53 pages • 1 hour read
320
Novel • Fiction
Harlem, New York • Contemporary
2017
Middle grade
8-12 years
810L
In The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser, the quirky Vanderbeeker family attempts to win over their reclusive landlord, Mr. Beiderman, to prevent their eviction from their beloved Harlem brownstone just before Christmas by using their individual talents to show him kindness and become his friends. The book contains references to the death of family members due to a car accident.
Heartwarming
Nostalgic
Emotional
26,481 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Karina Yan Glaser's The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is celebrated for its charming depiction of family dynamics and community spirit. Critics praise the enchanting, diverse setting and relatable characters. Some find the plot predictable, but overall, the book is deemed heartwarming and engaging for middle-grade readers, emphasizing themes of resilience and belonging.
Readers who enjoyed books like The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall or All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor will find The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street charming and heartwarming. Fans of endearing family dynamics, adventure, and the magic of community will love this story set in a Harlem brownstone.
26,481 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Harlem, New York • Contemporary
2017
Middle grade
8-12 years
810L
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