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Home for A While
Calvin is in foster care, and he wants to trust someone, anyone, but is afraid to open his heart. He has lived in a lot of houses, but he still hasn't found his home. When he moves in with Maggie, she shows him respect, offers him kindness, and makes him see things in himself that he's never noticed before. Maybe this isn't just another house, maybe this is a place Calvin can call home, for a while.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2021
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163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 28, 2022
4.5★
“Calvin lay in the dark.
Nobody wants you.
This isn’t your home.”
Calvin is all alone, looking lost. He has brought his suitcase and his backpack and is coming to stay with Maggie.
“Calvin clunked his suitcase up the steps of another house.”
Maggie shows him his room, but he won’t unpack his suitcase. When she tucks him in at night and asks if she can hug him, he says no. He’s pretty sure he’s unlovable.
“‘I’m so happy you’re here’ Maggie said.”
Maggie’s doing what she can to make him feel at home, but Calvin isn’t convinced. He begins bouncing a basketball loud and hard – in the house – and of course the inevitable happens. The ball smashes a flowerpot, and he waits for what he assumes is the inevitable reaction from Maggie.
To his surprise, she is calm. She asks if he’d like to shoot hoops outside. There’s a hoop outside the window. He says no, but he begins to calm down himself.
“She waited, breathing in and breathing out. Calvin’s breath joined Maggie’s.”
The do go out and shoot hoops and he settles down. He still won’t let her hug him at night, but he asks why she’d want to. She tells him he’s huggable!
When he gets cranky and throws his stuff around, she gives him some clay to work with, and he squishes it and rolls it and kneads it and makes things. But another day, he gets so angry with a school assignment that he jumps on his bed until it breaks!!
“CRACK! The bed broke. Calvin waited for Maggie’s response.”
She frowned with crossed arms, but then she took him outside for a walk with the trees and flowers and birds and squirrels, and “Calvin’s breath joined Maggie’s. His thoughts quieted.”
Every night, Maggie has asked to hug him, and every night he asks why. She tells him something wonderful about himself that she likes and insists he is huggable. Eventually, of course . . .
“’Maggie, is this my home... for a while?’
‘Yes Calvin, this is your home for a while.’
He nodded.
‘Could you hug me goodnight?’
Could she ever!
This is a beautifully illustrated story of a lonely little boy who is absolutely convinced he is unwanted and no good to anybody. It is also the story of a warm-hearted woman who seems to have boundless patience and understanding. It’s a terrific one to share with all kids, whether or not they are being fostered or staying with someone for a while.
All children should know that some of their classmates may be going through these changes, too. I would have liked to see some more scenes rather than having them jump straight from one thing to another. If an adult is reading this with a child, I hope they invent some more situations to encourage conversation.
Thanks to NetGalley and Magination Press for the copy for review. Calvin is such a cutie!
“Calvin lay in the dark.
Nobody wants you.
This isn’t your home.”
Calvin is all alone, looking lost. He has brought his suitcase and his backpack and is coming to stay with Maggie.
“Calvin clunked his suitcase up the steps of another house.”
Maggie shows him his room, but he won’t unpack his suitcase. When she tucks him in at night and asks if she can hug him, he says no. He’s pretty sure he’s unlovable.
“‘I’m so happy you’re here’ Maggie said.”
Maggie’s doing what she can to make him feel at home, but Calvin isn’t convinced. He begins bouncing a basketball loud and hard – in the house – and of course the inevitable happens. The ball smashes a flowerpot, and he waits for what he assumes is the inevitable reaction from Maggie.
To his surprise, she is calm. She asks if he’d like to shoot hoops outside. There’s a hoop outside the window. He says no, but he begins to calm down himself.
“She waited, breathing in and breathing out. Calvin’s breath joined Maggie’s.”
The do go out and shoot hoops and he settles down. He still won’t let her hug him at night, but he asks why she’d want to. She tells him he’s huggable!
When he gets cranky and throws his stuff around, she gives him some clay to work with, and he squishes it and rolls it and kneads it and makes things. But another day, he gets so angry with a school assignment that he jumps on his bed until it breaks!!
“CRACK! The bed broke. Calvin waited for Maggie’s response.”
She frowned with crossed arms, but then she took him outside for a walk with the trees and flowers and birds and squirrels, and “Calvin’s breath joined Maggie’s. His thoughts quieted.”
Every night, Maggie has asked to hug him, and every night he asks why. She tells him something wonderful about himself that she likes and insists he is huggable. Eventually, of course . . .
“’Maggie, is this my home... for a while?’
‘Yes Calvin, this is your home for a while.’
