Grandma's Place New York
Inclusive Books and Toys
Geoffrey from New York
As a child, I was able to read well before entering the school system. Understandable, considering the hours spent sitting in the laps of my mother, father, aunt, and sister feeling safe, secure, and entertained.
When the newborn son of an African American friend needed books I started to collect those familiar from that time. With acquired, raised consciousness, I realized that nowhere in any of those books were images, or the stories of, anyone other than lily-white children and their lily-white society.
I resolved that issue by hunting online specifically for inclusive books. It worked, but I would like to have been able to physically browse. Saturday last, I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine (pictured), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place, on 120th Street in Harlem just east of Lenox Avenue.
Socially conscious and wonderful are her offerings. Unexpected titles like 'M is for Melanin' ("M is for Melanin shining in every inch of your skin. Every shade, every hue. All beautiful and unique").
'Tar Beach' ("Children will delight in the universal dream of flying over one's world. A practical and stunningly beautiful book").
Another book quickly caught my eye, "Alicia Alonso Dances On" about the great Cuban ballerina with whom I worked years ago. Books like this one inspire youngsters as was Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer in the history of American Ballet Theater
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Music Mondays
UWS Free Chamber Music
The Artistic Director Aaron Wunsch says “We believe this music is for absolutely anyone and everyone—it uplifts us and brings us together, as a community”.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Bach Vespers
Candlelit Bach
A concert was held within the aura of candle light—each congregant holding one—which, combined with the many candelabra, created a calming atmosphere.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Apple Bank
Samuel Yellin Ironwork
His malleable, buttery creations are a sight to behold! They can be seen closeup outside on the buildings massive iron doors, and inside where floral motifs adorn the central teller’s 'pen' and customer desks that line the walls.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Birria-Landia Tacos
NYTimes 2 Star Food Truck
Choose: tacos, quesadillas, tostados or a hot, chunky beef based soup called consommé composed of birria, chopped onion, cilantro and squeezed lime.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Old Print Shop
Flatiron District Gallery
"The Old Print Shop" in New York is my hands-down, hands-on museum/gallery of choice. I love mid-twentieth century 'industrial' or 'city' art...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sea & Sea
Fried fish takeout
"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Modern Bread and Bagel
Extreme gluten-free bagels
"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pain d’ Epices
French / American patisserie
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Django
Tribeca jazz boîte
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Dublin House
Irish Bar Centenarian
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pastrami Queen
Traditional kosher Jewish deli
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore
African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
