Set in NYC
With so many amazing books set in New York City, is it any wonder that I dreamed of moving to the city when I grew up? There’s a lot about New York that makes it a great setting for stories — lots of different folks in tight quarters, arts and culture, and history, to name just a few. I went to the laundromat with Corduroy, terrorized the Plaza with Eloise, and explored the Met with the two Williams and Claudia. Remember Paula Danziger, who wrote YA before there was YA? I loved her lesser-known book Remember Me to Harold Square, which involved a scavenger hunt throughout NYC. The kid and I both devoured the Percy Jackson series, which takes place often in and around the city. Whether New York is home or a distant fantasy, these books will provide plenty of fun and adventure.
Middle grade
The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright (1941)
The first book in the Melendy Quarter, The Saturdays introduces the four Melendy siblings. They decide to pool their allowance and have a grand adventure every weekend, taking turns picking the ways to spend the money. Sweet and engaging, this book is not to be missed.
Gods of Manhattan series by Scott Mebus (started 2008)
Rory is able to see the hidden magical world of Mannahatta. It’s a place ruled by gods who are also historical figures, like Alexander Hamilton and Babe Ruth. Mixing fact and fantasy and the myths of those indigenous to the island makes this series exciting and entertaining.
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle (2013)
When I went to a Broadway show for the first time, I clapped so hard my hands ached. Nate is a fellow musical fan and dreams of being a star himself. He decides to sneak off to an open audition for E.T.: The Musical in New York and make his Broadway dreams come true.
Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald (2014)
Art heist books are common in middle-grade, but this one stood out for me. Theo’s grandfather has died, and her mother is unreliable, so she’s trying to make ends meet on her own. When she discovers a masterpiece hidden behind a painting, she hopes it could be the answer to her financial problems. That is, unless her grandfather, who worked as a guard at the Met Museum, stole the painting.
Young adult
Shadowshaper Cypher series by Daniel José Older (started 2015)
Sierra is a teen living in Brooklyn. She learns that her family has powers that allow them to use art to channel magic. As gentrification creeps into her neighborhood, the ancient spirits are threatened, and it’s up to Sierra to protect them.
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon (2016)
This love story between Natasha and Daniel is told in alternating points of view. Natasha is focused on preventing her family from being deported to Jamaica. Daniel has been the good son but can’t bear to ignore his poetic soul any longer. When the two meet in NYC, their lives become entwined.
Lucy Clark Will Not Apologize by Margo Rabb (2021)
Lucy is suspended from boarding school, and her parents are too busy launching a reality TV show to take care of her, so they send her to New York to live with a distant cousin. In the city, she is hired as a personal assistant for Edith, who, she’s warned, may not be all there. Lucy gets along well with her employer and starts to make a home for herself in New York. But Edith fears that someone is trying to kill her. Though the police and Edith’s relatives don’t believe her story, Lucy vows to help her uncover the truth.
Lore by Alexandra Bracken (2021)
The ancient gods are real, and every few years they can have their powers seized by mortals. Cue the fight to the death. Lore wants out of the game, but as the latest hunt begins, she is pulled back in by an old friend and an ancient god.