Picture a New York storyteller who brought a vibrant Harlem family to life—meet Karina Yan Glaser! This bestselling children’s author has charmed readers with her heartwarming Vanderbeekers series, blending humor, empathy, and community spirit. From her roots in education to her role as a Book Riot contributor, Glaser’s stories celebrate family and resilience, making her a beloved voice in middle-grade fiction.
Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Glaser’s journey to literary stardom is as inspiring as her books. Her unique perspective and dedication to diverse storytelling have earned her a special place in children’s literature, with over half a million copies sold and translations in 13 languages.
The Making of Karina Yan Glaser
Karina Yan Glaser was born in 1979 or 1980 in Pasadena, California, to Chinese immigrant parents. Growing up in a small, quiet family, she found solace in books about bustling households, like Sydney Taylor’s All-of-a-Kind Family and Elizabeth Enright’s The Melendy Family. These stories sparked her love for New York City, which she dreamed of calling home. After moving to New York for college at Barnard, she never left, settling in Harlem with her husband, Dan, two daughters, and a menagerie of rescue animals.
Before writing, Glaser worked in education and nonprofits, teaching literacy in homeless shelters and aiding healthcare initiatives in under-resourced areas. Her uncle’s dare to write a book reignited her childhood passion for storytelling, leading her to pen her debut during National Novel Writing Month. This bold leap launched her career, proving dreams can bloom from the smallest seeds.
Karina Yan Glaser’s Unforgettable Stories
Glaser’s Vanderbeekers series, starting with The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (2017), follows a multiracial family of five siblings navigating life in a Harlem brownstone. With humor and heart, the books tackle challenges like eviction threats and community projects, earning comparisons to classic family sagas. The series’ seven books, concluding with The Vanderbeekers Ever After (2023), have become New York Times bestsellers, praised for their warmth and relatability.
In 2022, Glaser published A Duet for Home, a standalone novel about two preteens in a Bronx homeless shelter. Drawing from her shelter work, the story weaves empathy and hope, showcasing her ability to address tough topics with sensitivity. Glaser’s style—lively dialogue, diverse characters, and emotional honesty—resonates with young readers, encouraging empathy and resilience.
Her work extends beyond books. As a contributing editor for Book Riot and co-host of the Kidlit These Days podcast, Glaser champions children’s literature and diversity in publishing, amplifying new voices and stories.
Why Karina Yan Glaser Matters
Karina Yan Glaser’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that feel like home. Her diverse characters reflect the world kids live in, fostering empathy and understanding. By drawing from her experiences, she bridges gaps between cultures and communities, making her books a beacon for young readers seeking connection. Her work has inspired countless children to see themselves as storytellers, with schools and libraries buzzing about her visits, like her 2023 residency at Bank Street School for Children.
Glaser’s legacy is also personal—she’s raised two daughters who never leave home without a book, a testament to her belief in stories’ power to shape lives. Her books, optioned for film by Amy Poehler, promise to reach even wider audiences, cementing her influence in children’s literature.
- Birth Year: 1979 or 1980
- Key Works: The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, A Duet for Home
- Notable Role: Contributing editor, Book Riot
- Fun Fact: Lives in Harlem with three cats, two dogs, and a corgi named Lalo
Snag The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street and dive into Karina Yan Glaser’s joyful world of family and friendship!