Come the Morning

Ben Gibson arrives in Los Angeles on a Greyhound bus with his mother, sister and brother. They are looking for their father, who took off from El Paso several months before. Already poor, the family faces a series of misfortunes and ends up living on the streets. Their money stolen and their choices slim, they sleep in a series of fleabag hotels, street encampments, churches and, finally, the Salvation Army. While his mother comes to a decision about the future of her family, Ben cannot reconcile his good feelings for his father with the bald fact that the man left his family and probably has no intention of ever seeing them again. Caught in the grip of events beyond his control, Ben is a character that most young people will relate to. This story of a homeless family, all too common and tragic, is told thoughtfully, and while the events are somber and frightening, Harris's sensitive writing and insight will give readers many moments of pleasure. Ages 10-14. (Apr.)