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/.
How to Perform a Search and Save a List
Search
Advanced Search
Meet Me at the Well
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Vali Mintzi
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Old Testament heroines are revisited in this modern retelling, including commentary, the subjects' voices as imagined by the authors, and original poems. Gouache illustrations.
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Vali Mintzi
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Old Testament heroines are revisited in this modern retelling, including commentary, the subjects' voices as imagined by the authors, and original poems. Gouache illustrations.
My Family Divided
by Diane Guerrero
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
After US-born teenager Diane's parents are deported to Colombia, she struggles to survive and succeed as an actress, then becoming an advocate for immigration reform.
by Diane Guerrero
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
After US-born teenager Diane's parents are deported to Colombia, she struggles to survive and succeed as an actress, then becoming an advocate for immigration reform.
My Name is Victoria
by Lucy Worsley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Introduced by her power-grasping father, Sir John, Miss V. Conroy becomes a companion to the young Queen Victoria and an alternative view of history emerges.
by Lucy Worsley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Introduced by her power-grasping father, Sir John, Miss V. Conroy becomes a companion to the young Queen Victoria and an alternative view of history emerges.
My Year in the Middle
by Lila Quintero Weaver
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
A sixth-grader at a newly integrated school in Alabama, Lu observes the racial divide during George Wallace's campaign for governor as she struggles to find a place.
by Lila Quintero Weaver
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
A sixth-grader at a newly integrated school in Alabama, Lu observes the racial divide during George Wallace's campaign for governor as she struggles to find a place.
No Fixed Address
by Susin Nielsen
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Felix struggles to hide their increasingly desperate situation when his mom loses yet another job and they start living in a van.
by Susin Nielsen
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Felix struggles to hide their increasingly desperate situation when his mom loses yet another job and they start living in a van.
North to Benjamin
by Alan Cumyn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Traumatized by a sudden move to Alaska, Edgar identifies so powerfully with the Newfoundland in his care that he can only bark when trying to speak.
by Alan Cumyn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Traumatized by a sudden move to Alaska, Edgar identifies so powerfully with the Newfoundland in his care that he can only bark when trying to speak.
Nowhere Boy
by Katherine Marsh
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
After escaping war-torn Syria, Ahmed, 14, is alone and homeless in Brussels until homesick American Max, 13, discovers Ahmed hiding in his basement and befriends him.
by Katherine Marsh
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
After escaping war-torn Syria, Ahmed, 14, is alone and homeless in Brussels until homesick American Max, 13, discovers Ahmed hiding in his basement and befriends him.
On a Sunbeam
written and illustrated by Tillie Walden
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Mia finds family in the crew of a spaceship that travels across realms restoring buildings, but she can't shake an unresolved boarding school romance. Graphic format.
written and illustrated by Tillie Walden
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Mia finds family in the crew of a spaceship that travels across realms restoring buildings, but she can't shake an unresolved boarding school romance. Graphic format.
Outrageous Animal Adaptations
by Michael J. Rosen
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
The many strange ways that a variety of creatures have evolved and adapted to ensure survival are described. Color photographs, sources, and back matter.
by Michael J. Rosen
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
The many strange ways that a variety of creatures have evolved and adapted to ensure survival are described. Color photographs, sources, and back matter.
Path to the Stars
by Sylvia Acevedo
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Brownie membership puts Sylvia on a path that transcends the gender expectations of her Latinx community. She becomes a rocket scientist and CEO of the Girl Scouts. Spanish Language Edition Also Available
by Sylvia Acevedo
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Brownie membership puts Sylvia on a path that transcends the gender expectations of her Latinx community. She becomes a rocket scientist and CEO of the Girl Scouts. Spanish Language Edition Also Available
Period Power
by Nadya Okamoto
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Nadya, a sophomore at Harvard, wants to take menstruation into the open while giving advice and strategies to help anyone in need of supplies. Extensive back matter.
by Nadya Okamoto
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Nadya, a sophomore at Harvard, wants to take menstruation into the open while giving advice and strategies to help anyone in need of supplies. Extensive back matter.
Pride
by Ibi Zoboi
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
This Pride and Prejudice update follows Zuri and her loving Afro-Latino family, who live in Brooklyn, when Darcy moves into the neighborhood facing gentrification.
by Ibi Zoboi
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
This Pride and Prejudice update follows Zuri and her loving Afro-Latino family, who live in Brooklyn, when Darcy moves into the neighborhood facing gentrification.
