Walking in the City with Jane

Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs

Illustrated by Valérie Boivin

Ages  6+

From the time she was a young girl, Jane Jacobs' curious mind made her a keen observer of everything around her. When she grew up, she moved to New York City, a place full of new wonders for her to explore. It was there she realized that, just like in nature, a city is an ecosystem. "It is made of different parts --- sidewalks, parks, stores, neighborhoods, City Hall . . . and people, of course. When they all work together, the city is healthy."

So, when city planner Robert Moses proposed creating highways through the city that would destroy neighborhoods and much of what made New York great, Jane decided she couldn't let it happen. She stood up to the officials and rallied her neighbors to stop the plans ---and even got arrested! Jane's bravery and ideas had a huge influence on urban planning that is still being felt today. In this lively and engaging informational picture book, award-winning author Susan Hughes provides a fictionalized story of the life of Jane Jacobs, one of the world's greatest urban thinkers and activists.

This book makes a terrific resource for studying civic engagement, urban life, the history of New York and Toronto (where Jane moved later in life), and the role of city planning. Jane's inspirational story is also an excellent example for character education lessons on perseverance, citizenship and initiative. Stylized illustrations by Valérie Boivin perfectly evoke the story's time and place. End matter includes a brief biography of Jane Jacobs..

Kids Can Press, 2018
ISBN 978-1771386531 

What the Reviewers Say

"While notably addressing character traits such as resilience and integrity, the accessible text is infused with a sense of joie de vivre and a love of cities and community, very successfully showing how social action can develop from belief, dedication, and enthusiasm. .... An inspiring and appealing snapshot of a strong woman and activist, her world and her legacy, told with warmth and charm." -Kirkus Review, 2018

"Susan Hughes shares great urban thinker Jane Jacobs' vision for liveable cities (and her life story) in this charming picture book, introducing readers 6 to 9 to ideas of civic engagement, city planning and urban life, as well as the history of New York and Toronto." -Becky Toyne, Most Anticipated For Books of 2018 for Kids and Teens, Jan to June, Globe and Mail, January 6, 2018

"In this lively and engaging informational picture book, award-winning author Susan Hughes provides a fictionalized story of the life of Jane Jacobs, one of the world's greatest urban thinkers and activists." -Dewey Picks, April to August 2018