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A New Orleans book list is the perfect place to start if you want to explore the history, geography, and culture of this beautiful U.S. city!
And, with this geography-based book list, you’re sure to find some great new titles to learn and have fun with!
I tried to include titles that will work for all ages. So, you’ll find board books, picture books, chapter books, and even a cookbook! There should be something for everyone, whether read independently, used as read-alouds, or to supplement a New Orleans unit study.
New Orleans Book List
Good Night New Orleans by Adam Gamble
This board book follows the four seasons, taking children on a journey through the city of New Orleans, visiting sites and attractions.
Hello New Orleans! by Martha Day Zschock
Take a tour of New Orleans with this sweet pelican family. This is another board book that will provide a front row seat to the city of New Orleans.
New Orleans Mother Goose by Ryan Adam
This book is so fun! It takes classic Mother Goose poems and gives them a New Orleans flavor. Your children will love recognizing the old rhymes in the new.
Dreaming of New Orleans: Counting Down Around Town by Gretchen Everin
In this fun book, children will count down from 10 to 1 while traveling around the city of New Orleans.
Good Night NOLA by Cornell P. Landry
In Goodnight NOLA children will learn about things unique to New Orleans. Like red beans and rice, historic landmarks, sports in the city, among others.
The Bourbon Street Band is Back by Ed Shankman
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. And, this book shares the multi-cultural American origins of Jazz music. The lyrical text is perfect for sharing the tale of these musicians as they discover how music can heal.
Mermaids of New Orleans by Sally Asher
This magical tale tells the story of the Mermaids that live in the Mississippi River near New Orleans. Their life is much like that of the people in the city, just underwater! But, one day a year they get to walk on land. And, these mermaids choose Mardi Gras!
Mimi’s First Mardi Gras by Alice Couvillon
This story shows us Mardi Gras through the eyes of a child. It shares the history, culture, and traditions, such as King Cake, of this New Orleans festival.
How Jelly Roll Martin Invented Jazz by Jonah Winter
This rhythmic story, set in New Orleans in the early 1900s, shares musician Jelly Roll Morton’s role in America’s early Jazz music.
Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews
This autobiographical picture book for older kids follows the life and career of New Orleans musician Troy Andrews.
The Runaway Beignet by Connie Morgan
When a New Orleans baker comes across some magical sugar he bakes beignets, of course! But, then the beignet comes to life and is chased around New Orleans in this sweet fairy tale story reminiscent of the gingerbread man.
Cendrillon: A Cajun Cinderella by Sheila Hebert-Collins
What would a Cinderella story look like if it was set in New Orleans? That’s the picture this Cajun-style Cinderella story paints. The ball is during Mardi Gras, of course. And, the book uses many French words as it shares a bit of Cajun culture in this fairy tale.
Battle of New Orleans: The Drummer’s Story by Freddi Evans
This book shares the history of the Battle of New Orleans with young readers. Told from the perspective of Jordan Noble, a drummer who summoned troops with his drum.
Jean Lafitte: The Pirate Who Saved America by Susan Goldman Rubin
This is a biography of the notorious pirate Jean Laffite. Beginning his pirating career young Lafitte eventually made his home in New Orleans. Where he conducted business, continued being a pirate, and even helped the US army in the War of 1812.
Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans by Phil Bildner
This is an inspiring story about a real-life garbage man who was there to help in the time after Hurricane Katrina tore through the city of New Orleans. This story provides a great way to talk with small children about this terrible disaster in the city’s history.
Two Bobbies by Kirby Larson
This is the true story of two animals who find each other in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. After being separated from their owners during the tragedy, these two furry friends help each other survive until rescue comes.
A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg
This story shares a fictional, but historically accurate account of a boy and his family after Hurricane Katrina. Told from the perspective of a 10-year-old boy, it shares the experiences of many families who lost everything and experienced life in the Superdome.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina by Rodman Philbrick
This book for older elementary students, tells the story of a 12-year old boy and his dog who become trapped in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Also included, are maps showing the track of the storm and the flooding in the city to help children learn more details about the tragedy.
Here is a discussion guide for the book from Scholastic.
New Orleans #4 (Recipe for Adventure) by
The characters in this series of books travel all over the world to famous food cities. And, in this installment, they are headed to New Orleans! They get to experience the city’s culture, food, and people as they try to make their way home again.
A Whole Lotta NOLA: Easy Recipes for the Young Chef! by Chef Melissa Hinton
This cookbook is full of recipes for the youngest chefs! And, will give your kiddos a culturally rich education on New Orleans cuisine as well as some hands-on learning through making these recipes.
I hope you enjoyed this New Orleans book list!
And, don’t forget…
To jump over to my New Orleans Unit Study & Notebooking Pages and you’ll be all set to start learning about the great city of New Orleans!
