What do you think?
Rate this book
The Vanderbeekers #4
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
New York Times bestseller Karina Yan Glaser brings everyone’s favorite Harlem family back in this poignant fourth novel in the “delightful and heartwarming” (New York Times Book Review) Vanderbeekers series.
When autumn arrives on 141st Street, the Vanderbeekers are busy helping Mr. Beiderman get ready for the New York City Marathon and making sure the mysterious person sleeping in the community garden gets enough to eat.
But when they discover the true identity of the person making a home in the community garden’s shed, their world turns upside down as they learn what it means to care for someone in an impossible situation.
In this fourth book in the Vanderbeekers series, return to 141st Street with Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney as they attempt to make their neighborhood a better place, one heartfelt plan at a time.
The series
The Vanderbeekers of 141st StreetThe Vanderbeekers and the Hidden GardenThe Vanderbeekers to the RescueThe Vanderbeekers Lost and FoundThe Vanderbeekers Make a WishThe Vanderbeekers on the Road
When autumn arrives on 141st Street, the Vanderbeekers are busy helping Mr. Beiderman get ready for the New York City Marathon and making sure the mysterious person sleeping in the community garden gets enough to eat.
But when they discover the true identity of the person making a home in the community garden’s shed, their world turns upside down as they learn what it means to care for someone in an impossible situation.
In this fourth book in the Vanderbeekers series, return to 141st Street with Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney as they attempt to make their neighborhood a better place, one heartfelt plan at a time.
The series
The Vanderbeekers of 141st StreetThe Vanderbeekers and the Hidden GardenThe Vanderbeekers to the RescueThe Vanderbeekers Lost and FoundThe Vanderbeekers Make a WishThe Vanderbeekers on the Road
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
About the author
Karina Yan Glaser
16 books990 followersOriginally from California, Karina came to New York City for college and has stuck around for nearly twenty years. She has had a varied career teaching and implementing literacy programs in family homeless shelters and recruiting healthcare professionals to volunteer in under resourced areas around the world. Now as a mother, one of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can’t go anywhere without a book. She lives in Harlem with her husband, two daughters, dog, cat, and house rabbit.
Karina is a contributing editor at Book Riot where she writes about children's books and her life as a reader.
Karina is a contributing editor at Book Riot where she writes about children's books and her life as a reader.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
July 7, 2021
This book is probably the most heartbreaking book in this series. I've cried over something or the other in each of these books, but nothing made the tears come spilling like this one. Karina Yan Glaser has a way of bringing up the most important topics in all her books. This one dealt with two major ones that were really heartbreaking. Despite the fact that I cried quite a bit, I loved these books with every fibre of my being. I loved watching the children grow up bit by bit, they truly have the biggest space in my heart. The sense of community is comforting, all five children are wonderful, and the things they do for each other is bound to make you love them too. You experience every emotion when reading this and that's what I adore about this series.
October 22, 2020
My library e-copy does not have the lovely cover image but I did occasionally refer to it as I was reading. I at least got my edition into Overdrive vs. Axis 360 (unreadable for me) but is there really no text on blank page 85 or did I miss something?!
These books keep getting better and better. Book 4 is the best so far. I am loving this series. I’m happy to see that there will be a fifth book coming out next year. There was mention of a film agent in the notes so I’m wondering if book 1 and/or the series is going to be made into a movie post pandemic.
I love that the book is dedicated to 4 dogs, and they’re illustrated on the dedication page too. Perhaps they’re the author’s dogs or dogs that have been part of her family or those she knows/has known. :-)
I enjoyed reading this around the time events in the book play out month and day wise. The events happen from Sunday, October 20 to Sunday, November 3. I read the book from October 17 to October 21.
There is so much that I love about this book.
I particularly love this family.
I like that the kids cook, real things, and that everybody helps with chores.
The baked goods sound delicious. I just veganize them in my own mind. Ditto for the vegetarian dishes mentioned. There isn’t too much that’s non-vegetarian mentioned though this is not a vegetarian family. The two youngest members won’t eat meat that comes from pigs though and that reminded me of Suzy in Meet the Austins, one of my favorite books with one of my other favorite literary families. The mother owns a bakery so there are a lot of cookies and other baked goods, some with fruit and vegetables in them, most not aiming for health, but there are healthy foods eaten here too including fruit and vegetables and oatmeal. (I mention this because my Goodreads friend Hilary and I have fun with another series in which virtually no healthy foods ever seem to be consumed. Now I seem to usually notice what foods are eaten in fiction books because of those hilarious discussions.)
I appreciate the diversity shown in every way including how each child is respected as an individual and is acknowledged for who they are.
I love that one of the kids is shy and seems to be an introvert.
I like big families in stories, twins (including these twins shown to be very different people), NYC, dogs, cats, orphans. All of that is in this story.
I love the complicated relationships and intergenerational friendships/relationships. I love the independence of the kids.
I loved Orlando’s story (probably the most touching parts for me) and the friendship between Jessie and Orlando and his relationships with two older characters and the entire Vanderbeeker family and community.
The sense of community is wonderful. It’s like a love letter to Harlem and to NYC too.
Mental illness and homelessness are touched on very, very lightly. Death makes an appearance also.
I like that the garden that was at the center of the story in book 2 is part of the story though a very small part.
