Books About New York City · 442 titles considered

The Best New York City Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about new york city? 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 New York City

Wonder
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio · Book #1 in the Wonder series

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2013)Cybils Award (2012)
316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,230,038 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?
Stuart Little
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1945

Stuart Little

By E.B. White, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

A tiny mouse embarks on a daring quest to find his missing friend.

131 pages· 18,804 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 135,721 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, lives in bustling New York City. When his best friend, Margalo the bird, mysteriously vanishes, Stuart sets off on an epic journey beyond his familiar home. Facing the unknown, he encounters thrilling adventures and unexpected challenges. Will Stuart's courage and determination lead him to Margalo, or will the vast world prove too daunting for this small hero? Dive into a tale of friendship and bravery, where the smallest of creatures can make the biggest difference.
The Cricket in Times Square
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1960

The Cricket in Times Square

By George Selden, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Chester Cricket and His Friends series

A cricket's hidden talent may change the heart of New York City.

Newbery Honor (1961)
160 pages· 24,976 words· Est. 3 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 68,383 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Chester Cricket, lured from his meadow to bustling New York, finds himself in the Times Square subway. Guided by Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat, Chester embarks on city adventures. Rescued by a boy named Mario, Chester discovers a hidden talent that could teach even the toughest New Yorkers a lesson. Can this little cricket make a big impact in the city that never sleeps?
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By E.L. Konigsburg

A young girl runs away from home with her brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Newbery Medal (1968)
172 pages· 30,922 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 222,810 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Claudia plans the perfect escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dragging her thrifty brother Jamie along. But their adventure takes a twist when they stumble upon a mysterious statue. Determined to uncover its secrets, Claudia faces a challenge that could alter her perspective forever. Can they solve the mystery and find their way back home?
The Story Collector
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Story Collector

By Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Story Collector series

A library prank spirals into a quest to uncover a ghost and a missing stamp collection.

272 pages· 39,626 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,156 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Viviani Fedeler, raised in the New York Public Library, suspects it's haunted. A prank to spook new girl Merit Mubarak goes awry, leading Viviani and her friends on a thrilling quest. They must unravel the mystery of a possible ghost and a vanished stamp collection. Can they uncover the truth hidden within the library's walls?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Sale price
$1805
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1943

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By Betty Smith

A young girl navigates hardship and family drama in early 20th-century Brooklyn.

496 pages· 145,092 words· Est. 13.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 537,321 ratings
$19.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn, young Francie Nolan faces the challenges of a tumultuous family life. With a father prone to drink and an aunt with a string of marriages, Francie must find strength and resilience. Amidst the chaos, she discovers the simple joys of childhood, from trading junk for pennies to the thrill of holiday celebrations. As she comes of age, Francie's journey is a poignant exploration of survival, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams in a world that demands fortitude. What will Francie learn about life and herself in this vibrant, challenging world?
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 · 3,402 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?
Tyrell
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2006

Tyrell

By Coe Booth · Book #1 in the Tyrell series

A teen struggles with homelessness, love, and the lure of crime. Will he escape his father's fate?

310 pages· 85,285 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 5,099 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Tyrell, a teen in a homeless shelter, grapples with his father's incarceration, a supportive girlfriend he feels unworthy of, and a complicated attraction to another girl. Desperate to improve his situation, he faces the temptation of quick money. As he teeters on the edge of right and wrong, Tyrell must decide if he will follow his father's path or carve out a new future. Can he break the cycle, or is he destined to repeat it? The stakes are high, and every choice could change his life forever.
The Saturdays
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1941

The Saturdays

By Elizabeth Enright · Book #1 in the The Melendy Family series

Four siblings create a club to transform their Saturdays into unforgettable adventures.

177 pages· 38,654 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 11,031 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a cozy New York brownstone, the Melendy siblings—Mona, Rush, Randy, and Oliver—form the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club. With pooled allowances, they embark on thrilling Saturday escapades. Each adventure promises surprises and unforgettable memories. What unexpected turns will their club take? Join the Melendys as they discover the magic of shared dreams and the joy of family in this timeless tale.
It's Kind of a Funny Story
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2006

It's Kind of a Funny Story

By Ned Vizzini

A teen's dream school becomes a nightmare, leading him to a mental hospital where he confronts his deepest fears.

444 pages· 80,289 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 265,158 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Craig Gilner's dream of success crumbles when the pressure of his elite high school becomes unbearable. After a near-tragic night, he finds himself in a mental hospital, surrounded by unique characters like a self-elected president and a girl with self-inflicted scars. Isolated from his old life, Craig must face his anxiety and discover an unexpected path to happiness. Can he find hope amidst chaos and redefine his future?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door every month.

