The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found (The Vanderbeekers, #4) by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this 4th book in The Vanderbeekers series---what a great family in a wonderful community, with laughs and drama--I could not stop turning the pages! There is the continued pet zoo that is just so cute, drama with the Homecoming dance and Benjamin; and Orlando with his aunt and uncle, getting ready for the New York Marathon and meetings at the Cat house- all just so important, funny and getting the reader into the loving arms of this big, diverse family in a Harlem neighborhood. A must read!

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The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (The Vanderbeekers, #1) by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much! The kids are adorable; their parents are very likable because they are involved. The many neighbors and friends of the Vanderbeekers are thoroughly enjoyable and even enemies become friends. I am definitely going to be reading this series of an interracial family living in Harlem with all their pets; and I am getting copies of the book for my granddaughter she will LOVE it!

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Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno

Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nina Moreno, awesome debut author, sucked me into Rosa's world and family and I so enjoyed the ride (on land and sea!!!) as this brave firecracker Lantinx girl into making lists, getting others excited about projects, and trying to navigate the world of her grandmother, Mimi, who will not tell Rosa anything about her life and love in Cuba and her mom who just keeps leaving. Both Mimi and her mother are dealing with grief in their own way---they have lost their men to the sea and now Rosa is cursed as well, or is she? Oh did I love the world and beauty of the seaside town, Port Coral ---Rosa and her family and friends bring so much to this world (food, fun, music) , I want to live there too! Whether she is saving the town or herself, I rooted for Rosa!!! Thanks to my friends @summerathon for recommending this book as a perfect summer read!!! I can't wait for next year!

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At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh what a great historical fiction read! Maddie is such a great character who goes through so much, becomes self aware, and really blossoms as a heroine through growth, internal strife, and uses her courage to deal with a husband who drinks and abuses drugs, lies, looks down his nose on everyone, and also his best friend who does not look out for Maddie when she most needs it. With much resolve, the people in the village and small house she lives in show Maddie what really matters most in life; protecting her and helping her to see so many possibilities in life with purpose.

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