Told that they will have to move out of their Harlem brownstone just after Christmas, the five Vanderbeeker children, ages four to twelve, decide to change their reclusive landlord's mind.

One hilarious Harlem family is on a mission to find the perfect way to celebrate their Papa's fortieth birthday while discovering more about their mysterious grandparents in this heartfelt romp and latest installment to the New York Times best-selling series, perfect for fans of the Penderwicks. It's summer on 141st Street, and the Vanderbeekers are looking forward to Papa's surprise fortieth birthday party. But then Papa must leave town to help his...

"When autumn arrives on 141st Street, the Vanderbeekers are busy helping Mr. Beiderman get ready for the New York City Marathon--and making sure the mysterious person sleeping in the community garden gets enough to eat. But when they discover the true identity of the person making a home in the garden's shed, their world turns upside down. As they attempt to make the world a better place, Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney learn what it means...