Harlen Grown by Tony Hillery, Illustrated by Jesse Hartland


In Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood, Tony Hillery tells the true story of how a vacant, trash-filled lot in Harlem was transformed into a thriving urban garden, thanks to a group of determined students from PS 175 and one committed adult. With vibrant illustrations by Jessie Hartland and an accessible narrative voice, this picture book introduces big ideas: food justice, community activism, environmental sustainability, and the power of youth voice.

While often used in elementary classrooms, Harlem Grown is an ideal resource for middle and high school students, particularly in social studies, science, and civics classes. It models how local action leads to systemic change and how one person can empower others to take ownership of their environment and their futures.

Curriculum Connections

Social Studies / Civics
At its core, Harlem Grown is a civic story. It demonstrates how communities can solve problems through collaboration and grassroots effort. Students can explore:

  • Civic responsibility and participatory citizenship

  • Urban issues and social justice

  • Environmental racism and food deserts

  • Local government, land use, and community planning

  • Youth activism and leadership

Have students research local challenges (e.g., food insecurity, vacant lots, pollution) and develop a civic action plan inspired by the Harlem Grown model. They might write proposals, design social media campaigns, or even contact local representatives.


Science / Environmental Studies
The transformation from trash heap to urban farm opens the door to units on:

  • Sustainability and ecosystems

  • Soil health and composting

  • Plant life cycles and urban agriculture

  • Human impact on the environment

Students can create garden proposals for their school or community, design raised beds, or study the science of composting and plant growth. Virtual or physical field trips to urban gardens or farmers markets can deepen their understanding.

Community / SEL Lens
Hillery’s story is ultimately about care: caring for others, the earth, and yourself. It promotes:

  • Empathy, responsibility, and teamwork

  • Problem-solving through collective effort

  • Hope, resilience, and pride in one’s neighborhood

  • The idea that real change starts small and grows with care

Invite students to reflect on their role in their school or neighborhood. What spaces need care? What projects could they grow?

Discussion Questions

Social Studies & Civics Lens

  1. What problems did Tony Hillery and the students identify in their community, and how did they solve them?

  2. How does this story show the connection between environment, health, and inequality?

  3. In what ways is Harlem Grown a civic action? How does it demonstrate the power of local change?

Science & Environmental Lens

  1. What are the environmental benefits of an urban garden like Harlem Grown?

  2. How does turning a vacant lot into a green space affect the surrounding ecosystem and community?

  3. What scientific knowledge and skills were needed to transform this space?

SEL & Identity Lens

  1. How did participating in the garden impact the students’ confidence and connection to their community?

  2. What message does this book send about the power of young people?

  3. If you could change one thing in your neighborhood, what would it be—and how would you start?

Harlem Grown is more than a story about a garden. It’s a story about growing agency, belonging, and change. For middle and high school educators, this book can be a launchpad for real-world connections between science, civics, and community, and for encouraging students to see themselves as leaders in their own neighborhoods.

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