City of Neighbors

Gr 2-6–In the fourth book in the “ThinkCities” series, which includes informational texts about the ways people interact with cities, Curtis sets out to tell young readers about myriad ideas for what great neighborhoods might offer residents. This vividly illustrated book starts with background on why neighborhoods and communities are helpful as well as acknowledging that there are barriers to everyone feeling welcome. Then, individual paragraphs explore how people all over the world were inspired to make their neighborhoods better. Community gardens and ovens, furniture, paint and artwork, music, dance, and library projects are some of the ideas discussed. Brightly colored artwork reflects some of the projects and exude a warmth and energy befitting a book about engaging communities. The text is very small and lightweight which may make this a difficult read-aloud, but it’s an excellent starting point for generating creative ideas about community projects or for independent research.