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moh's review against another edition
5.0
This is so charming and fun! I marked it as middle grade because of the vocabulary, but I think a lot of younger kids would enjoy it, too. There are five siblings between the ages of four and twelve, and they are all delightful.
If you or the kiddos in your life enjoyed Hilary McKay's Classon Family series, you need this book.
Robin Miles narrates the audiobook, which is always a treat.
If you or the kiddos in your life enjoyed Hilary McKay's Classon Family series, you need this book.
Robin Miles narrates the audiobook, which is always a treat.
rngray's review against another edition
5.0
This is a lovely, lovely book. Pre-reading for my 9 year old and I can't wait for her to read it too, and to read the rest of the series.
sunset8305's review against another edition
3.0
This book was pretty cute, but I honestly don't understand what all the hype is about. I did get swept up in the energy of the houseful of Vanderbeekers working their hearts out to save their home. Overall, a nice read with endearing themes about family and having a home.
deeacetean's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? N/A
4.75
hil_knecht's review against another edition
4.0
This was so cute! I read it to both my kids and they both enjoyed it. It's a great book that appeals to a wide range of ages. Can't wait to read the sequel.
acw1119's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
katisha93's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
iuliacurtui's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.75
sdelcharco's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great book! I loved it on audio! Can’t wait to learn more about this sweet family that lives in Harlem! A great sense of place!
mjenae's review against another edition
3.75
I almost quit this book, it was moving sooooo slowwwwllyyy. It's the most contemporary fiction I've ever read—which means it's just following the daily lives of a family. No high stakes, unless you count about-to-lose-the-house-we've-always-lived-in "high stakes." (PS: I didn't.) Just the whole premise was very boring to me.
The children were each individual and unique, but the oldest was only 13. I did enjoy the portrayal, and I thought the characters were accurately displayed on the page—but THEY WEREN'T DOING ANYTHING. And to be honest, following the minds of kids who aren't doing anything isn't very exciting. The only reason I stuck around was because of the Bennie fiasco, which caused conflict between the two sisters. Now that kept me interested and alert.
But the rest? I just didn't care. Maybe it was the wrong time to read it. Maybe it was the narrator. (At one point she read “followed by the…” and before she could finish the sentence, my mind concluded “...pound sign.” Truly, she could've been the telephone voice.) Maybe I should've just read a physical copy instead. Whatever the case, I'm glad I finally got to the climax and resolution. That part, if anything, was lovely.
(I think part of the reason I disliked this book a little was because it's so reminiscent of the Penderwicks, which is a series I love—but it just didn't hit the same spot. So close, and yet so far. The only reason I can figure out is that this one took place in a city, and the Penderwicks take place largely in the country or town. Setting is important for me, and it's hard for me to connect with a city background.)
The children were each individual and unique, but the oldest was only 13. I did enjoy the portrayal, and I thought the characters were accurately displayed on the page—but THEY WEREN'T DOING ANYTHING. And to be honest, following the minds of kids who aren't doing anything isn't very exciting. The only reason I stuck around was because of the Bennie fiasco, which caused conflict between the two sisters. Now that kept me interested and alert.
But the rest? I just didn't care. Maybe it was the wrong time to read it. Maybe it was the narrator. (At one point she read “followed by the…” and before she could finish the sentence, my mind concluded “...pound sign.” Truly, she could've been the telephone voice.) Maybe I should've just read a physical copy instead. Whatever the case, I'm glad I finally got to the climax and resolution. That part, if anything, was lovely.
(I think part of the reason I disliked this book a little was because it's so reminiscent of the Penderwicks, which is a series I love—but it just didn't hit the same spot. So close, and yet so far. The only reason I can figure out is that this one took place in a city, and the Penderwicks take place largely in the country or town. Setting is important for me, and it's hard for me to connect with a city background.)