Books About New York · 743 titles considered

The Best New York Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Northeast United States Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about 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 New York

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 · 1,229,346 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 · 135,672 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 · 68,365 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 · 222,711 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 · 1,154 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?
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 · 146,644 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.
Clap When You Land
Sale price
$2850
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2020

Clap When You Land

By Elizabeth Acevedo

Two teens discover each other after their father's tragic plane crash.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2020)Odyssey Honor (2021)
595 pages· 44,517 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 112,528 ratings
$30.00Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Camino Rios eagerly awaits her father's arrival in the Dominican Republic, only to find heartbreak at the airport. In New York, Yahaira Rios is shattered by the news of her father's death. As they grapple with grief, a shocking revelation emerges: they are sisters. Separated by distance and secrets, Camino and Yahaira must navigate a new reality, questioning everything they knew about their father and themselves. Can they find connection amidst the chaos, or will the truth drive them further apart? Dive into a poignant tale of loss, discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
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 · 536,684 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?
Glitter Gets Everywhere
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Glitter Gets Everywhere

By Yvette Clark

A girl navigates grief and change after moving from London to New York.

320 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 550 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Kitty's world shatters when her mother dies, and her father uproots the family from London to New York. Struggling to hold onto her mother's memory, Kitty befriends a blue-haired boy in the bustling city. As she adapts to her new life, she wonders if her memories can transcend place and time, offering hope and connection in unexpected ways. Can Kitty find a new normal amidst the chaos and keep her mother's spirit alive?
My Side of the Mountain
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1959

My Side of the Mountain

By Jean Craighead George · Book #1 in the My Side of the Mountain series

A boy escapes city life for mountain solitude, discovering hidden strengths.

Newbery Honor (1960)
177 pages· 39,679 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 88,493 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Sam Gribley flees his cramped New York City apartment for the wild mountains, seeking solitude but finding unexpected challenges. As he navigates the dangers of nature, Sam uncovers a resilience he never knew he possessed. Will he thrive in the wilderness or be forced to return to the life he left behind?
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 Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

NYC ABCs
Series
Sale price
$999

NYC ABCs

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Discover NYC's charm through an alphabet adventure.

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.

And Tango Makes Three
Sale price
$899

And Tango Makes Three

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Two penguins defy norms to start a family at the zoo.

New York
Series
Sale price
$999

New York

Ages 3–5 · 2017

Explore New York City through charming illustrations and playful text.

The Big Freeze
Sale price
$599

The Big Freeze

Ages 2–5 · 2013

Heroes unite to stop a blizzard threatening New York.

Good Night Long Island
Series
Sale price
$995

Good Night Long Island

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Discover Long Island's wonders through a child's eyes in a soothing bedtime journey.

View all new york board books
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New York Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about new york 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.

Ida, Always
Sale price
$1999

Ida, Always

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.

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.

Good Morning, City
Sale price
$1699

Good Morning, City

Ages 2–6 · 2016

As dawn breaks, a city awakens, bustling with life and hidden stories.

The Secret Subway
Sale price
$1999

The Secret Subway

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover the hidden tale of New York's first underground train.

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.

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New York Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about new york for developing and independent readers.

All-of-a-Kind Family
#1 in Series
Sale price
$799

All-of-a-Kind Family

Ages 8–11 · 1951

A family of five sisters living on the East Side of New York City navigate everyday life, traditions, and relationships.

Tyrell
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1399

Tyrell

Ages 14–18 · 2006

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

The Saturdays
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

The Saturdays

Ages 8–11 · 1941

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

It's Kind of a Funny Story
Sale price
$1099

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Ages 14–18 · 2006

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

Annie's Life in Lists
Sale price
$899

Annie's Life in Lists

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A shy girl uses lists to navigate a new town, school, and friendships.

The Wednesday Wars
Sale price
$999

The Wednesday Wars

Ages 10–12 · 2007

A boy navigates Shakespeare, a stern teacher, and family turmoil during a tumultuous school year.

Chains
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

Chains

Ages 12–16 · 2008

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

Yolk
Sale price
$1999

Yolk

Ages 14–18 · 2021

Estranged sisters must reunite and swap identities to face life-threatening challenges.

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.

View all new york chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about new experiencesBooks about runawaysBooks about self-relianceBooks about books and librariesBooks about bullyingBooks about city and town lifeBooks about coming of ageBooks about coping with death