Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you feel about the story’s connection to classic children’s literature, especially its direct nod to The Secret Garden? In what ways did the Vanderbeekers’ urban garden adventure feel like a modern update to that timeless theme of finding healing through nature?

2. The story balances the children’s secret project with their worries about Mr. Jeet’s stroke and the threat of the lot’s sale. Which of these elements did you find most compelling, and how well do you think the author wove them together to create a satisfying narrative?

3. At the heart of the book is a large, chaotic, and loving family. As you read, which of the Vanderbeeker siblings did you connect with most, and what was it about their personality or journey that resonated with you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. The Vanderbeekers and their friends discover that working together on the garden strengthens their bonds and achieves something none of them could do alone. Thinking about your own life, has a shared project ever brought you closer to others in your community, family, or workplace?

2. Oliver’s guilt over his argument with Jessie is what fuels his determination to build the garden for Mr. Jeet. Can you think of a time when a mistake or a moment of regret motivated you to do something positive for someone else?

3. Jessie quietly gives up her dream of attending science camp to ease her family’s financial burden. Think about a time you made a sacrifice for someone you care about. What did that experience teach you about selflessness and love?

4. Mr. Beiderman is trapped by grief until the children’s project slowly draws him back into the world. Have you ever witnessed how a community effort or a shared goal can help someone navigate a difficult time in their life?

5. Oliver’s initial feelings toward Herman are driven by jealousy over his possessions, but their work in the garden helps Oliver see past material things to the person Herman really is. Have you ever had a relationship change for the better after working toward a common goal with someone?

6. When Mr. Jeet is hospitalized, the children feel helpless, so they pour their energy into the garden. Have you ever found that focusing on a constructive project can be a helpful way to cope with worry or anxiety?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The conflict over the garden between the children and Mr. Huxley mirrors the real-world history of New York City’s community garden movement. How does the novel’s exploration of this tension contribute to the conversation about the conflict between community needs and the pressures of urban development?

2. The garden is ultimately saved by proving its connection to the Underground Railroad and the legacy of civil rights leader Adam Clayton Powell Jr. How does rooting the conflict in Harlem’s specific history enrich the narrative? Have you seen similar situations play out in the real world?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What role does the garden itself play in the story? How does its rehabilitation mirror the journeys of characters like Oliver, Mr. Jeet, and Mr. Beiderman? 

2. Discuss Hyacinth and Herman’s knitting hobby. How does this craft illustrate the process of building connections, especially in regard to Herman’s place in the community?

3. How does Oliver’s creation of the health chart for Mr. Jeet function as a narrative device? What does this chart reveal about Oliver’s character and his way of processing guilt and hope?

4. Mr. Beiderman undergoes a transformation from an isolated man defined by grief to an active protector of his community. Trace his character’s journey. Which moments were most critical to his journey of re-engagement with the world?

5. How does the author use the five Vanderbeeker siblings, each with a distinct personality, to explore different aspects of the book’s themes? 

6. Luciana’s buried box of seeds is a key discovery. What does it represent, and how does its blooming at the end of the novel reinforce the story’s message about memory, loss, and new life?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you’re designing a sign for the entrance of The Josie and Jeet Community Garden. Based on the story, what words or images would you include to capture its spirit and history for future visitors?

2. If you were to create a soundtrack for the book, what kind of music would you choose for key moments like the children discovering the abandoned lot, the frantic race to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, or the final Harvest Festival?

3. The children’s final surprise for Mr. Beiderman is a lavender maze that plays Luciana’s favorite waltz. If you could add one more feature to the garden to honor another character, what would it be and who would it be for?