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City Green: A Hopeful Classic About Neighborhood Community for Kids
“An optimistic tale that manages to be both encouraging yet realistic about how to do some good in your very own backyard.” —Kirkus
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of City Green—the environmentally and community-conscious classic that shows the wonderful things kids can do when they put their minds to it—with this new paperback edition.
Right in the middle of Marcy’s city block is a vacant lot, littered and forlorn. Sometimes just looking at it makes Marcy feel sad. Then one spring, Marcy has a wonderful idea: Instead of a useless lot, why not a green and growing space for everyone to enjoy?
With her warm, hopeful text and inviting illustrations, DyAnne Disalvo-Ryan shows how a whole neighborhood blossoms when people join together and get involved.
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of City Green—the environmentally and community-conscious classic that shows the wonderful things kids can do when they put their minds to it—with this new paperback edition.
Right in the middle of Marcy’s city block is a vacant lot, littered and forlorn. Sometimes just looking at it makes Marcy feel sad. Then one spring, Marcy has a wonderful idea: Instead of a useless lot, why not a green and growing space for everyone to enjoy?
With her warm, hopeful text and inviting illustrations, DyAnne Disalvo-Ryan shows how a whole neighborhood blossoms when people join together and get involved.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 1994
About the author
DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
41 books10 followersBorn in Brooklyn, New York, DiSalvo attended the School of Visual Arts before working for Hallmark Cards. Published since 1980 her award winning illustrated books include renowned authors, Beverly Clearly, Mary Pope Osborne, Jean Fritz, Jane O'Connor, Patricia Reilly Giff, Jean Marzollo and Amy Hest.
Writer and Illustrator, her trade mark theme of "helping neighborhoods," has been featured on Reading Rainbow, (Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen) and theatre productions, (City Green). She received a Congressional Commendation from the State of New Jersey for her book, Grandpa's Corner Store, a story which makes "children...realize that they are not always powerless, that they can make a difference."
Writer and Illustrator, her trade mark theme of "helping neighborhoods," has been featured on Reading Rainbow, (Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen) and theatre productions, (City Green). She received a Congressional Commendation from the State of New Jersey for her book, Grandpa's Corner Store, a story which makes "children...realize that they are not always powerless, that they can make a difference."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 27, 2019
Saddened by the empty lot on her block, where a building used to stand before it was condemned and destroyed, young Marcy and her elderly neighbor Miss Rosa begin a community garden there, eventually involving everyone in the neighborhood in the project. After renting the land from the city, the would-be gardeners begin the clean-up, finding that people stop to help, and bring supplies as well. Even grouchy Old Man Hammer, who initially holds out and refuses to have any part in the new garden, eventually plants some seeds.
A wonderful exploration of the idea of communal city gardens, and reclaiming vacant lots as urban green spaces, City Green reminded me a bit of Peter Brown's The Curious Garden , which also features the theme of making cities greener. I enjoyed DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan's narrative here, I appreciated the fact that the reader is led to have greater empathy for the initially unlikable Old Man Hammer, over the course of the story, and I found the color artwork appealing. As an added bonus, the author/artist includes an afterword in which she offers some advice to young readers who might want to start a community garden in their own neighborhood. Recommended to anyone looking for hopeful stories about improving urban spaces, or about diverse communities working together.
A wonderful exploration of the idea of communal city gardens, and reclaiming vacant lots as urban green spaces, City Green reminded me a bit of Peter Brown's The Curious Garden , which also features the theme of making cities greener. I enjoyed DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan's narrative here, I appreciated the fact that the reader is led to have greater empathy for the initially unlikable Old Man Hammer, over the course of the story, and I found the color artwork appealing. As an added bonus, the author/artist includes an afterword in which she offers some advice to young readers who might want to start a community garden in their own neighborhood. Recommended to anyone looking for hopeful stories about improving urban spaces, or about diverse communities working together.
July 18, 2020
Sweet little story of a community coming together to improve an abandoned lot in the middle of their neighborhood. Not only is it a good story with great illustrations, but I love that everyone contributed, so many different people re-used/re-purposed old items, and that they went through the city to get appropriate permits.
June 8, 2014
What a wonderful way of taking a cranky, unlikable character and slowly providing enough backstory about so readers can find empathy and warmth for him.