He nodded.
‘Could you hug me goodnight?’
Could she ever!
This is a beautifully illustrated story of a lonely little boy who is absolutely convinced he is unwanted and no good to anybody. It is also the story of a warm-hearted woman who seems to have boundless patience and understanding. It’s a terrific one to share with all kids, whether or not they are being fostered or staying with someone for a while.
All children should know that some of their classmates may be going through these changes, too. I would have liked to see some more scenes rather than having them jump straight from one thing to another. If an adult is reading this with a child, I hope they invent some more situations to encourage conversation.
Thanks to NetGalley and Magination Press for the copy for review. Calvin is such a cutie!
September 4, 2021
This is a children's book all about a little boy that is in foster care going to a new home. I read this book to my twin boys. I have been thinking about doing foster care after the world gets back to normal. I have to say this is a cute book, and it shows the kids that it is ok not to feel like it is home at first. It also shows them away to calm down by breathing through their problems. I really liked this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Magination Press) or author (Lauren Kerstein) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 23, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Home for a while is a cute illustrated book for children about a little boy who is in foster care and has moved to yet another home. He finds it very hard moving from home to home and gets very frustrated. The Foster carer (Maggie) teaches him (without him realising) how to help calm his anger and let it go.
Every night she asks if she can give him a hug, but he questions this every night - why would she want to hug him when nobody else wants to. Eventually he thaws and enjoys his time there realising he has found someone who cares for him and wants to help him and love him for being him.
This book is fantastic and would make a great resource for a foster carer and child and even as a school resource.
Home for a while is a cute illustrated book for children about a little boy who is in foster care and has moved to yet another home. He finds it very hard moving from home to home and gets very frustrated. The Foster carer (Maggie) teaches him (without him realising) how to help calm his anger and let it go.
Every night she asks if she can give him a hug, but he questions this every night - why would she want to hug him when nobody else wants to. Eventually he thaws and enjoys his time there realising he has found someone who cares for him and wants to help him and love him for being him.
This book is fantastic and would make a great resource for a foster carer and child and even as a school resource.
April 20, 2021
There is many uneasy emotions when a child is placed in foster care. One of them being am I wanted.
What if I do something wrong? Calvin has been placed in a home and his wise foster parent helps him sort out all those feelings. Even the feelings that Calvin is unware of. She directs him to breathe and know that he is valuable.
Good book for foster parents to help their foster children adjust. Makes way for conversation and understanding. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Magination Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
What if I do something wrong? Calvin has been placed in a home and his wise foster parent helps him sort out all those feelings. Even the feelings that Calvin is unware of. She directs him to breathe and know that he is valuable.
Good book for foster parents to help their foster children adjust. Makes way for conversation and understanding. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Magination Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
November 19, 2021
4.5 Stars
Home for a While is a story about little Calvin who goes to live with a foster caregiver for a while. He is depressed, dejected, angry, unwilling to trust, and unable to express his feelings. However, Maggie is patient and suggests ways for him to let go of his pent-up frustrations.
Each night Maggie asks him if she can hug him. Calvin wonders why she wants to. Each night, she gives him an answer that instills confidence in him.
It’s great to see a picture book tackle issues like foster care and overwhelming emotions. I love the illustrations (they felt so real!) and the steady progress from frustration to mild hope to acceptance.
It would have been great if Maggie and Calvin talked about what’s hurting him. But given the complexity of the issue and the length of picture books, it might have gotten a little too much.
Maybe a sequel for this to show how to initiate a conversation and express their feelings in words?
To conclude, Home for a While is a sad yet beautiful book. It can be used as a basis to start discussing foster care and how it impacts kids.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, American Psychological Association, and Magination Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#HomeforAWhile #NetGalley
Home for a While is a story about little Calvin who goes to live with a foster caregiver for a while. He is depressed, dejected, angry, unwilling to trust, and unable to express his feelings. However, Maggie is patient and suggests ways for him to let go of his pent-up frustrations.
Each night Maggie asks him if she can hug him. Calvin wonders why she wants to. Each night, she gives him an answer that instills confidence in him.
It’s great to see a picture book tackle issues like foster care and overwhelming emotions. I love the illustrations (they felt so real!) and the steady progress from frustration to mild hope to acceptance.
It would have been great if Maggie and Calvin talked about what’s hurting him. But given the complexity of the issue and the length of picture books, it might have gotten a little too much.
Maybe a sequel for this to show how to initiate a conversation and express their feelings in words?
