Books About Cities · 337 titles considered

The Best Cities Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about cities? 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.

#1 in Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Cities

Sale price

$2849

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

A hidden life in a Paris station unravels with a cryptic message.

Caldecott Medal (2008)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2007)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2007)

533 pages· 24,938 words· Est. 3 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,299 ratings

$29.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Hugo, an orphan and clock keeper, hides within the walls of a Paris train station. His secretive existence is threatened when he encounters a mysterious toyseller and a curious girl. As a cryptic drawing, a stolen key, and a mechanical man come into play, Hugo must unravel a hidden message from his deceased father. Can he protect his secret and uncover the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$2184

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1970

The Trumpet of the Swan

By E.B. White, Fred Marcellino (Illustrator)

A mute swan seeks love through a stolen trumpet's melody.

251 pages· 42,200 words· Est. 6 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 84,082 ratings

$22.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Louis, a mute trumpeter swan, longs for Serena's affection but struggles to express his love. Despite learning to read and write, nothing captures her attention. When his father gifts him a stolen brass trumpet, Louis wonders if music can bridge the silence. Can a melody win Serena's heart, or will Louis remain unheard? Dive into a tale of perseverance and the power of music.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Book Scavenger

By Jennifer Chambliss Bertman · Book #1 in the Book Scavenger series

Emily races to solve a book's mystery before danger catches up.

368 pages· 66,684 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,233 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily moves to San Francisco, home of her idol, Garrison Griswold, only to find him in a coma after an attack. With her new friend James, she discovers a peculiar book that might hold the key to Griswold's secret game. As they unravel its puzzles, they must stay ahead of those who wish to stop them. Can Emily and James unlock the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Three Pennies

By Melanie Crowder

A foster girl seeks her birth mother before losing her chance at a forever home.

208 pages· 25,848 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Marin, a foster child, clings to her I Ching and three pennies, hoping to find her birth mother and fix her life. As she settles into a promising new home, unexpected news threatens her dreams. Can Marin navigate the shifting ground beneath her feet and find where she truly belongs?

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

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$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

By Laurence Yep, Joanne Ryder, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Dragon's Guide series

A young girl discovers a magical sketchbook that brings her drawings to life, but also attracts a monster that feeds on magic.

192 pages· 29,050 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,260 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a city teeming with hidden magical creatures, dragon Miss Drake and her 'pet' human, Winnie, face an unexpected challenge. Winnie's sketchbook, filled with drawings of fantastical beings, has unleashed its creations onto the streets. As chaos ensues, the unlikely duo must work together to recapture the mischievous sketchlings. Can they restore order before it's too late, or will the city be forever changed by Winnie's imagination?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2011

The Fenway Foul-Up

By David A. Kelly, Mark Meyers (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Ballpark Mysteries series

A baseball bat is stolen from a famous player and two kids try to solve the mystery.

112 pages· 9,681 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 957 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Cousins Mike and Kate are thrilled to be at Fenway Park, thanks to Kate's mom's connections. But excitement turns to mystery when the Red Sox's star hitter loses his lucky bat, stolen in plain sight. Without it, his performance falters, risking the team's success. Can Mike and Kate unravel the mystery and save the game before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling whodunnit set in the iconic Boston ballpark, where every clue counts and the stakes are high for the home team.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2020

Harley in the Sky

By Akemi Dawn Bowman

A teen defies her family to chase her circus dreams, facing harsh truths and sacrifices.

432 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,688 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Harley Milano dreams of soaring as a trapeze artist, but her parents demand she stays grounded in school. After a heated argument, she leaves home to join a rival circus, Maison du Mystère. In this new world, Harley discovers the beauty and brutality of circus life, learning hard lessons about passion and teamwork. As she navigates this path, she must confront her family's truths and the sacrifices made in pursuit of her dreams. Will Harley find where she truly belongs, or will the cost of her ambition be too great?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2010

Anna and the French Kiss

By Stephanie Perkins · Book #1 in the Anna and the French Kiss series

Can Anna navigate love and friendship at a Parisian boarding school?

