The Vanderbeekers on the Road
#6 of 7 in The Vanderbeekers Series
on Goodreads (2,719)
What’s inside...
The Vanderbeeker family embarks on a road trip to give their dad the best birthday surprise by re-creating a trip he never got to take with his own father. However, things take a turn when the car breaks down and tensions rise after Laney discovers that her siblings Jessie and Orlando are considering attending college in California. Fearing change, Laney and the other siblings scheme to keep the family together in New York. In this fresh adventure in the New York Times bestselling series about the beloved Vanderbeeker family, a surprise road trip turns rocky when the younger siblings try to keep their family from ever facing change. The popular Harlem family is putting the VAN in Vanderbeekers as they hit the highway to give their dad the best birthday surprise EVER! Re-creating a road trip Papa never got the chance to take with his own father, the whole crew is packed and ready for a cross-country adventure. Things get off to a rocky start when the car breaks down on their way to pick up Papa. But they really veer off course when Laney discovers that Jessie and Orlando are interviewing at a college once they get to California. How can they even think about leaving New York? Wouldn't that change their family? And how can she and her other siblings stop them? Exploring themes of leaving home, embracing change, and the lessons to be learned from going to new places, The Vanderbeekers on the Road is every bit an engaging and rewarding journey. The New York Times bestselling Vanderbeekers series is perfect for fans of the Penderwicks. As Booklist commented in a starred review: 'Few families in children’s literature are as engaging or amusing as the Vanderbeekers, even in times of turmoil.' The series includes:
Character compass
Jessie Vanderbeeker
Hyacinth Vanderbeeker
Isa Vanderbeeker
Oliver Vanderbeeker
Laney Vanderbeeker
Mama Vanderbeeker
Papa (Mr. Vanderbeeker)
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the Vanderbeeker children to go on their road trip? How did their motivations change throughout the story?
How do the siblings support each other during their adventures? Can you think of a time when you helped or supported your siblings or friends?
The Vanderbeekers experience many new things on their journey. What new experience would you like to try and why?
How do the characters grow or change by the end of the book? Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
What lessons do you think the Vanderbeekers learned about family and friendship during their road trip?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about times they have gone on trips or worked together with friends or family.
Highlight the importance of support and teamwork shown by the Vanderbeekers by discussing instances where family and friends have supported your child.
Discuss the new experiences and challenges the Vanderbeekers face to inspire a conversation about trying new things and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Emphasize the growth of the characters throughout the book. Ask your child how they think they've grown or changed recently.
Conclude your discussion by reflecting on the importance of family and friendship, as demonstrated in the book, and relate it to your child's own relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Vanderbeekers on the Road', the Vanderbeeker siblings collaborate and support each other as they embark on an adventurous road trip. Their unified effort helps them overcome challenges they face along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and rely on their family members during challenging situations, understanding that collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resilience
Explanation: As the Vanderbeeker family faces unexpected situations during their trip, the siblings learn to adapt and stay resilient. Their ability to embrace change and maintain a positive attitude is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying flexible and positive in the face of new or challenging circumstances, equipping them with the mindset to handle life's unpredictabilities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents the children with various problems which they must think critically and creatively to solve. Their problem-solving journey is a key aspect of the story's progression.
Real-World Application: Children learn that problems can be approached in multiple ways and that thinking outside the box is often helpful. This can encourage them to be proactive in finding solutions in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for new experiences
Explanation: The road trip exposes the Vanderbeekers to new places and situations outside of their city life, cultivating a sense of adventure and appreciation for new experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to embrace new activities and environments, promoting an open-minded and explorative approach to life.