To conclude, Home for a While is a sad yet beautiful book. It can be used as a basis to start discussing foster care and how it impacts kids.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, American Psychological Association, and Magination Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#HomeforAWhile #NetGalley
December 5, 2020
Home for a while tells the story of a boy in a foster home, filled with self-doubt. When he acts out, his caring foster mom patiently helps him feel loved and lovable. Brightly colored illustrations keep the mood upbeat, despite the challenges.
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2022
Home for A While is a lovely, lovely picture book that has a very good message on love for children in foster care or with a family temporarily.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary ebook or physical copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher or blog tour coordinator All views expressed are only my honest opinion and are in no way influenced by others views or wishes.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary ebook or physical copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher or blog tour coordinator All views expressed are only my honest opinion and are in no way influenced by others views or wishes.
July 19, 2021
This is quite an emotional one.
The story tells about a boy under temporary care. He has lost all confidence in adults and strangers and feels unwanted.
The adult who is taking care of him takes care that he takes his time and be patient about the situation. And this is how she takes care of the kid.
Such a short yet impactful read. I love the illustrations so much!
Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
The story tells about a boy under temporary care. He has lost all confidence in adults and strangers and feels unwanted.
The adult who is taking care of him takes care that he takes his time and be patient about the situation. And this is how she takes care of the kid.
Such a short yet impactful read. I love the illustrations so much!
Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
November 17, 2020
Calvin arrives at a new foster care placement. The reader doesn’t know if this is his 10th or 20th placement, but the reader can easily figure out that it’s not his first. Calvin’s going to be attending a new school. He can’t find his favorite shirt, a gift from his mother. He’s frustrated, scared, and uncertain of himself and of what’s to come. His new caregiver Maggie takes time to comfort Calvin. She teaches him how to take deep breaths as he learns to cope with all of the emotions he is experiencing. This is the first picture book that I’ve read dealing with the subject of foster care placement. Author Lauren Kerstein provides a heartfelt, insightful, and carefully written text about children in foster care and how breathing exercises can help them cope with the most challenging of situations. Highly recommended.
October 25, 2020
This one had me in tears! It is the touching story of Calvin, a young boy in foster care struggling to adjust to a new place. He moves in with Maggie who offers patience, kindness and warmth but Calvin is afraid to trust her. Over time though, Maggie earns Calvin's trust and Calvin learns that he is lovable and discovers the difference between a house and a home. It is beautifully written by Lauren Kerstein, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children and is a beautiful conversation opener that everyone should add to their shelves. Please note that I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of this beautiful new book in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2021
Such an important, heartfelt story to support kids who don't often see themselves represented in books - foster children. The book not only speaks to the anxiety a child has going to a new foster home, it also helps build empathy for their experiences and explains why sometimes they may act out of fear. And while the subject is specific in this story, its message is universal. We all need to feel seen, loved, accepted for who we are. We need to know we are safe when we make mistakes. And we all need to breathe in, and breathe out, and be in the moment.
November 13, 2020
What a beautiful story! When Calvin, who has been in foster care, moves in with Maggie, he struggles to trust her. Over time, Maggie earns Calvin's trust , and Calvin learns important things about himself. Kerstein uses her experience working with children to beautifully craft this touching story about trust, empathy, and love.
November 16, 2020
Kerstein brings her professional expertise to the page with this incredible story about Calvin and his foster home at Maggie's house. Kerstein doesn't skimp on the tough emotional hardship of children in this circumstance. Instead, Calvin and Maggie move through a journey of growth together. Three cheers for Kerstein and Moore - thank you for this important, beautiful story.
November 20, 2020
What a heartwarming story! When Calvin moves into another foster home at Maggie’s house, he is scared, uncertain, and struggles to trust her. But over time, Maggie earns Calvin’s trust with her patience and care, and Calvin learns that he is not only huggable but lovable as well. Kerstein has written a beautiful and touching story of empathy, love, and kindness.
December 5, 2020
This is a tender, heartwarming story about Calvin, a foster child. You will feel for him and understand the emotions of a foster child through him. Such a powerful book.
May 17, 2021
Lovely to see a book about the actual struggles of being a foster kid. This book would be helpful for foster parents to read with foster kids, and for schools to have in their libraries and classrooms. I wish more people knew what kids in care were going through and what triggers they might have, and this book has all of that. It also has a resource link in the back that doesn't work, but I found the actual link here.
Highly recommended for foster parents to keep in their home, and for the extended families of foster carers so the adults and their children can get a glimpse into what these kids need and be better prepared to interact positively with them.
Highly recommended for foster parents to keep in their home, and for the extended families of foster carers so the adults and their children can get a glimpse into what these kids need and be better prepared to interact positively with them.
