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During the holiday season, I find myself so thankful for family—in every sense of the word. I’m thankful for my family and my husband’s family. I’m thankful for friends and a community who have become family.
I’m even thankful for families I learn to love in the stories I read.
And when I think of loveable story families, one of the first that comes to mind is the Vanderbeekers.
When Karina Yan Glaser created this family with her first book in the series, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (Amazon Affiliate Link), she crafted a delightful cast of characters. The Vanderbeeker children are unique, resourceful, genuine, and charming. And they love to come up with plans to the big problems in their lives—notably, in this book, the dread of an impending eviction from their beloved home, the brownstone on 141st street.
Just days before Christmas, the five siblings learn their landlord is not renewing their lease. They decide to take action in a very tangible way: they come up with plans and attempt to achieve their goals. The story is set against a cheerful Christmas backdrop as the Vanderbeekers try to show their reclusive landlord he needs to renew their lease.
Here’s what I love about the Vanderbeekers, besides the family itself: the story reminds us of the importance of community. The Vanderbeeker children do not just tackle their plans on their own. They recruit help from all the wonderful members of their community.
Like the Vanderbeekers, we are designed to live in community with those around us.
We are made to do life with other people. We can help each other, support each other, cry and laugh with each other. There is satisfaction to be found in genuine community with others.
And the Vanderbeekers experience that satisfaction, even in the most hopeless times in their lives.
I haven’t yet read all of the Vanderbeeker books, but I’m making my way through them—because like I said, I love this family. They are real to me. And I’m not going to turn down the chance to follow them on more adventures. So if you haven’t met the Vanderbeekers yet, I’d encourage you to grab a copy of The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street and start reading.
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And never forget… you are onederfully created for community.
Love,
Becca
