amylow1107's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This is a heart warming middle grade read. Just in time for the holidays to read this book.
The Vanderbeekers on 141st street in Harlem are big, loud, crazy and have very big hearts! Their landlord doesn’t renew their lease so the kids come up with a plan to win him over to let them stay! Not only is this the story of that plan but more importantly this story is about family, friendships, siblings and love.
I would recommend this book to everyone this holiday season or just about anytime for a feel good story.
5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Vanderbeekers on 141st street in Harlem are big, loud, crazy and have very big hearts! Their landlord doesn’t renew their lease so the kids come up with a plan to win him over to let them stay! Not only is this the story of that plan but more importantly this story is about family, friendships, siblings and love.
I would recommend this book to everyone this holiday season or just about anytime for a feel good story.
5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
surperb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
whitmc's review against another edition
5.0
Read with my middle kid, so we each read at our own pace. I love it with wild abandon and wish I worked at a bookstore so I can press it into the hands of all who enter. Loved it as a stand alone adult, not just the “what a wonderful book for children” kind of love. Immediately ordered the next ones because this family is my new favorite.
arian_dragonelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.75
milbelmama's review against another edition
4.0
8 yr old enjoyed it, happy to listen in the car…currently borrowing the next in series of 7…
herreadinglife's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
sby616's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
soohieee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tracybabler's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. As always, all opinions are my own.
THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141st STREET is a cute new middle grade book that introduces a cast of lovable siblings hoping to save their beloved Harlem apartment after their landlord decides to end their lease. The catch is that the siblings have never met the landlord, despite the fact that he lives right upstairs from them. This is unusual, since the Vanderbeeker children know everyone who lives within a few blocks of home. They set out to learn why their landlord locks himself in his lonely apartment, and along the way they discover that home is much more than a place. It’s the people who make home special.
THE VANDERBEEKES OF 141st STREET is full of rich character development. The young Vanderbeekers are relatable—good kids, but not perfect. They make mistakes, they get angry, and yet they are always looking out for one another. I enjoyed the depiction of this area of Harlem as one big family—we don’t just get to know the Vanderbeekers, we understand that this is a neighborhood where people know, love, and support one another.
I only wish we had a similar glimpse into the life of the landlord, Mr. Biederman, before the conflict with him was resolved. In their attempt to resolve the situation with their landlord, the Vanderbeekers made a series of mistakes that made “The Biederman” more angry. The resolution, on the other hand, happened so quickly that it felt anti-climactic.
Overall, though, it’s a quick, enjoyable read that will entertain many middle grade readers.
THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141st STREET is a cute new middle grade book that introduces a cast of lovable siblings hoping to save their beloved Harlem apartment after their landlord decides to end their lease. The catch is that the siblings have never met the landlord, despite the fact that he lives right upstairs from them. This is unusual, since the Vanderbeeker children know everyone who lives within a few blocks of home. They set out to learn why their landlord locks himself in his lonely apartment, and along the way they discover that home is much more than a place. It’s the people who make home special.
THE VANDERBEEKES OF 141st STREET is full of rich character development. The young Vanderbeekers are relatable—good kids, but not perfect. They make mistakes, they get angry, and yet they are always looking out for one another. I enjoyed the depiction of this area of Harlem as one big family—we don’t just get to know the Vanderbeekers, we understand that this is a neighborhood where people know, love, and support one another.
I only wish we had a similar glimpse into the life of the landlord, Mr. Biederman, before the conflict with him was resolved. In their attempt to resolve the situation with their landlord, the Vanderbeekers made a series of mistakes that made “The Biederman” more angry. The resolution, on the other hand, happened so quickly that it felt anti-climactic.
Overall, though, it’s a quick, enjoyable read that will entertain many middle grade readers.