Books About Harlem, New York

The Best Harlem, New York Books for Kids

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.

#4 in Series

#7 in Series

#6 in Series

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.

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

4.4/5 Goodreads · 145,238 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.

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$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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,388 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?

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$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

3.1/5 Goodreads · 553 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?

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$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 · 3,926 ratings

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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.

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$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 · 4,848 ratings

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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.

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$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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 604 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.

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$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

4.6/5 Goodreads · 2,861 ratings

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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.

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$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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,441 ratings

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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.

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$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

4.4/5 Goodreads · 8,815 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.

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$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

4.5/5 Goodreads · 683 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.

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$1699

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Ages 5–8 · 2009

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

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$1799

The Book Itch

Ages 7–10 · 2015

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

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$899

Tar Beach

Ages 5–8 · 1991

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

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$1699

Sugar Hill

Ages 4–8 · 2014

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

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$1899

Harlem

Ages 9–12 · 1997

Journey through Harlem's rich history and vibrant culture.

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$1899

Looking Like Me

Ages 5–9 · 2009

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

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$1899

Uptown

Ages 4–8 · 2000

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

Sale price

$1999

Harlem Hellfighters

Ages 10–13 · 2014

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

Sale price

$1895

The Hula Hoopin' Queen

Ages 6–10 · 2013

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

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.

Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!

Sale price

$2095

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.

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.

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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 and the Coldest Case

Series

Sale price

$999

The Great Shelby Holmes and the Coldest Case

Ages 8–12 · 2018

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

Sale price

$899

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.

#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.

Sale price

$999

Hoops

Ages 12–18 · 1981

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

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.

Sale price

$1980

Scorpions

Ages 12–15

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

Sale price

$699

Jazmin's Notebook

Ages 8–12 · 1998

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

Sale price

$1980

Handbook for Boys

Ages 10–13 · 2002

Two teens find guidance and hope in a Harlem barbershop.

Sale price

$899

The Jazz Man

Ages 8–12 · 1966

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

Sale price

$1699

Operation Sisterhood

Ages 8–12 · 2022

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

The Great Shelby Holmes and the Haunted Hound

Series

Sale price

$1699

The Great Shelby Holmes and the Haunted Hound

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Detectives face eerie noises and ghostly rumors in a haunted building. Can they uncover the truth?

Tiana and the Magic of Harlem (Disney Princess)

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Tiana and the Magic of Harlem (Disney Princess)

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Tiana navigates culinary challenges and cultural wonders in Harlem.

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Books about values and virtues Books about basketball Books about belonging Books about coming of age Books about family history Books about father-daughter relationships Books about philosophy

Our 10 Favorite Books About Harlem, New York

Great books, picked for their age.

Harlem, New York Picture Books

Harlem, New York Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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