Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
Like the Vanderbeekers, the March sisters share a crowded home and a loyal bond. Alcott's warm, affectionate portrait of sibling life gives the same cosy, old-fashioned pleasure as this book.
12 books to read next
Books Like The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
If you loved The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is a warm, funny middle-grade story about a large, close family in a Harlem brownstone they love. Readers often enjoy its old-fashioned big-family feel, its lively cast of siblings and neighbours, and its gentle sense of humour. The plot moves briskly once the landlord's threat arrives, and the tone stays hopeful, with kindness and teamwork at the centre.
Big, loving family stories
Other Words for Home
Jasmine Warga
Jude's story of a family leaving everything behind centres on home and belonging. Its heartfelt narration and close family ties will appeal to readers who loved the Vanderbeekers' devotion to their brownstone.
Hello Universe
Erin Entrada Kelly
Four kids in a small town band together through an unexpected adventure. Its gentle humour, quirky characters and loyal friendships echo the Vanderbeekers' teamwork and their sense of community.
Neighbourhood and community
Front Desk
Kelly Yang
Mia helps run her family's motel and stands up for the people around her. Like the Vanderbeekers, she takes on an unfair grown-up world with courage, humour and a big heart.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo
A lonely girl finds friends in a small town after a stray dog joins her. The warm, quirky cast and gentle storytelling match the Vanderbeekers' neighbourly charm.
Save Me a Seat
Sarah Weeks, Gita Varadarajan
Two boys from different backgrounds form a friendship in a new school. Its shifting viewpoints and themes of community and standing up for others suit readers who enjoyed the Vanderbeekers' spirited neighbourhood.
Clever puzzles and mysteries
The Westing Game
Ellen Raskin
A quirky cast of characters competes to solve a puzzle set by an eccentric millionaire. Its playful clues and witty tone reward the same sharp, lively curiosity that drives the Vanderbeekers' schemes.
Greenglass House
Kate Milford
A snowbound inn full of secrets hides a mystery for a clever young narrator. Its cosy setting, colourful characters and gentle suspense suit fans of the Vanderbeekers' inventive, close-knit world.
Holes
Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats is wrongly sent to a harsh camp, and the story's clever threads come together with humour. Its sharp plotting and quirky characters appeal to readers who enjoyed the Vanderbeekers' resourceful plans.
Go deeper with heart
Wonder
R. J. Palacio
August starts school after years of home-schooling and wins over the people around him. Its warm family scenes and themes of kindness and acceptance will resonate with Vanderbeekers readers.
Restart
Gordon Korman
Chase wakes up with no memory of his past and must rebuild his life and relationships. Its funny, fast-paced story and themes of family and second chances echo the Vanderbeekers' hopeful tone.
The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Mary and her neighbours bring a neglected garden and a gloomy house back to life. Its classic blend of family, friendship and renewal captures the same sense of a home worth fighting for.
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