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Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, written by Karina Yan Glaser, is a heartwarming and engaging middle-grade novel that centers around the Vanderbeeker family, who live in a brownstone on 141st Street in Harlem, New York. The story follows the five Vanderbeeker children - Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney - as they try to convince their grumpy landlord, Mr. Beiderman, to renew their lease before he kicks them out of their beloved home on New Year's Eve. Glaser's writing is warm and inviting, drawing readers into the world of the Vanderbeekers and making them feel like part of the family. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique personality and voice. The story explores themes of family, community, and the importance of home, while also touching on issues of gentrification and the challenges of urban living. The pacing of the novel is excellent, with a perfect balance of action, dialogue, and description. The plot is engaging and full of surprises, with the Vanderbeeker children's various attempts to win over Mr. Beiderman leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming moments. One of the strengths of the novel is its portrayal of the diverse community in which the Vanderbeekers live. The book features characters of different races, religions, and backgrounds, all of whom are portrayed in a positive and respectful way. The Vanderbeekers themselves are a biracial family, with their mother being Japanese-American and their father being white. Overall, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is a delightful and uplifting read that is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. Its positive message, engaging plot, and diverse cast of characters make it a standout addition to any middle-grade library. The book is also the first in a series, with two sequels currently available: The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden and The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue.