SYNOPSIS

A family of seven (plus a dog, cat and bunny) love their Harlem neighborhood and everyone in it.

Everyone except their landlord, the reclusive Mr. Beiderman, who unexpectedly announces he would be terminating the family’s lease in 30 days’ time.

With five days ’til Christmas, the Vanderbeeker children devise many strategies to appease their landlord.

Some (a neighborhood petition) anger him, while others (a Christmas tree, handmade gifts, a jazz record, and a kitten) quietly disappear from his doorway.

But it is Isa’s passionate violin solo at Mr. Beiderman’s door that stuns and shakes the recluse out of his anger at the Vanderbeekers and at life.

Christmas Day brings many gifts – a new friend in Mr. Beiderman; restored sibling relations; and a renewed lease for the Vanderbeekers at 141st Street!

(1st in a 6-book series)

PERFECT AGE 8 – 12

THEMES

• Supporting neighbors and community members
• Working together as a team to overcome challenges and obstacles, never giving up
• Kindness wins the most battles
• Complexities of communication, being misunderstood

We love

• The siblings are each so unique and fun, and are masters at working together (for the most part)!
• The kids’ ingenuity and can-do attitude will inspire readers to not give up despite almost insurmountable obstacles
• The power of music to communicate, appease, and convince audiences
• The strong community the parents have developed among their (NYC!) neighbors, and the loving care they offer everyone

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• (language, big / sensitive topics, outdated concepts):        
• Preview with younger / more sensitive children the reason why the landlord (Mr. Beiderman) is isolated and angry:
• His wife and 16-year-old daughter died after being hit by a car two blocks down the street. He misses them terribly, and Isa’s violin playing is a painful reminder of his daughter’s own violin playing…

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• If you could become friends with any one of the siblings, who would you choose? Why?
• What would you do or say to try and convince Mr. Beiderman to let the family stay?
• Why do you think the parents are so generous with their time and energy toward their neighbors?
• Let’s read Mr. Beiderman’s explanation for his behavior and what changed his mind. How does what he says make you feel? Do you like him less /more? Do you understand him? Do you empathize with him?