Off the Streets

Nathan and Natalie are siblings who have lost their parents and home, and have traveled from place to place because wherever they go, bad luck follows.
Nathan has seen "shadows" everywhere, dark, flickering shapes reflecting misery, worry, and suffering. Natalie can sense thoughts, the main thoughts and feelings of people she meets. They meet Carter, an abused boy who spends his time showing card tricks and gambling with whoever he can challenge. Carter spends every ounce of free time with the homeless, taking those who need help to his friend, Mrs. Catherine.
When Nathan is pulled away from this life and into one of a middle-class sorceress, he's shown what's really been going on throughout his life.