Karina Yan Glaser's The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is celebrated for its charming depiction of family dynamics and community spirit. Critics praise the enchanting, diverse setting and relatable characters. Some find the plot predictable, but overall, the book is deemed heartwarming and engaging for middle-grade readers, emphasizing themes of resilience and belonging.

Readers who enjoyed books like The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall or All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor will find The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street charming and heartwarming. Fans of endearing family dynamics, adventure, and the magic of community will love this story set in a Harlem brownstone.

In The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser, the quirky Vanderbeeker family attempts to win over their reclusive landlord, Mr. Beiderman, to prevent their eviction from their beloved Harlem brownstone just before Christmas by using their individual talents to show him kindness and become his friends. The book contains references to the death of family members due to a car accident.

Karina Yan Glaser

Middle grade

Novel

The Vanderbeekers

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Friday, December 20”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Saturday, December 21”

Part 2, Chapters 5-11

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Part 2, Chapters 5-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Sunday, December 22” - Part 4: “Monday, December 23”

Parts 3-4, Chapters 12-17

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Parts 3-4, Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Tuesday, December 24”- Part 6: “Wednesday, December 25”

Parts 5-6, Chapters 18-Epilogue

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Parts 5-6, Chapters 18-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street?

Reading Age

Book Details