Do You Know the Manhattan Locations of These Children’s Books?
A strong sense of place can deeply influence a story, and in some cases, the setting can even feel like a character itself. As shown in classic works like E.B. White’s “Stuart Little” and Kay Thompson’s “Eloise,” Manhattan is a popular location for children’s books and this week’s literary geography quiz celebrates several more stories set around the borough.
To play, just make your selection in the multiple-choice list and the correct answer will be revealed. Links to the books will be listed at the end of the quiz if you’d like to do further reading.
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Hildegarde H. Swift’s 1942 book “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge” is based on two real structures that still exist today. Which of Manhattan’s bridges is next to the lighthouse?
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“Tar Beach,” Faith Ringgold’s 1991 picture book, follows the dreams of young Cassie Louise Lightfoot up on the roof of her family’s apartment building. They live in a historic neighborhood just north of Central Park that’s known for its music, literature and culture. Where is Cassie’s home located?
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Both Louise Fitzhugh’s “Harriet the Spy” and Bernard Waber’s “Lyle the Crocodile” series of books are set in the same neighborhood, which is known for its proximity to museums and the mayor’s residence. Which neighborhood is it?
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William Low’s 1997 book explores the colorful world of this Manhattan neighborhood that uses Canal Street as one of its main thoroughfares — and extends south to Pell, Doyers, Mott and other streets. The book has the same name as the neighborhood. Which area is it?
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E.L. Konigsburg’s 1967 children’s novel “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” tells the story of two Connecticut children who run away from home and hide in one of Manhattan’s big museums, where they try to solve a mystery. Which museum did the children use as their base of operations?