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The Vanderbeekers #2
The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden
Return to Harlem's "wildly entertaining" family in this funny, heartwarming sequel. When catastrophe strikes their beloved upstairs neighbors, the Vanderbeeker children set out to build the best, most magical healing garden in Harlem—in spite of a locked fence, thistles and trash, and the conflicting plans of a wealthy real estate developer. While Isa is off at sleepaway orchestra camp, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney are stuck at home in the brownstone with nothing to do but get on one another’s nerves. But when catastrophe strikes their beloved upstairs neighbor, their sleepy summer transforms in an instant as the Vanderbeeker children band together to do what they do best: make a plan. They will create the most magical healing garden in all of Harlem. The New York Times bestselling Vanderbeekers series is perfect for fans of the Penderwicks. As Booklist commented in a starred review: “Few families in children’s literature are as engaging or amusing as the Vanderbeekers, even in times of turmoil.” The series includes:
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2018
409 people are currently reading
4310 people want to read
About the author
Karina Yan Glaser
20 books1,107 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,026 reviews
August 5, 2022
I read an advance reading uncorrected proof copy with 326 pages. Thank you, Karina! The author asked me if I wanted a copy and offered to add my name to the list, and I received it from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to read a book in advance of publication and I am grateful because I have such fun reading books early. I’ll probably reread the book when the hardcover edition is available, just in case changes have been made between now and then. This copy already has a good look to it though, with a real cover image and inside illustrations, section and chapter titles, etc.
It could work as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the first book first. This one isn’t due out for a few months so there is plenty of time to read the first Vanderbeeker book before reading this second book.
It took me less than a 24 hour period to read it. For just a bit it started very slowly for me, maybe because I already knew the characters and didn’t need as much set up, but I think it was mainly my mood and not the book, but I did like it more and more as it went on. At first I thought I wouldn’t like it as much as the first book but by the middle and definitely by the end I actually enjoyed it even a bit more than the first book.
It’s a sort of modern “The Secret Garden” and I thoroughly enjoyed the references to many other books as well.
I appreciate how even though they have normal sibling squabbles, these kids, even though they have a fairly wide age range, want to spend so much time doing things together. And I also love how they have other friends, both fellow kids and adults.
I really missed Isa in this book. I do think the reason for her absence is realistic. I am glad we got to see her eventually, and the phone call with her helped, though for me the text message did not.
These kids, siblings and their friends, and many of the adults too, are resourceful, industrious, creative, loveable, and endearing. They and this story are delightful.
There is plenty of humor, and one time I did laugh out loud and other amusing scenes too.
Even though as an adult I could easily guess how things would go, more than the target age readers I think, I still felt a lot of suspense, and was heartily rooting for these kids and their project.
The food mentioned in this book, at least to my pre-vegan childhood self, and some of the food is vegan or seems close to it, and of course all of it could be veganized, was so appealing that I didn’t want to read the book feeling hungry.
At one point, after daily action, there is a one week long gap of time and initially I found it jarring but it was the right decision for the story.
The characters and relationships are interesting and have some complexity. This is also a great story about community.
Ultimately, it’s a sweet but not overly sweet story.
Another plus: This book can be enjoyed by both girls and boys.
The illustrations are charming.
I love the author’s bio part that says “One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can’t go anywhere without a book.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to read a book in advance of publication and I am grateful because I have such fun reading books early. I’ll probably reread the book when the hardcover edition is available, just in case changes have been made between now and then. This copy already has a good look to it though, with a real cover image and inside illustrations, section and chapter titles, etc.
It could work as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the first book first. This one isn’t due out for a few months so there is plenty of time to read the first Vanderbeeker book before reading this second book.
It took me less than a 24 hour period to read it. For just a bit it started very slowly for me, maybe because I already knew the characters and didn’t need as much set up, but I think it was mainly my mood and not the book, but I did like it more and more as it went on. At first I thought I wouldn’t like it as much as the first book but by the middle and definitely by the end I actually enjoyed it even a bit more than the first book.
It’s a sort of modern “The Secret Garden” and I thoroughly enjoyed the references to many other books as well.
I appreciate how even though they have normal sibling squabbles, these kids, even though they have a fairly wide age range, want to spend so much time doing things together. And I also love how they have other friends, both fellow kids and adults.
I really missed Isa in this book. I do think the reason for her absence is realistic. I am glad we got to see her eventually, and the phone call with her helped, though for me the text message did not.
These kids, siblings and their friends, and many of the adults too, are resourceful, industrious, creative, loveable, and endearing. They and this story are delightful.