I do love the humor. This book had a lot going on and some of it was serious so the warm hearted people and the humor were particularly appreciated.
There were a very few things I did not like: I did not particularly enjoy the Isa & Benny storyline and I knew/guessed how it would play out. And the glitter on costumes I did not like at all, and it was funny because as soon as I read the first glitter inclusion in this book there was a conversation on someone’s review of another book, about how glitter is NOT eco-friendly. It appeared throughout and balloons did once. And oh wow confetti and in a public building too, probably paper hopefully paper, but even so it’s littering. I wish these types of items would be retired from this series after this book! Most of the rest of the book is so good. I found this sort of thing distracting.
The illustrations are wonderful. I enjoyed the pictures that start the chapters, especially of the animals, but liked all the art, including the pictorial information illustration of the family members and their neighbors and their friends and animals and the floor plan of the residential building with details of the Vanderbeeker’s two floors. I love maps and home floor plans in any books, and anywhere actually.
I do love this family, but I sort of found it difficult to read about big families and companion animals and close neighbors and a story with a real community feel, and outings around the neighborhood and city when I’ve been alone for over 7 months during the pandemic. I couldn’t help but smile and nearly laugh at the marathon scene and what follows. Some real suspense even though I knew how it would turn out!
I am eager to read book 5. I love all the series books so far. I enjoyed book 4 more than book 3 and book 3 more than book 2 and book 2 more than book 1 and I think that is unusual. This series is a winner for me. Completely charming! I recommend it! I love all the love!
These books keep getting better and better. Book 4 is the best so far. I am loving this series. I’m happy to see that there will be a fifth book coming out next year. There was mention of a film agent in the notes so I’m wondering if book 1 and/or the series is going to be made into a movie post pandemic.
I love that the book is dedicated to 4 dogs, and they’re illustrated on the dedication page too. Perhaps they’re the author’s dogs or dogs that have been part of her family or those she knows/has known. :-)
I enjoyed reading this around the time events in the book play out month and day wise. The events happen from Sunday, October 20 to Sunday, November 3. I read the book from October 17 to October 21.
There is so much that I love about this book.
I particularly love this family.
I like that the kids cook, real things, and that everybody helps with chores.
The baked goods sound delicious. I just veganize them in my own mind. Ditto for the vegetarian dishes mentioned. There isn’t too much that’s non-vegetarian mentioned though this is not a vegetarian family. The two youngest members won’t eat meat that comes from pigs though and that reminded me of Suzy in Meet the Austins, one of my favorite books with one of my other favorite literary families. The mother owns a bakery so there are a lot of cookies and other baked goods, some with fruit and vegetables in them, most not aiming for health, but there are healthy foods eaten here too including fruit and vegetables and oatmeal. (I mention this because my Goodreads friend Hilary and I have fun with another series in which virtually no healthy foods ever seem to be consumed. Now I seem to usually notice what foods are eaten in fiction books because of those hilarious discussions.)
I appreciate the diversity shown in every way including how each child is respected as an individual and is acknowledged for who they are.
I love that one of the kids is shy and seems to be an introvert.
I like big families in stories, twins (including these twins shown to be very different people), NYC, dogs, cats, orphans. All of that is in this story.
I love the complicated relationships and intergenerational friendships/relationships. I love the independence of the kids.
I loved Orlando’s story (probably the most touching parts for me) and the friendship between Jessie and Orlando and his relationships with two older characters and the entire Vanderbeeker family and community.
The sense of community is wonderful. It’s like a love letter to Harlem and to NYC too.
Mental illness and homelessness are touched on very, very lightly. Death makes an appearance also.
I like that the garden that was at the center of the story in book 2 is part of the story though a very small part.
I do love the humor. This book had a lot going on and some of it was serious so the warm hearted people and the humor were particularly appreciated.
There were a very few things I did not like: I did not particularly enjoy the Isa & Benny storyline and I knew/guessed how it would play out. And the glitter on costumes I did not like at all, and it was funny because as soon as I read the first glitter inclusion in this book there was a conversation on someone’s review of another book, about how glitter is NOT eco-friendly. It appeared throughout and balloons did once. And oh wow confetti and in a public building too, probably paper hopefully paper, but even so it’s littering. I wish these types of items would be retired from this series after this book! Most of the rest of the book is so good. I found this sort of thing distracting.
The illustrations are wonderful. I enjoyed the pictures that start the chapters, especially of the animals, but liked all the art, including the pictorial information illustration of the family members and their neighbors and their friends and animals and the floor plan of the residential building with details of the Vanderbeeker’s two floors. I love maps and home floor plans in any books, and anywhere actually.
I do love this family, but I sort of found it difficult to read about big families and companion animals and close neighbors and a story with a real community feel, and outings around the neighborhood and city when I’ve been alone for over 7 months during the pandemic. I couldn’t help but smile and nearly laugh at the marathon scene and what follows. Some real suspense even though I knew how it would turn out!
I am eager to read book 5. I love all the series books so far. I enjoyed book 4 more than book 3 and book 3 more than book 2 and book 2 more than book 1 and I think that is unusual. This series is a winner for me. Completely charming! I recommend it! I love all the love!