I enjoyed this picture book because it didn't hit the readers over the head with every theme, but instead wove ideas seamlessly into the story. For example, the story threads diversity into it by establishing a variety of races in the neighborhood (much like the neighborhood I live in). There is the theme of city life but it's just a given that the story takes place in an undisclosed city (which makes it easy for children to make it their own). I like that there is empathy and kindness on the part of the lead character as she related to Old Man Hammer. He's angry and not a friendly person, but there are reasons. He becomes three dimensional because of this.
The lead character, Marcy, is a young African American girl who lives in the city and sees a problem. She works with her neighbors and her family to solve the problem. The story is written from the point of view of Marcy and again, this makes it easy for children to relate to her.
I enjoyed the fact that the author includes information about starting a community garden in the back of the book. The book was published in 1994, so I'm sure a quick online search might also help.
I would read this book in my classroom because the lead character is a girl, she lives in the city, she is African American, there are a variety of other races represented in the other characters. The one thing that I see in this book which I see a lot of is that there is a white character, Miss Rosa, who helps the African American girl out. I've seen that stereotype time and time again. It is a minor point in this particular story, but it rubs me the wrong ways sometimes. Other than that, there's a lot to like here.
I enjoyed this picture book because it didn't hit the readers over the head with every theme, but instead wove ideas seamlessly into the story. For example, the story threads diversity into it by establishing a variety of races in the neighborhood (much like the neighborhood I live in). There is the theme of city life but it's just a given that the story takes place in an undisclosed city (which makes it easy for children to make it their own). I like that there is empathy and kindness on the part of the lead character as she related to Old Man Hammer. He's angry and not a friendly person, but there are reasons. He becomes three dimensional because of this.
The lead character, Marcy, is a young African American girl who lives in the city and sees a problem. She works with her neighbors and her family to solve the problem. The story is written from the point of view of Marcy and again, this makes it easy for children to relate to her.
I enjoyed the fact that the author includes information about starting a community garden in the back of the book. The book was published in 1994, so I'm sure a quick online search might also help.
I would read this book in my classroom because the lead character is a girl, she lives in the city, she is African American, there are a variety of other races represented in the other characters. The one thing that I see in this book which I see a lot of is that there is a white character, Miss Rosa, who helps the African American girl out. I've seen that stereotype time and time again. It is a minor point in this particular story, but it rubs me the wrong ways sometimes. Other than that, there's a lot to like here.
March 24, 2023
City Green is a heart-warming story for preschool children about an city community coming together to make the best of an empty lot in their neighborhood. After an old building is torn down by officials, the empty lot is a dumping ground for trash and a space for weeds to grow uncontained. In a conversation with the old man who used to live there, Marcy (our main character) and Miss Rosa get the idea to rent the lot and turn it into a community garden.
I rated this book five stars because I love the message it sends to younger audiences about comradery and how you can create beautiful things with the help of the people around you. Not only were the illistrations beautiful and detailed enough to pair with the story, they showed images of a diverse community that didn't fit into one single group of poeple. There were characters of difference races, religions, and ages that came together to work on the project. I also love that it promotes empathy for people, like Old Man Hammer, who used to live in the building before it was torn down and felt saddened by a childhood memory fading. The plot was well-developed and the language was straightforward, allowing the audience to imagine the scenes of the story clearly. I think this book would be very appealing to young readers because it shows them that they are capable of creating real change and creating something that helps their communities. A lot of kids feel like they have no power to make change, but this book demonstrates the opposite.
I rated this book five stars because I love the message it sends to younger audiences about comradery and how you can create beautiful things with the help of the people around you. Not only were the illistrations beautiful and detailed enough to pair with the story, they showed images of a diverse community that didn't fit into one single group of poeple. There were characters of difference races, religions, and ages that came together to work on the project. I also love that it promotes empathy for people, like Old Man Hammer, who used to live in the building before it was torn down and felt saddened by a childhood memory fading. The plot was well-developed and the language was straightforward, allowing the audience to imagine the scenes of the story clearly. I think this book would be very appealing to young readers because it shows them that they are capable of creating real change and creating something that helps their communities. A lot of kids feel like they have no power to make change, but this book demonstrates the opposite.
April 22, 2024
When the city decides to knock down a building in a neighborhood, young Marcy and her neighbor , who usually plant seeds in coffee cans, see the now empty lot as an opportunity to plant a community garden, all while, curmudgeonly, Old Man Hammer complains and speaks negatively about the project. Only Marcy knows his secret. Illustrations were created with watercolor, pencil, and crayon.
