Books About The Underground Or Subway Systems

The Best The Underground Or Subway Systems Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the underground or subway systems? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Underground Or Subway Systems

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

The Secret Subway

By Shana Corey, Red Nose Studio (Illustrator)

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

40 pages· 1,202 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,072 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1860s New York, chaos reigned with crowded, filthy streets. Visionary Alfred Ely Beach dared to dream of an underground escape—a fan-powered train beneath the city. After relentless work, his secret subway was unveiled in 1870, astonishing all who rode it. Will this bold innovation transform the city's future, or remain a forgotten marvel?

Sale price

$1895

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2013

The Man With the Violin

By Kathy Stinson, Dusan Petricic (Illustrator)

A boy tries to make his mom notice a subway violinist's enchanting music.

36 pages· 444 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 815 ratings

$19.95Save 5%

Summary: In a bustling subway, young Dylan hears a violinist's enchanting music, but his mom rushes past, oblivious. Determined, Dylan can't shake the melody from his mind. Can he make his mom stop and listen to the beauty around them? This heartwarming tale, inspired by a true event, explores the power of music to transform and connect us.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Our Subway Baby

By Peter Mercurio, Leo Espinosa (Illustrator)

A baby found in a subway finds a loving family.

40 pages· 1,142 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 829 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In a bustling New York subway, Danny discovers an abandoned baby, changing his life forever. With his partner Pete, they embrace unexpected parenthood, proving that love can create a family against all odds. How will this chance encounter shape their lives and the baby's future?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Milo Imagines the World

By Christian Robinson (Illustrator)

A subway ride reveals that appearances can be deceiving.

40 pages· 928 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,526 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Milo rides the subway, crafting stories about fellow passengers. A whiskered man, a wedding-dressed woman, and a boy in a suit spark his imagination. But when the boy exits at Milo's stop, Milo learns a profound truth: appearances can be misleading. What lies beneath the surface of those we encounter?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–9 · 2020

Underground

By Uijung Kim

Explore bustling subways and uncover hidden treasures in cities worldwide.

44 pages

5.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 89 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: Dive into the vibrant underground world of 12 global cities. Discover fascinating subway facts and spot unique cultural items, from New York's iconic pretzel to Tokyo's bustling platforms. Each page invites young readers to explore and learn about diverse urban landscapes through colorful, manga-inspired illustrations. Can you find all the hidden treasures?

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Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Lost in NYC

By Nadja Spiegelman, Sergio Garcia Sanchez (Illustrator)

Lost in New York's subway, a kid must navigate chaos to reunite with classmates.

52 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,295 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Summary: Pablo's first field trip in New York City takes a turn when he gets lost in the bustling subway. Separated from his classmates, he must rely on his wits, a newfound friend, and the city's unexpected charm to find his way back. As he navigates the maze of trains and stations, will he manage to reunite with his group, or will the city's chaos overwhelm him? Dive into a vibrant adventure filled with maps, photos, and the pulse of New York, offering young readers a thrilling exploration of the subway's hidden wonders.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Subway Story

By Julia Sarcone-Roach

An old subway car faces obsolescence and seeks a new purpose beyond the tracks.

40 pages· 1,287 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 280 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Jessie, a beloved subway car, once thrived on bustling tracks, carrying passengers through the city. But when modern trains replace her, she's left in an abandoned lot, pondering her future. Can Jessie find a new purpose, or is her journey over? Inspired by true events, this tale explores transformation and resilience, as retired subway cars find new life beneath the ocean waves. Discover how Jessie navigates change and uncovers unexpected adventures.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Subway

By Christoph Niemann

Explore the thrilling underground world where kids navigate a vast subway system.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2010)

40 pages· 273 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 361 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Join a father and his two children as they embark on an exhilarating journey through over 840 miles of subway tracks. In this vibrant picture book, young readers are invited to experience the excitement of navigating a bustling underground world. With a simple yet captivating system of letters, numbers, and colors, the children take charge, mastering the art of subway travel. What adventures await them beneath the city? Discover the magic and mystery of the subway, where every ride is a new adventure and the possibilities are endless.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2004

The Subway Mouse

By Barbara Reid

A subway mouse seeks the mythical Tunnel's End, facing danger and discovery.

40 pages· 807 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 319 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Summary: Nib, a young subway mouse, dreams of the legendary Tunnel's End, a place of beauty and peril. Leaving his crowded home, he embarks on a daring journey, joined by Lola, a spirited companion. As they navigate the treacherous tunnels, hope dwindles until a mysterious chirping leads them to a breathtaking revelation. Will Nib's dream become reality, or will the dangers prove too great? Discover the enchanting world that awaits beyond the darkness.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2004

Subway

By Anastasia Suen, Karen Katz (Illustrator)

Experience the vibrant energy of a subway ride through a child's eyes.

40 pages· 171 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 199 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Join a little girl and her mother on a lively subway adventure. From spinning turnstiles to musicians on platforms, the underground world buzzes with excitement. As lights flash by and passengers hop on and off, discover the unique rhythm and energy of the subway. Will the journey reveal more than just the hustle and bustle?

The Bookroo Book Club