There is plenty of humor, and one time I did laugh out loud and other amusing scenes too.
Even though as an adult I could easily guess how things would go, more than the target age readers I think, I still felt a lot of suspense, and was heartily rooting for these kids and their project.
The food mentioned in this book, at least to my pre-vegan childhood self, and some of the food is vegan or seems close to it, and of course all of it could be veganized, was so appealing that I didn’t want to read the book feeling hungry.
At one point, after daily action, there is a one week long gap of time and initially I found it jarring but it was the right decision for the story.
The characters and relationships are interesting and have some complexity. This is also a great story about community.
Ultimately, it’s a sweet but not overly sweet story.
Another plus: This book can be enjoyed by both girls and boys.
The illustrations are charming.
I love the author’s bio part that says “One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can’t go anywhere without a book.”
August 6, 2018
🌟 ALL THE STARS 🌟 Thx to the author for this free review copy of her 9.25.18 sequel to THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141st STREET ❤️
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These books are the unicorns of Kid Lit. They can appeal to ages 4 - 13 due to the style of writing and the ages of the characters and are perfectly described as Penderwickian. With the bonus of there being a brother! If you don’t know The Penderwicks, how about The Melendy family in the books by Elizabeth Enright? These stories evoke those exact same feelings.
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THE VANDERBEEKERS AND THE HIDDEN GARDEN has a fabulous summer/garden storyline with so many nods to The Secret Garden - loved that. A Harlem setting, a wonderful cast of secondary characters and our favorite NYC family ~ what more could we possibly want?
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If you haven’t read book 1 yet, you have time before this one releases! These are must-buys for middle grade classrooms and libraries.
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This review copy is being passed on to the @kidlitexchange network for more reviews.
.
These books are the unicorns of Kid Lit. They can appeal to ages 4 - 13 due to the style of writing and the ages of the characters and are perfectly described as Penderwickian. With the bonus of there being a brother! If you don’t know The Penderwicks, how about The Melendy family in the books by Elizabeth Enright? These stories evoke those exact same feelings.
.
THE VANDERBEEKERS AND THE HIDDEN GARDEN has a fabulous summer/garden storyline with so many nods to The Secret Garden - loved that. A Harlem setting, a wonderful cast of secondary characters and our favorite NYC family ~ what more could we possibly want?
.
If you haven’t read book 1 yet, you have time before this one releases! These are must-buys for middle grade classrooms and libraries.
.
This review copy is being passed on to the @kidlitexchange network for more reviews.
July 7, 2021
The adventures that these children go on have to be some of my favourites. The first book was fantastic and the second book was no different. This book was so heartwarming and just as emotional as the first book. I loved reading about these kids coming together to make the best garden in Harlem for one of their favourite people. You come out of this book with so much love for these children. There's so much caring and hope and friendship in this one. I love the individualism of each of these kids and you learn so much more about them with each book. Once I've closed the book I want to go right back in. These books make me so cozy and I'll admit I am left with some tears by the end.
February 13, 2025
Book 2 of The Vanderbeekers took me on a mission along with the siblings and friends to secretly create a magical garden for their favorite neighbors. I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The Hidden Garden's main themes are about working and solving problems together and giving back to the community, sprinkled with a little bit of mystery and mischief. It is somewhat reminiscent of Enid Blyton's The Famous Five series that I absolutely loved reading growing up. 4.5 stars rounded up.
September 17, 2025
I fear this series has stolen my heart and I will pick up the next book whenever I’m in need of comfort and coziness because these books are just too cute
October 2, 2019
Nachdem ich im letzten Jahr zufällig aufmerksam wurde auf Karina Yan Glaser und ihre Geschichte rund um die Vanderbeekers, eine interatcial Familie aus New York City (meine Rezension zu Teil 1 findet ihr HIER) konnte ich es kaum erwarten, auch endlich die Fortsetzung zu lesen. Die Geschichte der Vanderbeekers hat mich auf eine ganz besondere und intensive Art und Weise berührt, sodass ich mittlerweile wirklich sagen kann, dass The Vanderbeekers of 141th Street zu meinen absoluten Herzensbüchern gehört. Entsprechend neugierig darauf war ich natürlich zu sehen, ob mich auch die Fortsetzung ebenso begeistern würde.
