The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

(Paperback)

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Description

One of The New York Times' Notable Children's Books of 2017: "In this delightful and heartwarming throwback to the big-family novels of yesteryear, a large biracial family might lose their beloved brownstone home, but win it back with an all-out charm offensive." The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home. A modern classic in the making reminiscent of the Penderwicks series, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is about the connections we make and the unexpected turns life can take. AGES: 7 to 10 AUTHOR: Karina Glaser is a former teacher and is currently a contributor to Book Riot. She lives in Harlem, New York City with her husband, two daughters, and assortment of rescued animals. One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can't go anywhere without a book. This is her debut novel.

Reviews

"Glasers love for the Vanderbeekers shines through in her prose and stick drawings. Readers will look forward to future adventures. A highly recommended purchase for all middle grade collections." School Library Journal (starred review) "Few [families] in childrens literature are as engaging or amusing as the Vanderbeekers." Booklist (starred review) "[Karina Yan Glasers] contemporary family narrative preserves the winsome tone and innocence of the aforementioned classics while updating them with a rich, modern diversity of characters, settings and problems. Glasers warmhearted story highlights a cold truth: What is often missing in the busy lives of todays plugged-in, checked-out families is a sense of community. In the vast village of New York City, she suggests, what it takes to raise a child can still be found on one square block." New York Times Book Review "A heartwarming story about family and community that will appeal to readers who also enjoy an old-fashioned feel." Kirkus Reviews "With rich dialogue and detailed descriptions of the neighborhood, the text provides a humorous and heartwarming story about siblings uniting to save their home. Through the Vanderbeekers, Glaser provides a portrait of the splendors of Harlem and the sense of community that can be built among neighbors of all backgrounds. This will draw fans of rollicking family stories, and while its centered on Christmas, it would be enjoyable any time of the year." Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books "Uplifting. Readers who enjoy a cheery story thats simultaneously old-fashioned and of the moment in its sensibility will enjoy this introduction to the Vanderbeekers and look forward to their future adventures." Publishers Weekly "Glasers third-person narration weaves individual characters plot threads and a palpable sense of place through the larger family story in the tradition of Jeanne Birdsall, Sydney Taylor, Elizabeth Enright, and Hilary McKay." The Horn Book The Vanderbeekers join the Melendys, the Cassons, and theAll of a Kind Family on my list of favorite book-families. Im in love with every single Vanderbeeker! Their story is utterly enchanting: I did not want it to end. More, please Linda Sue Park, Newbery medalist

Author Bio

Karina Glaser lives in Harlem, New York City, with her husband, two daughters, and assortment of rescued animals. One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can't go anywhere without a book. This is her debut novel. www.karinaglaser.com