Welcome to the Bank Street Children's Book Committee's (CBC) Searchable Best Books List, a tool designed to help educators, families, librarians, and others access developmentally appropriate and engaging books for young readers (ages birth - 18).
Our online Searchable Best Books List draws from the committee's annual Best Children's Books of the Year-beginning with the list of books published in 2000-with each featuring more than 600 high-quality titles for young readers.
To share feedback about the tool, please feel free to email bookcom@bankstreet.edu. To learn more about the CBC, visit https://www.bankstreet.edu/cbc/.
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Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed
Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrator: Leila Del Duca
Ages: 12+
Published: 2020
Princess Diana of Themyscira flees the island to New York City to rescue drowning refugees. Boldly colored illustrations.
Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrator: Leila Del Duca
Ages: 12+
Published: 2020
Princess Diana of Themyscira flees the island to New York City to rescue drowning refugees. Boldly colored illustrations.
You Call This Democracy: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People
Elizabeth Rusch
Ages: 12+
Published: 2020
How the electoral college, gerrymandering, voter suppression and more have failed democracy, and how concerned teenagers can affect change. Enlightening diagrams, charts, source notes, bibliography.
Elizabeth Rusch
Ages: 12+
Published: 2020
How the electoral college, gerrymandering, voter suppression and more have failed democracy, and how concerned teenagers can affect change. Enlightening diagrams, charts, source notes, bibliography.
Accused!
by Larry Dane Brimner
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In 1931, nine black teenagers were falsely accused of rape in Alabama. Their harrowing journey through a racist judicial system is detailed. Archival photographs, bibliography, footnotes, index.
by Larry Dane Brimner
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In 1931, nine black teenagers were falsely accused of rape in Alabama. Their harrowing journey through a racist judicial system is detailed. Archival photographs, bibliography, footnotes, index.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
by Brigid Kemmerer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In this adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, a girl with cerebral palsy meets a cursed prince in a parallel world. Can she break the spell?
by Brigid Kemmerer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In this adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, a girl with cerebral palsy meets a cursed prince in a parallel world. Can she break the spell?
All the Ways Home
by Elsie Chapman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A Canadian boy's mother is killed in an accident. Now he must spend the summer in Japan with his estranged father and write an essay on the meaning of home.
by Elsie Chapman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A Canadian boy's mother is killed in an accident. Now he must spend the summer in Japan with his estranged father and write an essay on the meaning of home.
Aru Shah and the Song of Death
by Roshani Chokshi
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
If Aru doesn't find the god of love's bow and arrow in ten days, she'll be expelled from the Otherworld. Will she succeed in her quest?
by Roshani Chokshi
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
If Aru doesn't find the god of love's bow and arrow in ten days, she'll be expelled from the Otherworld. Will she succeed in her quest?
Beast Rider
by Tony Johnston
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Leaving his small Mexican corn farm, Manuel, 12, begins a perilous three-year journey to reunite with his older brother in Los Angeles. Glossary of Spanish terms.
by Tony Johnston
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Leaving his small Mexican corn farm, Manuel, 12, begins a perilous three-year journey to reunite with his older brother in Los Angeles. Glossary of Spanish terms.
Body 2.0
by Sara Latta
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A fascinating glimpse into the not-too-distant future of medical technology. Compelling “true” stories and brief profiles of diverse researchers with photos, color diagrams, and extensive backmatter.
by Sara Latta
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A fascinating glimpse into the not-too-distant future of medical technology. Compelling “true” stories and brief profiles of diverse researchers with photos, color diagrams, and extensive backmatter.
Born to Fly
by Steve Sheinkin
Illustrator: Bijou Karman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In 1929, twenty daring women, including Amelia Earhart entered an air derby across America. Fascinating details, photographs, and drawings bring it all to life. Sources, bibliography.
by Steve Sheinkin
Illustrator: Bijou Karman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In 1929, twenty daring women, including Amelia Earhart entered an air derby across America. Fascinating details, photographs, and drawings bring it all to life. Sources, bibliography.
Bringing Down a President
by Andrea Balis
Illustrator: Tim Foley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A fly on the wall provides background information as Richard Nixon, White House staff, Congress, lawyers, reporters, and burglars speak. Line drawings and extensive back matter.
by Andrea Balis
Illustrator: Tim Foley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A fly on the wall provides background information as Richard Nixon, White House staff, Congress, lawyers, reporters, and burglars speak. Line drawings and extensive back matter.
Caught!
by Georgia Bragg
Illustrator: Kevin OMalley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Fourteen accused figures from history are profiled with interesting details. Spot illustrations and comprehensive back matter.
by Georgia Bragg
Illustrator: Kevin OMalley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Fourteen accused figures from history are profiled with interesting details. Spot illustrations and comprehensive back matter.
Changeling (The Oddmire series)
written and illustrated by William Ritter
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
ARC A goblin bungles an assignment to switch a changeling for a newborn baby, leaving Annie with two seemingly identical boys, whom she loves equally. Spot black-and-white illustrations.
written and illustrated by William Ritter
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
ARC A goblin bungles an assignment to switch a changeling for a newborn baby, leaving Annie with two seemingly identical boys, whom she loves equally. Spot black-and-white illustrations.
Child of the Dream
by Sharon Robinson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Sharon remembers her 13th year living with her famous father, Jackie, growing up, learning about the civil rights movement, and participating in the march on Washington. Family photographs.
by Sharon Robinson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Sharon remembers her 13th year living with her famous father, Jackie, growing up, learning about the civil rights movement, and participating in the march on Washington. Family photographs.
Cicada
written and illustrated by Shaun Tan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
After 17 years of facing constant workplace discrimination, a cicada retires and comes into his own. Somber grey oils.
written and illustrated by Shaun Tan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
After 17 years of facing constant workplace discrimination, a cicada retires and comes into his own. Somber grey oils.
Crown of Feathers
by Nicki Pau Preto
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Veronyka is determined to become a Phoenix Rider and disguises herself as a boy to train with the resistance fighters. Glossary and timeline.
by Nicki Pau Preto
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Veronyka is determined to become a Phoenix Rider and disguises herself as a boy to train with the resistance fighters. Glossary and timeline.
Cursed
by Karol Ruth Silverstein
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
With the help of a supportive teacher, Ricky, 14, suffering from chronic arthritis, her parents' divorce, and a new school, learns to cope positively with challenges.
by Karol Ruth Silverstein
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
With the help of a supportive teacher, Ricky, 14, suffering from chronic arthritis, her parents' divorce, and a new school, learns to cope positively with challenges.
Dark Sky Rising
by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
This intense narrative of Reconstruction details the struggle for African-American emancipation and civil rights in the face of white supremacy. Archival photographs, illustrations. Heavily resourced.
by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
This intense narrative of Reconstruction details the struggle for African-American emancipation and civil rights in the face of white supremacy. Archival photographs, illustrations. Heavily resourced.
Deadly Aim
by Sally M. Walker
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Company K - an all native American company in the Union Army - fights with valor for their families, land, and heritage. Photographs, maps, and extensive backmatter.
by Sally M. Walker
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Company K - an all native American company in the Union Army - fights with valor for their families, land, and heritage. Photographs, maps, and extensive backmatter.
Dead Voices
by Katherine Arden
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In this follow-up to Small Spaces, three friends stuck in a snowstorm encounter ghosts and a long time enemy. Will their parents ever believe them?
by Katherine Arden
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In this follow-up to Small Spaces, three friends stuck in a snowstorm encounter ghosts and a long time enemy. Will their parents ever believe them?
Dissenter on the Bench
by Victoria Ortiz
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Lawsuits fighting for gender and racial equality provide depth and understanding to the life of an esteemed lawyer and Supreme Court justice. Photographs, bibliography, index.
by Victoria Ortiz
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Lawsuits fighting for gender and racial equality provide depth and understanding to the life of an esteemed lawyer and Supreme Court justice. Photographs, bibliography, index.
Dog Driven
by Terry Lynn Johnson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Although McKenna, 14, is beginning to lose her sight from stargardt disease, she decides to participate in a grueling Canadian dog sled race anyway.
by Terry Lynn Johnson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Although McKenna, 14, is beginning to lose her sight from stargardt disease, she decides to participate in a grueling Canadian dog sled race anyway.
Dragon Pearl
by Yoon Ha Lee
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Min, a gumiho (shape-shifting fox spirit), must rely on all her abilities to search for her missing brother and uncover the mystery of the Dragon Pearl.
by Yoon Ha Lee
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Min, a gumiho (shape-shifting fox spirit), must rely on all her abilities to search for her missing brother and uncover the mystery of the Dragon Pearl.
Dreaming in Code
by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
The first computer programmer was a woman. Her brief, unhappy life and extraordinary intellectual pursuits are recounted in detail. Archival photos and extensive back matter.
by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
The first computer programmer was a woman. Her brief, unhappy life and extraordinary intellectual pursuits are recounted in detail. Archival photos and extensive back matter.
Eclipse Chaser (Scientists in the Field series)
by Ilima Loomis
Illustrator: Andrea Miller
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Vivid personal photographs follow Syrian-American University of Hawaii astrophysicist Shadia Habbal and her “Solar Wind Sherpas” team studying the sun's corona in the 2017 total eclipse.
by Ilima Loomis
Illustrator: Andrea Miller
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Vivid personal photographs follow Syrian-American University of Hawaii astrophysicist Shadia Habbal and her “Solar Wind Sherpas” team studying the sun's corona in the 2017 total eclipse.
Elon Musk
by Anna Crowley Redding
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Elon Musk's childhood focus and curiosity led him to successes and failures in banking, space, and cars. Archival photos, end notes.
by Anna Crowley Redding
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Elon Musk's childhood focus and curiosity led him to successes and failures in banking, space, and cars. Archival photos, end notes.