One of the greatest powers of books is their ability to help students understand experiences beyond their own. Stories give children language for feelings, context for complex issues, and a safe way to explore realities they may not yet fully understand.
Maddie’s Fridge by Lois Brandt is a powerful example of this. Through a simple story about friendship, the book gently introduces students to the reality of food insecurity and invites meaningful conversations about empathy, responsibility, and community support.
This book also aligns beautifully with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #2: Zero Hunger and SDG #10: Reduced Inequalities, making it a strong choice for classrooms looking to connect literacy with global citizenship.
The story is told through the eyes of Sofia, a child who begins to notice something troubling: her friend Maddie’s fridge is always empty. As Sofia struggles with what she has seen and what she should do, the book carefully explores the tension between wanting to help and respecting a friend’s wishes — all while centering compassion over judgment.
The Good
This book handles a sensitive topic with care, honesty, and respect. It acknowledges that food insecurity exists — sometimes within our own communities — without placing blame or shame on families.
Because the story is told from a child’s perspective, students can easily connect to Sofia’s confusion, concern, and growing understanding. This makes it especially effective for SEL instruction, helping students practice empathy and problem-solving in a developmentally appropriate way.
From a curriculum standpoint, Maddie’s Fridge works well for:
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SEL lessons on empathy, kindness, and responsibility
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Social studies discussions about community needs
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Global citizenship and SDG-aligned learning
The Not-So-Good (From a School Librarian Lens)
Because the book addresses food insecurity, the topic may feel personal or emotional for some students. It’s important to approach the story thoughtfully and create a safe, supportive environment for discussion.
That said, the author handles the subject in an age-appropriate way, and with guidance, this book becomes a powerful opportunity for understanding rather than discomfort.
Discussion Guide: Talking About Empathy and Helping Others
Use these questions to guide thoughtful, student-centered conversations. Consider reminding students that families are different and that needing help is never something to be ashamed of.
Before Reading
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Look at the cover. What do you notice about the characters?
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What do you think the title Maddie’s Fridge might mean?
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What do you think a fridge is usually used for?
During Reading
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How does Sofia feel when she notices Maddie’s fridge is empty?
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Why do you think Maddie asks Sofia not to tell anyone?
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What choices does Sofia have? What might be hard about each one?
After Reading
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Why do you think the author chose to tell this story from Sofia’s point of view?
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How do the grown-ups help in the story? Why is that important?
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What does this book teach us about friendship?
SEL-Focused Questions
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How can we tell when someone might need help?
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What are respectful ways to help someone without embarrassing them?
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Why is empathy important when we don’t know someone else’s full story?
From Understanding to Action: Classroom & School Ideas
One of the most powerful things about this book is how naturally it leads students from awareness to action. After reading, many students want to help — and this book provides an excellent opportunity to show them how.
Here are meaningful, age-appropriate ways to respond:
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Start a food drive to support a local food pantry
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Create a classroom share table for unopened snacks
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Invite a community helper to explain how food pantries work
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Discuss how helping should always be respectful and kind, not embarrassing
These actions reinforce the idea that even small efforts can make a real difference.
Family & Community Resources
This book can also be a gentle entry point for sharing support resources in a respectful, non-assumptive way. Schools may choose to quietly include information such as:
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Local food pantry locations
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School meal programs
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Community assistance organizations
Providing this information helps ensure families know support is available if needed.
Overall
Maddie’s Fridge is a quiet but deeply impactful book. It reminds us that stories don’t just teach — they build empathy, foster understanding, and inspire action.
For educators looking to connect literacy with SEL, global citizenship, and real-world impact, this book is a meaningful and powerful choice.
Recommended Grade Levels
Grades K–3
(With thoughtful discussion, it can also be effective in upper elementary classrooms.)
Why Your Students Will Love It
Students will connect to the friendship at the heart of the story. They’ll recognize Sofia’s concern, feel her uncertainty, and often leave the conversation wanting to help someone else — a powerful reminder that books can change how we see the world.
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