September 30, 2021
5 stars
This is a very meaningful picture book. It is about a young boy who is entering a new foster home. He has been in several before which have left him with doubts and lowered self-esteem. Even though his new guardian is very nice, he cannot bring himself to trust her or his new situation quite yet….but she eventually wins him over. This book expresses emotions that make any reader easily able to sympathize with children in the foster system, who are shuffled to temporary homes. Readers love the foster mother from the start, and root for her to win the heart of the little boy.
~ Miss Emily
This is a very meaningful picture book. It is about a young boy who is entering a new foster home. He has been in several before which have left him with doubts and lowered self-esteem. Even though his new guardian is very nice, he cannot bring himself to trust her or his new situation quite yet….but she eventually wins him over. This book expresses emotions that make any reader easily able to sympathize with children in the foster system, who are shuffled to temporary homes. Readers love the foster mother from the start, and root for her to win the heart of the little boy.
~ Miss Emily
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February 27, 2022I think that Home for a While is a good representation of children's homelessness because it shows the hardships and realities of a child in the foster care system. The story itself is about a boy named Calvin who is in the foster care system and is assigned to a new home, where the foster parent, Maggie teaches Calvin all about a loving home and what its like to be in a stable home. I think this book is important because it can help children who are in the foster care program realize that their foster parent relationship could be more beneficial than they think.
May 30, 2021
A much needed book about a child in foster care.
The storyline is believable and the illustrations are spot-on.
This book serves a very under-,served segment of children. There are a lot of kids in foster care and each and every one of them should be given a copy of this book.
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The storyline is believable and the illustrations are spot-on.
This book serves a very under-,served segment of children. There are a lot of kids in foster care and each and every one of them should be given a copy of this book.
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 8, 2021
I haven't seen a picture book about foster parents! It's not spectacular or terrible, but important nevertheless because of the niche it fills...
March 26, 2021
Good foster care option
November 25, 2020
Picture books all too often focus on perfect, happy families. For many children, that is not their reality. This gentle and perceptive story—about a little boy finding his “home for a while” in foster care—opens a window into that reality. Written by a licensed clinical social worker, the sweet characters show us how respect and patience can build a trusted refuge for anyone. Children from all family backgrounds will take away important lessons from this book, including helpful breathing exercises for controlling their emotions. And, the illustrations are adorable. “Why do want to hug me?” asks little Calvin. “Because you’re quite huggable,” answers his new caregiver, Maggie. Ahhhh! Readers will want to hug them both!
March 31, 2021
Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Interesting storybook about a young boy who stays with a foster mom and learns that she likes him for who he is. She calms his angry outburst and hr decides he is home. A little sad at the end when he says it's his home for a little while.
Interesting storybook about a young boy who stays with a foster mom and learns that she likes him for who he is. She calms his angry outburst and hr decides he is home. A little sad at the end when he says it's his home for a little while.
January 9, 2022
Home For A While
By: Lauren Kerstein
Pub. date: February 2, 2021
Review date: January 9, 2022
Many thanks to Magination Press, Lauren Kerstein & to NetGalley, for allowing me access to this arc.. I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
Home For A While is a touching story about a little boy who is placed in the care of a foster mother, in her home, and finds himself unsure of how to deal with the many emotions he’s feeling. The author touches on this subject in the most gentle way, which I’m positive children in foster care would find comforting & reassuring. There is definitely a strong need for more books like this. I highly recommend Home For A While & give it 4 stars.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#HomeForAWhile #NetGalley #LaurenKerstein #MaginationPress
By: Lauren Kerstein
Pub. date: February 2, 2021
Review date: January 9, 2022
Many thanks to Magination Press, Lauren Kerstein & to NetGalley, for allowing me access to this arc.. I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
Home For A While is a touching story about a little boy who is placed in the care of a foster mother, in her home, and finds himself unsure of how to deal with the many emotions he’s feeling. The author touches on this subject in the most gentle way, which I’m positive children in foster care would find comforting & reassuring. There is definitely a strong need for more books like this. I highly recommend Home For A While & give it 4 stars.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#HomeForAWhile #NetGalley #LaurenKerstein #MaginationPress
November 23, 2021
Home for a While is an exceptional story that honors and respects boundaries, while showcasing an abundance of love.
This home is not the first that Calvin has been sent to. Like many of the other places, Calvin feels that Maggie’s home isn’t his to claim. As Calvin tries to adjust to this new environment, Maggie reaches out with love, always asking if Calvin would like a hug. Calvin is not ready, not yet. He does not know if he can trust Maggie, none of the other homes thought Calvin was huggable. But, Maggie doesn’t stop showing Calvin the honor and respect he deserves. Through it all, Maggie shows Calvin his feelings are valid. Over time, Calvin begins to trust. He soon sees that Maggie’s home can be his, even for a while.
