Karina Yan Glaser

Karina Yan Glaser is an American children's book author best known for creating The Vanderbeekers series, which chronicles the adventures of a family with five children living in Harlem. The series has achieved significant commercial success, selling over half a million copies and being translated into 13 languages. Born in California to Chinese immigrant parents, Glaser grew up in Pasadena before moving to New York City for college. Her childhood interest in books about large families, particularly those set in New York City, would later influence her writing career. The first book in The Vanderbeekers series was recognized as a New York Times Book Review notable children's book in 2017. The second installment reached the New York Times Best Seller list for middle-grade children's books, establishing Glaser as a significant voice in contemporary children's literature. Her writing career began with blogging about motherhood in New York City, which eventually led to her publishing the seven-volume Vanderbeekers series. The final book in the series was released in 2023, marking the completion of her most significant literary work to date.

Readers consistently rate Karina Yan Glaser's Vanderbeekers series between 4.3-4.5 stars across platforms. Parents and teachers highlight the authentic sibling relationships and family dynamics, with many noting the books help children develop empathy. Liked: - Diverse characters that feel natural rather than forced - Complex family challenges handled age-appropriately - Setting details that bring Harlem to life - Character growth across the series - Humor balanced with serious topics Disliked: - Some found early books in series moved too slowly - A few readers wanted more plot and less character focus - Occasional complaints about predictable storylines Ratings: Goodreads: - The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street: 4.3/5 (16,000+ ratings) - The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden: 4.4/5 (6,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 average across series Common Sense Media: 4/5 parent rating, 5/5 kid rating Most critical reviews still recommend the books for middle-grade readers seeking realistic family stories.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (2017) Five siblings living in a brownstone in Harlem must devise a plan to convince their reclusive landlord not to evict their family right after Christmas.

The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden (2018) The Vanderbeeker children attempt to transform a neglected church lot into a community garden while their neighbor undergoes heart surgery.

The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue (2019) The siblings work to save their mother's baking business after a city inspector threatens to shut it down.

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found (2020) The family discovers a mysterious young man living in their neighborhood and work to help him while dealing with changes in their community.

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish (2021) The children plan a surprise party for their father's birthday while uncovering family secrets through their grandfather's visit.

The Vanderbeekers on the Road (2022) The family embarks on a cross-country road trip to attend a wedding in California, encountering various adventures along the way.

The Vanderbeekers Ever After (2023) The siblings face significant changes as their oldest sister prepares for her high school graduation and they help plan a neighborhood wedding.

Jeanne Birdsall writes The Penderwick series about a family of sisters who share adventures and navigate daily life, featuring strong sibling bonds and heartfelt family dynamics. Her books capture similar themes of family loyalty and neighborhood connections found in The Vanderbeekers.

Sydney Taylor created the All-of-a-Kind Family series following five sisters in New York City's Lower East Side during the early 1900s. The books focus on Jewish family life, sisterly relationships, and authentic depictions of historic NYC neighborhoods.

Elizabeth Enright wrote The Melendy Quartet about four siblings living in New York who embark on various city adventures together. Her work combines family relationships with exploration of urban settings in ways that mirror The Vanderbeekers' experiences.

Linda Urban writes middle-grade novels featuring complex family dynamics and character growth in realistic settings. Her books deal with similar themes of community connection and sibling relationships that appear in Glaser's work.

Kate DiCamillo creates stories about determined children navigating family challenges and building community connections. Her work shares The Vanderbeekers' focus on hope, perseverance, and the impact of friendship on young lives.