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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The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club
by Phillip Hoose
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
During the World War II Nazi occupation of Denmark, teenage boys took perilous risks to sabotage the invaders and inspire the Danish resistance. Archival photographs and sources.
by Phillip Hoose
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
During the World War II Nazi occupation of Denmark, teenage boys took perilous risks to sabotage the invaders and inspire the Danish resistance. Archival photographs and sources.
The Bullies of Wall Street
by Sheila Bair
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Why did people lose homes, jobs, and public services during the financial crisis of 2008? The former head of the FDIC offers a no-holds-barred analysis. Charts, notes, explanation of terms, index.
by Sheila Bair
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Why did people lose homes, jobs, and public services during the financial crisis of 2008? The former head of the FDIC offers a no-holds-barred analysis. Charts, notes, explanation of terms, index.
The Darkest Part of the Forest
by Holly Black
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
For years, faeries and humans have co-existed in Fairfold. Then Hazel starts a chain of events that will alter both worlds forever.
by Holly Black
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
For years, faeries and humans have co-existed in Fairfold. Then Hazel starts a chain of events that will alter both worlds forever.
The Disappearance of Emily H.
by Barrie Summy
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
An itinerant student with the unusual gift of seeing “sparkles” on people and places that disclose hidden truths, Raina works to solve a mystery in her new town.
by Barrie Summy
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
An itinerant student with the unusual gift of seeing “sparkles” on people and places that disclose hidden truths, Raina works to solve a mystery in her new town.
The Falconer's Apprentice
by Malve von Hassell
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When Andreas tries to save a hunting peregrine he becomes involved in the struggle between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire and unexpectedly finds his true calling.
by Malve von Hassell
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When Andreas tries to save a hunting peregrine he becomes involved in the struggle between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire and unexpectedly finds his true calling.
The Frail Days
by Gabrielle Prendergast
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When sixteen-year-old Stella, a rock musician, seeks a new singer for her band, she must overcome female stereotyping.
by Gabrielle Prendergast
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When sixteen-year-old Stella, a rock musician, seeks a new singer for her band, she must overcome female stereotyping.
The Great Good Summer
by Liz Garton Scanlon
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When twelve-year-old Ivy's mama runs off to Florida with preacher Hallelujah Dave, Ivy and her friend Paul set out from Texas to find her.
by Liz Garton Scanlon
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When twelve-year-old Ivy's mama runs off to Florida with preacher Hallelujah Dave, Ivy and her friend Paul set out from Texas to find her.
The Great War
by David Almondet al.
Illustrator: Jim Kay
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Eleven original short stories evoke the tragedy of the “war to end all wars.” A beautifully designed book with striking black-and-white illustrations.
by David Almondet al.
Illustrator: Jim Kay
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Eleven original short stories evoke the tragedy of the “war to end all wars.” A beautifully designed book with striking black-and-white illustrations.
The Honest Truth
by Dan Gemeinhart
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Twelve-year-old Mark, dying of cancer, decides to climb a mountain with his dog as his final quest for his own identity.
by Dan Gemeinhart
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Twelve-year-old Mark, dying of cancer, decides to climb a mountain with his dog as his final quest for his own identity.
The Human Body: The Story of How We Protect, Repair, and Make Ourselves Stronger
by H P Newquist
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
The history of repairing human bodies through the centuries is explained, from a 5000-year-old artificial eye to CAT Scans. Drawings and historical photographs.
by H P Newquist
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
The history of repairing human bodies through the centuries is explained, from a 5000-year-old artificial eye to CAT Scans. Drawings and historical photographs.
The Marvels
written and illustrated by Brian Selznick
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Told in pictures, Billy Marvel in 1766 becomes the first in an acting dynasty. Told in prose, Joseph Jervis in 1990 searches for his mysterious uncle. How do their stories connect?
written and illustrated by Brian Selznick
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Told in pictures, Billy Marvel in 1766 becomes the first in an acting dynasty. Told in prose, Joseph Jervis in 1990 searches for his mysterious uncle. How do their stories connect?
The Orphan Army (The Nightsiders series)
by Jonathan Maberry
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Milo Silk, 11, and his mother are members of a small ragtag group of survivors in a dystopian world ravaged by environmental disasters and terrifying alien invaders.
by Jonathan Maberry
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Milo Silk, 11, and his mother are members of a small ragtag group of survivors in a dystopian world ravaged by environmental disasters and terrifying alien invaders.