September 29, 2020
Another thumping good adventure for the Vanderbeekers as they help Mr Beiderman (their landlord) prepare for the NY Marathon and discover someone has been sleeping in the shed at their community garden.
This series is great. I think there are books that define generations. The Harry Potter books, The Famous Five, the Narnia books. The Vanderbeekers deserve a place in that esteemed company.
This series is great. I think there are books that define generations. The Harry Potter books, The Famous Five, the Narnia books. The Vanderbeekers deserve a place in that esteemed company.
December 29, 2023
there better be a 5th book, because i did not go through all this pain not to see my kids again. i love this family so much! (4.5)
September 10, 2020
Kudos to the cover design and the featuring of the captivating REP (Roof of Epic Proportions). I have always said that were I to move to NYC, I would want to live in a brownstone near Central Park. After visiting the Vanderbeekers for the fourth time, I have changed my mind. I want to live in Harlem with the Vanderbeekers! Once again difficult topics are appropriately addressed with grace and transparency. There is so much going on, but the pacing and attention given to each topic is just right. As the Vanderbeekers grow and change, the readers are along for the ride. Since the range in age from 7-13 (as of this fourth installment), the book will also appeal to a range of readers. As I have said at least once before, reading the latest Vanderbeekers is one of my favorite autumn events. Please keep them coming, Karina Yan Glaser!
Thank you to HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2020
I LOVED this book! It made me cry at least three times from sad things but also deeply human things that become a bond between characters. This 141st street tribe has come a long way, and I love the found family that they are. It reminds me of the Father Tim books and how each book adds new family members into the mix, people who are going to hang together through thick and thin. The many storylines in this book were woven together as beautifully as one of Hyacinth’s knitted quilts.
I also laughed a ton with this book—Oliver’s tomato costume, Laney’s marathon shirt for Mr. B, the Vanderbeeker water fight, etc. So, so good.
I also laughed a ton with this book—Oliver’s tomato costume, Laney’s marathon shirt for Mr. B, the Vanderbeeker water fight, etc. So, so good.
February 27, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better ❤️
December 3, 2020
3.5 stars
This book covered more than just the Person of Mystery in the shed and those who are homeless, but also grieving the death of a loved one, making new friends, and girls having guy friends.
I really find the Vanderbeeker family to be so sweet and I love how they always have each others’ backs. There were so many parts that made me smile and I’m so excited to read the next book about this family in the Fall of 2021.
Content:
Overall very clean, but it does mention a family member who was hit by a car and passed away; A friend of the twin's comments that his mother told him that she never wished to be a mom (and is not a stable parent figure in this friend's life).
This book covered more than just the Person of Mystery in the shed and those who are homeless, but also grieving the death of a loved one, making new friends, and girls having guy friends.
I really find the Vanderbeeker family to be so sweet and I love how they always have each others’ backs. There were so many parts that made me smile and I’m so excited to read the next book about this family in the Fall of 2021.
Content:
Overall very clean, but it does mention a family member who was hit by a car and passed away; A friend of the twin's comments that his mother told him that she never wished to be a mom (and is not a stable parent figure in this friend's life).
October 14, 2021
The Vanderbeeker family's fourth adventure: as Mr. Biedermann, formerly a shut-in, prepares for his first New York Marathon, with the help of the school track team, the children find evidence that someone (a "mysterious person" or MP) is living in their shed. When they find out the identity of the MP, they all throw in to help in a variety of ways, but it is not clear that the MP wants their help. The usual adorable kids, an expanded menagerie and a bit more involvement by the adults because of the homeless issue.
April 26, 2023
Goodness, this was heartbreaking. Definitely the saddest Vanderbeeker to date, but handled amazingly well. I loved how realistically and gently everything in this book was handled.
Made me want to hug everyone close. <3
Made me want to hug everyone close. <3
March 14, 2022
I all-caps 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 the Vanderbeeker series. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
When I start these books I know that I'll cry at some point. So.much.heart! Thanks to a friend I knew to be prepared for a bit more emotional oomph in 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 & 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃. It was easily a 5 Kleenex read.
This installment had me appreciating 3 things in particular: the intergenerational friendships, the strong sense of community (both by blood and choice) and the way the characters embraced the unique elements of their personalities to help someone else.
I'm going to give myself a beat to savor this book before diving into book 5. I take comfort in knowing that it's there when I need it.
Allow me to convince you to pick up these middle grade gems -
-Start with The Vanderbeekers of 141st St.
-The Vanderbeeker family has 5 kids and are loud, lovable and sometimes chaotic. As a mom of 4, with two working parents, I can absolutely relate to the loud, lovable and usually chaotic family.
- Set in a brownstone in Harlem with eclectic neighbors, friends and animals poking behind every corner.
- Delightful characters and a story that is a wonderful mix of sweet adventures and disastrous mishaps.
- Tough real-life topics handled with wise directness and generous grace.
- Huggable. I always feel better after I read one.
- There will be 7 books in the series.
- Recommended for ages 8-12. But my 12 and 14 year old's still clamor to read them. Further proof that MG/middle grade books aren't only for kids.
- I've heard these are great on audio and as a read-aloud.
When I start these books I know that I'll cry at some point. So.much.heart! Thanks to a friend I knew to be prepared for a bit more emotional oomph in 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 & 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃. It was easily a 5 Kleenex read.
