Books about New York

    

Why are we so fascinated with books set in New York? While eight and a half million people live in this large city, 320 million people live  in the US. When we do the math, we see that almost 311 million Americans live somewhere other than New York. Yet, children's and young adults' books continue to be set in New York more than any other location. (Full disclosure: this is an observation not a fact that I could point to statistics to support. What’s your take on this?)

Two recent books to cross my desk that were set in New York were romance/coming of age novels for middle and early high school girls. Starry Night by Isabel Gilles features 15-year-old Wren, an artist, ADD inflicted rich girl with perfect parents. In fact all of Wren's life is downright perfect from her set of four BFFs to her five-story brownstone home, to her older brother, younger sister, private school, etc. Starry Night tells the tale of Wren's first love, the ups and downs of one short year in her life. And over the course of the book, the reader learns that while Wren's life is close to perfect, there are flaws: her mother's temper, her troubled BFFs, her oh too perfect younger sister. The reader also gets a glimpse of one of the greatest cities in the world: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the subways, taxicabs and Central Park. 

The second book is The Summer Invitation by Charlotte Silver. Franny and her older sister Valentine, pronounced so it rhymes with seen, are invited by an old family friend to spend a summer in New York. Both girls are in high school and relish the idea of doing something different with their summer. Because the family friend is delayed in France the girls spend their summer with, Clover, a young chaperone who teaches them the ropes, again, the Met, the subways, taxicabs, and a bit of Grand Central Station, and vintage clothing stores. Valentine also experiences a romance, and a broken heart. Franny's romance is with the city itself, although she does meet a boy near the end of their time in the city, with hints of a future relationship.

But, the question remains, why is such a disproportionate number of books set in New York, when so many of us cannot relate to the lives of the characters? While romance is universal, elite private schools, nannies and junior year abroad in high school are not experiences that the average high school student can relate to. 

Thinking back on some of my favorite books from when I was younger, also set in New York: The All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor about a family of girls growing up in New York, this Jewish family was part of a much different Manhattan than the more recent books set in New York. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is another example of book set in New York featuring elite characters, with the Met playing a large role within the story.

More recent examples of books set in New York for slightly younger readers include Ann Martin’s Ten Rules for Living with My Sister and the sequel, Ten Good and Bad Things About My Life; and Rebecca Stead’s Newbery medal winning When You Reach Me. In these books, especially in When You Reach Me, the families are not quite as elite as they are in the two books mentioned earlier. In any case, the stories of living in New York City have an edge and portray a romantic vision of what we expect out of life as American teens or pre-teens.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite childhood book set in New York? Do you think we overdo using this setting, or is it just about right, given the iconic importance of New York to the American psyche?

Random books for May

Just a few books for consideration this week. Except for the first one, I was not crazy about any of these books. But, each has some redeeming value. If you have read any of these or have questions, feel free to comment.  And anyone who comments in the next two weeks will be entered in a drawing for a free copy of the book of your choice. 

Power Down, Little Robot by Anna Staniszewski, Illustrated by Tim Zeltner

Little Robot has to go to bed to recharge and get ready for another day. But, he has all the stalling techniques ready to use against Mom Unit. While he gives it his best shot, nothing works. Some moms reading this might wish they had the same capabilities as Mom Unit: scanning the room for rust monsters and playing back film to verify that the cogs were already brushed. A cute bedtime story that will be useful when putting those little robots to bed.

Max’s Math by Kate Banks, pictures by Boris Kulikov

Kate Banks’ Max books are charming and full of fun (Max’s Words, Max’s Dragon and Max’s Castle), but Max’s Math is contrived and confusing. Max and his brothers go off on a search for problems and they find plenty in Shapeville and Counttown. But the action moves erratically from one place to another with the boys following close behind. As usual, the illustrations are very well done, great use of color and pleasing spatial designs. My favorite was the page of socks that had to be sorted in Shapeville. If you love Max, you might want this book to add to your collection, but it’s not my favorite of this series.

How to Pee: Potty Training for Boys by Todd Spector, MD, illustrated by Arree Chung

 

If you have a boy who is ready to be potty trained, then this might be the book for you. It is cute and presents a unique way to potty train. A couple of interesting ideas: encourage him to pee outside? Not sure about that one. I also found the illustrations to be well done and quite clever. A book about potty training with several “action” shots and no penis in sight! The books ends with some tips from Dr. Todd. Just one final question: why couldn’t this have been made more universal, alternating between boys and girls?

A Cat Like That by Wendy Wahman

 

A tale told by a black cat, looking for the perfect friend. Good instructions for how to take care of and love a cat. Each page is drawn with a limited palette of colors, and uncluttered backgrounds. Good for the little one who has a new kitty, the friendly tone and useful directions will help to cement the friendship of a lifetime.

Won Ton and Chopsticks: A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

A story told completely in Haiku. A clever version of cat’s place in the home being usurped by a new puppy. My favorite: Master of escape!/ High-flying, dog-defying/acrobatic cat! Pastel illustrations show the developing friendship between the cat and dog as they both learn their places. While the story shows both a boy and a girl naming the new puppy, only the boy is featured later as the two best vie to be his favorite. What’s up with that?

The Glorkian Warrior Eats Adventure Pie by James Kochalka

Another silly adventure with the Glorkian Warrior includes his talking backpack and a baby alien as well as his nemesis Buster Glark. Totally whacko, silly comic with no real storyline and characters who talk to their elbow. Yet, the four year old grandson loves these books and would listen to them over and over. Must be something here!