This is the second adventure of the Vanderbeekers who are members of a biracial family who live in Harlem, NY. In this story, their elderly friend, Mr. Jeet, has a stroke, and the kids decide to create a garden so that Mr. and Mrs. Jeet will have a nice place to visit when Mr. Jeet gets out of the hospital. They choose an empty lot next to their church, and make their improvements without really getting permission from their pastor. As the project grows, they have little trials that they overcome through persistence and a well intended disregard for rules.I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and I enjoyed this one as well. The children's personalities and interactions are charming and funny. Even more appealing is the sense of community Glaser creates for her characters and that we all wish we enjoyed. This book really does feel like an urban version of the Penderwicks. This is a great choice as a read aloud for families with mixed age children or as a book on CD to listen to on your next family road trip. (327 p. 2018)
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