This installment had me appreciating 3 things in particular: the intergenerational friendships, the strong sense of community (both by blood and choice) and the way the characters embraced the unique elements of their personalities to help someone else.
I'm going to give myself a beat to savor this book before diving into book 5. I take comfort in knowing that it's there when I need it.
Allow me to convince you to pick up these middle grade gems -
-Start with The Vanderbeekers of 141st St.
-The Vanderbeeker family has 5 kids and are loud, lovable and sometimes chaotic. As a mom of 4, with two working parents, I can absolutely relate to the loud, lovable and usually chaotic family.
- Set in a brownstone in Harlem with eclectic neighbors, friends and animals poking behind every corner.
- Delightful characters and a story that is a wonderful mix of sweet adventures and disastrous mishaps.
- Tough real-life topics handled with wise directness and generous grace.
- Huggable. I always feel better after I read one.
- There will be 7 books in the series.
- Recommended for ages 8-12. But my 12 and 14 year old's still clamor to read them. Further proof that MG/middle grade books aren't only for kids.
- I've heard these are great on audio and as a read-aloud.
November 16, 2020
The Vanderbeeker family returns in this fourth adventure, facing some of the toughest challenges they have ever experienced with love, understanding and creativity. As the Vanderbeeker's neighbor, friend and landlord, Mr. Biedermann, prepares for his first New York Marathon, the children discover that the homeless MP ("mysterious person") using the shed at their community garden is someone they all know and love. While trying to find a solution to this problem, the children, their parents, and their wider circle of friends must also confront a devastating loss, in the form of . Other, more everyday experiences are also explored, from schoolgirl misunderstandings to Halloween races, but the narrative focuses primarily on these two main story-lines, touching upon issues of homelessness, mental illness, and loss. In the end, the loving bonds of community that the Vanderbeekers have built around them lead both to healing, and to a solution to a very thorny problem...
I found The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found every bit as heartwarming and emotionally satisfying as its predecessors, and raced through it in a single reading session. Although it touched upon some very serious issues, and was often quite poignant - I found myself tearing up on more than one occasion, while reading - it still managed to maintain the sense of humor and feeling of joy to be found in previous installments of the series. There are times, reading Karina Yan Glaser's books, that I feel as if I am seeing the world as it ought to be, rather than as it truly is. Perhaps this feeling is partly owing to the fact that I myself do not belong to such a close-knit community as the one depicted here, and wonder if it is too good to be true. Then again, perhaps I simply encounter the goodhearted wholesomeness exemplified by the Vanderbeekers and their circle more frequently in vintage children's fare, and am therefore surprised to find it in a current novel. Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that Glaser manages to be contemporary and current, in the best possible way, with a diverse and appealing cast of characters, but to also retain an almost old-fashioned sense of the goodness of people, and of our culture. Highly recommended, to anyone who has read the previous three books about the Vanderbeekers and their wonderful world on 141st Street.
I found The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found every bit as heartwarming and emotionally satisfying as its predecessors, and raced through it in a single reading session. Although it touched upon some very serious issues, and was often quite poignant - I found myself tearing up on more than one occasion, while reading - it still managed to maintain the sense of humor and feeling of joy to be found in previous installments of the series. There are times, reading Karina Yan Glaser's books, that I feel as if I am seeing the world as it ought to be, rather than as it truly is. Perhaps this feeling is partly owing to the fact that I myself do not belong to such a close-knit community as the one depicted here, and wonder if it is too good to be true. Then again, perhaps I simply encounter the goodhearted wholesomeness exemplified by the Vanderbeekers and their circle more frequently in vintage children's fare, and am therefore surprised to find it in a current novel. Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that Glaser manages to be contemporary and current, in the best possible way, with a diverse and appealing cast of characters, but to also retain an almost old-fashioned sense of the goodness of people, and of our culture. Highly recommended, to anyone who has read the previous three books about the Vanderbeekers and their wonderful world on 141st Street.
July 24, 2023
A heartwarming novel about the fourth adventure of the Vanderbeekers as they discover a startling secret of who was staying in the garden shed, navigate grief and support each other through times of trouble!
I love this series so very, very much and Karina Yan Glaser's writing style is so dear to my heart! I can't wait to jump into the next book in the Vanderbeeker's series: The Vanderbeekers Lost And Found and then to the latest book in the series: The Vanderbeekers On The Road!!
Let's go through each and every character and what I loved about them all:
**Papa:** this character is always trying to be involved in his children's life and is so funny when he is oblivious to something the kids have known forever!
**Mama:** time and time again, this beloved character always comes through with her delicious treats and her endless love for her children which is something that all mothers should have (the love part lol)! :)
**Jessie:** the "science expert" of the family always comes through with her clever ideas and witty way with every situation!
**Isa:** the beautiful violinist who may be more than "best friends" with Benny and who always puts others needs before her own, shines again in yet another adventure!
**Oliver:** this boy reminds me of my own brother with his funny ways, his determination to be a good friend and his heart to help others!
**Hyacinth:** I'm ngl, Hyacinth has GOT to be one of my favorite characters with her shy manner, her precise knitting talent and the way she makes everything blossom is just heartwarming to see in such a young character! :)
**Laney:** and nobody can forget about this ball of sunshine; I love the way that Laney is very matter-of-fact about everything, lights up the room with her joy and is so innocent to the trials of the world!