Obwohl sich The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden vermutlich auch als Standalone lesen lässt, so würde ich dennoch empfehlen, The Vanderbeekers 141th Street zuerst zu lesen, um ein Gespür für die Charaktere und insbesondere auch die Familiendynamik zu bekommen. In diesem zweiten Teil werden zwar immer mal wieder Geschehnisse und Ereignisse aus Teil Eins aufgegriffen, sodass man keine Schwierigkeiten haben sollte, in die Geschichte einzufinden, dennoch finde ich, dass diese Geschichte einfach viel mehr Spaß macht, wenn man zuvor schon einmal mit den Vanderbeekers in Berührung gekommen ist, sie kennenlernen durfte und weiß, wie diese Familie funktioniert. Abgesehen davon ist der erste Teil einfach bombastisch gut, schon deshalb sollte man das Buch lesen.
Während Isa den Sommer in einem Musikcamp verbringt, haben die anderen Geschwister Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth und Laney nicht sonderlich viel zu tun, außer sich gegenseitig auf die Nerven zu fallen und sich zu langweilen. Als dann allerdings etwas Unerwartetes und Schreckliches mit ihren Nachbarn über ihnen im Haus passiert, tun sich die Geschwister zusammen und machen das, was sie am besten können: einen Plan. Gemeinsam würden sie den magischsten und wunderschönen “Heilgarten” in ganz Harlem erschaffen. Allerdings läuft ihr Plan nicht ganz wie erhofft und immer wieder werden ihnen Steine in den Weg gelegt, mal kleine, mal riesig große. Zum Glück jedoch haben sie ein paar Freunde, auf die sie sich verlassen können und die ihnen unter die Arme greifen.
Bereits nachdem ich die ersten Seiten gelesen hatte, wurde mir schmerzlich bewusst, wie sehr ich die Vanderbeekers vermisst hatte. Es ist fast ein Jahr her, seit ich den ersten Teil gelesen habe und doch brauchte ich nur wenige Sekunden, um wieder Teil dieser Familie zu werden und in diese neue Geschichte rund um die Vanderbeekers einzutauchen. Es fühlte sich an, wie Nachhausekommen; als hätte ich nach einer ziemlich langen Zeit sehr gute Freunde endlich wieder gesehen.
Ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass es mir möglich wäre, diese Familie noch ein bisschen mehr zu lieben, doch Karina Yan Glaser hat es mit ihrer kontinuierlichen Entwicklung eines jeden einzelnen Vanderbeekers möglich gemacht. Jede der Figuren, egal ob Haupt- oder Nebencharakter, ist etwas ganz Besonderes, hat Ecken und Kanten und einen unglaublichen Wiedererkennungswert. Egal ob es Jessie ist, die die Führung übernimmt und sich um alles kümmert, Olivier ruhige, manchmal noch sehr naive Art, Hyazinth’s unbändige Freundlichkeit und ihr wahnsinnig großes Herz, Laney’s unendliche Energie oder die bedachte Selbstlosigkeit der beiden Eltern – die Vanderbeekers sind eine Familie, die man so schnell nicht vergisst, die einen, wenn man sie einmal in sein Herz gelassen hat, so schnell nicht wieder los lässt.
Obwohl Isa, eine der beiden Zwillinge, in dieser Geschichte nicht sonderlich präsent war (ich mochte sie im ersten Teil wirklich sehr gerne), so hat mir wirklich wahnsinnig gefallen, wie Jessie sich während der Abwesenheit ihres Zwillings weiterentwickelt hat und aus sich herausgekommen ist. So konnte Jessie zeigen, dass auch sie als Individuum und nicht nur im Doppelpack mit ihrer geliebten Schwester, wahnsinnig viel erreichen kann. Dass die beiden dennoch auf ganz liebevolle Weise Kontakt miteinander gehalten haben, via SMS und Telefonanrufe, hat mir wahnsinnig gut gefallen.
Besonders gut gefallen hat mir auch die Einführung der beiden Charaktere Orlando und Hermann, die ich beide wirklich wahnsinnig gerne mochte, auch wenn ich – zugegebenermaßen – Herman anfangs gegenüber ein wenig skeptisch war.
Doch das für mich – unabhängig von den Vanderbeekers – schon fast Beste an dieser Geschichte ist Mr. Beidermann, ein einzigartiger und originaler Charakter mit einem wahnsinnig großen Herzen, der in seinem Leben schon viel zu viel hatte durchmachen müssen. In Teil Eins haben wir ihn als griesgrämigen, unfreundlichen und merkwürdigen Mann kennengelernt, nur um kurz darauf festzustellen, dass sich viel mehr hinter der Mauer verbirgt, die er all die Jahre um sich herum aufgebaut hat. Mr. Beiderman war in diesem Teil definitiv mein Highlight und ich hoffe sehr, dass wir in Band drei noch sehr viel mehr von ihm lesen werden.