City Green includes back matter on starting a community garden. I love this community’s enthusiasm and determination to make something that is unpleasant and turn it into something beautiful, ,making the city where they live more eco friendly. DiSalvo-Ryan’s City Green is the perfect springtime and Earth day read aloud. Readers will be inspired to create their own garden, whether in small, coffee cans or in an empty city lot.
City Green includes back matter on starting a community garden. I love this community’s enthusiasm and determination to make something that is unpleasant and turn it into something beautiful, ,making the city where they live more eco friendly. DiSalvo-Ryan’s City Green is the perfect springtime and Earth day read aloud. Readers will be inspired to create their own garden, whether in small, coffee cans or in an empty city lot.
April 20, 2022
This sweet story shows young readers in words and pictures that they can make a big difference in their communities. When a decrepit building is demolished and leaves a vacant lot, Marcy enlists the help of grownups to create a community garden in that space. Everyone on the block wants to be involved, bringing people of vary different backgrounds together. Grumpy Old Mr. Hammer opposed the idea, but in the end, he sees the benefit when the seeds he plants in secret bloom. He compliments and credits Marcy with turning a no-good plot of land into something good.
January 3, 2024
Marcy and her neighbors come together to transform an abandoned lot into a community garden. Even in the face of pessimism from Old Man Hammer who insists nothing will come of any good from their efforts, the group persists.
In the spirit of stone soup, everyone contributes something to the garden, even in the end, Old Man Hammer. The garden is a success and testament to hope for change and then collective action to follow through and make it happen.
Used: MPL
In the spirit of stone soup, everyone contributes something to the garden, even in the end, Old Man Hammer. The garden is a success and testament to hope for change and then collective action to follow through and make it happen.
Used: MPL
December 17, 2020
When an old building is demolished in their neighborhood, a community works together to transform what was once a home into a garden. Main character, her brother, and her mom are Black, the neighbors who work together to create the garden have a variety of Black, brown, and white skin tones.
Themes: Community, Garden, Neighborhood, Change, Growth, Healing
Age range: 4-10
Themes: Community, Garden, Neighborhood, Change, Growth, Healing
Age range: 4-10
December 31, 2021
A girl inspires a neighborhood to turn an empty lot where housing was knocked down into a community garden. And old man who lost his old home there is especially skeptical, but slowly warms up to the idea when it comes to fruition and secretly plants sunflower seeds.
Community working together, intergenerational connections.
Community working together, intergenerational connections.
July 7, 2017
This was a gift from a great friend and we love it. My daughter picks it out to read frequently. It's the story of an empty lot and the possibilities that can take shape when a community comes together to make it more than anyone ever imagined.
September 24, 2020
I love the empowerment of a young girl, the illustrations showing different kinds of people across age groups/races/abilities, the way the community comes together, and how kindness is encouraged in people's hearts. Would absolutely read this with kids and have it on library shelves!
February 5, 2022
We see a young girl turn an empty lot into a community garden with a lot of help from her family and neighbors.
There's an especially grumpy neighbor who eventually is converted to enjoying the garden.
There's an especially grumpy neighbor who eventually is converted to enjoying the garden.
July 16, 2018
A girl and her neighbors turn an old, garbage-filled lot into a beautiful garden.
April 3, 2019
This is a cute story about bringing people together to make a difference. Neighbors in the city turn an empty lot into a garden.
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August 22, 2019Does anyone know what the textbook is that has this story in it and a story about a towns changes ver the years?
January 24, 2020
This is such a beautifully written picture book.
February 11, 2020
A lovely story of a community Garden
November 5, 2020
A nice story :)
December 7, 2020
Beautiful story about coming together and making something beautiful.
March 16, 2021
This is a perfect book to read to your students/children who are interested in gardens, social change, or change in general. It also has steps you can follow to start your own community garden.
April 15, 2022
"Good things take time." ❤
December 15, 2022
The pictures tell the story as much as the text does so it's great for multi-level reading.
October 13, 2023
good to teach kids abt gardening
February 29, 2024
Great diversity within the story and message about community, especially community involvement. Could incorporate this into spring time.
March 25, 2017
Great story about the power of a community.