**Orlando:** even though this character goes through SO MUCH in this story, he's always giving his whole heart to everybody else around him before even considering himself, which is great to see in a character like him!
**Benny:** I didn't see this character as much in the story, other than in Isa's ideas lol, but he's always so kind and loving and he really "only has eyes" for Isa!
**Allegra:** the fashionista of the neighborhood, and best friend to the twins, Allegra shines yet again in her crafty ideas, creative personality and her romantic outlook on everything! :)
**Miss Josie:** the amazing and motherly neighbor (who I wish I could meet, in person) is always there for others, is so kind and has the sweetest soul!
**Mr. Jeet:** we all love this man, even though he grew less and less active throughout the series he is still dear to our hearts and .
**Mr. Beiderman:** under the gruff voice and grumpy personality is a man who deeply cares about everyone around him and would do ANYTHING for those he loves (this is demonstrated at the end of the story)!
And to every other character: I loved reading about all of them, I loved the diversity displayed in the story and I adore how Karina Glaser can create every single character (even if they were in one sentence) to be so different and unique from the next! :)
I was also pleasantly surprised at how the parents knew most everything the children were involved in, which is a direct contrast to the previous books where the kids are doing something without their parents' knowledge or consent; so I thought that was interesting that the suspense wasn't about the kids sneaking things past their parents but more of other things in the story!
Thank you for reading this review and I hope that you guys will read many more!
**Special Shout-Out: To all of the ppl who have invited me to their polls, have liked my reviews and have talked to me and accepted my many friend requests (you know who you are ;)... ) I wish you all an amazing day and a wonderful time enjoying the books you are currently reading! :D
God loves you for being you, and I love you all for reading my reviews! Adios <3
I love this series so very, very much and Karina Yan Glaser's writing style is so dear to my heart! I can't wait to jump into the next book in the Vanderbeeker's series: The Vanderbeekers Lost And Found and then to the latest book in the series: The Vanderbeekers On The Road!!
Let's go through each and every character and what I loved about them all:
**Papa:** this character is always trying to be involved in his children's life and is so funny when he is oblivious to something the kids have known forever!
**Mama:** time and time again, this beloved character always comes through with her delicious treats and her endless love for her children which is something that all mothers should have (the love part lol)! :)
**Jessie:** the "science expert" of the family always comes through with her clever ideas and witty way with every situation!
**Isa:** the beautiful violinist who may be more than "best friends" with Benny and who always puts others needs before her own, shines again in yet another adventure!
**Oliver:** this boy reminds me of my own brother with his funny ways, his determination to be a good friend and his heart to help others!
**Hyacinth:** I'm ngl, Hyacinth has GOT to be one of my favorite characters with her shy manner, her precise knitting talent and the way she makes everything blossom is just heartwarming to see in such a young character! :)
**Laney:** and nobody can forget about this ball of sunshine; I love the way that Laney is very matter-of-fact about everything, lights up the room with her joy and is so innocent to the trials of the world!
**Orlando:** even though this character goes through SO MUCH in this story, he's always giving his whole heart to everybody else around him before even considering himself, which is great to see in a character like him!
**Benny:** I didn't see this character as much in the story, other than in Isa's ideas lol, but he's always so kind and loving and he really "only has eyes" for Isa!
**Allegra:** the fashionista of the neighborhood, and best friend to the twins, Allegra shines yet again in her crafty ideas, creative personality and her romantic outlook on everything! :)
**Miss Josie:** the amazing and motherly neighbor (who I wish I could meet, in person) is always there for others, is so kind and has the sweetest soul!
**Mr. Jeet:** we all love this man, even though he grew less and less active throughout the series he is still dear to our hearts and .
**Mr. Beiderman:** under the gruff voice and grumpy personality is a man who deeply cares about everyone around him and would do ANYTHING for those he loves (this is demonstrated at the end of the story)!
And to every other character: I loved reading about all of them, I loved the diversity displayed in the story and I adore how Karina Glaser can create every single character (even if they were in one sentence) to be so different and unique from the next! :)
I was also pleasantly surprised at how the parents knew most everything the children were involved in, which is a direct contrast to the previous books where the kids are doing something without their parents' knowledge or consent; so I thought that was interesting that the suspense wasn't about the kids sneaking things past their parents but more of other things in the story!
Thank you for reading this review and I hope that you guys will read many more!
**Special Shout-Out: To all of the ppl who have invited me to their polls, have liked my reviews and have talked to me and accepted my many friend requests (you know who you are ;)... ) I wish you all an amazing day and a wonderful time enjoying the books you are currently reading! :D
God loves you for being you, and I love you all for reading my reviews! Adios <3
February 20, 2023
Okay no, no, no, no. You can't just kill off a little old man in a kids book and expect me to be okay.
August 6, 2023
◼️🌑🌃𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴 Lost and Found🌃🌑◼️
3.5 Stars
A mysterious person has been living inside the community garden Oliver, Jessie, Isa, Hyacinth, and Laney created a couple of years ago. Being the kind-hearted people they are, they provide this person with food and clues, curious to learn who this person is. When they discover that this person is someone that they deeply care for and a close friend of their family, their lives are changed. Now they try to change people's lives one step at a time, but what do they do when a person doesn't want help? As Mr. Jeet's health is declining and, with it, a series of problems that will unfold and threaten Orlando's hope of staying in Harlem, the Vanderbeekers might have faced a situation they can't solve.