Diese Geschichte; diese Familie gibt einem einfach ein gutes Gefühl. Jedes Mal wenn ich von ihnen lese, breitete sich eine ganz wundervolle Wärme in meinem Inneren aus, die innerhalb weniger Sekunden mein gesamtes Herz umhüllt.
Allerdings handelt es sich nicht nur um eine Feelgood-Geschichte, sondern die Geschichte rund um die Vanderbeekers regt auch zum Nachdenken an; sie verändert einen, zumindest ein bisschen.
In diesem Buch geht es um Familie und die unbändige Liebe zueinander, auch wenn man sich nicht immer grün ist. Es geht darum, Opfer zu bringen, ohne eine Gegenleistung zu erwarten, sondern einfach, weil es sich richtig anfühlt und weil man es möchte; weil man das Glück eines anderen über das eigene stellt. Auch geht es um Freundschaft und darum, Vorurteile hinter sich zu lassen. Ebenfalls geht es um Zusammenhalt und darum, dass man alles schaffen kann, wenn man sich unterstützt, sich gegenseitig hilft und die Sache gemeinsam anpackt.
Die Geschichte rund um den geheimnisvollen Garten war natürlich das kleine i-Tüpfelchen oben drauf und hat der Geschichte eine wahnsinnig magische Atmosphäre verlieren.
LOHNT SICH DAS BUCH?
Habt ihr mich eben nicht ganz laut JA schreien gehört? Nein? Dann hier noch mal: JA JA JA JA JA. Die Vanderbeekers sind etwas ganz Besonderes für mich und ich liebe liebe liebe sie von ganzem Herzen. Auch die Art und Weise wie die Autorin es immer wieder schafft, magische, liebevoll erzählte und aufregende Geschichten rund um die Familienmitglieder zu spinnen ist einfach bemerkenswert. Gerade Lesern, die sehr gerne Geschichten mit einer großartigen Familiendynamik lesen, werden von diesem hier sicherlich nicht enttäuscht werden. Dennoch würde ich, wie oben bereits erwähnt, empfehlen, zunächst Teil Eins The Vanderbeekers of 141th Street, welches am 14.10.2019 auch endlich auf Deutsch im Dragonfly Verlag erscheint und zwar unter dem Titel Die Vanderbeekers retten Weihnachten, zu lesen. Eine absolute Herzensempfehlung!
Obwohl sich The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden vermutlich auch als Standalone lesen lässt, so würde ich dennoch empfehlen, The Vanderbeekers 141th Street zuerst zu lesen, um ein Gespür für die Charaktere und insbesondere auch die Familiendynamik zu bekommen. In diesem zweiten Teil werden zwar immer mal wieder Geschehnisse und Ereignisse aus Teil Eins aufgegriffen, sodass man keine Schwierigkeiten haben sollte, in die Geschichte einzufinden, dennoch finde ich, dass diese Geschichte einfach viel mehr Spaß macht, wenn man zuvor schon einmal mit den Vanderbeekers in Berührung gekommen ist, sie kennenlernen durfte und weiß, wie diese Familie funktioniert. Abgesehen davon ist der erste Teil einfach bombastisch gut, schon deshalb sollte man das Buch lesen.
Während Isa den Sommer in einem Musikcamp verbringt, haben die anderen Geschwister Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth und Laney nicht sonderlich viel zu tun, außer sich gegenseitig auf die Nerven zu fallen und sich zu langweilen. Als dann allerdings etwas Unerwartetes und Schreckliches mit ihren Nachbarn über ihnen im Haus passiert, tun sich die Geschwister zusammen und machen das, was sie am besten können: einen Plan. Gemeinsam würden sie den magischsten und wunderschönen “Heilgarten” in ganz Harlem erschaffen. Allerdings läuft ihr Plan nicht ganz wie erhofft und immer wieder werden ihnen Steine in den Weg gelegt, mal kleine, mal riesig große. Zum Glück jedoch haben sie ein paar Freunde, auf die sie sich verlassen können und die ihnen unter die Arme greifen.
Bereits nachdem ich die ersten Seiten gelesen hatte, wurde mir schmerzlich bewusst, wie sehr ich die Vanderbeekers vermisst hatte. Es ist fast ein Jahr her, seit ich den ersten Teil gelesen habe und doch brauchte ich nur wenige Sekunden, um wieder Teil dieser Familie zu werden und in diese neue Geschichte rund um die Vanderbeekers einzutauchen. Es fühlte sich an, wie Nachhausekommen; als hätte ich nach einer ziemlich langen Zeit sehr gute Freunde endlich wieder gesehen.
Ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass es mir möglich wäre, diese Familie noch ein bisschen mehr zu lieben, doch Karina Yan Glaser hat es mit ihrer kontinuierlichen Entwicklung eines jeden einzelnen Vanderbeekers möglich gemacht. Jede der Figuren, egal ob Haupt- oder Nebencharakter, ist etwas ganz Besonderes, hat Ecken und Kanten und einen unglaublichen Wiedererkennungswert. Egal ob es Jessie ist, die die Führung übernimmt und sich um alles kümmert, Olivier ruhige, manchmal noch sehr naive Art, Hyazinth’s unbändige Freundlichkeit und ihr wahnsinnig großes Herz, Laney’s unendliche Energie oder die bedachte Selbstlosigkeit der beiden Eltern – die Vanderbeekers sind eine Familie, die man so schnell nicht vergisst, die einen, wenn man sie einmal in sein Herz gelassen hat, so schnell nicht wieder los lässt.
Obwohl Isa, eine der beiden Zwillinge, in dieser Geschichte nicht sonderlich präsent war (ich mochte sie im ersten Teil wirklich sehr gerne), so hat mir wirklich wahnsinnig gefallen, wie Jessie sich während der Abwesenheit ihres Zwillings weiterentwickelt hat und aus sich herausgekommen ist. So konnte Jessie zeigen, dass auch sie als Individuum und nicht nur im Doppelpack mit ihrer geliebten Schwester, wahnsinnig viel erreichen kann. Dass die beiden dennoch auf ganz liebevolle Weise Kontakt miteinander gehalten haben, via SMS und Telefonanrufe, hat mir wahnsinnig gut gefallen.
Besonders gut gefallen hat mir auch die Einführung der beiden Charaktere Orlando und Hermann, die ich beide wirklich wahnsinnig gerne mochte, auch wenn ich – zugegebenermaßen – Herman anfangs gegenüber ein wenig skeptisch war.
Doch das für mich – unabhängig von den Vanderbeekers – schon fast Beste an dieser Geschichte ist Mr. Beidermann, ein einzigartiger und originaler Charakter mit einem wahnsinnig großen Herzen, der in seinem Leben schon viel zu viel hatte durchmachen müssen. In Teil Eins haben wir ihn als griesgrämigen, unfreundlichen und merkwürdigen Mann kennengelernt, nur um kurz darauf festzustellen, dass sich viel mehr hinter der Mauer verbirgt, die er all die Jahre um sich herum aufgebaut hat. Mr. Beiderman war in diesem Teil definitiv mein Highlight und ich hoffe sehr, dass wir in Band drei noch sehr viel mehr von ihm lesen werden.
Diese Geschichte; diese Familie gibt einem einfach ein gutes Gefühl. Jedes Mal wenn ich von ihnen lese, breitete sich eine ganz wundervolle Wärme in meinem Inneren aus, die innerhalb weniger Sekunden mein gesamtes Herz umhüllt.
Allerdings handelt es sich nicht nur um eine Feelgood-Geschichte, sondern die Geschichte rund um die Vanderbeekers regt auch zum Nachdenken an; sie verändert einen, zumindest ein bisschen.
In diesem Buch geht es um Familie und die unbändige Liebe zueinander, auch wenn man sich nicht immer grün ist. Es geht darum, Opfer zu bringen, ohne eine Gegenleistung zu erwarten, sondern einfach, weil es sich richtig anfühlt und weil man es möchte; weil man das Glück eines anderen über das eigene stellt. Auch geht es um Freundschaft und darum, Vorurteile hinter sich zu lassen. Ebenfalls geht es um Zusammenhalt und darum, dass man alles schaffen kann, wenn man sich unterstützt, sich gegenseitig hilft und die Sache gemeinsam anpackt.
Die Geschichte rund um den geheimnisvollen Garten war natürlich das kleine i-Tüpfelchen oben drauf und hat der Geschichte eine wahnsinnig magische Atmosphäre verlieren.
LOHNT SICH DAS BUCH?
