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karen_hallam's review against another edition
5.0
When the Vanderbeeker children of 141 Street in Harlem discover their landlord isn’t renewing the lease, they strike out with inventive ways to convince him otherwise. Only he isn’t going to be easy to convince, he never leaves his third-floor apartment, and he’s grouchy and scary.
It’s Christmastime in the city. Mr. Vanderbeeker calls a meeting and explains to his five biracial children, along with their dog, a cat, and house rabbit that they have to leave the neighborhood they’ve grown up in. The friendly neighborhood where they know every clerk and shop owner. It’s the worst time to be homeless.
Distraught beyond comprehension, one by one, each of the five Vanderbeeker children, Oliver, the twins Jessie and Isa, and Laney and Hyacinth come up with clever ideas that are sure to melt the landlord, Mr. Beiderman’s heart. Only nothing works, even when the entire neighborhood signs a petition to help save their home.
It’s an all-out love assault. But will anything stop the Beiderman?
Such a delightful and heartwarming story that reminded me of the feeling I had reading books as a child. A classic. Each of the Vanderbeeker’s children will find their way into your heart with their charms and creativity. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden. (Sept. 25, 2018)
It’s Christmastime in the city. Mr. Vanderbeeker calls a meeting and explains to his five biracial children, along with their dog, a cat, and house rabbit that they have to leave the neighborhood they’ve grown up in. The friendly neighborhood where they know every clerk and shop owner. It’s the worst time to be homeless.
Distraught beyond comprehension, one by one, each of the five Vanderbeeker children, Oliver, the twins Jessie and Isa, and Laney and Hyacinth come up with clever ideas that are sure to melt the landlord, Mr. Beiderman’s heart. Only nothing works, even when the entire neighborhood signs a petition to help save their home.
It’s an all-out love assault. But will anything stop the Beiderman?
Such a delightful and heartwarming story that reminded me of the feeling I had reading books as a child. A classic. Each of the Vanderbeeker’s children will find their way into your heart with their charms and creativity. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden. (Sept. 25, 2018)
giggle4amy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
alyssaunabridged's review against another edition
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
3.75
isabelll1336's review against another edition
3.0
Book was nice and I love how it tied everything at the end nicely
renatalynn's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun read, I fell in love with the kids
Looking forward to reading the next 6 books in the series.
I wish I could find out who recommended this book to me, but I can
not find it. Will have to work on that, but thank you.
Looking forward to reading the next 6 books in the series.
I wish I could find out who recommended this book to me, but I can
not find it. Will have to work on that, but thank you.
school_librarian60's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Adored this book from start to finish! The Vanderbeekers are a family that I would love to have as my neighbors. A book I would highly recommend to my students and adults as well. Thrilled that this is a series!
whatsthestorywishbone's review against another edition
5.0
This was a cute heartwarming book. There are a LOT of characters which can be daunting but they all have their quirks and are quite lovable. While overall the story is a bit predictable it has charm for days. I love that the kids are responsible for getting each other presents and cooking dinner/breakfast for the family and radiate respect for each other and their community even when they might be pretty down and out. It has plenty of Christmas cheer too as it takes place around the holidays. Revising to five stars at Reid’s insistence.
christiana's review against another edition
3.0
Solid read in the Penderwicks vein (although I probably liked the Penderwicks better). Fun family antics and it didn't even bother me it took place in NYC (which has been a pet peeve of mine lately)!
indydc's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
staceycriddlereads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25