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Summer in the City: Literary Adventures for Children and Families

Thursday, August 7, 2014

One of the best things about summer in NYC is the multitude of recreational and cultural activities for adults and children to explore—outdoor concerts, festivals, gardens, zoos and more.  However, you do not need to be in NYC this summer to experience its rich beauty, culture, and history. Share some of these fascinating books about New York City with a child in your life (or just yourself) to enjoy the Big Apple whether you are near or far. 

Brown, Marc. In New York
Beloved children's illustrator Marc Brown takes readers on a tour of New York City with a colorful tribute that also serves as a handy travel guide. Use this handsomely illustrated book—also packed with history and trivia—to plan your own New York City adventure with a child.

Goodman, Susan E. On This Spot: An Expedition Back Through Time
Travel millions of years through time in New York City. This fascinating picture book is a great way to introduce history and geological change to a child. Each double-page spread presents one point in time from the present through the ages of New Amsterdam, Native America, the Ice Age, dinosaurs, and more.

Sky Boys by Deborah HopkinsonHopkinson, Deborah. Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building
In 1931, a boy and his father watch as the world's tallest building, the Empire State Building, is constructed, step-by-step, near their Manhattan home. Enjoy reading this book and then ride to the top of this historic landmark. 

Konigsburg, E.L. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Twelve-year-old Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to New York and take up residence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After reading, take a trip (or several) to the Met to visit all of the galleries Claudia and Jamie explore in this children’s classic.

Marcus, Leonard. Storied City: A Children's Book, Walking-Tour Guide to New York City
Would you like to spy on Harriet the Spy’s real house? Children's book historian Leonard Marcus creates and narrates twenty walking tours of New York City based on children's literature. Discover which notable children’s books take place in your neighborhood, and visit the locations where your favorite books take place.

Matsen, Brad. Go Wild in New York City
This imaginative book introduces children to the bounty of the city & its earthly treasures—the waterways, natural resources, and wildlife that bring it to life.  Discover a side of New York City you never knew was there.

Here in HarlemMyers, Walter Dean. Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices
Acclaimed writer Walter Dean Myers celebrates the people of Harlem with these powerful and soulful first-person poems in the voices of the residents who make up the legendary neighborhood poems. Follow up with a trip to this historic area of NYC.

Sandler, Martin W. Secret Subway
Read the thrilling true story of a secret underground project in New York City and then visit the NYC Transit Museum in Brooklyn.

Swift, Hildegarde Hoyt. The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge
A little lighthouse on the Hudson River regains its pride when it finds out that it is still useful and has an important job to do. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a child to this literary and historic landmark.

For more recommended titles for younger children, click here.

For more recommended titles for older children, click here.

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