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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Ghost Boys
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Supported by spirits of other black victims of police violence, Jerome returns to help his family, friends, and the accused officer's daughter cope with his death and demand justice.
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Supported by spirits of other black victims of police violence, Jerome returns to help his family, friends, and the accused officer's daughter cope with his death and demand justice.
Hamilton and Peggy!
by L. M. Elliott
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
As the daughter of General Schuyler and wife of Alexander Hamilton, Peggy witnesses much of the American Revolution including battles, spies, and meetings with Iroquois Indians. Afterword, bibliography, and sources.
by L. M. Elliott
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
As the daughter of General Schuyler and wife of Alexander Hamilton, Peggy witnesses much of the American Revolution including battles, spies, and meetings with Iroquois Indians. Afterword, bibliography, and sources.
Hearts Unbroken
by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Local prejudice against Muscogees causes problems when Louise's brother gets the lead in Wizard of Oz.
by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Local prejudice against Muscogees causes problems when Louise's brother gets the lead in Wizard of Oz.
Here to Stay
by Sara Farizan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC A basketball game makes Bijan a hero until a photoshopped picture shows him as a terrorist. Bijan, Persian and Jordanian, narrates with humor and heart.
by Sara Farizan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC A basketball game makes Bijan a hero until a photoshopped picture shows him as a terrorist. Bijan, Persian and Jordanian, narrates with humor and heart.
House of Dreams
by Liz Rosenberg
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
This biography of the famed author of Anne of Green Gables brings to life coming-of-age in the early 20th century on Prince Edward Island and beyond. Black-and-white illustrations begin each chapter.
by Liz Rosenberg
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
This biography of the famed author of Anne of Green Gables brings to life coming-of-age in the early 20th century on Prince Edward Island and beyond. Black-and-white illustrations begin each chapter.
How to Be a Good Creature
by Sy Montgomery
Illustrator: Rebecca Green
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
These autobiographical essays chronicle the lives of pets and research subjects that most impacted the animal behavior journalist. Graphite, gouache, and stamped ink illustrations. Black-and-white family photos. Further readings.
by Sy Montgomery
Illustrator: Rebecca Green
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
These autobiographical essays chronicle the lives of pets and research subjects that most impacted the animal behavior journalist. Graphite, gouache, and stamped ink illustrations. Black-and-white family photos. Further readings.
How We Got to Now (Adapted for Young Readers)
by Steven Johnson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Advances in glass technology, sound, light, and temperature control, sanitation, and timekeeping tell a story of change in European and North American life. Adapted from adult edition. Archival photographs and prints.
by Steven Johnson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Advances in glass technology, sound, light, and temperature control, sanitation, and timekeeping tell a story of change in European and North American life. Adapted from adult edition. Archival photographs and prints.
How We Roll
by Natasha Friend
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
No one in her new home in Massachusetts knows Quinn has alopecia. When she becomes a friend of Nick, a double amputee, her world changes.
by Natasha Friend
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
No one in her new home in Massachusetts knows Quinn has alopecia. When she becomes a friend of Nick, a double amputee, her world changes.
Illegal
by Eoin Colfer
Illustrator: Giovanni Rigano
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Sparse words and powerful graphics depict a 12-year-old's perilous journey from Ghana to Italy in this story of family love and migration. Back matter.
by Eoin Colfer
Illustrator: Giovanni Rigano
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Sparse words and powerful graphics depict a 12-year-old's perilous journey from Ghana to Italy in this story of family love and migration. Back matter.
Iron River
by Daniel Acosta
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Manny is a 12-year-old Mexican living with his family in California. A racist, corrupt police officer harasses the minority population living there.
by Daniel Acosta
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Manny is a 12-year-old Mexican living with his family in California. A racist, corrupt police officer harasses the minority population living there.
Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World
by Ashley Herring Blake
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Ivy deals with major life changes - a tornado, a blossoming crush on a girlfriend, and her place as a middle child in a struggling family.
by Ashley Herring Blake
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Ivy deals with major life changes - a tornado, a blossoming crush on a girlfriend, and her place as a middle child in a struggling family.
Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper
written and illustrated by Manuela Santoni
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Bold black-and-white graphics depict how Austen gave up her first love, but not her love of writing. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Manuela Santoni
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Bold black-and-white graphics depict how Austen gave up her first love, but not her love of writing. Back matter.
Jazz Owls
by Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Rudy Gutierrez
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
In 1943, sailors stationed in Los Angeles attacked local Mexican American dancers in what was later known as the Zoot Suit Riots. Free verse by multiple narrators. Swirling, animated black-and-white illustrations introduce sections. Back matter.
by Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Rudy Gutierrez
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
In 1943, sailors stationed in Los Angeles attacked local Mexican American dancers in what was later known as the Zoot Suit Riots. Free verse by multiple narrators. Swirling, animated black-and-white illustrations introduce sections. Back matter.