*Thank you to Genie :) for recommending this series😄
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found was the volume that switched the overall tone the series has maintained so far as it delves into darker, more honest topics such as unhoused youth and death. This volume was a lot more serious than the other ones, and that was something I deeply appreciated. There was still a strong sense of hope and community that reigned through all the events, which helped add Karina Yan Glaser's signature dash of heartwarming compassion and sincere story-telling.
What I found most interesting about the story was the dynamic between The Vanderbeekers and Orlando. Orlando is a boy who has been through quite a lot, but this never changes who he is at heart: a compassionate and empathetic boy who puts a lot of thought into how his actions affect others. This is also a great weakness of his. He sacrifices his own needs or wants for others and feels guilty when great acts of kindness are shown to him, feeling like a burden to others. In the complex maze of his character, I found one part the most interesting: how his personality clashed with Jessie.
Jessie is a girl of science, an intelligent teenager who sees answers in science. She strives to find solutions to every problem and reasons to explain the answers. Yet the siblings desperate attempts to try to solve Orlando's struggles do not result like they have in the past. It all comes down to one thing: not everything in life can be controlled or fixed. No matter the good intentions, intervening in a person's life and trying to make things better for them without their consent is not always going to create the happily ever after that the story has always resulted in. It's also about deciding whether to pursue priorities or passions when there is not room for both.
Hyacinth is working on building her confidence and learning to reach out to others. Isa was confused about how she felt about Benny, wondering if her feelings for him were those of a friend or something more. Oliver is frustrated when his multiple attempts to solve problems fail against the inevitable. Meanwhile, Laney is facing a sadness unlike any she has ever felt before, and she's learning to find some joy again. This was sad, especially as it dealt with grief and death, but it also made the story feel more grounded in reality.
Still, the story doesn't really dig deep into these subjects. It feels like a brief storm, only to be brushed off by other things. That's okay. This story is meant to be a safe place for readers of all ages to learn about poverty, grief, death, love, hope, joy, and absent parents. It's a story that lets readers explore these topics themselves to get a glimpse of them but not the whole picture, to learn about them but tuck them away for later when they're ready to learn more. It's meant to allow readers to learn about such topics but not have anything thrust upon them when they don't feel ready. There's a beauty to that. That conflicts with my desire for the story to dig deeper, but it also feels comforting all the time when reading this.
I really loved seeing how Mr. Beiderman helped change others lives by showing compassion. It just goes to show how these books show the beauty that exists in each of us to show kindness and make a change.
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWISTS
3.5 Stars
A mysterious person has been living inside the community garden Oliver, Jessie, Isa, Hyacinth, and Laney created a couple of years ago. Being the kind-hearted people they are, they provide this person with food and clues, curious to learn who this person is. When they discover that this person is someone that they deeply care for and a close friend of their family, their lives are changed. Now they try to change people's lives one step at a time, but what do they do when a person doesn't want help? As Mr. Jeet's health is declining and, with it, a series of problems that will unfold and threaten Orlando's hope of staying in Harlem, the Vanderbeekers might have faced a situation they can't solve.
*Thank you to Genie :) for recommending this series😄
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found was the volume that switched the overall tone the series has maintained so far as it delves into darker, more honest topics such as unhoused youth and death. This volume was a lot more serious than the other ones, and that was something I deeply appreciated. There was still a strong sense of hope and community that reigned through all the events, which helped add Karina Yan Glaser's signature dash of heartwarming compassion and sincere story-telling.
What I found most interesting about the story was the dynamic between The Vanderbeekers and Orlando. Orlando is a boy who has been through quite a lot, but this never changes who he is at heart: a compassionate and empathetic boy who puts a lot of thought into how his actions affect others. This is also a great weakness of his. He sacrifices his own needs or wants for others and feels guilty when great acts of kindness are shown to him, feeling like a burden to others. In the complex maze of his character, I found one part the most interesting: how his personality clashed with Jessie.
Jessie is a girl of science, an intelligent teenager who sees answers in science. She strives to find solutions to every problem and reasons to explain the answers. Yet the siblings desperate attempts to try to solve Orlando's struggles do not result like they have in the past. It all comes down to one thing: not everything in life can be controlled or fixed. No matter the good intentions, intervening in a person's life and trying to make things better for them without their consent is not always going to create the happily ever after that the story has always resulted in. It's also about deciding whether to pursue priorities or passions when there is not room for both.
Hyacinth is working on building her confidence and learning to reach out to others. Isa was confused about how she felt about Benny, wondering if her feelings for him were those of a friend or something more. Oliver is frustrated when his multiple attempts to solve problems fail against the inevitable. Meanwhile, Laney is facing a sadness unlike any she has ever felt before, and she's learning to find some joy again. This was sad, especially as it dealt with grief and death, but it also made the story feel more grounded in reality.
