The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (The Vanderbeekers, 1) Hardcover – Illustrated, October 3, 2017

I got this book after reading positive reviews here and elsewhere to use as a read-aloud with my kids (2-11), but I've been disappointed. It is a fun story and fits well in the genre of "siblings who try to solve a problem together" and has some wonderful descriptions of a community life. My kids really like it. But even in the very first pages I had to be quick to edit as I read aloud. The book starts with the parents calling a family meeting and the kids immediately think the parents are getting divorced. That's not funny -- that's terrible -- and most of all, it's unnecessary to the story. Theirs is a strong, accepting, and loving family and instead the book starts the reader off on this very scary idea that suggests an elemental danger to the kids (I'm not commenting on divorce here -- but clearly the idea is terrifying to these kids!). It also introduces the idea to your kids that they should be worried about divorce, even if everything in their family seems happy.The story does not need this at all. It actually sets it back. And it's very frustrating, because the introductions to the main characters (names, ages, etc.) are woven throughout this "are you getting divorced" conversation, so it is hard to edit out.Similar problems continue on throughout the book, though this is the largest one. In an effort to be realistic, I think, the author has the kids say things like "this blows" which, again, does nothing for the characters. Do kids say "this blows?" Yes, some kids do. Others don't. But what about my 5-year-old? I don't want him to know that you can say "this blows!"So, it's another book that includes wonderful characters and stories but charges a price for them: you have to pay the price of your kids being exposed to bad language, some bad concepts, and the destabilizing idea that parents that show *absolutely no evidence of in any way having a marriage that is in danger* might all of a sudden spring a divorce on you -- you never know! Worry, kids!So don't get the book if you don't want to pay that price. It's a parents' judgment call based on their own values and their own kids. I don't know why this isn't being more widely discussed regarding this book.What a shame!

There is so much to love about The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, everything from the setting to the characters and the storyline were just wonderful. First off is the setting of Harlem with all of these fun detailed descriptions of the brownstone and surrounding shops and landmarks, the darling black and white illustrations by the author for the layout of the ground floor apartment, an illustration of where the other residents of the building live and full-page map of Harlem on the front inside cover. And look at that cover, utterly gorgeous, the colors just pop. The Vanderbeekers are a large family that includes two parents, five siblings, a dog, a cat and even a bunny, together they bring all the joyous sounds of a bustling household with siblings who love and care about one another. Each of the children is delightful on their own and so individually realized and unique. There's even an extended family made of friends, relatives, and neighbors with lovely interactions between the Vanderbeeker children and their friends that appear in natural ways, with everything from the mailman who while dropping off the mail gets homemade dog treats from Hyacinth, Oliver and his best friend Jimmy who talk on their walkie talkie's, the upstairs neighbors Miss Josie and Mr. Jeet who visit with young Laney and even Isa's music teacher Mr. Van Hooten, who together give this book a warm, comfy feeling of both community and family. Not to mention there is a side story between one of the twins and Benny, whose mom owns the local bakery and a bit of a mix-up over an upcoming dance. Plus food, glorious food references making me want to try the hot chocolate with cayenne and cinnamon that was mentioned. I really love how the Vanderbeeker siblings are trying to win over their curmudgeonly landlord by drawing on their individual strengths in writing poetry, drawing, crafting, music, and kindness toward animals to make gifts for the Beiderman in hopes he would see how valuable they were and renew their lease. Their plans to smoother him with kindness don't always go as planned, but they aren't easily discouraged and they do make a lovely team. I was really touched when the reason Mr. Beiderman hasn't left his apartment was revealed, and how the children realized that "home is more than a place" and that what they really wanted is for Mr. Beiderman to feel better. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

it is fun and took my kid quite a long time to read it was such a time consuming book!

If you like The Penderwicks, then you will love The Vanderbeekers! This heart-felt story is set in Harlem, New York City. The story shows that the best way to fight a battle is with love.This book is about the five Vanderbeeker children: Oliver, Hyacinth, Laney, Jessie, and Isa. They are trying to convince their landlord to let them stay after he unexpectedly does not to accept to renew their lease. They will have to move by the end of the December. The five Vanderbeeker children come up with a plan to win over Mr. Beiderman and give him no choice but to let them stay.If you've read The Penderwicks, who was your favorite character? Is it Skye? If it is, then you will find a connection to Jessie, a sassy, adventurous, and confident girl. If you liked Rosalind, then you will like Isa. Isa is like Rosalind in a way that they both take charge of their younger siblings - and they both crush on an older boy! If you liked Jane, then you will love Hyacinth. If you liked Batty, then you will love Laney, the youngest Vanderbeeker child who is bright and has a connection to the Vanderbeeker's dog, Fritz.Overall, this book is an amazing story that children of all ages would love. I loved this story and finished reading it in three days. I hope you love it as much as I do. If you liked this book, then there's a sequel - it's the first in a group of four books. I can't wait to read the next!

It is a wonderful book. A book about Christmas but Christmas not being the only topic. Very sweet family and neighbors.

Absolutely loved this charming family and their heartwarming story. Perfect to read at Christmas time!

I loved this book so much, it was such a warm hug of a book. The Vanderbeeker household is delightfully chaotic with a hyperactive dog and kids who get up to hilarious antics. It’s also such a loving household, I adored reading about the bonds between the siblings, their parents and their lovely neighbours. Speaking of neighbours, Mr Jeet and Miss Josie are so sweet, I love them so much. Without spoiling anything, I also want to say just how heartwarming the Christmas breakfast was, I loved it. This book was so wonderful and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

I absolutely LOVE this book coming from an avid 11 reader this book was perfect for me.I also loved Malory Towers for any other kids my age!

Plot - The Vanderbeekers's landlord gives them notice that their lease won't be renewed and they have to be out just after Christmas. The 5 children set out to do something about it."Majestic street lamps were staggered on both sides of the sidewalk, spaced fifty paces apart. In the evening, the warm glow of the lights made passersby feel that this street might have looked the same one hundred years earlier."I really really loved the imagery in this book. The brownstone where the Vanderbeekers live is described so beautifully and with such details that you can imagine it to be the happiest place in the world. All 5 children have unique personalities that distinguish them but they look out for each other in that special way siblings do. They are also surrounded by loving friends neighbours and pets. The book is warm and cozy and a really really lovely read.

Charming is the word that comes to mind when I think about this christmassy tween novel.Set in Harlem, New York City, the Vanderbeekers' lease is not being renewed to the brownstone they have lived in for years. The five children are upset about this news and set about devising a plan to change their landlord's mind. Having never seen the landlord, Mr. Beiderman, over the years they have lived there, he has grown in their imagination a someone who is larger than life.Although the plot is a bit predictable and the denouement is very quick and smooth, this book is so fun and makes a great family read-aloud.I would enjoy checking in on the Vanderbeekers in the future.

Really enjoyed this book. Enjoyed the humour of the children.