Hotel Boy

After an apartment fire, five-year-old Henri had to live in a welfare hotel with his mother and brother. His kindergarten teacher, Gita Kaufman, and Curt Kaufman have him tell his storyof the small room and boredom the three must share, of his mother's job search and of the family's striving to keep up normal traditions (a visit to the zoo, regular school attendance, a birthday celebration). When an apartment comes through, their mutual excitement is palpable. For many young readers this story may seem very far away; adults may rejoice in one family's triumph but realize conditions for today's homeless are deteriorating, making quick resettlement questionable. Nevertheless, daring to treat an unusual subject, the Kaufmans capture the strength people muster in order to prevail. Ages 4-7. (March)