372 pages· 81,100 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 467,054 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Anna's senior year takes an unexpected turn when she's sent to a Parisian boarding school. There, she meets the charming Etienne St. Clair, but he's already taken, and her own heart is still tied to someone back home. As seasons change, Anna must untangle her feelings and decide if love is worth the risk. Will she find the romance she's been dreaming of, or will it slip through her fingers like the Parisian spring? Dive into a world of near-misses and heartfelt choices in this captivating tale of young love.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1958

The Family Under the Bridge

By Natalie Savage Carlson, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

An old man's solitary life changes when he finds three children needing a home under a Paris bridge.

Newbery Honor (1959)

97 pages· 17,723 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 17,194 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Armand, a contented old man living on the streets of Paris, cherishes his solitary life. But just before Christmas, he discovers three cold, hungry children under his favorite bridge. Despite his initial reluctance, Armand's heart opens to this makeshift family, leading him on a quest to find them a real home. As they navigate the city, encountering gypsies and even Santa Claus, Armand learns the true meaning of family and belonging. Will he succeed in giving them the home they deserve? This heartwarming tale of unexpected bonds will captivate readers with its charm and warmth.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2008

Little Brother

By Cory Doctorow · Book #1 in the Little Brother series

A teen hacker battles a surveillance state after a terrorist attack changes everything.

382 pages· 106,188 words· Est. 10 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 53,907 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Marcus, a savvy hacker, finds his life upended after a terrorist attack in San Francisco. Wrongly detained by Homeland Security, he returns to a city transformed into a police state. With citizens treated as suspects, Marcus must decide if he can challenge the oppressive system. Can he outsmart the surveillance and reclaim freedom, or will he be silenced? Dive into a gripping tale of rebellion and resilience where every move is watched, and every choice could be his last.

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Ages 2–5 · 2019

Discover the exciting world of transportation with cars, trains, and planes.

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Cities Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about cities for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Series

Sale price

$599

Madeline's Tea Party

Ages 6–8 · 2011

A tea party turns chaotic when a mischievous guest arrives. Can friendship mend the mess?

Series

Sale price

$2099

Madeline's Rescue

Ages 4–8 · 1953

A brave girl and her rescue dog face a dilemma: how to share their bond with others.

Sale price

$1995

The Giraffe That Walked to Paris

Ages 4–8 · 1992

A giraffe's journey from Egypt to France captivates a nation.

Sale price

$1799

Piglette

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A piglet seeks perfection in Paris but discovers the true scent of home.

Sale price

$1799

Florette

Ages 4–7 · 2018

A young girl finds a way to bring nature into her new city home.

Sale price

$999

The Red Balloon

Ages 3–7 · 1956

A boy's friendship with a red balloon transforms his world in Paris.

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Cities Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about cities for developing and independent readers.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1199

The Alchemyst

Ages 12–15 · 2007

An ancient alchemist's secrets threaten the world. Can two teens unlock their powers in time?

Sale price

$1999

Johnny Tremain

Ages 10–15 · 1943

A young apprentice's accident thrusts him into the heart of the American Revolution.

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Sale price

$1095

The Journal of William Thomas Emerson

Ages 9–12 · 1998

A boy becomes a spy amidst pre-Revolutionary War tensions.

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Sale price

$899

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Ages 10–14 · 2004

A boy navigates life on Alcatraz Island amidst notorious criminals and family challenges.

The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1799

The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must uncover the truth behind her father's disappearance and the vanishing of magical creatures.

Sale price

$2199

The Da Vinci Code

Ages 13–17 · 2016

A professor races to solve cryptic clues to prevent an ancient truth from vanishing forever.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1299

Jailbreak at Alcatraz

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Three inmates vanish from Alcatraz, sparking an unsolved mystery.

Sale price

$1195

A Movie in My Pillow

Ages 8–11 · 2001

A boy navigates new life in San Francisco, cherishing memories of El Salvador.

#11 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2499

I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–12 · 2025

A molasses tank explodes, unleashing chaos. Can Carmen survive the flood?

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1299

All In

Ages 13–17 · 2015

A teenage girl returns to her FBI training program after a break, only to be thrust into a new case involving a series of murders at casinos in Las Vegas