The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
by Karina Yan Glaser

The heartfelt shenanigans of the Vanderbeeker children brings joy and laughter and sadness for the holiday season.

This is the 1st book in the Vanderbeeker series. The family lives in Harlem in an old brownstone their dog, Franz, their cat, George Washington, and their bunny, Paganini. There is another couple that live on the floor above them, Miss Josie and Mr. Jeet. Their old, reclusive landlord who lives on the third floor of the brownstone has decided to not renew their lease and they must be out on December 31st. That only gives their parents 11 days to find another house.

They do not want to leave the brownstone or the neighborhood, because of all the memories and friends that they have in Harlem. The children do whatever they can to get Mr. Beiderman to change his mind. They bring him a Christmas tree, a jazz record, a kitten and even homemade cookies. One of the children finds a smashed jazz record in the building’s trash bin.

As the children learn more and more about Mr. Beiderman, they begin to understand why he appears to be “mean”. All I can say is that a “Christmas Miracle” takes place.

The Professor’s Commentary

I enjoyed this book about family and extended family. The message that comes across in the book is the power of forgiveness and love. That is the most important thing. The love of God extends to us through the death of His Son, Jesus, on the cross and the power of His forgiveness of our sins.