A sentimental, sweet story revolving around a family that is being forced to leave their beloved home, a brownstone on 141st street in Harlem. The building's owner, reclusive Mr. Beiderman who lives upstairs but has never been seen, has decided not to renew their lease. The five Vanderbeeker children feel that it is their fault because of the noise and chaos they create. They brainstorm to come up with ways to make him like them and change his mind. Their methods are heartfelt, but often turnout to be hilarious disasters. There is a mystery behind Mr. Beiderman, and his story starts to unfold as they recruit their neighbors' help in convincing Mr. Beiderman to let them stay.
Kids' tastes in literature has changed, with much of children's contemporary realistic literature focusing on issues, problems and are often sad or depressing. This is a throwback, where the adults are role models and the kids have an innocence, that makes for an uncomplicated, pleasurable read. I would recommend to grades 4-6, but you might just get that kid that wants a stressless read.
Mark's Picks Rating: 4
Reading Level: 5.3 • Interest Level: 3-6 • Lexile: 810L• AR Points: 7
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-0-544-87639-2 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding
CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Intermediate
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