Habt ihr mich eben nicht ganz laut JA schreien gehört? Nein? Dann hier noch mal: JA JA JA JA JA. Die Vanderbeekers sind etwas ganz Besonderes für mich und ich liebe liebe liebe sie von ganzem Herzen. Auch die Art und Weise wie die Autorin es immer wieder schafft, magische, liebevoll erzählte und aufregende Geschichten rund um die Familienmitglieder zu spinnen ist einfach bemerkenswert. Gerade Lesern, die sehr gerne Geschichten mit einer großartigen Familiendynamik lesen, werden von diesem hier sicherlich nicht enttäuscht werden. Dennoch würde ich, wie oben bereits erwähnt, empfehlen, zunächst Teil Eins The Vanderbeekers of 141th Street, welches am 14.10.2019 auch endlich auf Deutsch im Dragonfly Verlag erscheint und zwar unter dem Titel Die Vanderbeekers retten Weihnachten, zu lesen. Eine absolute Herzensempfehlung!
September 17, 2019
After one of their neighbors has a heart-attack and is rushed to hospital the Vanderbeekers decide to turn an overgrown plot of land into a community garden for him and his wife. With a very limited budget but a truck load of creativity they begin to see results, but a developer has his eyes on the plot and plans to put a cookie cutter condo there.
Will their garden be bulldozed before their neighbor gets to walk through it?
Solid gold 5 Stars. A magical story that will captivate young readers. When I was growing up, it was The Three Investigators. For kids growing up today, this is their story. It's the book they will remember when they are 50.
Will their garden be bulldozed before their neighbor gets to walk through it?
Solid gold 5 Stars. A magical story that will captivate young readers. When I was growing up, it was The Three Investigators. For kids growing up today, this is their story. It's the book they will remember when they are 50.
April 4, 2020
4 stars.
What a sweet story. I don’t think I could put into words how proud I was of the Vanderbeeker kids all throughout the story—but especially at the ending. How they thought about others and their actions about the garden were so touching. This really was such a charming book and also a bit cleaner than the first book.
Content:
*Mentions of churches and a pastor.
*Minor cussing (a couple ‘fudge’s, a couple ‘holy heck’s, a ‘sucked’, a ‘jeez’,).
A few mentions of deaths of loved ones & how it happened (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a pain in the butt.
What a sweet story. I don’t think I could put into words how proud I was of the Vanderbeeker kids all throughout the story—but especially at the ending. How they thought about others and their actions about the garden were so touching. This really was such a charming book and also a bit cleaner than the first book.
Content:
*Mentions of churches and a pastor.
*Minor cussing (a couple ‘fudge’s, a couple ‘holy heck’s, a ‘sucked’, a ‘jeez’,).
A few mentions of deaths of loved ones & how it happened (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a pain in the butt.
December 29, 2023
this was so heartwarming! I was so happy to be back with the family and their neighbours! I think I maybe liked it a bit more than the first book, but really just a smidge. they're both amazing. and this second book was so lovely and cosy, very much focused on friendship and giving back to your community! (4.25)
September 10, 2021
I actually enjoyed this book much more than the first one, and I think that has nothing to do with the quality of the books and everything to do with my own expectations. I went into the first book expecting a lot. I'd heard it was similar to The Penderwicks series, which is my favorite middle grade novel of all time, so with that said, I was expecting a lot. But this series isn't The Penderwicks, and after reading the first book and realizing that fact, I was able to actually enjoy this book for what it is: a sweet, heartwarming story about a family. And this time, I was able to appreciate that, thus enjoying my reading of this cute children's story.
Slightly off topic, but I must add that this is the second book I've read in a row about gardening, and they've actually motivated me to pick up gardening again. I'm tired of my yard looking like a dying, weedy jungle, and if I want that to change, I have to do something about it, and I'm going to. I especially loved the garden pictures in this book, as they were all so cute and really added to the sweet feeling that this book gave off. I also loved the quote from The Secret Garden, "If you look the right way you can see that the whole world is a garden".
Slightly off topic, but I must add that this is the second book I've read in a row about gardening, and they've actually motivated me to pick up gardening again. I'm tired of my yard looking like a dying, weedy jungle, and if I want that to change, I have to do something about it, and I'm going to. I especially loved the garden pictures in this book, as they were all so cute and really added to the sweet feeling that this book gave off. I also loved the quote from The Secret Garden, "If you look the right way you can see that the whole world is a garden".
Read
May 20, 2018I love the Vanderbeekers and seeing them in this adventure -- one of heart and love and generosity but filled with choices made with little foresight -- was delightful. A fun family.
Also, a lesson learned here: do not take your rabbit to the hospital to visit a patient.
Also, a lesson learned here: do not take your rabbit to the hospital to visit a patient.
