It’s the Motor City. The birthplace of Motown. The “Paris of the Midwest.”
There’s so much about Detroit to love and one great way to introduce little Detroiters to their hometown is with a book dedicated to the city.
Here, we’ve rounded up 12 children’s books about Detroit. Check them out at bedtime or nab one for your child to read at their leisure and encourage them to embrace life in The D.
ABCDetroit by Kari Jo Wagner
Best for ages 8-12
Kids can take an alphabet trip around the city and learn about some of the cool places that make Detroit such a unique place.
Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac: French Settlements at Detroit and Louisiana, by Anders Knudsen
Best for ages 9-12
Learn what drove Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac to America and how he ultimately founded the city, which is now one of the oldest in North America. Bonus: this book includes maps, a family history and the legacy of what he left behind.
Detroit Ghosts, by Mimi Staver
Best for teens and older kids
Detroit is a dynamic city with a deep and rich history. Is it possible that some of the people who built Detroit to be what it is today are still lingering? This book explores some of the ghost stories around the city and the surrounding area.
Detroit Kids Catalog: A Family Guide for the 21st Century, by Ellyce Field
Best for all ages
Looking for something new and fun to do in Detroit? This book has you covered with more than 2,500 activities in the area from short outings to full-day getaways.
Detroit Tigers ABC, by Brad M. Epstein
Best for ages 2-4
“A is for at-bat,” “F is for fans” and T is of course for “Tigers.” Teach your kids their ABCs and instill a love for Detroit’s home team with this read. It’s even shaped like a baseball jersey and features the Tigers’ home game jersey on the cover.
D is for Detroit: An Alphabetical Alliterative Adventure in Automotive Alley, by Paul Thomas
Best for ages 4-18
Detroit has a rich cultural and architectural history. This book explores all of the beautiful places the city has to offer. Places featured in the book include Belle Isle, Campus Martius, Eastern Market, the Fox Theater and more.
Good Night Tigers, by Brad M. Epstein
Best for ages 2-4
This read puts a Detroit twist on the classic “good night stories.” It starts on the morning of a big game, in the afternoon everyone goes to see the game at Comerica Park and when the game is over, everyone must say good night.
Historic Photos of Detroit, by Mary J. Wallace
Best for all ages
Flip through more than 200 historical photographs of Detroit, including images of the Model T, neighborhoods and more.
Lulu & Rocky in Detroit (Our City Adventures) by Barbara Joosse
Best for ages 5-8
Lulu and her cousin Rocky are on vacation in The Motor City and they’re taking your pint-sized Detroiter along for the ride on visits to Campus Martius, the Riverfront, the DIA and more.
Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art, by J.H. Shapiro
Best for ages 5-8
This picture book explores the art of Detroit’s Heidelberg Project and the local artist that put it together.
Rosie, A Detroit Herstory, by Bailey Sisoy Isgro
Best for ages 8-12
This book is part of the Great Lakes Books Series and explores the story of women workers in Detroit during World War II who stepped up to do jobs that had previously only been done by men and made Detroit an “Arsenal for Democracy” during that time.
The Faygo Book, by Joe Grimm
Best for all ages
Michiganders love Faygo, but do you know how this brand of pop got its start? Learn the social history behind the two Russian immigrant brothers behind those unique flavors. Check out Coney Detroit, Better Made in Michigan: The Salty Story of Detroit’s Best Chip and The Vernor’s Story, too.
A Fist for Joe Louis and Me by Trinka Hakes Noble
Best for ages 6-9
This tale of young Gordy takes place in Detroit during the Great Depression, a time when families struggled and many workers lost their jobs — including Gordy’s father. When Gordy’s mother takes a job working for a tailor to support the family, Gordy bonds with the tailor’s son over a shared love of boxing and their hero, Joe Louis. When prejudice threatens their new friendship, Gordy learns what it means to stand up for a friend.
Call Me Athena: Girl From Detroit by Colby Cedar Smith
Best for ages 10+
This teen novel set in Detroit during the Great Depression follows Mary, a 13-year-old girl of Greek and French immigrants, who longs to be a modern American woman. Mary’s parents want her to follow a more traditional lifestyle. The book follows three different yet intertwining stories that speak on what it means to fight for freedom and equality while also striving to protect tradition and heritage.
The Vernor’s Story: From Gnomes to Now by Lawrence L. Rouch
Best for all ages
Learn about Detroit’s iconic soft drink with this book that tells the Vernor’s success story through illustrations, historical timelines and graphics that are fun for all ages. Take an inside look at the company’s early operations, marketing and branding, and the signature Vernor gnome.
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