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young People)
by Bryan Stevenson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC Stevenson's experiences fighting for death row inmates, both horrifying and inspirational, expose the racism and abuse of power in the American justice system.
by Bryan Stevenson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC Stevenson's experiences fighting for death row inmates, both horrifying and inspirational, expose the racism and abuse of power in the American justice system.
Just Under the Clouds
by Melissa Sarno
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Cora, a homeless teenager, helps her mom hold their family together after the death of her father.
by Melissa Sarno
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Cora, a homeless teenager, helps her mom hold their family together after the death of her father.
Knockout
by K. A. Holt
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Bed-ridden for much of his life, seventh grader Levi, fully recovered, discovers a talent and passion for boxing. Will his protective mother stop him from pursuing it? Free verse and concrete poetry.
by K. A. Holt
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Bed-ridden for much of his life, seventh grader Levi, fully recovered, discovers a talent and passion for boxing. Will his protective mother stop him from pursuing it? Free verse and concrete poetry.
Letting Go of Gravity
by Meg Leder
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Parker struggles to deal both with her anxiety about her future and to reconnect with her twin brother, Charlie, who is recovering from cancer.
by Meg Leder
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Parker struggles to deal both with her anxiety about her future and to reconnect with her twin brother, Charlie, who is recovering from cancer.
Like Vanessa
by Tami Charles
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
In 1983, Vanessa's middle school sponsors a beauty/talent pageant. A supportive teacher encourages her to participate and helps her overcome the challenges of a difficult home situation and her own insecurities.
by Tami Charles
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
In 1983, Vanessa's middle school sponsors a beauty/talent pageant. A supportive teacher encourages her to participate and helps her overcome the challenges of a difficult home situation and her own insecurities.
Little Man, Little Man
by James Baldwin
Illustrator: Yoran Cazac
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Join TJ, 4, and his friends WT, 7, and Blinky, 8, as they wander around their 1970s Harlem street one summer afternoon. Colorful illustrations throughout.
by James Baldwin
Illustrator: Yoran Cazac
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Join TJ, 4, and his friends WT, 7, and Blinky, 8, as they wander around their 1970s Harlem street one summer afternoon. Colorful illustrations throughout.
Lord of the Mountain
by Ronald Kidd
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
In 1927, a troubled southern family struggles to cope with loss and regional hard-times. Music is forbidden, but 13-year-old Nate loves it and strikes out on his own.
by Ronald Kidd
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
In 1927, a troubled southern family struggles to cope with loss and regional hard-times. Music is forbidden, but 13-year-old Nate loves it and strikes out on his own.
Love Like Sky
by Leslie C. Youngblood
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
George and her little sister Peaches are still getting used to their “blended-up” family when Peaches gets sick. Can love save her?
by Leslie C. Youngblood
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
George and her little sister Peaches are still getting used to their “blended-up” family when Peaches gets sick. Can love save her?
Love to Everyone
by Hilary McKay
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Clarry, smart and independent, makes her way in the world as she matures in a motherless household during the difficult days of World War I.
by Hilary McKay
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Clarry, smart and independent, makes her way in the world as she matures in a motherless household during the difficult days of World War I.
Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish
by Pablo Cartaya
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
After getting suspended for fighting, Marcus, Puerto Rican by birth but with few connections to his heritage, is taken by his mother to Puerto Rico to meet his father and his family there.
by Pablo Cartaya
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
After getting suspended for fighting, Marcus, Puerto Rican by birth but with few connections to his heritage, is taken by his mother to Puerto Rico to meet his father and his family there.
Martin Rising
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrator: Brian Pinkney
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Lyrical poetry vividly chronicles personal and public moments from Dr. King's birth through the last few moments of his life during those tumultuous 1968 days. Lush pastel mixed-media illustrations.
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrator: Brian Pinkney
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Lyrical poetry vividly chronicles personal and public moments from Dr. King's birth through the last few moments of his life during those tumultuous 1968 days. Lush pastel mixed-media illustrations.
Mascot
by Antony John
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Stuck in a wheelchair, paralyzed Noah, 12, has given up trying. Then feisty Alyssa and atypical, math genius Dee-Dub arrive and change his life.
by Antony John
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Stuck in a wheelchair, paralyzed Noah, 12, has given up trying. Then feisty Alyssa and atypical, math genius Dee-Dub arrive and change his life.