Home for a While shows the complicated emotions that come with children navigating our foster care system. While many homes don’t show love, there are those that do.
This home is not the first that Calvin has been sent to. Like many of the other places, Calvin feels that Maggie’s home isn’t his to claim. As Calvin tries to adjust to this new environment, Maggie reaches out with love, always asking if Calvin would like a hug. Calvin is not ready, not yet. He does not know if he can trust Maggie, none of the other homes thought Calvin was huggable. But, Maggie doesn’t stop showing Calvin the honor and respect he deserves. Through it all, Maggie shows Calvin his feelings are valid. Over time, Calvin begins to trust. He soon sees that Maggie’s home can be his, even for a while.
Home for a While shows the complicated emotions that come with children navigating our foster care system. While many homes don’t show love, there are those that do.
October 8, 2020
Need to be honest--my heart melted when I read this tender, sweet story of Calvin, a foster child, who finds himself at yet another stranger's house. This time, however, between Kerstein's beautifully-written, emotionally-charged text and Moore's delightful art and color-coded dialogue tagging, the reader gets a sense that Maggie's house just might be different. As Calvin vents his understandable frustration and anger in multiple different scenarios, Maggie's controlled and loving responses convey a sense of stability that help Calvin realize that he is not only huggable and but lovable, as well. With Maggie, Calvin discovers for the first time the difference between a house and a home. HOME FOR AWHILE is a book that everyone who works with or lives with children needs to add to their book shelf. Highly recommended!
January 7, 2021
Breathe in. Breathe out. This is excellent advice for anyone undergoing stress, but especially for Calvin, a little boy in foster care. Calvin feels unwanted and can’t seem to settle down in his new home with Maggie. But with kindness and much patience, Maggie gives Calvin room to express his feelings. “May I hug you goodnight?” Maggie asks in a heartfelt refrain. “Why do you want to hug me anyway?” asks Calvin. “Because you are quite huggable,” she responds…. “I am?” Slowly, Calvin gains confidence and comfort in Maggie’s warm embrace. Lovely watercolor illustrations paint a beautiful portrait of this much needed, different kind of family.
December 21, 2020
This is a heart-warming tale of a little boy, Calvin, who finds a new and loving foster home. Children will be able to relate to Calvin’s sense of displacement and his journey to finding comfort and acceptance. This book isn’t just for foster children, all children and will appreciate this sweet and honest story.
December 28, 2020
A heartwarming story for anyone who’s felt like they don’t belong. You’ll fall in love with Maggie and Calvin as they build a beautiful new family together. This book will make your heart sing with hope and love. Plus, it offers very helpful coping strategies for all readers. I highly recommend it!
January 19, 2026
I appreciate that this book was written by a social worker and addresses a topic that is too often forgotten. Given that most foster parents are white, I thought it was an interesting choice, albeit refreshing, that the foster parent in this story is a woman of color. The foster child, Calvin, has thoughts like "nobody wants you" from the very first page, which I am certain is common among foster kids, unfortunately, but Maggie says "I'm so happy you're here" from the start and asks if she can hug Calvin goodnight. When he says no, Maggie accepts his answer and wishes him goodnight. I appreciate this example of asking for consent and accepting the answer. Throughout the book, readers learn about different triggers for Calvin, such as having to draw a family picture at school, the unhelpful behavior that results from his strong feelings, such as jumping on the bed until it breaks, and a helpful coping strategy that Maggie suggests, such as molding clay or taking a walk outside. I appreciate that Kerstein includes in the story that Calvin is worried about Maggie will respond when he breaks things and, although she is obviously unhappy, that she doesn't yell. I wonder why Kerstein always has Calvin decline the suggested activity, such as playing basketball outside, but then he always ends up doing it. Perhaps Kerstein wanted to show that people can change their mind? Calvin starts asking Maggie, "Why do you want to hug me, anyway?" and Maggie answers that Calvin is quite huggable. Then, Calvin asks "Why didn't anyone else think that?" and Maggie answers, "Maybe they didn't realize you can bounce a ball for an hour. You're like a persistent beaver bounding sticks into his lodge." Later in the book Maggie tells Calvin that he is "like a strong superhero protecting the world" which I did not like as much. I understand wanting to help improve a child's self-esteem, but I personally wouldn't go the superhero route when there are plenty of examples of real life people who do great things. Not a perfect book, but a useful book for some. I wish there were more children's books about foster care to choose from.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews