New York City

Look up. way up. My buildings are so tall they tickle the clouds. Down on my streets, bright yellow cabs zoom by like busy bees. Buzz. buzz. buzz. Everywhere you listen, you can hear happy sounds. Music plays, people laugh, and the city hums a wonderful song all day and all night. I am full of energy and excitement. I am a place where big dreams can come true. I am New York City.

Before I had tall buildings, I was a land of green forests and sparkling rivers. The first people to live here were the Lenape. They loved the land and took great care of it. Then, a long, long time ago, in the year 1624, big sailing ships came across the wide ocean. People from a place called the Netherlands built a little town here. Soon, more boats came, bringing families from all over the world. They brought yummy foods, new songs, and big hopes. With every new friend who arrived, I grew bigger and bigger, like a giant, happy family.

Today, I am a home for everyone. A very special lady made of green copper stands in my water. She is the Statue of Liberty, and she holds a big torch to say, “Hello. Welcome.” to everyone who visits. Children run and play in my big green parks, and families watch amazing shows with bright lights and music. I am a city built from everyone’s hopes and dreams. Every person who comes here adds a new sparkle to my lights, and that makes me the most special city in the world.