This month we are featuring books for kids written by Pittsburgh authors, books about Pittsburgh, and books set in Pittsburgh.
As a child, I always wanted to read about far-off places, but books set in or around my hometown filled me with a certain pride.
I loved recognizing landmarks and felt as if I were walking with the main characters as they navigated challenges and eventually achieved their goals.
Supporting local authors and local artists is also a good way to show your child the possibilities for their life. People may tell them, “You can’t get there from here,” but it’s our job as parents to show them they can.
Good Night Pittsburgh by Mark Jasper – Your child can tour the city of Pittsburgh saying goodnight to all of its famous landmarks. For ages Baby – 3
Pickles to Pittsburgh by Judi Barrett – This is the sequel to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. For ages 4-8
Pittsburgh: A Coloring Book (Volumes 1 & 2) by Rick Antolic – For kids of all ages
Andy Warhol (Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists) by Mike Venezia – A biography of the man who helped develop pop art - For ages 8-9
Jonathan Auxier: Auxier writes strange stories for strange kids.
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster – For ages 8-12
The Night Gardener – For ages 8-12
Peter Nimble Adventures:
Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes – For ages 10 and up
Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard – For ages 8 - 12
The Fabled Stables Book Series: For ages 6-9.
Willa the Wisp
Trouble with Tattle Tails
Belly of the beast
The Door at the End of the World by Caroline Carlson – This is the story of a young girl who is the gatekeeper to a series of interconnected worlds. For ages 8-12
Pittsburgh and the State of Pennsylvania: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know by Kate Boehm Jerome – interesting trivia for kids. For ages 8 and Up
Trivia Books by Ray Walker:
A fun way to bond with your kids while learning interesting facts about Pittsburgh sports. On trivia night, who will throw in the Terrible Towel, and who will wave it in victory? For ages 10 and up
The Ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers Trivia Book
The Ultimate Pittsburgh Penguins Trivia Book
The Ultimate Pittsburgh Pirates Trivia Book
Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake – Maleeka gets teased at her school because her skin is so dark. When a new teacher with a white blotch on her face starts at the school, Maleeka prepares for the worst, but the new teacher is comfortable with her appearance (and her skin). Can Maleeka learn to love the skin she’s in? For ages 11+
YA Novels by Nick Courage
The Loudness- For ages 9-12
Storm Blown – For ages 9-12
Snow Struck – For ages 8-12
The Memory of Cotton by Ann K. Howley – Fifteen-year-old Shelby is facing many challenges in her life. After a family tragedy and her parent's divorce, her grandmother Margaret and her only friend Darrin are the people she leans on for support. After a shameful family secret is revealed, Margaret convinces Shelby and Darrin to accompany her back to Finley, North Carolina to set things right. For ages 12 and Up
I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick – When Anna arrives in town for a summer job, she learns she looks eerily like Zoe Spanos, a missing local girl. Curious, Anna begins to search for Zoe, but when Zoe’s body is found, the police think Anna is the killer. When Anna finally confesses, her story isn’t credible. Who really killed Zoe and what made Anna confess to a crime she probably didn’t commit? For ages 14 & Up