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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
funny
lighthearted
medium-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:
Yes
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:
Yes
Don't usually read middle grade novels. This was a cute book!
funny
hopeful
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:
No
It’s for children, but I loved it as a 50-something grown-up. It’s a bit like All-of-a-Kind Family or Little Women with a bit of A Christmas Carol thrown in from the Cratchets’ perspective, but in Harlem in modern times. I loved the characters and the love they had for each other and their home.
Also, the audiobook is read by one of my favorite narrators, Robin Miles, which was an added plus
Also, the audiobook is read by one of my favorite narrators, Robin Miles, which was an added plus
Its hard to not compare this story to all the other middle-grade novels I’ve read recently but that wouldn’t be fair because the Vanderbeeker Family is unlike any other. I especially enjoyed the honest thought-processes of the children (such as agreeing to a kind-deeds campaign, though admitting a revenge “assault” would be fun) and the unwavering importance of family - both the one you’re born into, and the one you make. This is a story I’ll gladly pass on to L&C in a few years (I’m thinking when they’re 11 and 9, respectively, we’ll read it together).
2020 reread : L&C are now 11 & 9 and loved the Vanderbeekers! We listened together to the audio read by Robin Miles.
2020 reread : L&C are now 11 & 9 and loved the Vanderbeekers! We listened together to the audio read by Robin Miles.
My kids loved this book as our nighttime read-aloud. Found it on a shelf at a little independent bookstore in WV and am thankful to those owners for introducing us to this new series.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
No
I loved it! Funny, warm-hearted, and the perfect combination of modern and old-fashioned. Any book that ends with me hugging it to my chest as if I’m hugging the characters is a keeper.