I really like happy and neighborhood books. Not that there aren't difficulties and problems but that overall the kids and adults encourage, support and love each other through the tough times. Karina Yan Glaser has written three books about the Vanderbeeker family of seven who lives in Harlem, New York City. Her fourth book in this series comes out in September. I usually read the first book in most series and then move on but I just couldn't resist continuing to read about this family. They are perfect to read aloud to a range of ages since it is about the entire family of different ages. Also, a good read-aloud for younger grades.
In The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, the family finds out that they are not able to continue their lease on their brownstone and have to move out around Christmas. This devastating news makes the five children start to plot how to convince their landlord, who lives in the upstairs apartment, to change his mind.
In The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden, the kids clean up a vacant lot by their brownstone to cheer up their beloved neighbor who has had a stroke. Of course, they run into difficulties!
The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue was my favorite so far! In this saga, the Vanderbeekers keep finding stray animals at their door that they feel compelled to care for. The only thing is, they need to get rid of their pets in order for their mother to pass the health inspection for her baking business which she runs in her home.
I rate all of these books with 4 stars.
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