Still, the story doesn't really dig deep into these subjects. It feels like a brief storm, only to be brushed off by other things. That's okay. This story is meant to be a safe place for readers of all ages to learn about poverty, grief, death, love, hope, joy, and absent parents. It's a story that lets readers explore these topics themselves to get a glimpse of them but not the whole picture, to learn about them but tuck them away for later when they're ready to learn more. It's meant to allow readers to learn about such topics but not have anything thrust upon them when they don't feel ready. There's a beauty to that. That conflicts with my desire for the story to dig deeper, but it also feels comforting all the time when reading this.
I really loved seeing how Mr. Beiderman helped change others lives by showing compassion. It just goes to show how these books show the beauty that exists in each of us to show kindness and make a change.
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWISTS
January 11, 2021
I love these books so much! They are such wholesome feel good stories about a family that includes family, friends and neighbors. It makes me want to be a part of their community.
January 28, 2024
~4.5 🌟
This book broke my heart and mended it at the same time 🥲🤍🤍. I love this series and those kids so so much🤍
This book broke my heart and mended it at the same time 🥲🤍🤍. I love this series and those kids so so much🤍
April 26, 2020
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
If you know me, you know how much I love The Vanderbeeker books. This series is on my list of top favorite all-time favorites, so I anticipate a new book by the author with bated breath. She never disappoints me. This book melted my heart, and made me both laugh and cry.
I won't try to review it for you. Others can tell you the plotline and explain what happens. There are a lot of spoilers I don't want to reveal anything that will tell you too much about the story. What I will tell you is that the Vanderbeeker children are once again trying to make things better for someone that they love, and it doesn't go as planned. It's a story filled with so much love for family, friends, neighbors, and pets. There are caring adults that surround these kids, and give me faith in the world. No other series touches my heart the way this one does; I want to move into the brownstone next door so I can be part of these characters lives. The author handles sensitive and difficult topics with tenderness and gentleness, and hope remains even when it appears otherwise.
This is my favorite series to recommend for a family read aloud.
Enough gushing, just pre-order the book!!!!
If you know me, you know how much I love The Vanderbeeker books. This series is on my list of top favorite all-time favorites, so I anticipate a new book by the author with bated breath. She never disappoints me. This book melted my heart, and made me both laugh and cry.
I won't try to review it for you. Others can tell you the plotline and explain what happens. There are a lot of spoilers I don't want to reveal anything that will tell you too much about the story. What I will tell you is that the Vanderbeeker children are once again trying to make things better for someone that they love, and it doesn't go as planned. It's a story filled with so much love for family, friends, neighbors, and pets. There are caring adults that surround these kids, and give me faith in the world. No other series touches my heart the way this one does; I want to move into the brownstone next door so I can be part of these characters lives. The author handles sensitive and difficult topics with tenderness and gentleness, and hope remains even when it appears otherwise.
This is my favorite series to recommend for a family read aloud.
Enough gushing, just pre-order the book!!!!
April 2, 2022
4 1/2 stars
Each installment of this series just gets better! This one teaches the problem-solving Vanderbeekers that they need to make sure the people they're helping actually want their solutions, no matter how clever they are. This one was more emotional for me than the previous three - smiles, tears, heart full. I also noticed for the first time (SMH) that in each installment there is a count-down to an event that creates forward motion and tension. This time it's the NYC Marathon!
Robin Miles does a masterclass in narration. She's one of my favorite narrators, and with these middle-grade books she creates distinct voices for each character, slows down and enunciates without ever coming across as condescending to her young listeners. Brava!
Why I'm reading this: I can't get enough of this family and their adventures in problem-solving.
Each installment of this series just gets better! This one teaches the problem-solving Vanderbeekers that they need to make sure the people they're helping actually want their solutions, no matter how clever they are. This one was more emotional for me than the previous three - smiles, tears, heart full. I also noticed for the first time (SMH) that in each installment there is a count-down to an event that creates forward motion and tension. This time it's the NYC Marathon!
Robin Miles does a masterclass in narration. She's one of my favorite narrators, and with these middle-grade books she creates distinct voices for each character, slows down and enunciates without ever coming across as condescending to her young listeners. Brava!
Why I'm reading this: I can't get enough of this family and their adventures in problem-solving.
June 3, 2020
Thank you to Eidelweiss + and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the eARC.
I love the Vanderbeekers series and was thoroughly excited to have the opportunity to read this book as an eARC. This, the 4th book in the series, was my favorite! I had a hard time putting it down and loved the emotional connection I developed with the characters and their situations. I laughed, smiled, and even cried throughout this book. It is a book that I will highly recommend to my elementary aged students. Definitely worth the read!
I love the Vanderbeekers series and was thoroughly excited to have the opportunity to read this book as an eARC. This, the 4th book in the series, was my favorite! I had a hard time putting it down and loved the emotional connection I developed with the characters and their situations. I laughed, smiled, and even cried throughout this book. It is a book that I will highly recommend to my elementary aged students. Definitely worth the read!
June 27, 2022
This series continues to delight me! I love that the kids age and mature as it progresses -- this fourth book takes place about two years after the first book. Unfortunately, that means the adults also age, and a loss that has been hovering for a while finally occurs. Glaser handles grief and mourning so sensitively, yet honestly -- she really, really impressed me here.
This book also involves the issues of homelessness for kids and absent parents, and how those can affect even kids like the Vanderbeekers who have a loving and stable home. But it also shows how they can impact the life of someone who is struggling, without seeming condescending or pitying. Again, I was impressed.
