Buy new:
$16.99
FREE delivery Monday, May 13 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$16.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 13 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 9 hrs 41 mins
In Stock
$$16.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$15.29
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$16.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Lauren H. Kerstein
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Home for A While Hardcover – Picture Book, February 2, 2021

by Lauren Kerstein (Author), Natalia Moore (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 95 ratings
See all formats and editions
Coupon:  
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$16.99","priceAmount":16.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"16","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"%2BaF%2BYY3pNRFVF0nPeIeZrIDZoyOu2%2FlFosZ8lblEhur5LjIDduQeMkBrLjJweuZ%2FPm711IIwCbtK%2FDx83Og0U1F6ZcREFeuLHZBV0cyiGWn8BxrY%2F9%2BqImpPJ3LR2J1vboNyxxYHh3SspWZUhmAyzw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$15.29","priceAmount":15.29,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"15","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"29","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"%2BaF%2BYY3pNRFVF0nPeIeZrIDZoyOu2%2FlFcNym8MPEE0xHN%2FAxLqNXi6DCwLPL3wo%2BUzLacbrwFd%2FSts%2FNNtMAqJ6LGU48fhyu7fCdjcBbboslbEZaXe3I3yF0FN42eSHJ%2F07LXD8UZi3zDMWjmb8qasUjntRsRjZ1as55uCXU5VFFw%2FzgkLgZbJV1lVfyM1Wl","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

"Ultimately, the book is as much a model for foster parents as it is a story to provide validation of foster children’s experiences… Gentle and wise—especially as a read for foster parents." —Kirkus Reviews

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.
 
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 8 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD500L
  6. Dimensions
    8 x 0.5 x 10 inches
  7. Publisher
    Magination Press
  8. Publication date
    February 2, 2021
  9. ISBN-10
    1433831872
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1433831874
  11. See all details
Next page
New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade. New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade.

Frequently bought together

Home for A While
$16.99
Get it as soon as Monday, May 13
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Maybe Days: A Book for Children in Foster Care
$9.99
Get it as soon as Monday, May 13
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Foster Care: One Dog's Story of Change
$9.19
Get it as soon as Monday, May 13
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

School Library Journal starred review
boy in bed

basketball

For children ages 4 to 8, foster parents, guardians, counselors, child psychologists, and social workers.

  • Ages 4 to 8
  • Grades Pre-K to 3

Key Features

Home for A While

"Gentle and wise." —Kirkus Reviews

  • Helps with being a foster child: Inspires foster children to remember their self-worth while waiting for a stable and possibly permanent placement.
  • Applicable to a variety of situations: Appeals to kids who are in temporary housing or staying with a relative for any reason.
  • Advice for settling down after bouncing around: Addresses the stress and uncertainty that come from living in multiple homes.
  • A positive and realistic story: Tackles feelings of not being wanted and demonstrates learning to feel comfortable.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-A foster child tests his foster mother's patience, but she takes him exactly as he is and gains his trust, quieting his fears, and giving him a safety that he seems never to have experienced. Calvin is a tiny white boy who is full of cynicism about this latest place he's landed in: "Calvin clunked his suitcase up the steps of another house. ‘This isn't your home,' his thoughts shouted. ‘Nobody wants you,' his feelings rumbled." Of course he's protecting himself, and asks Maggie, his foster mother, why she asks if she can hug him good night. "Because you're quite huggable," she answers, and he wants to know more. "Why didn't anyone else think that?" he asks. This story takes apart the fostering experience as few books have-from the newcomer's point of view. Calvin smashes objects and waits for punishment, but Maggie, who is Black, presents as someone with deep wells of compassion. She takes a breath, and tries to see what's behind Calvin's moves. The illustrations show a humble home full of snug details, with bright swashes of paint filling in the details and centering the budding relationship between Calvin and Maggie, as she slices through his fear with truths he comes to believe. VERDICT Most books with this much purpose fall down on the lessons. This one transcends them, for a true story of how a home happens.-Kimberly Olson Fakih, School Library Journalα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

Most books with this much purpose fall down on the lessons. This one transcends them, for a true story of how a home happens. ― School Library Journal, Starred Review

Ultimately, the book is as much a model for foster parents as it is a story to provide validation of foster children’s experiences… Gentle and wise—especially as a read for foster parents. ― Kirkus Reviews

