The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Jessie is Isa’s twin and the science-minded sibling amongst the Vanderbeeker children. Jessie loves all her siblings, but she has a special relationship with her twin Isa, as evidenced by the water machine she built Isa as a gift, which creates lovely music and waters the family garden. The family’s impending move causes stress for Jessie, but when she hears Benny express interest in dating her sister, Jessie worries that too much is changing too quickly and makes an impulsive choice that brings harm to her relationship with Isa. Through the twins, Karina Yan Glaser displays that teenagers develop at different speeds. Isa has a burgeoning interest in fancy dresses and boys, but Jessie does not share those interests, and she expresses her intent to never change her persona to impress a boy, thinking, “And that […] is why I’m not going to dress differently” (102). Jessie defies the stereotypical teenage girl persona and stays true to following her path in life.

Each of the siblings learns something about each other and themselves through Operation Beiderman, and Jessie learns that though science offers explanations for many things in the world, it can’t explain everything. Jessie also learns to embrace the inevitability of change and that trying to control Isa’s life only brought conflict and pain. By letting her sister go and exploring her individuality, their relationship strengthens. In the end, she makes the right choice by telling Benny the truth and working to repair her relationship with Isa by restoring her trust.

Hyacinth, whose flowery name matches her character, is a quiet, sensitive, and creative child whose siblings are always encouraging her to find her voice. In contrast to her louder, more outgoing siblings, Hyacinth is introverted and prefers being alone. Unlike Laney, Hyacinth would prefer not to be in the spotlight and instead knits quietly or stares at her button collection. When she finally works up the courage to approach the Beiderman’s door and deliver her homemade placemat, she is met with the full force of his angry countenance and returns home terrified and shaking. It is Oliver who comforts his sister and shows empathy for her fear. He secretly writes the Beiderman a letter defending his sister and promising vengeance. Though Oliver’s heroic defense of his sister is endearing, it is Papa’s conversation with Hyacinth that most affirms her character. When she confesses to him that she can’t be brave, he declares her the bravest kid he knows and explains that Hyacinth is brave for her ability to love others unconditionally. She learns that bravery doesn’t always mean being fearless or completing some gallant task—bravery can mean just showing up as her authentic self and loving others just as they are.

Hyacinth acts bravely when she rescues the momma cat and makes her a comfortable place to give birth. She takes a big risk by giving Mr. Beiderman the kitten, but by giving him the animal she hopes to slowly bring him out of his reclusive life. He may not be ready for human friends, but having a pet can become the beginning of reconnecting with the outside world. By the end of the novel, Hyacinth goes from being goaded by her siblings to act brave to feeling brave on her own. From the warmth and creativity of her crafts to her soft-spoken nature, Hyacinth blooms in her family and community as a delight and joy to those around her.

Being sandwiched between four sisters isn’t always easy for Oliver, but it does bring certain perks like gaining his own room. At the beginning of the narrative, Oliver is a thrill-seeking young boy who longs to live out his bookish adventures in real life. He has learned to exploit his birth order in clever ways. However, as his family endures a trial and Oliver must work together with his sisters to save the family from moving, he learns the value of prioritizing the needs of others and that victory doesn’t always come at the tip of a sword like in the pages of a pirate story. He discovers that victory often comes through extending kindness and generosity. More inclined to respond to Mr. Beiderman’s unjust decision with unkindness, Oliver must work harder than the rest of his family to resist lashing out in anger.

Oliver’s sisters convince him to abandon his plan to spray paint the Beiderman’s door in favor of giving him gifts and trying to win the old man’s heart. Through his sisters’ example, Oliver learns the value of giving, and when he finds his pockets empty and can’t buy them Christmas gifts, he instead chooses to give the gift of his time. Oliver’s coupon gifts to his family illustrate his character development. Though the schemes to change Mr. Beiderman’s mind didn’t work the way they planned, Oliver was changed in the process and became a better brother and son to his family.

Mama and Papa have different personalities, but together they make a good team and lead their large family with kindness seeking to provide stability for their children even amidst an impending crisis. Papa is a gregarious, warm-hearted dad who works two part-time jobs to provide for the family and is always present to spend time with his children. Even as he calls the family meeting to deliver bad news, he maintains a positive, upbeat attitude, assuring his children that all will be well in the end. Deeply committed to his work as the building superintendent, he proudly wears his coveralls and delights in working with his hands. Despite all his responsibilities and having a large family, he never misses a chance to comfort or encourage a child. He entertains “Panda-Laney,” (35) comforts a dismayed Hyacinth, and sleeps on the floor next to Jessie after her falling out with Isa. His Christmas dinner speech reveals his parenting philosophy and the depth of his character:

I have always believed that raising kids means more than just being a good parent and trying to do the right things […] It means surrounding your kids with amazing people who can bring science experiments and jam cookies, laughter and joy, and beautiful experiences into their lives (251).

Though Harlem is a part of his heart, he does not let his emotions deter him from leading his family with love and courage.

Mama Vanderbeeker balances out Papa’s optimism. Though she appears hopeful for a resolution, she remains realistic about their prospects and sets out to do the hard work of packing up their lives. Mama runs a business out of her home while remaining the primary caregiver to five children. Industrious yet never too busy to spend time with her family and neighbors, she kindly cares for Miss Josie and Mr. Jeet while still meeting the needs of her family. While Papa remains a beacon of optimism and hope, Mama is not afraid to show emotion and cries in front of her children with grief over their move. She is not tied to Harlem in the same way as her husband, but she is deeply connected to the house where she has raised her children, and Laney’s Christmas gift symbolizes the children’s understanding of how much Mama loves the home. Together, Mama and Papa raise their children to be empathetic, compassionate individuals who choose to see the good in others and become positive participants in their community.