The Saga of Gudrid the Far-Traveler
by Nancy Marie Brown
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Intrepid, resourceful Gudrid prefers adventure to domesticity and succeeds in journeying to Vinland despite many challenges and obstacles. Based on eleventh-century Icelandic sagas.
by Nancy Marie Brown
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Intrepid, resourceful Gudrid prefers adventure to domesticity and succeeds in journeying to Vinland despite many challenges and obstacles. Based on eleventh-century Icelandic sagas.
The Second Guard
by J.D. Vaughn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When Tali reports for military training, as required of all second-born fifteen-year-olds, she and her two new compatriots discover treason afoot.
by J.D. Vaughn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When Tali reports for military training, as required of all second-born fifteen-year-olds, she and her two new compatriots discover treason afoot.
The Seventh Most Important Thing
by Shelley Pearsall
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
After assaulting the “Junk Man,” 13-year-old Arthur is ordered to work for him for 120 hours or go to jail.
by Shelley Pearsall
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
After assaulting the “Junk Man,” 13-year-old Arthur is ordered to work for him for 120 hours or go to jail.
The Shadow Behind the Stars
by Rebecca Hahn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Chloe describes the world from her perspective as the youngest of a trio of immortal sisters, the Fates.
by Rebecca Hahn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Chloe describes the world from her perspective as the youngest of a trio of immortal sisters, the Fates.
The Sin Eater's Daughter
by Melinda Salisbury
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
With one touch, Twylla executes traitors to Lormere. Twylla struggles to unearth the truth, with the help of two suitors, the Prince, and her guard.
by Melinda Salisbury
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
With one touch, Twylla executes traitors to Lormere. Twylla struggles to unearth the truth, with the help of two suitors, the Prince, and her guard.
The Storyspinner (The Keepers Chronicles series)
by Becky Wallace
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Told by five characters, this fantasy combines magic, romance, political intrigue, warriors, and a missing princess. Johanna, the storyspinner, must confront her destiny.
by Becky Wallace
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Told by five characters, this fantasy combines magic, romance, political intrigue, warriors, and a missing princess. Johanna, the storyspinner, must confront her destiny.
The Summer We Saved the Bees
by Robin Stevenson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Twelve-year-old Wolf's mother is on a crusade to reverse bee-colony collapse and save the world. But can Wolf save his family from the ensuing disruption of their lives?
by Robin Stevenson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Twelve-year-old Wolf's mother is on a crusade to reverse bee-colony collapse and save the world. But can Wolf save his family from the ensuing disruption of their lives?
The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series)
by Rick Riordan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Magnus dies heroically in battle with the Norse darklord Surt and goes to Valhalla to defend the Nine worlds from destruction on Ragnarok, ,the Day of doom.
by Rick Riordan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Magnus dies heroically in battle with the Norse darklord Surt and goes to Valhalla to defend the Nine worlds from destruction on Ragnarok, ,the Day of doom.
The Trouble in Me
by Jack Gantos
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
ARC New to town, Jack idolizes his delinquent next-door neighbor and vows to remake himself in Gary's image, with hilarious but fiery results.
by Jack Gantos
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
ARC New to town, Jack idolizes his delinquent next-door neighbor and vows to remake himself in Gary's image, with hilarious but fiery results.
The War that Saved My Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Born with a club foot, Ada Smith, eleven, runs away from her abusive mother with her younger brother when London's children are evacuated during the Blitz.
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Born with a club foot, Ada Smith, eleven, runs away from her abusive mother with her younger brother when London's children are evacuated during the Blitz.
The Whisper (The Riverman Trilogy)
by Aaron Starmer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When twelve-year-old Alistair attempts to find his friend in magical Aquavania he encounters strange truths about himself, others, and the nature of reality.
by Aaron Starmer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When twelve-year-old Alistair attempts to find his friend in magical Aquavania he encounters strange truths about himself, others, and the nature of reality.
This Side of Home
by Renée Watson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Twins Maya and Nikki respond differently as gentrification changes their neighborhood, impacting their friendships and college decisions.
by Renée Watson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Twins Maya and Nikki respond differently as gentrification changes their neighborhood, impacting their friendships and college decisions.
This Strange Wilderness
by Nancy Plain
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Explorer, hunter, and woodsman of the 19th century frontier, Audubon painted and wrote about the birds of America to become the most famous ornithologist in the world. Reproductions of Audubon paintings, glossary, bibliography and copious notes.
by Nancy Plain
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Explorer, hunter, and woodsman of the 19th century frontier, Audubon painted and wrote about the birds of America to become the most famous ornithologist in the world. Reproductions of Audubon paintings, glossary, bibliography and copious notes.