December 2, 2016
1. No award
2. Preschool - Grade 3
3. In the city, a family building gets knocked down and turned into a littered vacant lot on Marcy's block. Marcy and her neighbor Miss Rosa thought of a brilliant idea to make good use of the lot. They and other neighbors decide to turn the lot into a community garden where new happiness can be once restored again.
4. I enjoyed reading this book where a young girl wanted to make change and better the community. She is brave and courageous to do so especially with a cranky old neighbor who is pessimistic about the idea. I liked how the illustrator incorporates diversity into the book where many neighbors participate to help create the garden such as babies, different age groups and cultural representation.
5. This book can be used in the classroom to teach children about community gardens and making a difference. Students in the class can make a proposal to the principal to make a school community garden.
2. Preschool - Grade 3
3. In the city, a family building gets knocked down and turned into a littered vacant lot on Marcy's block. Marcy and her neighbor Miss Rosa thought of a brilliant idea to make good use of the lot. They and other neighbors decide to turn the lot into a community garden where new happiness can be once restored again.
4. I enjoyed reading this book where a young girl wanted to make change and better the community. She is brave and courageous to do so especially with a cranky old neighbor who is pessimistic about the idea. I liked how the illustrator incorporates diversity into the book where many neighbors participate to help create the garden such as babies, different age groups and cultural representation.
5. This book can be used in the classroom to teach children about community gardens and making a difference. Students in the class can make a proposal to the principal to make a school community garden.
April 15, 2014
City Green is a wonderful book that emphasizes the importance of preserving our environment and making something beautiful out of something that's not so beautiful. This book shows an entire community coming together to bring a beautiful spot of land to their block, and create a place where they can all go to be surrounded in beauty and living things.
Students can relate to this book 100%. Many students know how landfills, junkyards, and abandoned houses make for ugly streets, but many don't know what they can do about it. City Green makes it possible for students to imagine what could become of the places around their homes. Teachers can use this book to promote recycling, "Going Green," helping others and building community. Students and Teachers could build this into a service project and help make the community they live in a little brighter for everyone to enjoy.
Students can relate to this book 100%. Many students know how landfills, junkyards, and abandoned houses make for ugly streets, but many don't know what they can do about it. City Green makes it possible for students to imagine what could become of the places around their homes. Teachers can use this book to promote recycling, "Going Green," helping others and building community. Students and Teachers could build this into a service project and help make the community they live in a little brighter for everyone to enjoy.
March 27, 2016
What a lovely story, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. I enjoyed that the messages of the book were woven in so deftly that you absorbed them gently while reading and appreciating the plot line. I also enjoyed that the people portrayed in the book had a variety of ethnicities, genders, physical abilities, and ages but that they worked together to create something beautiful in their community.
I wish that creating such a space was so easy (yes, I have been part of that type of project) - fill out a form, pay a $1 and voila! You have your land. Everyone cooperates with no arguments and no 'small group dynamics' and voila! you have your garden. However, I also get that this is a storybook, and really, when I am reading a storybook, I am happy to put on my rosy-coloured glasses, especially for such a beautiful storybook covering such an important topic. :D
I wish that creating such a space was so easy (yes, I have been part of that type of project) - fill out a form, pay a $1 and voila! You have your land. Everyone cooperates with no arguments and no 'small group dynamics' and voila! you have your garden. However, I also get that this is a storybook, and really, when I am reading a storybook, I am happy to put on my rosy-coloured glasses, especially for such a beautiful storybook covering such an important topic. :D
April 11, 2013
This book is great! All of the characters are so realistic in their mannerism and individuality, and the story itself is small yet inspiring. It's the kind of story in which a child makes a huge difference because of they way they see something and because they take the time to make it happen. It is such a good lesson for children and for adults, and combined with the magic of growing a garden, the story will engage and delight everyone who reads it. It is probably best for 2nd through 5th graders; as it is somewhat long, a 1st grade class would need to be in a quiet mood to last through the whole thing.
Read
December 3, 2013This story takes place in city block. Their is suddenly a vacant lot when the mayor and other towns people decide to tear down an apartment building that is directly between two other apartment buildings. The vacant lot begins to damper the mood and the environment in the community so Marcy decides to do something about it by turning it into a garden,she eventually gains the help of her neighbors and before they know it they had grown a beautiful vegetable and flower garden. This is a wonderful text to use in order to teach community and to also teach Imagery and explaining why it is important to use while reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews