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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Standing Up Against Hate
by Mary Cronk Farrell
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Eager to further their civil rights and fight for America, African-American women enlist but face entrenched discrimination. Archival photographs and extensive back matter.
by Mary Cronk Farrell
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Eager to further their civil rights and fight for America, African-American women enlist but face entrenched discrimination. Archival photographs and extensive back matter.
Stand on the Sky
by Erin Bow
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Will Aisulu defy Kazakh nomad tradition that demands that all eagle trainers must be male in order to have a chance at saving her brother's life?
by Erin Bow
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Will Aisulu defy Kazakh nomad tradition that demands that all eagle trainers must be male in order to have a chance at saving her brother's life?
Stephen Curry (Epic Athletes series)
by Dan Wetzel
Illustrator: Zeke Peña
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Vivid writing and graphic black-and-white illustrations show how Curry, although short for basketball, rose to the top with persistence, talent, faith in God, and teamwork.
by Dan Wetzel
Illustrator: Zeke Peña
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Vivid writing and graphic black-and-white illustrations show how Curry, although short for basketball, rose to the top with persistence, talent, faith in God, and teamwork.
Summer of a Thousand Pies
by Margaret Dilloway
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Previously homeless, Cady, 12, is now fostered by her aunt, who runs a struggling pie shop. As Aunt Shell gains Cady's trust, secrets are revealed and pies are baked. Spot black-and-white illustrations.
by Margaret Dilloway
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Previously homeless, Cady, 12, is now fostered by her aunt, who runs a struggling pie shop. As Aunt Shell gains Cady's trust, secrets are revealed and pies are baked. Spot black-and-white illustrations.
Take the Mic
edited by Bethany C. Morrow
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Poems and tales written by a dozen different authors depict young people standing up to gain their rights and respect.
edited by Bethany C. Morrow
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Poems and tales written by a dozen different authors depict young people standing up to gain their rights and respect.
The Bridge
by
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
After the death of his distant father, Washington Roebling and his wife Emily take on the monumental task of constructing the Brooklyn Bridge. Vibrant, emotive graphic illustrations. References.
by
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
After the death of his distant father, Washington Roebling and his wife Emily take on the monumental task of constructing the Brooklyn Bridge. Vibrant, emotive graphic illustrations. References.
The Downstairs Girl
by Stacey Lee
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A Chinese American girl in 1890's Atlanta faces prejudice while working both as a maid and an anonymous newspaper advice columnist.
by Stacey Lee
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A Chinese American girl in 1890's Atlanta faces prejudice while working both as a maid and an anonymous newspaper advice columnist.
The End and Other Beginnings
by Veronica Roth
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Six short stories create new worlds and compassionate characters, involving both the unknown and the familiar. Powerful black and white illustrations.
by Veronica Roth
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Six short stories create new worlds and compassionate characters, involving both the unknown and the familiar. Powerful black and white illustrations.
The Giver
based on the novel by Lois Lowry
Illustrator: P. Craig Russell
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In a colorless, conformist community, The Giver imparts Memory, and thus feelings, to Jonas, who then must find a way out. Blue gray background color depicts a colorless world. Until...
based on the novel by Lois Lowry
Illustrator: P. Craig Russell
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In a colorless, conformist community, The Giver imparts Memory, and thus feelings, to Jonas, who then must find a way out. Blue gray background color depicts a colorless world. Until...
The Global Refugee Crisis
by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
The increasing number of refugees and displaced persons are presented using specific examples. Archival photos, extensive backmatter.
by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
The increasing number of refugees and displaced persons are presented using specific examples. Archival photos, extensive backmatter.
The Greatest Treasure Hunt in History
by Robert M. Edsel
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A specialized Western Allied unit recovers priceless artwork and cultural treasures that Nazis stole from public museums and private, mostly Jewish, collections. Archival photos, documents, glossary.
by Robert M. Edsel
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A specialized Western Allied unit recovers priceless artwork and cultural treasures that Nazis stole from public museums and private, mostly Jewish, collections. Archival photos, documents, glossary.
The Iliad
adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds, based on several translations from the ancient Greek
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
This retelling of the Homeric epic powerfully conveys the chaos and brutality of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans, each aided by Olympian deities. Dramatic, richly detailed artwork.
adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds, based on several translations from the ancient Greek
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
This retelling of the Homeric epic powerfully conveys the chaos and brutality of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans, each aided by Olympian deities. Dramatic, richly detailed artwork.
