The Gift

A sentimental evocation of a Hungarian-born Canadian Jewish boy's experience of Christmas in 1959, Kertes's first-person story is unlikely to survive its exportation. The protagonist yearns to be British-Canadian, especially at Christmas, but has a sudden revelation of the preciousness of his own tradition. The signposts here--details like the song ""Chantilly Lace"" or references to Victoria Day--probably won't register, and the essence of the story is relayed impressionistically and stagily, for example, through Little Match Girl-like views of the boy, returning home from a Christmas dinner, standing outside looking in as his family lights their menorah. A Jewish Canadian The Waltons this isn't. Ages 6-up. (Oct.)