June 29, 2020
A heart warming sequel: about a Harlem family and community. It's summer and the kids are bored. The upstairs neighbor (Mr. Jeet) has a stroke and is sent to the ICU. The kids decide that they are going to build a small park for him and his wife, in an abandoned yard of the community church, trying to make sure it is done when he is ready to come home and one of the twins returns from music camp. The pastor is called away, and decisions have to be made by the parish Treasurer, who wants money to repair the roof. As always, the kids are adorable and find help in unexpected places to make their dreams come true (again.) I was especially find of Laney smuggling Paganini (the rabbit) into the hospital to cheer up Mr. Jeet. 3.5 stars.
September 9, 2018
Cicero said, "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." Hence if you have a book about a library, you have a more than satifsying sequel to The Vanderbeekers on 141st Street. In this garden-themed second installment, oldest twin Jessie is in the spotlight while Isa is away at music camp. There is plenty of love for family, neighbors, pets and plants to go around. Get a copy of this book ASAP so, too, can immerse yourself in the world of the Vanderbeekers!
Thank you, thank you to Houghton Mifflin and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this spectacular sequel.
Thank you, thank you to Houghton Mifflin and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this spectacular sequel.
November 25, 2018
Reread 25/11/2018: I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH AAAH
First Read: 28/3/2018: This book was absolutely wonderful! I had the biggest smile on my face the entire time while reading it, and my heart feels like it's going to burst from happiness. This is one of the loveliest, most wonderful books I've ever read.
First Read: 28/3/2018: This book was absolutely wonderful! I had the biggest smile on my face the entire time while reading it, and my heart feels like it's going to burst from happiness. This is one of the loveliest, most wonderful books I've ever read.
July 9, 2023
Another super sweet book in this series. Just such endearing kids and adventures.
Content notes: the kids lie quite a bit and that is never really addressed. One of the girls (13) has a boy she likes, but it is kept at a very sweet, innocent level so far.
Content notes: the kids lie quite a bit and that is never really addressed. One of the girls (13) has a boy she likes, but it is kept at a very sweet, innocent level so far.
April 14, 2025
Absolutely loved this second installment in the Vanderbeekers series! We’re excited to read more!
November 15, 2020
The Vanderbeekers return in this follow-up to their debut adventure, chronicled in Karina Yan Glaser's
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
, and the result is a book every bit as engaging, appealing, and heartwarming as the first! When their beloved upstairs neighbor Mr. Jeet has a stroke, the children are terribly worried and upset. Oliver has the idea of turning the vacant, overgrown lot next to the church into a community garden, something Mr. Jeet and Miss Josie have long wanted, as a means of cheering their seriously ill neighbor up, when he finally gets home from the hospital. All of the siblings pitch in, working to clean up and clear the lot, and then to plant a beautiful garden. Even the absent Isa, away at music camp, manages to contribute from a distance, through her violin playing. But will the efforts of the siblings (and the friends they inevitably involve in their quest) all be for naught, when it looks like the lot has been sold to a developer...?
I read The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden in two days, on my train commute to and from work, and it was an absolute delight. I continue to find this family and their larger community both endearing and amusing. I love the individual characters - Hyacinth with her knitting (and what a surprise that ); Laney with her hugs and her faith in the ability of her pet bunny, Paganini, to cure all ills; Oliver with his natural little selfishnesses, and his growing understanding of the value of unselfishness - but I also love the ensemble of characters, how they all work together to create something beautiful, and to do something loving for their friend. Glaser often references classic works of children's literature in her stories, but the one book that this one truly reminded me of, is the obscure 1955 children's novel, The Hidden Garden , by Mabel R. Bennett, which also concerns a New York City wasteland turned into a community garden. Highly recommended, to anyone who has read and enjoyed the previous Vanderbeekers book, and to anyone looking for heart-satisfying family stories for the middle grade set.
I read The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden in two days, on my train commute to and from work, and it was an absolute delight. I continue to find this family and their larger community both endearing and amusing. I love the individual characters - Hyacinth with her knitting (and what a surprise that ); Laney with her hugs and her faith in the ability of her pet bunny, Paganini, to cure all ills; Oliver with his natural little selfishnesses, and his growing understanding of the value of unselfishness - but I also love the ensemble of characters, how they all work together to create something beautiful, and to do something loving for their friend. Glaser often references classic works of children's literature in her stories, but the one book that this one truly reminded me of, is the obscure 1955 children's novel, The Hidden Garden , by Mabel R. Bennett, which also concerns a New York City wasteland turned into a community garden. Highly recommended, to anyone who has read and enjoyed the previous Vanderbeekers book, and to anyone looking for heart-satisfying family stories for the middle grade set.
