Reviews

Reminds me of Penderwicks - wholesome family story with many children including a quirky little one, positive adults, good relationships, funny pets. Cute read with straightforward plot structure; only curse word I can remember is "fudge"; mild romantic interest between two characters who hold hands. TW: the main conflict in the book is that the Vanderbeekers are faced with having to move out of their beloved home of 6 years and probably out of the only neighborhood they have ever known (Harlem) at Christmastime (a holiday they celebrate);

Spoiler

a character's wife and child are killed in a car accident in the past, turning him into a recluse who cannot bear reminders of them.

storiesandsours's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

themartinmama's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Very sweet quick read I am passing to the kids next.

amlibera's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is all the things I love. A middle grade book about a large modern day family living in a brownstone in Harlem. It is set at Christmas, it is cosy in the way of the best family novels. The characters are described in a way that children of all colors and ethnicities can imagine themselves within its pages. It recalls The Melendy Family and The Penderwicks, and it made me cry at the end. Just what I wanted.

jammersbookstacks's review against another edition

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5.0

I would love to be the Vanderbekkers’ neighbor!! I love stories like this - yes the ending is tidy, but the middle is real, not fluffy!! Great story and characters! This will be read again and again in our home!

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