Books About Harlem, New York

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Harlem, New York

The Poet X
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.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2018)Carnegie Medal for Writing (2019)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2018)Americas Honor (2019)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Michael L. Printz Award (2019)Odyssey Honor (2019)
357 pages· 32,942 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 145,831 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Xiomara Batista, an Afro-Latina teen in Harlem, feels trapped by her family's strict expectations and her own unspoken desires. Her secret love for poetry becomes a lifeline, especially after meeting Aman, a boy her family must never know about. When invited to join a slam poetry club, Xiomara faces a choice: stay silent or risk everything to be heard. Will she defy her mother's rules and embrace her true self, or will fear keep her words hidden? In a world that tries to silence her, Xiomara's voice demands to be heard.
Some Places More Than Others
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Some Places More Than Others

By Renée Watson

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

208 pages· 32,642 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 3,395 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Amara's birthday wish is to visit her father's family in Harlem, hoping to understand her roots. But New York City is overwhelming, and her father is distant. As she navigates the bustling streets and family tensions, Amara uncovers hidden stories and discovers unexpected ties to her heritage. Will she find the connection she's seeking, or will the city's chaos overshadow her journey?
All the Right Stuff
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2012

All the Right Stuff

By Walter Dean Myers

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 Goodreads · 554 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Paul Dupree's summer job at a Harlem soup kitchen becomes a journey of self-discovery after his father's death. Guided by Elijah's probing questions and intrigued by Sly's theories, Paul must confront life's big questions. Will he find the courage to take control of his future, or will he remain a bystander in his own life? As he balances basketball, friendship with Keisha, and the challenges of the social contract, Paul's summer becomes a pivotal moment of growth and understanding. Can he rise above the chaos and define his own path?
The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish

By Karina Yan Glaser · Book #5 in the The Vanderbeekers series

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·4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,978 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Harlem, the Vanderbeeker kids face a summer challenge: Papa's surprise birthday is at risk when he leaves town, and their critical grandparents arrive unexpectedly. As they navigate family tensions, they uncover secrets about their late grandfather. Can they bridge the generational gap and ensure Papa's birthday is unforgettable? Join this heartwarming adventure filled with humor and discovery.
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found

By Karina Yan Glaser · Book #4 in the The Vanderbeekers series

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

351 pages· 50,086 words· Est. 7 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,905 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Autumn on 141st Street brings new challenges for the Vanderbeekers. As they prepare Mr. Beiderman for the marathon, they discover a mysterious figure living in the community garden shed. Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney must navigate the complexities of helping someone in dire need, testing their resolve to improve their neighborhood. What secrets will they uncover, and how will it change their lives? Join the Vanderbeekers as they face an unexpected journey of empathy and understanding.
Meet Claudie
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2022

Meet Claudie

By Brit Bennett, Laura Freeman (Illustrator) · American Girl Historical Characters series

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

91 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 622 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1920s Harlem, Claudie Wells feels talentless amidst a vibrant community of artists. When an eviction notice threatens her family and their boardinghouse, she must uncover her own unique gift to save them. Can Claudie find the courage to let her imagination soar and turn her idea into reality? Discover her journey of self-discovery and resilience in a richly illustrated tale that captures the spirit of a transformative era.
The Vanderbeekers Ever After
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

The Vanderbeekers Ever After

By Karina Yan Glaser · Book #7 in the The Vanderbeekers series

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

416 pages· 60,334 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.6 Goodreads · 2,919 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: The Vanderbeekers eagerly anticipate a wedding, but a sibling's grave diagnosis shifts their focus to hospital visits. As they navigate this upheaval, they also aid a critically ill friend. Can the family's love and resilience overcome their greatest challenge yet? Discover how they find hope amidst adversity in this heartfelt series finale.
The Vanderbeekers on the Road
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Vanderbeekers on the Road

By Karina Yan Glaser · Book #6 in the The Vanderbeekers series

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

333 pages· 44,274 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 3,493 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: The Vanderbeekers embark on a surprise road trip to celebrate their dad's birthday, but when Laney discovers her siblings' secret college plans, the journey takes an unexpected turn. Can the family navigate the challenges of change and keep their bond strong? As they travel cross-country, the siblings must confront their fears of leaving home and embrace the unknown. Will they find a way to stay together, or will the road lead them apart? Join the beloved Harlem family on an adventure filled with heart, humor, and the lessons of growing up.
The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden

By Karina Yan Glaser · Book #2 in the The Vanderbeekers series

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

336 pages· 44,577 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 8,895 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Harlem, the Vanderbeeker siblings face a summer of boredom until disaster strikes their neighbor. With Isa away at camp, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney must overcome obstacles, including a locked fence and a real estate developer's plans, to build a magical healing garden. Can they transform their community and bring hope to those they love? Discover the warmth and resilience of a family determined to make a difference, one thwarted plan at a time.
Legacy
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2021

Legacy

By Nikki Grimes

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

144 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 688 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the forgotten voices of Harlem Renaissance women poets in this vibrant collection. Nikki Grimes crafts original poems using the Golden Shovel method, celebrating these trailblazers. Each poem is paired with stunning artwork by leading female African-American illustrators. Dive into a world where history and creativity intertwine, revealing the powerful legacy of women who defied the odds. What stories will their words and images tell?
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Harlem, New York Picture Books

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

The Negro Speaks of Rivers
Sale price
$1699

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Ages 5–8 · 2009

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

The Book Itch
Sale price
$1799

The Book Itch

Ages 7–10 · 2015

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

Tar Beach
Sale price
$899

Tar Beach

Ages 5–8 · 1991

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

Sugar Hill
Sale price
$1699

Sugar Hill

Ages 4–8 · 2014

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

Harlem
Sale price
$1899

Harlem

Ages 9–12 · 1997

Journey through Harlem's rich history and vibrant culture.

Looking Like Me
Sale price
$1899

Looking Like Me

Ages 5–9 · 2009

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

Uptown
Sale price
$1899

Uptown

Ages 4–8 · 2000

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

Harlem Hellfighters
Sale price
$1999

Harlem Hellfighters

Ages 10–13 · 2014

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

The Hula Hoopin' Queen
Sale price
$1895

The Hula Hoopin' Queen

Ages 6–10 · 2013

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

The Nutcracker in Harlem
Sale price
$1799

The Nutcracker in Harlem

Ages 4–8 · 2017

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

Cassie's Word Quilt
Sale price
$799

Cassie's Word Quilt

Ages 3–7 · 2002

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

View all harlem, new york picture books
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Harlem, New York Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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

The Great Shelby Holmes
#1 in Series
Sale price
$999

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
Sale price
$699

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
Sale price
$1980

Scorpions

Ages 12–15

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

Jazmin's Notebook
Sale price
$699

Jazmin's Notebook

Ages 8–12 · 1998

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

Handbook for Boys
Sale price
$1980

Handbook for Boys

Ages 10–13 · 2002

Two teens find guidance and hope in a Harlem barbershop.

The Jazz Man
Sale price
$899

The Jazz Man

Ages 8–12 · 1966

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

Operation Sisterhood
Sale price
$1699

Operation Sisterhood

Ages 8–12 · 2022

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

View all harlem, new york chapter books
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