The Justice Project
by Michael Betcherman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
An injured football star reluctantly takes on a summer project, an organization that defends the wrongly convicted.
by Michael Betcherman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
An injured football star reluctantly takes on a summer project, an organization that defends the wrongly convicted.
The Library of Ever
by Zeno Alexander
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
When rich, wretched Leonora escapes from her nanny in an mysterious library where she is appointed as an underling librarian, a multitude of adventures await.
by Zeno Alexander
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
When rich, wretched Leonora escapes from her nanny in an mysterious library where she is appointed as an underling librarian, a multitude of adventures await.
The Magnificent Migration
by Sy Montgomery
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Journal entries and photographs illuminate Serengeti wildlife, including the remarkable wildebeest migration, and how how human expansion, poaching, and climate change impact their ecosystem
by Sy Montgomery
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Journal entries and photographs illuminate Serengeti wildlife, including the remarkable wildebeest migration, and how how human expansion, poaching, and climate change impact their ecosystem
The Magnolia Sword
by Sherry Thomas
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In fifth century China, a girl disguised as her brother fights for the emperor, uncovers family secrets, and finds true love.
by Sherry Thomas
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In fifth century China, a girl disguised as her brother fights for the emperor, uncovers family secrets, and finds true love.
The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James
by Ashley Herring Blake
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Sunny, 12, navigates heart surgery, betrayal, reconnection with a mother who abandoned her, and feelings for another girl.
by Ashley Herring Blake
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Sunny, 12, navigates heart surgery, betrayal, reconnection with a mother who abandoned her, and feelings for another girl.
The Other Side
by Juan Pablo Villalobos
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Ten teenagers recount their journeys from Central America to the United States, with the reasons they left and the dangers they encountered along the way. Author's note and glossary.
by Juan Pablo Villalobos
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Ten teenagers recount their journeys from Central America to the United States, with the reasons they left and the dangers they encountered along the way. Author's note and glossary.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
by Dan Gemeinhart
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A devastating loss sends Coyote and her dad on a nomadic life, where they learn that it is still possible to go home.
by Dan Gemeinhart
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A devastating loss sends Coyote and her dad on a nomadic life, where they learn that it is still possible to go home.
There's Something about Sweetie
by Sandhya Menon
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Sweetie's traditional Indian parents have just declined an arranged date for her because she's too heavy, they say. Sweetie, however, has other plans.
by Sandhya Menon
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Sweetie's traditional Indian parents have just declined an arranged date for her because she's too heavy, they say. Sweetie, however, has other plans.
The Seventh Voyage
by Stanislaw Lem
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
ARC--HARDCOVER IS HERE In an adaptation of the famous Polish science fiction writer's humorous short story, an astronaut meets himself in the near and distant past and future. Action-filled watercolors.
by Stanislaw Lem
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
ARC--HARDCOVER IS HERE In an adaptation of the famous Polish science fiction writer's humorous short story, an astronaut meets himself in the near and distant past and future. Action-filled watercolors.
The Story Pirates Present: Digging Up Danger
by Jacqueline West
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A 13-year-old ghost-hunter and her horticulturalist mom find weird plants in a flower shop. Black-and-white illustrations throughout, including a section on how to write a mystery.
by Jacqueline West
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
A 13-year-old ghost-hunter and her horticulturalist mom find weird plants in a flower shop. Black-and-white illustrations throughout, including a section on how to write a mystery.
The Voice in My Head
by Dana L. Davis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Indigo's twin is dying, withdrawing from her sister. Indigo begins to have a conversation with God, which sets the whole family off on an adventure.
by Dana L. Davis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Indigo's twin is dying, withdrawing from her sister. Indigo begins to have a conversation with God, which sets the whole family off on an adventure.
The Whispers
by Greg Howard
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In South Carolina, 11-year-old Riley fears that his mother's disappearance is connected to her having seen him kiss a boy. But why can't he remember what happened?
by Greg Howard
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
In South Carolina, 11-year-old Riley fears that his mother's disappearance is connected to her having seen him kiss a boy. But why can't he remember what happened?
Throwback
by Peter Lerangis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Corey has inherited his grandfather's ability to travel in time. Unlike his grandfather, Corey can change the past. Can he prevent his grandmother's untimely death?
by Peter Lerangis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2019
Corey has inherited his grandfather's ability to travel in time. Unlike his grandfather, Corey can change the past. Can he prevent his grandmother's untimely death?