The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 1328770028
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

The follow-up to The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (soon to be a motion picture!), the continuing adventures of twins Isa and Jessie, their brother Oliver, and their sisters Hyacinth and Laney. When their beloved neighbor Mr. Jeet has another stroke, they decide they will reclaim the abandoned lot next to Triple J’s church (Triple J, also known as the Pastor James Joseph Jackson) and turn it into a beautiful garden. Unfortunately, Mr. Huxley has plans to sell the lot to balance the church budget. Will the Vanderbeeker children be able to create a beautiful garden before Mr. Jeet comes home from the hospital? Will they find a way to save the lot from development? It will take a neighborhood to solve all the problems. Includes beautiful pen-and-ink drawings by the author that grow more elaborate and detailed as the garden grows and a map of their neighborhood on the end papers.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham