-ready tools rooted in authentic family experiences. Warsi’s work is transformative, shifting our understanding of what constitutes strength, knowledge, and educational commitment. Essential reading for anyone seeking to build more equitable, responsive learning environments.”

Gloria McDaniel-Hall, EdD, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, National College of Education

Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Children Who Became Teachers
When Crisis Reveals Hidden Leadership
Creative Play: Understanding Educational Wisdom Through Children’s Perspectives
When Children Understand Complex Realities
Literature as Foundation for Developing Young Leadership
Questions for Reflection
References

Chapter 2: Daneesha and Ellen
When Education Becomes an Anchor
Ellen’s World of Books
The Discovery of Her Diary
Ellen’s Experience at Head Start
Life Before the Shelter and Future Dreams
Graduation Day at the Head Start
Creating Excellence When Life Feels Uncertain
Literature as Foundation for Independent Learning
Questions for Reflection
References

Chapter 3: Felicity and Lakeba
Building the “Kids Dorm”
How to Transform Any Space into a Classroom
Felicity’s Educational Philosophy in Action
Lakeba’s Remarkable Development
When Parents Want More Literacy Opportunities
Creating Educational Community
The Reality of Persistence and Challenge
Literature as Foundation for Creating Literacy-Rich Environments
Questions for Reflection
References

Chapter 4: Camila and Sophia
Balancing Survival and Learning
When Crisis Forces Practical Choices
The Reality of Single Parenting Without Support
Navigating System Barriers and Practical Needs
Managing Survival and Learning at the Shelter
The Limits of Individual Effort
The Reality Behind the Educational Moments
Literature as Foundation for Portable Literacy Practices
Questions for Reflection
References

Chapter 5: Maria, Diego, and Isabella
Homework as Lifeline
When Crisis Forces Difficult Choices
The Daily Reality of Commitment and Compromise
Homework Time as Sacred Space
Educational Excellence Despite Systemic Failure
Literature as Educational Anchor During Family Crisis
Questions for Reflection
References

Chapter 6: Helen, Opal, and Teddy
Three Weeks of Building Hope
Life Before the Shelter: A Year of Constant Uncertainty
Creating Structure from Limited Resources
The Daily Reality of Managing Young Children in Institutional Settings
Managing Emotional Stress While Maintaining Hope
When Individual Effort Meets Systemic Barriers
The Persistence of Hope Despite Ongoing Challenges
Literature as Foundation for Healing and Connection During Trauma Recovery
Questions for Reflection
References

Chapter 7: Venus and Brad
When Mothers Are in Survival Mode
Life Before the Shelter: Betrayal and Financial Exploitation
The Weight of Surviving Alone
Evidence of Underlying Capability and Dreams
The Challenge of Providing Consistency
The Long Road Ahead
The Persistence of Love and Hope
Literature as Foundation for Maintaining Hope During Extended Crisis
Questions for Reflection
References

Conclusion

About the Author

Index

Sadia Warsi

Dr. Sadia Warsi is a Professor of Special Education at National Louis University in Chicago, with over two decades of experience in special education and inclusive teaching. She earned her PhD in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, focusing on emergent literacy development of homeless children. Her expertise encompasses differentiated instruction, equitable learning environments, trauma-informed instruction, and multicultural competency. Dr. Warsi's research centers on poverty and literacy, literacy development in diverse environments, and experiences of refugee children in inclusive settings. She teaches courses in early childhood education, special education assessment, literacy instruction, and family collaboration. She has published extensively on refugee students with disabilities, Muslim representation in children's literature, trauma-informed practices, and family engagement in special education. Her book Beyond Labels: Understanding Refugee Students with Disabilities in Educational Contexts was published by Myers Education Press in 2025. She presents nationally and internationally on inclusive classroom design and cultural responsiveness in education. Before her academic career, Dr. Warsi taught in Chicago Public Schools as both an inclusion and self-contained special education teacher, giving her practical classroom experience that informs her university teaching and research. She has received the Excellence in Teaching Award from National Louis University.