Next Stop, New York City!

The Kids of the Polk Street School Specials #9

by Patricia Reilly Giff, Blanche Sims

Bright lights, big city--Ms. Rooney's class is heading for NYC! They'll see dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History and they'll visit the Bronx Zoo, the Statue of Liberty, and many more sights. They'll  even be in a Flag Day parade.  



Ms. Rooney's named Emily their "New York City expert." But Emily doesn't know a thing about The Big Apple. And it's Pizzazz Week at the Polk Street School--not only does Emily not have pizzazz, but she did something that let her class down. What will she do when they find out? Not to worry! Emily finds the answers in The Big Apple, which is full of fun and big surprises for everyone.

Genres: Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 1997

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Kathleen Plucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a fabulous guide to NYC for kids at the back! I can't wait to use it on our next few trips to the City.

[sana ୨୧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i owned this book and read it several times