Books About Harlem, New York · 35 titles considered

The Best Harlem, New York Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about harlem, new york? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Some Places More Than Others
The Great Shelby Holmes and the Coldest Case
The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Harlem, New York

Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2018

The Poet X

By Elizabeth Acevedo

A young poet battles silence and tradition to find her voice in Harlem.

357 pages· 32,942 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 145,041 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Some Places More Than Others

A birthday trip to Harlem reveals family secrets and unexpected connections.

208 pages· 32,642 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,387 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2012

All the Right Stuff

A teen navigates life's tough choices at a Harlem soup kitchen after his father's death.

224 pages· 40,529 words· Est. 4 hour read
3.1/5 Goodreads · 554 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish

A family races to uncover secrets and save a birthday surprise amid unexpected visitors.

319 pages· 48,222 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,912 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found

A hidden identity in the garden challenges the Vanderbeekers' compassion.

351 pages· 50,086 words· Est. 7 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,828 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2021

Legacy

Uncover the hidden voices of Harlem Renaissance women poets through vibrant poetry and art.

144 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 682 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2015

The Book Itch

A bookstore in Harlem becomes a hub for change and ideas.

Coretta Scott King Award (2016)
32 pages· 1,515 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,090 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2009

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

By Langston Hughes, E. B. Lewis (Illustrator), E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A young poet captures the enduring strength of a people through timeless verse.

32 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 739 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Great Shelby Holmes and the Coldest Case

Young detectives go undercover as skaters to crack a coded mystery.

240 pages· 38,447 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 221 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden

A family unites to create a healing garden amidst unexpected challenges in Harlem.

336 pages· 44,577 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 8,781 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
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Harlem, New York Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about harlem, new york for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Tar Beach

Ages 5–8 · 1991

A young girl dreams of freedom and discovers the magic of flight over 1939 Harlem.

Sugar Hill

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Explore Harlem's Sugar Hill, where art and culture defied segregation.

Harlem

Ages 9–12 · 1997

Journey through Harlem's rich history and vibrant culture.

Looking Like Me

Ages 5–9 · 2009

Discover the many identities within yourself and celebrate who you are.

Uptown

Ages 4–8 · 2000

Explore Harlem's vibrant life through a boy's eyes, where culture and community thrive.

Harlem Hellfighters

Ages 10–13 · 2014

Harlem musicians face war's horrors, racism, and redefine courage through music.

The Hula Hoopin' Queen

Ages 6–10 · 2013

A hula-hooping contest turns into a neighborhood celebration, revealing unexpected connections.

The Nutcracker in Harlem

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A magical toy leads a girl to find her musical voice in Harlem's jazz era.

Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!

Ages 6–10 · 2017

A young photographer defies prejudice to capture the spirit of Harlem's Renaissance.

Cassie's Word Quilt

Ages 3–7 · 2002

Explore a vibrant world of words with Cassie on a colorful journey through her neighborhood.

Happy Feet

Ages 5–8 · 2005

A young dreamer aims to dance at the legendary Savoy Ballroom, where anything is possible.

View all harlem, new york picture books
Browse by age

Harlem, New York Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about harlem, new york for developing and independent readers.

The Vanderbeekers on the Road

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A surprise road trip challenges the Vanderbeeker siblings as they confront unexpected changes and family dynamics.

The Vanderbeekers Ever After
Sale price
$1999

The Vanderbeekers Ever After

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A family faces illness, finding hope and strength in their community.

Meet Claudie

Ages 8–10 · 2022

A young girl must find her hidden talent to save her home from eviction.

The Magic in Changing Your Stars

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Ailey's dance dreams lead him to 1930s Harlem, where changing the past could alter his future.

The Great Shelby Holmes

Ages 8–11 · 2016

A young boy moves to New York City with his mother and becomes entangled in a mystery involving a missing dog.

Hoops
Sale price
$999

Hoops

Ages 12–18 · 1981

A young basketball star faces a life-changing decision amid corruption and pressure.

The Harlem Charade

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Three kids race to find missing art that could save their Harlem neighborhood from a theme park fate.

Scorpions

Ages 12–15

Jamal faces a dangerous choice between gang life and saving his brother.

Jazmin's Notebook

Ages 8–12 · 1998

Jazmin faces life's battles with determination and dreams, despite family hardships.

Handbook for Boys

Ages 10–13 · 2002

Two teens find guidance and hope in a Harlem barbershop.

The Jazz Man

Ages 8–12 · 1966

A boy's world transforms through music, but what happens when the melody fades?

Operation Sisterhood

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Bo's life turns chaotic in a crowded Harlem brownstone. Can she find her place?

Keep exploring
Books about values and virtuesBooks about basketballBooks about belongingBooks about coming of ageBooks about family historyBooks about father-daughter relationshipsBooks about philosophy

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