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Magination Press; 1st edition (February 2, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1433831872
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1433831874
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD500L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 0.5 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 95 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Lauren H. Kerstein

Lauren H. Kerstein

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Lauren Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is a Jersey girl at heart who currently lives in Colorado with her husband, their two dragons...er, daughters, and their rescue dog. Lauren is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series (Illustrated by Nate Wragg/Two Lions). Her latest picture book, HOME FOR A WHILE (Illustrated by Natalia Moore/Magination Press) moved into shelves February 2, 2021. Lauren also writes books in her field. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, runs a critique business, and is a long-time member of 12x12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts. You can visit her at www.LaurenKerstein.net, and follow her on Twitter and Instragram (@LaurenKerstein) and FB (https://www.facebook.com/laurenkersteinauthor).

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
95 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Lori B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Navigating the Challenges of a New Foster Home
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
In "Home For A While," I found it easy to empathize with Calvin's apprehensions, frustrations, and anger as he transitioned to his next foster home.

What truly resonated with me was Maggie's response to each of Calvin's emotional outbursts. Rather than reacting with anger, Maggie approached Calvin with grace, guiding him to navigate his negative emotions in more constructive ways.

Maggie also demonstrated a remarkable respect for Calvin's personal boundaries. She refrained from imposing unwanted gestures of affection, such as a goodnight hug, while consistently extending the offer until Calvin felt comfortable enough to embrace it on his own terms.

Calvin required both time and acceptance to acclimate to his new environment, and Maggie made certain he received both in abundance.

Maggie's daily affirmations of Calvin's positive behavior had an incredibly uplifting effect. These gestures played a significant role in helping Calvin establish a sense of belonging within Maggie's home, even though it was a temporary arrangement.

In essence, "Home For A While" beautifully portrays the delicate yet profound journey of Calvin as he navigates the challenges of a new foster home. The dynamic between Calvin and Maggie serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of compassion, understanding, and patience in the face of adversity. Through Maggie's exceptional ability to provide emotional support and space for growth, Calvin's transformation from uncertainty to a sense of belonging is truly inspiring. This narrative stands as a testament to the impact that even a temporary placement can have on a young individual's life, emphasizing the significance of empathy and positive reinforcement. "Home For A While" is a touching exploration of human connection and the potential for healing through genuine care and kindness.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Shelley
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Foster Families
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
This was a charming story about a child who had to join an unfamiliar home. He eventually warmed up to the foster parent. I recommend this book to any foster family looking to diversify their library.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Charlotte H. Offsay
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful conversation opener
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
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.⁠⠀
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
DB
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
My 5 year old foster daughter lives this book!
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
eileen mayo
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a touching and sweet story!
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this heartfelt beautiful story of a boy in foster care. Foster child Calvin moves in with Maggie with uncertainty and so many pent-up emotions which lead to several accidental problems. But Maggie handles them with calm and patience, teaching Calvin alternative methods to calm his big emotions. So many great opportunities to show kids how to manage their overwhelming feelings. Deep breathing, outdoor activities, using clay and manipulatives to work through his anger, fear, and sadness. I teared up reading this beautiful story of a patient caring Maggie respecting Calvin's feelings and teaching him that he has value and is loved.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
sita singh
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful & Heartwarming story!
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
What a heartwarming story! When Calvin moves into another foster home at Maggie’s house, he is scared and 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.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ann Harrell
5.0 out of 5 stars This is an important and poignant story that provides a window into the foster care experience.
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
It’s clear from the outset that Calvin has been shuttled from one foster home to another. But Maggie, his new foster mom, is the stability he needs to give him renewed hope. I love how Maggie represents the universal wise and nurturing parent who gives Calvin (as well as the reader) coping strategies for strong emotions. This is a powerful and empathic story for children, parents, teachers, and counselors. As a child therapist, I would definitely use this book for bibliotherapy.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Cheryl Bendis
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone helping children adjust to new places
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2021
Verified Purchase
We loved this book. It presents the fears of a child in a new environment, how hard it is to make changes, and how easy it is to doubt oneself. The foster mom showed so much patience and helped boost his self worth. The illustrations really helped enforce the story too.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report