Proud
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
The author recounts her journey to compete on the US Olympic Fencing Team as a Muslim-American woman wearing a hijab. Photographs. Back matter.
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
The author recounts her journey to compete on the US Olympic Fencing Team as a Muslim-American woman wearing a hijab. Photographs. Back matter.
Ramadan
by Ausma Zehanat Khan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
The historical context and worldwide diverse styles of celebration of the Islamic tradition are presented with enlightening color photographs.
by Ausma Zehanat Khan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
The historical context and worldwide diverse styles of celebration of the Islamic tradition are presented with enlightening color photographs.
Rebound (The Crossover series)
by Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
After getting in trouble, Chuck Bell spends the summer with his grandparents. There, he discovers a talent for basketball. Can he rebound on the court and in life? Occasional black-and-white graphic illustrations.
by Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
After getting in trouble, Chuck Bell spends the summer with his grandparents. There, he discovers a talent for basketball. Can he rebound on the court and in life? Occasional black-and-white graphic illustrations.
Roses and Radicals
by Susan Zimet
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
A well researched account of the hardships faced by the brave, determined women who led the long struggle for women's suffrage. Illustrated with portraits, period cartoons, and other images.
by Susan Zimet
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
A well researched account of the hardships faced by the brave, determined women who led the long struggle for women's suffrage. Illustrated with portraits, period cartoons, and other images.
Sea Prayer
by Khaled Hosseini
Illustrator: Dan Williams
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Awaiting a boat to take his family from his war-torn country, a father recalls a happy childhood while praying the sea will value his precious son. Evocative watercolors.
by Khaled Hosseini
Illustrator: Dan Williams
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Awaiting a boat to take his family from his war-torn country, a father recalls a happy childhood while praying the sea will value his precious son. Evocative watercolors.
Skating Over Thin Ice
by Jean Mills
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC After juggling school and concertizing since childhood, a musical prodigy faces changes. Will Genny's future include her classmate Nathan, the gifted hockey player?
by Jean Mills
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC After juggling school and concertizing since childhood, a musical prodigy faces changes. Will Genny's future include her classmate Nathan, the gifted hockey player?
Someone Else's Shoes
by Ellen Wittlinger
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC When twelve-year-old Izzy's depressed uncle disappears, she embarks on a journey to find him and discovers truths about herself and others.
by Ellen Wittlinger
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC When twelve-year-old Izzy's depressed uncle disappears, she embarks on a journey to find him and discovers truths about herself and others.
Someone Like Me
by Julissa Arce
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Brought to the U.S. as an 11-year-old, Dreamer Julissa surmounts a financially insecure cildhood to exceed academically, aid her family, and gain her citizenship. Photographs.
by Julissa Arce
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Brought to the U.S. as an 11-year-old, Dreamer Julissa surmounts a financially insecure cildhood to exceed academically, aid her family, and gain her citizenship. Photographs.
Spooked!
by Gail Jarrow
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
In 1938 panic ensued when some listeners thought that a radio play was an actual news report and that Martians had invaded New Jersey. Archival photographs.
by Gail Jarrow
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
In 1938 panic ensued when some listeners thought that a radio play was an actual news report and that Martians had invaded New Jersey. Archival photographs.
Squirm
by Carl Hiaasen
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
A search for his dad sends Billy on a wild adventure to save endangered species and to discover the real meaning of family and love.
by Carl Hiaasen
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
A search for his dad sends Billy on a wild adventure to save endangered species and to discover the real meaning of family and love.
Stay Sweet
by Siobhan Vivian
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Amelia's summer job of managing the local ice cream shop changes when the owner dies and the search for the recipes leads to a diary revealing the owner's past.
by Siobhan Vivian
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
Amelia's summer job of managing the local ice cream shop changes when the owner dies and the search for the recipes leads to a diary revealing the owner's past.
Swallow's Dance
by Wendy Orr
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
When a volcano erupts on a Bronze Age Aegean island (now known as Santorini), families are fractured and sent fleeing. Young Leira must work to help her family survive.
by Wendy Orr
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
When a volcano erupts on a Bronze Age Aegean island (now known as Santorini), families are fractured and sent fleeing. Young Leira must work to help her family survive.
That's Not What Happened
by Kody Keplinger
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC To counter myths created after the shooting at a local high school that left nine dead, Leanne collects the real story from the six teenage survivors.
by Kody Keplinger
Ages: 12+
Published: 2018
ARC To counter myths created after the shooting at a local high school that left nine dead, Leanne collects the real story from the six teenage survivors.