Written by Karina Yan Glaser
I literally could not put this book down. Needless to say, my weekend to-do’s did not happen until this book was finished. Ever After is a lovely ending to the Vanderbeekers series. This story will pull at your heartstrings as the youngest Vanderbeeker becomes ill at the onset of a new school year.
I love how in each book there is a family crisis that pulls the kids together to solve and a countdown to an important event. The family crisis in Ever After is the diagnosis of Leukemia for Laney, and the countdown is to the wedding of their landlord friend, Mr. Beiderman, to their Aunt Penny. I thought the topic of the illness was handled realistically and sensitively and the wedding added hopefulness to the story.
My favorite in this story was Oliver, who wanted to find a way to help his little sister during her time of need. His feelings were so genuine and a realistic portrayal of how many may feel during a rough time. Farewell to the Vanderbeekers era (sniff, sniff). Even though I gave the book four and half stars, I give the series a big five stars. Realistic family fiction at its best.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Media Clerk, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in November 2023
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-8
The Vanderbeekers Ever After
Written by Karina Yan Glaser
Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
402 pages
Release Date: September 19, 2023
ISBN: 9780358434580
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
