If you have a child in elementary or middle school, you’ve probably heard of the Vanderbeekers—and for good reason. Karina Yan Glaser’s Vanderbeekers series (book 6 is coming out in September!) is a delightful series about the adventures of a family living in Harlem. It’s a great middle-grade novel, and my 5-year-old adores it; we’re starting book 2 soon.

Karina’s new book, A Duet for Home, is about two biracial children, June and Tyrell, who meet each other when they’re living in a homeless shelter. Their friendship gets off to a rocky start, but they bond over a love of classical music. When they find out about a housing policy that endangers families who are getting ready to leave the shelter, will they be able to change it? It’s a novel with lots of layers that tackles some tough stuff, but is also filled with humor, love, and friendship.

I met Karina when she was at Book Riot, and I caught up with her over email to ask her some questions about her latest novel.

What was the catalyst for writing A Duet From Home?

A Duet for Home has been in the works for decades and was inspired by the experiences I had working at an organization that provided transitional housing to homeless families. I worked there for four years right out of college. I had a lot of different job responsibilities, but my favorite one was going to the Bronx shelter once a week and spending time with the kids in the afterschool program. Their stories and our time together have stayed in my heart over the past two decades.

How was it writing this book, as opposed to the Vanderbeeker books? Was it different?

A Duet for Home was difficult to write. It was actually supposed to be published after my first Vanderbeeker book, but my publisher ended up wanting the Vanderbeekers to be a series, so A Duet for Home was put to the side for many years. The book was originally told in four voices, then I changed it to three, and then I changed it to two. The point of view changed from third person to first person and back to third person again. It took many, many years of work to get it right.

Reading this book, I was struck by the seriousness of various threads: loss of a parent, parental grief and neglect, challenges of poverty and being unhoused. But you didn’t shy away from the topics; they’re conveyed in a relatable way for middle-grade readers. What are some of the challenges of writing MG novels?

The reality is that kids go through so many difficult things, and when you’re young, you don’t necessarily know that that is not how life should be. It’s just what it is. I wanted to show that these kids are going through these hard things and are doing the best they can despite their circumstances. They have help from other adults, but their main support comes from each other. I try to commit to my character’s voices and only present their point of views without injecting an adult perspective.

Do you have a writing routine? How has the pandemic affected it?

I don’t have a writing routine! Every day is completely different. If I’m drafting, I try to be diligent about putting aside other tasks and focusing on my word count goals for each day.

How do you think the creative community can support those who aren’t cis men, and mothers, especially?

I think the creative community, especially the kidlit community, does an amazing job supporting mothers. Many of my colleagues are mothers, and we share the ups and downs of being parents while also having a career. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached out to a fellow kidlit writer and asked for advice or just shared in the trials and challenges of parenting.

That’s so interesting, and something I don’t hear often. Do you think the kidlit community is unique in that way?

I do think there is something uniquely special about the kidlit writing community. It might be because in addition to the writing aspect, we have a shared vision of reaching young readers and supporting educators and librarians. The kidlit community is incredible!

What are you struggling with, as a parent and as a writer, right now?

For writing, I am struggling with writing the final book in the Vanderbeeker series! For parenting, I am juggling the emotional rollercoaster of raising teenagers!

What books inspire you, and what are you reading right now?

My favorite childhood book is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I am currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

What do you hope people will take away from this book?

I hope kids who live in uncertain housing situations will feel seen, and I hope readers who have a stable home are given a new perspective about homelessness.

What’s on the horizon for you?

I am working on the last Vanderbeekers book and have another story in the works. More soon!