The story starts on December 20 (coincidentally the day I started this book, somewhat on purpose 😁) and is set in Harlem. Readers will get to enjoy a detailed map on the inside of the book cover. The characters include twins Isa and Jessie (12 years old), Oliver (9), Hyacinth (6), and Laney (4). They are close to their parents and they seem to be a biracial family living in a diverse area. Mr. Beiderman, their landlord and upstairs neighbor, decides not to renew their lease and they have 11 days to move out. The children have never lived anywhere else and they love their neighbors and school. They react with disbelief, a bit of guilt, and plenty of indignation so they embark on Operation Beiderman, a plan to quickly to win over their landlord. What makes it even worse, is that it is so close to Christmas time.
The children overhear their parents worrying about what they are going to do, so they take it upon themselves to try to help. The plan is put into action and Mr. Beiderman is showered with secret gifts. The children never really see him because he never leaves his apartment. He is a bit of a recluse. As the children start to investigate Mr. Beiderman’s past, they find out he used to be different. He had a life, family and friends. Only a few people really know what happened. The reader will find themselves hoping for a happy ending and the mystery of Mr. Beiderman to be revealed. The details of this book are funny, sweet, descriptive and moving. The kids seem to be wise beyond their years (but it is fiction) and they are charged with some pretty adult things, like making Christmas dinner for a large family. Everyone has their thing that they are good at. The kids like their parents, siblings and school, which makes this a refreshing, upbeat story. The dialogue flows and I think that all ages will appreciate this story. It is perfect to read just before Christmas, but it really can be read at any time of the year.
It is a great addition to the school library because it addresses diversity, it is age appropriate, it teaches kindness and it helps readers realize they can prevail through the hardships life throws at them. This is the authors first book, but based on the hype and publicity, I think it will have a place in school libraries for years to come. The cover is illustrated in a non-gender specific tone. The characters are both boys and girls. I would make for a good classroom read aloud. It would also be a good choice for school book clubs, literature circles and free read choices. I personally loved this book! It was well written and just heartwarming to read.
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