christym's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
totallynotanerd's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Love this family sm
waterviolite's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
bak8382's review against another edition
4.0
This is a lovely series in the tradition of [b:The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy|266904|The Penderwicks A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (The Penderwicks #1)|Jeanne Birdsall|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320508900l/266904._SX50_.jpg|2564478].
shereadsshedrinks's review against another edition
5.0
The Vanderbeekers books are, like the children in the story, enchanting and sweet and impossible to ignore. Love these and really hope to read more of them!
mmp5's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
kerryanndunn's review
5.0
"Maybe, Oliver thought, maybe the world worked only if people gave all they could without measuring the worth of what they gave."
UGH. I love the Vanderbeekers so MUCH. This family, the core group of Vanderbeekers, plus the found family of their beloved brownstone make my heart happy. As someone who grew up reading The Secret Garden dozens of times, this story of these kids finding and creating a hidden garden of their very own to share with their loved ones, their community, their neighborhood, was pure magic and wonder. Each kid has their own perfect little quirky personality and contributes something different to the story. The writing weaves effortlessly between their various perspectives. What a treasure of a world Karina Yan Glaser has created with the Vanderbeekers and their little slice of Harlem.
UGH. I love the Vanderbeekers so MUCH. This family, the core group of Vanderbeekers, plus the found family of their beloved brownstone make my heart happy. As someone who grew up reading The Secret Garden dozens of times, this story of these kids finding and creating a hidden garden of their very own to share with their loved ones, their community, their neighborhood, was pure magic and wonder. Each kid has their own perfect little quirky personality and contributes something different to the story. The writing weaves effortlessly between their various perspectives. What a treasure of a world Karina Yan Glaser has created with the Vanderbeekers and their little slice of Harlem.