(Age 8 – 12) The Vanderbeekers have a house bursting at the seams with kids, pets and assorted neighbours. They are busy, messy, and there’s always something going on. They live simply, have good values, often get into trouble, and are active and helpful in their community of Harlem, New York. This 4th instalment includes some tough issues of loss for the kids to deal with.
I must admit to a weakness for young adult novels that have a certain quality–ones that are not cliché or twee (kids don’t appreciate being talked down to), or too edgy for edginess sake. If done right, YA novels are compelling and easy to read for people of all ages. Think Disney–those animated films are fun for both kids and parents. Good writing is ageless and timeless.
What sets this series apart from other classic family stories and gives it depth, is how the author deals with racial diversity, NYC landscape, and challenging socioeconomic issues. When I stumbled on the first one (The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street), I actually gobbled up the first three in a row and had to wait for this fourth one to be published. The fifth is slated to come out in September 2021. Amy Poehler has optioned the Vanderbeekers for a movie or series!
What I wrote in a previous post describes this series further: click here.
Joanne's Reading Blog 