Books About New York City · 384 titles considered

The Best New York City Books for Kids

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.

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

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About New York City

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio, 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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,219,409 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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?

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 134,842 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 68,358 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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?

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 221,704 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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?

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 experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,141 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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?

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 528,658 ratings

$19.00Save 5%

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?

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,389 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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?

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,088 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

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.

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 10,917 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 264,146 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

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?

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Browse by age

New York City Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$995

Good Night New York City

Ages 0–3 · 2006

Explore New York City through a child's eyes, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.

Sale price

$799

New York

Ages 0–3 · 2015

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

Sale price

$1299

Hello, New York!

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

Sale price

$995

Hello, New York City!

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Explore New York City through the eyes of adventurous pigeons.

My Little Golden Book About the Statue of Liberty

Sale price

$599

My Little Golden Book About the Statue of Liberty

Ages 2–5 · 2018

Discover how the Statue of Liberty was built and its global significance.

Sale price

$999

Larry Loves New York City!

Ages 0–3 · 2014

A lost pup explores New York City's iconic landmarks.

Sale price

$695

Hello, New York City!

Ages 2–5 · 2010

Explore New York's iconic landmarks on a vibrant city tour.

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.

Sale price

$1295

Above New York

Ages 0–5 · 2011

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

Sale price

$799

Old Manhattan Has Some Farms

Ages 0–3 · 2014

Discover urban farming's charm through a playful twist on a classic tune.

View all new york city board books

Browse by age

New York City Picture Books

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

Sale price

$499

Eloise Throws a Party!

Ages 4–6 · 2008

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

Sale price

$1999

Twenty-One Elephants

Ages 4–7 · 2005

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

Sale price

$1899

Balloons Over Broadway

Ages 4–8 · 2011

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

Sale price

$1899

Overground Railroad

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1799

When Jackie Saved Grand Central

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A New Yorker fights to save Grand Central from a skyscraper threat.

Sale price

$1899

The Sleeping Beauty

Ages 4–8 · 2017

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

Sale price

$2199

Her Right Foot

Ages 5–8 · 2017

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

Sale price

$1799

Red & Lulu

Ages 3–7 · 2017

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

Sale price

$1599

Stan Lee

Ages 6–8 · 2024

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

Sale price

$1899

Go Forth and Tell

Ages 5–8 · 2024

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

Sale price

$1999

The Carpenter's Gift

Ages 5–9 · 2011

A boy's Christmas tree gift sparks a cycle of giving, transforming lives across generations.

Sale price

$1595

Jenny's Moonlight Adventure

Ages 3–7 · 1949

A lost flute, a Halloween night, and a daring plan. Can Jenny save the celebration?

View all new york city picture books

Browse by age

New York City Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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

Sale price

$899

Chains

Ages 12–16 · 2008

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

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.

Sale price

$899

When You Reach Me

Ages 9–12 · 2009

Mysterious notes predict a death. Can Miranda unravel the truth in time?

Sale price

$1499

The Doll Shop Downstairs

Ages 7–10 · 2009

A young girl must save her family's doll shop during World War I's embargo crisis.

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.

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.

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.

Sale price

$1599

Liar & Spy

Ages 9–12 · 2012

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

Sale price

$1899

After Tupac & D Foster

Ages 12–18 · 2008

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

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.

Sale price

$799

The Princess Diaries

Ages 11–15 · 2000

A teen discovers she's a princess while navigating high school chaos.

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

Keep exploring

Books about belonging Books about books and libraries Books about bullying Books about city and town life Books about clubs Books about coming of age Books about depression and mental illness Books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities

Our 10 Favorite Books About New York City

Great books, picked for their age.

New York City Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

New York City Picture Books

New York City Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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