May 23, 2020
The book picks up a few months after where the first book left off. The Vanderbeekers kids decide that they want to surprise their elderly neighbors with a garden planted in an empty block of land owned by the church. I really struggle with the rating for this one. The kids were lying to their parents, sneaking around, breaking into the locked property, stealing bags of soil... Their motives were sweet, but they broke too many rules. Nonetheless, I did like the first book, so I will continue with the series and the Vanderbeekers next adventure.
December 31, 2019
This series is quickly becoming a middle grade fave for me. Such a lovely family dynamic. I love each of the 5 kids, although one of them is gone for most of this story. I love the nods to The Secret Garden. And I love the way these kids care for their friends and neighbors. I laughed out loud and I cried just a bit with this gorgeous story. Can't wait to dive into book 3.
September 8, 2020
The Vanderbeeker kids of Harlem have another adventure. This time they are trying to save a vacant lot next door to the church from developers by turning it into a community garden.
Don't tell these rambunctious brothers and sisters they can't do something. That just makes them more determined. I love these kids!
Don't tell these rambunctious brothers and sisters they can't do something. That just makes them more determined. I love these kids!
May 19, 2018
Another wonderful story about the Vanderbeeker family!! If you haven't read the first book in this series, I suggest you do so right away, and pre-order this one IMMEDIATELY.
In this book, the Vanderbeeker kids are creating a garden as a special surprise, except the location they've chosen is less than ideal. They have several challenges to overcome, but in usual Vanderbeeker fashion, they will face them creativity and love.
An excellent follow-up to the first book, this is a 2018 middle grade must-read.
In this book, the Vanderbeeker kids are creating a garden as a special surprise, except the location they've chosen is less than ideal. They have several challenges to overcome, but in usual Vanderbeeker fashion, they will face them creativity and love.
An excellent follow-up to the first book, this is a 2018 middle grade must-read.
September 21, 2022
This is such a sweet, wholesome book series. I just love spending time in the Vanderbeekers world. These books are the type that help you temporarily forget any awfulness in the world. Real life things happen in the books, but ultimately you know everything will work out. It’s so nice to read books like that sometimes.
If you (and/or your kids) like reading about idyllic childhoods, baked goods, coziness, and New York City, you (and/or your kids) will likely enjoy these books. ☺️😍
If you (and/or your kids) like reading about idyllic childhoods, baked goods, coziness, and New York City, you (and/or your kids) will likely enjoy these books. ☺️😍
January 5, 2019
The kids all loved it. We laughed and joked and loved each character. That said I really don’t like books where the parents are oblivious to their kids shenanigans and there are few consequences and the consequences they do have end up benefiting them anyway.
October 16, 2018
This sequel is as wonderful as the first book! I love the Vanderbeeker family. Can't wait for #3!
October 18, 2018
Laney is my Patronus.
March 4, 2019
Wow! What a fun ride! This book was adorable and I loved it. It was a great second to the first and it did not disappoint.
Things I loved:
The story: I mean I like action books too, but sometimes I just like to slow down and read something like this. This was the perfect book to slow down to! It had great themes and encouraged me to love life, even the small things! It also had a lot of good things to say about friends. I loved how all of the kids were best friends with each other first.
Overall the book had good, encouraging themes, great characters, and a great plot!
Things I didn’t like:
Nada. I’m serious. I can’t really think of anything to say here other than the fact that the good themes would have been so much better written from a Christian perspective.
Appropriate for all ages!
Hope you decide to pick up this great read one day! Happy reading!
Things I loved:
The story: I mean I like action books too, but sometimes I just like to slow down and read something like this. This was the perfect book to slow down to! It had great themes and encouraged me to love life, even the small things! It also had a lot of good things to say about friends. I loved how all of the kids were best friends with each other first.
Overall the book had good, encouraging themes, great characters, and a great plot!
Things I didn’t like:
Nada. I’m serious. I can’t really think of anything to say here other than the fact that the good themes would have been so much better written from a Christian perspective.
Appropriate for all ages!
Hope you decide to pick up this great read one day! Happy reading!
March 15, 2020
4.5
This series is the sweetest!
This series is the sweetest!
January 23, 2024
Så mange “awwww” på 320 sider kan kun give fem stjerner. Fem stjerner til de fem Vanderbeeker-børn 🥹✨
February 8, 2021
awwwwww
so cute & just what I needed right now :)
3.5 stars
so cute & just what I needed right now :)
3.5 stars
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