BoardAges 0–3PictureAges 3–6Junior ChapterAges 7–10Middle GradeAges 9–12
Books from a Bookroo book club in their box
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New York City Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about new york city for the youngest readers and listeners.

New York
Series
Sale price
$799

New York

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Discover vibrant colors in New York City through a playful exploration.

Hello, New York!
Series
Sale price
$1299

Hello, New York!

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Explore New York's landmarks through playful die-cuts and a pop-out map.

123 New York
Sale price
$795

123 New York

Ages 0–4 · 2008

Count from 1 to 10 with iconic New York symbols in this vibrant board book.

Above New York
Series
Sale price
$1295

Above New York

Ages 0–5 · 2011

A boy's imagination takes flight over New York City.

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New York City Picture Books

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

Eloise Throws a Party!
Sale price
$499

Eloise Throws a Party!

Ages 4–6 · 2008

Eloise plans a surprise party for Weenie with Nanny's help.

Twenty-One Elephants
Sale price
$1999

Twenty-One Elephants

Ages 4–7 · 2005

Can the Brooklyn Bridge withstand the weight of a grand spectacle?

Balloons Over Broadway
Sale price
$1899

Balloons Over Broadway

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Discover the story behind the iconic Macy's Parade balloons.

Overground Railroad
Sale price
$1899

Overground Railroad

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young girl journeys north, seeking freedom and new beginnings.

The Sleeping Beauty
Sale price
$1899

The Sleeping Beauty

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Experience a modern ballet retelling of The Sleeping Beauty with stunning illustrations.

Her Right Foot
Sale price
$2199

Her Right Foot

Ages 5–8 · 2017

Why is the Statue of Liberty stepping forward? Discover a hidden message of acceptance.

Red & Lulu
Sale price
$1799

Red & Lulu

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A cardinal's journey to reunite with his love amidst Christmas magic.

Henry and the Kite Dragon
Sale price
$1899

Henry and the Kite Dragon

Ages 6–9 · 2004

Kids from two rival neighborhoods clash over homemade kites until they finally come face to face.

The Cot in the Living Room
Sale price
$1899

The Cot in the Living Room

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A girl learns empathy when she finally sleeps on the coveted living room cot.

Stan Lee
Series
Sale price
$1599

Stan Lee

Ages 6–8 · 2024

Discover the journey of a comic book visionary who brought superheroes to life.

Go Forth and Tell
Sale price
$1899

Go Forth and Tell

Ages 5–8 · 2024

A librarian's quest to amplify Black voices transforms storytelling forever.

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New York City Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about new york city for developing and independent readers.

Chains
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

Chains

Ages 12–16 · 2008

A young girl fights for freedom amidst the Revolutionary War's chaos.

The Boy in the Black Suit
Sale price
$1999

The Boy in the Black Suit

Ages 12–18 · 2015

Matt's life is falling apart until he meets Lovey, who might just help him find hope again.

Drita, My Homegirl
Sale price
$699

Drita, My Homegirl

Ages 8–11 · 2006

A new life in America tests Drita's resilience and sparks an unexpected friendship across cultural divides.

Dragons in a Bag
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Dragons in a Bag

Ages 8–11 · 2018

A young boy discovers a mysterious world of magic and dragons when he is left with his estranged grandmother, a witch, for a day.

The Catcher in the Rye
Sale price
$1799

The Catcher in the Rye

Ages 15–18 · 1951

A teen escapes prep school, navigating New York's chaos and his own turmoil.

Liar & Spy
Sale price
$1599

Liar & Spy

Ages 9–12 · 2012

A boy's friendship is tested as he spies on a mysterious neighbor.

After Tupac & D Foster
Sale price
$1899

After Tupac & D Foster

Ages 12–18 · 2008

A mysterious friend changes everything, revealing life's harsh truths and fleeting connections.

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground
Sale price
$699

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

Ages 8–11 · 2017

A boy defies his mother's ban on blues music, seeking freedom and truth on a journey through New York City.

Rachel's Roses
Sale price
$1599

Rachel's Roses

Ages 7–10 · 2019

Rachel needs twenty-five cents for a dream, but time is running out.

View all new york city chapter books
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Books about belongingBooks about books and librariesBooks about bullyingBooks about city and town lifeBooks about clubsBooks about coming of ageBooks about depression and mental illnessBooks about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities