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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Let Me Fix that For You
by Janice Erlbaum
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Glad, 12, believes she can find the solution to any problem, including her parents' severed relationship.
by Janice Erlbaum
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Glad, 12, believes she can find the solution to any problem, including her parents' severed relationship.
Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday
by Natalie C. Anderson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In Somalia, when 16-year-old Abdi's brother is kidnapped by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, Abdi tries to rescue him.
by Natalie C. Anderson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In Somalia, when 16-year-old Abdi's brother is kidnapped by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, Abdi tries to rescue him.
Maybe He Just Likes You
by Barbara Dee
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Mila feels that four boys in her school are singling her out for inappropriate attention. Finally, she finds the strength to confront the problem.
by Barbara Dee
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Mila feels that four boys in her school are singling her out for inappropriate attention. Finally, she finds the strength to confront the problem.
Mean
by Justin Sayre
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In the weeks leading up to her bat mitzvah, Ellen tries to puzzle out what it means to become a young woman, while navigating the middle school battlefield.
by Justin Sayre
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In the weeks leading up to her bat mitzvah, Ellen tries to puzzle out what it means to become a young woman, while navigating the middle school battlefield.
M is for Movement
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
With humor and gorgeous paintings, the narrator describes the birth of an activist, linking movements for social justice in Indonesia with others around the world.
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
With humor and gorgeous paintings, the narrator describes the birth of an activist, linking movements for social justice in Indonesia with others around the world.
Monstrous
written and illustrated by Carlyn Beccia
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Learn the science and history behind the world's most popular monsters, such as Frankenstein and Dracula. Timelines, source notes, bibliography, and glossary.
written and illustrated by Carlyn Beccia
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Learn the science and history behind the world's most popular monsters, such as Frankenstein and Dracula. Timelines, source notes, bibliography, and glossary.
Never Again
by Eric Braun
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In 2018, Florida students refused to let the world forget the shooting at their school by pressing for gun safety laws. Photographs, clear documentation, and timeline.
by Eric Braun
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In 2018, Florida students refused to let the world forget the shooting at their school by pressing for gun safety laws. Photographs, clear documentation, and timeline.
New Kid
written and illustrated by Jerry Craft
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
When seventh-grader Jordan Banks begins school at a predominantly rich, white, private school, he discovers that for kids of color fitting in isn't always easy. Vibrant graphic panels.
written and illustrated by Jerry Craft
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
When seventh-grader Jordan Banks begins school at a predominantly rich, white, private school, he discovers that for kids of color fitting in isn't always easy. Vibrant graphic panels.
O Captain, My Captain
by Robert Burleigh
Illustrator: Sterling Hundley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Horrific hospital conditions and a deep respect for the president inspire the words and actions of a great poet. Haunting illustrations and extensive back matter.
by Robert Burleigh
Illustrator: Sterling Hundley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Horrific hospital conditions and a deep respect for the president inspire the words and actions of a great poet. Haunting illustrations and extensive back matter.
Operatic
by Kyo Maclear
Illustrator: Byron Eggenschwiler
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Middle school angst is explored graphically through soft dramatic drawings expressing musical history. Charlotte (Charlie) Noguchi struggles with crushes, bullying, and finds comfort learning about opera singer Maria Callas. Bibliography.
by Kyo Maclear
Illustrator: Byron Eggenschwiler
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Middle school angst is explored graphically through soft dramatic drawings expressing musical history. Charlotte (Charlie) Noguchi struggles with crushes, bullying, and finds comfort learning about opera singer Maria Callas. Bibliography.
Orange for the Sunsets
by Tina Athaide
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Asha, Indian, and Yesofu, Ugandan, find their deep friendship tested when dictator Idi Amin announces that Indians have 90 days to leave Uganda. Back matter includes timeline and resources.
by Tina Athaide
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Asha, Indian, and Yesofu, Ugandan, find their deep friendship tested when dictator Idi Amin announces that Indians have 90 days to leave Uganda. Back matter includes timeline and resources.
Orcas Everywhere
written and photographed by Mark Leiren-Young
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Text with copious photographs presents the history and culture of orcas, including their troubling treatment by humans and a call to action. Glossary, resources, index.
written and photographed by Mark Leiren-Young
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Text with copious photographs presents the history and culture of orcas, including their troubling treatment by humans and a call to action. Glossary, resources, index.
Ordinary Hazards
by Nikki Grimes
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In the spare, piercing poems that comprise her memoir, Nikki Grimes wrings beauty from a traumatic childhood.
by Nikki Grimes
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In the spare, piercing poems that comprise her memoir, Nikki Grimes wrings beauty from a traumatic childhood.
Outwalkers
by Fiona Shaw
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In a future dystopian England, Jacob escapes from an orphanage, pursued by authorities, seeking freedom with a gang of rebel children.
by Fiona Shaw
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In a future dystopian England, Jacob escapes from an orphanage, pursued by authorities, seeking freedom with a gang of rebel children.
Pumpkinheads
by Rainbow Rowell
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
On their last night as employees at the Pumpkin Patch, Josiah and Deja reminisce and explore various friendships and romances. Watercolor ink with digital pencil and color.
by Rainbow Rowell
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
On their last night as employees at the Pumpkin Patch, Josiah and Deja reminisce and explore various friendships and romances. Watercolor ink with digital pencil and color.
Redwood and Ponytail
by K. A. Holt
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
When Kate ad Tam fall in love, Kate's fear of how others will react threatens their relationship. Told in free verse.
by K. A. Holt
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
When Kate ad Tam fall in love, Kate's fear of how others will react threatens their relationship. Told in free verse.
Revenge of the Red Club
by Kim Harrington
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Riley takes action to keep her favorite club (a support group for young women on menstruation and other issues) and the middle school newspaper functioning.
by Kim Harrington
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Riley takes action to keep her favorite club (a support group for young women on menstruation and other issues) and the middle school newspaper functioning.
Right as Rain
by Lindsey Stoddard
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
When Rain's beloved brother dies, the family abruptly moves to New York City. Her initial isolation is assuaged by new friends with stories of their own.
by Lindsey Stoddard
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
When Rain's beloved brother dies, the family abruptly moves to New York City. Her initial isolation is assuaged by new friends with stories of their own.
Road Tripped
by Pete Hautman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Stiggy embarks on a solitary road trip to escape the world he is convinced has it in for him. But what is the truth?
by Pete Hautman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Stiggy embarks on a solitary road trip to escape the world he is convinced has it in for him. But what is the truth?
Robert E. Lee
by Brandon Marie Miller
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
This solidly researched biography, with extensive sources and bibliography, illuminates the public and private life of a man revered as a hero by many, but as a traitor by some. Photographs.
by Brandon Marie Miller
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
This solidly researched biography, with extensive sources and bibliography, illuminates the public and private life of a man revered as a hero by many, but as a traitor by some. Photographs.
Running Wild
by Lucy Jane Bledsoe
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
ARC - Willa's father moved the family to the Alaskan wilderness. Willa needs all her survival skills to save herself and her younger brothers, partly from their father.
by Lucy Jane Bledsoe
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
ARC - Willa's father moved the family to the Alaskan wilderness. Willa needs all her survival skills to save herself and her younger brothers, partly from their father.
Sal & Gabi Break the Universe
by Carlos Hernandez
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In a Miami school for the arts, Cuban-American seventh grader Sal can open portals to alternate universes. But there are consequences.
by Carlos Hernandez
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In a Miami school for the arts, Cuban-American seventh grader Sal can open portals to alternate universes. But there are consequences.
Song of the Crimson Flower
by Julie C. Dao
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In this Vietnamese fantasy, orphaned Bao is placed under a spell. To break the curse, he begins a journey with Lan, the young woman he has loved from afar.
by Julie C. Dao
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In this Vietnamese fantasy, orphaned Bao is placed under a spell. To break the curse, he begins a journey with Lan, the young woman he has loved from afar.
Sonny's Bridge
by Barry Wittenstein
Illustrator: Keith Mallett
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Was Sonny's career over when he left fame behind? Playing his saxophone on the Williamsburg Bridge led to self-discovery and a new musical sound. Digital artwork.
by Barry Wittenstein
Illustrator: Keith Mallett
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Was Sonny's career over when he left fame behind? Playing his saxophone on the Williamsburg Bridge led to self-discovery and a new musical sound. Digital artwork.
Stage Dreams
written and illustrated by Melanie Gillman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In New Mexico during the Civil War, Grace, a transgender runaway, and Flor, a Latina outlaw, join to thwart a Confederate plan. Color graphic panels. Historical annotations.
written and illustrated by Melanie Gillman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In New Mexico during the Civil War, Grace, a transgender runaway, and Flor, a Latina outlaw, join to thwart a Confederate plan. Color graphic panels. Historical annotations.