The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Food is a recurring motif in the narrative. How does Glaser use food, particularly the sharing of food with others, to highlight certain themes in the novel? What does food symbolize for the Vanderbeeker family?

Life in the Vanderbeeker’s Harlem seems idyllic, yet the novel gently addresses difficult socioeconomic issues for working-class families. How does Glaser incorporate realism into her story in a way that is manageable for young readers?

Discuss how Glaser accomplishes giving each Vanderbeeker child a unique and distinctive characterization while maintaining the third-person point of view.

How does Glaser subtly layer the middle grade story with deeper issues such as class, gentrification, and corrupt power structures?

How does the author address the challenges of coming of age in a diverse and rapidly changing urban environment? What specific challenges do children in the city have versus those living in the suburbs or a more rural environment?

Trace the role of animals in the novel. How are the Vanderbeeker pets a reflection of their family’s personality? What is the symbolism of Hyacinth’s gift of the kitten to Mr. Beiderman?

How does the author incorporate humor into the narrative? Which characters and situations add comic relief during more serious scenes in the story?

Discuss the subplot of the conflict between Jessie, Isa, and Benny. Why did the author include this storyline? What do the twins learn from the conflict and its resolution? How does the sister subplot mirror the main conflict in the story?