No one in this book ever says the phrase "love your neighbor as yourself," but that message is woven all through this book, and the series as a whole. Wonderful stuff!
This book also involves the issues of homelessness for kids and absent parents, and how those can affect even kids like the Vanderbeekers who have a loving and stable home. But it also shows how they can impact the life of someone who is struggling, without seeming condescending or pitying. Again, I was impressed.
No one in this book ever says the phrase "love your neighbor as yourself," but that message is woven all through this book, and the series as a whole. Wonderful stuff!
December 7, 2020
How wonderful to be reunited with not one, but two of my favorite series this week. Reading The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found was like pulling on a warm snuggly sweater and cuddling up by the fire during a snowstorm. I feel safe and comforted in every book of this series, even when the story ventures into scary territory. And these five siblings, their parents, and the quaint community they live within continue to grow into our hearts as we discover more about each character throughout the series. I won’t provide any spoilers for readers who have yet to read books #1 to #3, but just know that book #4 had me in heart-wrenching tears before the end. Be sure to have a box of Kleenex on hand!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
August 11, 2021
4.0⭐️ I would put the Vanderbeekers right up there alongside The Penderwicks as my favourite modern day family in kids lit. Gosh how I love them. There’s something about the spirit of these books that is magical and rare - wise and gentle and sweet but never beyond belief or saccharine.
This installment tackles some harder topics, and does it with a deft directness that is just what most kids appreciate.
Understandably, there weren’t as many moments of humour in this one, which I missed because that’s one of my favourite things about the characters.
I hope the author writes more and more about the Vanderbeekers. I adore them.
CW: Abandonment, Chronic illness, Death, Grief, Medical content, Homelessness, and Terminal illness
This installment tackles some harder topics, and does it with a deft directness that is just what most kids appreciate.
Understandably, there weren’t as many moments of humour in this one, which I missed because that’s one of my favourite things about the characters.
I hope the author writes more and more about the Vanderbeekers. I adore them.
CW: Abandonment, Chronic illness, Death, Grief, Medical content, Homelessness, and Terminal illness
March 11, 2021
Another entertaining instalment in the Vanderbeekers series! These books are just plain good, wholesome entertainment. There was a really sad section of the book, but it was a good reminder about loss not being the ultimate end. Good things are always on the horizon.
March 20, 2021
I’ve been on a middle grade roll! This was so good. Karina Yan Glaser did a phenomenal job talking through some hard issues (homelessness, loss of a loved one), in a way that’s approachable for kids.
Be warned though, it made my 7yo weep. I got all teary eyed too, but it hit her hard.
Be warned though, it made my 7yo weep. I got all teary eyed too, but it hit her hard.
November 17, 2020
This might be my favorite in this series. Tear jerker, heart felt, joy to read.
June 4, 2021
I'm actually crying at how utterly heart-warming and perfect a novel this is. A dose of pure joy. I want to be an honorary Vanderbeeker.
January 14, 2022
Read aloud to my 15 and 12 year old daughters. They love these books. I think this one may be my favorite Vanderbeeker book so far. There were lots of giggles, lots of laughter…and lots of tears too!
September 30, 2020
Cute. Cute. I know this book is written for little kids but I can’t help but read them. I really like this family.
August 15, 2022
.
Book number four did not disappoint !
I love the Vanderbeeker family .
The kids now range in age from 7-14 and in this installment, they are once again faced with some difficult situations—probably the hardest yet.
Death, homelessness, parental abandonment, overstepping boundaries—that is some tough stuff.
But somehow these kids always make a way.
Glaser always maneuvers them with dignity and grace.
Sometimes, the kids make the wrong decisions but are always charted back on course either by the amazing adults around them or their peers.
I am looking forward to the next in the series.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#thevanderbeekerslostandfound #thevanderbeekers #thevanderbeekerseries #bookseries #karinayanglaser #hmh #houghtonmifflinharcourt #juniorlibraryguildselection #hmhbooks #hmhkids #childrensbooks #middlegrade #ireadmiddlegrade #ireadmg #bookriot #kidlit #readmore #readmorebooks #bookstagram #bookish #shereadsalot #the52bookclub2022 #the52bookclub #bookchallenge #bookchallenge2022 #projectlit #projectlitcommunity
Book number four did not disappoint !
I love the Vanderbeeker family .
The kids now range in age from 7-14 and in this installment, they are once again faced with some difficult situations—probably the hardest yet.
Death, homelessness, parental abandonment, overstepping boundaries—that is some tough stuff.
But somehow these kids always make a way.
Glaser always maneuvers them with dignity and grace.
Sometimes, the kids make the wrong decisions but are always charted back on course either by the amazing adults around them or their peers.
I am looking forward to the next in the series.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#thevanderbeekerslostandfound #thevanderbeekers #thevanderbeekerseries #bookseries #karinayanglaser #hmh #houghtonmifflinharcourt #juniorlibraryguildselection #hmhbooks #hmhkids #childrensbooks #middlegrade #ireadmiddlegrade #ireadmg #bookriot #kidlit #readmore #readmorebooks #bookstagram #bookish #shereadsalot #the52bookclub2022 #the52bookclub #bookchallenge #bookchallenge2022 #projectlit #projectlitcommunity
Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews