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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Tiny Pretty Things
by Sona Charaipotra
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Nothing matters to Bette, Gigi, and June but leading roles in their elite ballet school--attained in any way they can.
by Sona Charaipotra
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Nothing matters to Bette, Gigi, and June but leading roles in their elite ballet school--attained in any way they can.
We are All Made of Molecules
by Susin Nielsen
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When their parents move in together, brilliant, nerdy Stewart and beautiful mean-girl Ashley alternate their ghostly tales of this not-the-Brady-Bunch new family.
by Susin Nielsen
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
When their parents move in together, brilliant, nerdy Stewart and beautiful mean-girl Ashley alternate their ghostly tales of this not-the-Brady-Bunch new family.
Welcome to New Zealand
written and illustrated by Sandra Morris
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Learn how to make an extensive nature journal by discovering and closely observing what is in the environment. Mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Sandra Morris
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Learn how to make an extensive nature journal by discovering and closely observing what is in the environment. Mixed-media illustrations.
Writer to Writer
by Gail Carson Levine
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Practical advice about every phase of writing a story or a poem is shared by the Newbery Honor Book author.
by Gail Carson Levine
Ages: 12+
Published: 2015
Practical advice about every phase of writing a story or a poem is shared by the Newbery Honor Book author.
A Creature of Moonlight
by Rebecca Hahn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Marni's mother died protecting her. Will she remain safe from the call of “the woods” or choose to reclaim her birthright as princess?
by Rebecca Hahn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Marni's mother died protecting her. Will she remain safe from the call of “the woods” or choose to reclaim her birthright as princess?
A Less Than Perfect Peace
by Jacqueline Levering Sullivan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
It's 1950, and fourteen-year-old Annie Howard just wants to help her depressed, disabled father as well as her new friends, Dutch refugees.
by Jacqueline Levering Sullivan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
It's 1950, and fourteen-year-old Annie Howard just wants to help her depressed, disabled father as well as her new friends, Dutch refugees.
A Medal for Leroy
by Michael Morpurgo
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When Michael reads the letter he finds taped to the back of his father's photograph, everything he knows about who he is changes.
by Michael Morpurgo
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When Michael reads the letter he finds taped to the back of his father's photograph, everything he knows about who he is changes.
Arcady's Goal
written and illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Arcady, twelve, is sent to a Russian orphanage when his parents are imprisoned as enemies of the state. Will his soccer talent save him? Expressive black and white illustrations.
written and illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Arcady, twelve, is sent to a Russian orphanage when his parents are imprisoned as enemies of the state. Will his soccer talent save him? Expressive black and white illustrations.
Atlantia
by Ally Condie
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Rio lives below, in Atlantia, and yearns to join her sister above. Will she risk everything and reveal her siren voice in order to escape?
by Ally Condie
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Rio lives below, in Atlantia, and yearns to join her sister above. Will she risk everything and reveal her siren voice in order to escape?
Because They Marched
by Russell Freedman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
A vivid account and graphic archival photographs celebrate the courage of Americans who fought, fifty years ago for their right to vote.
by Russell Freedman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
A vivid account and graphic archival photographs celebrate the courage of Americans who fought, fifty years ago for their right to vote.
Bird
by Crystal Chan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
For her entire life, the tragic death of Jewel's brother cast a shadow over her family, until the day a boy named John came to town.
by Crystal Chan
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
For her entire life, the tragic death of Jewel's brother cast a shadow over her family, until the day a boy named John came to town.
Blind
by Rachel DeWoskin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When fifteen-year-old Rachel is accidently blinded, she begins the long journey of healing and appreciating life again.
by Rachel DeWoskin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When fifteen-year-old Rachel is accidently blinded, she begins the long journey of healing and appreciating life again.
Bombs Over Bikini
by Connie Goldsmith
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Between 1946 and 1958, the United States tested sixty-seven nuclear bombs in the Marshall Islands, with devastating consequences for the region's inhabitants. Archival photographs.
by Connie Goldsmith
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Between 1946 and 1958, the United States tested sixty-seven nuclear bombs in the Marshall Islands, with devastating consequences for the region's inhabitants. Archival photographs.
Boundaries
by Sally M. Walker
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Two scientists, using meticulous astronomical measurements, establish a line between colonies and, later, between slave states and free states. Archival maps, photographs, and diagrams.
by Sally M. Walker
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Two scientists, using meticulous astronomical measurements, establish a line between colonies and, later, between slave states and free states. Archival maps, photographs, and diagrams.
Bugged
by Sarah Albee
Illustrator: Robert Leighton
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
The fascinating, and gross, story of the diseases caused by insects and the impact they had on history, told with humor and attitude. Humorous illustrations. Sources, archival images.
by Sarah Albee
Illustrator: Robert Leighton
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
The fascinating, and gross, story of the diseases caused by insects and the impact they had on history, told with humor and attitude. Humorous illustrations. Sources, archival images.
Caminar
by Skila Brown
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In this novel in verse, set in Guatemala, young Carlos escapes when an army attacks his village and he quickly grows into a “man.”
by Skila Brown
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In this novel in verse, set in Guatemala, young Carlos escapes when an army attacks his village and he quickly grows into a “man.”
Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms
by Katherine Rundell
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Will's glorious life on a farm in Zimbabwe ends abruptly halt when she is sent to an all-girls boarding school in England.
by Katherine Rundell
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Will's glorious life on a farm in Zimbabwe ends abruptly halt when she is sent to an all-girls boarding school in England.
Chasing Cheetahs
by Sy Montgomery
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Dr. Laurie Marker leads a dedicated team in Namibia to rescue these graceful animals from extinction, vivified by stunning photographs. Well-referenced with map and additional material.
by Sy Montgomery
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Dr. Laurie Marker leads a dedicated team in Namibia to rescue these graceful animals from extinction, vivified by stunning photographs. Well-referenced with map and additional material.
Circle of Stones
by Catherine Fisher
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Three overlapping stories, one mythical, one historical, and one contemporary, tell the power of the English city of Bath.
by Catherine Fisher
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Three overlapping stories, one mythical, one historical, and one contemporary, tell the power of the English city of Bath.
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt
by David A. Adler
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
The many facets of the life of the man who was president, conservationist, Rough Rider, and more are described with archival photographs and cartoons. Notes, bibliography, time line.
by David A. Adler
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
The many facets of the life of the man who was president, conservationist, Rough Rider, and more are described with archival photographs and cartoons. Notes, bibliography, time line.
Crazy
by Linda Vigen Phillips
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In 1963 a fifteen-year-old finds solace in art while coping with her mother's mental illnesses, and fears she will suffer the same fate.
by Linda Vigen Phillips
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In 1963 a fifteen-year-old finds solace in art while coping with her mother's mental illnesses, and fears she will suffer the same fate.
Curiosity's Mission on Mars
by Ron Miller
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
The space rover Curiosity was sent to Mars loaded with scientific equipment. It sends back information, helping us to better understand conditions Red Planet. Bibliography, glossary, notes, photographs.
by Ron Miller
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
The space rover Curiosity was sent to Mars loaded with scientific equipment. It sends back information, helping us to better understand conditions Red Planet. Bibliography, glossary, notes, photographs.
Dangerous
by Shannon Hale
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When Maisie Danger Brown wins a spot at a summer camp for astronauts, her life is turned upside down by aliens, romance and saving the world.
by Shannon Hale
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When Maisie Danger Brown wins a spot at a summer camp for astronauts, her life is turned upside down by aliens, romance and saving the world.
Danny Blackgoat: Rugged Road to Freedom
by Tim Tingle
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Seventeen-year-old Danny is taken prisoner during the Civil War. He escapes, but faces many dangerous obstacles trying to rescue his family from Fort Sumner.
by Tim Tingle
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Seventeen-year-old Danny is taken prisoner during the Civil War. He escapes, but faces many dangerous obstacles trying to rescue his family from Fort Sumner.
Dorothy Must Die
by Danielle Paige
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Dorothy has returned to Oz and, with help from her three famous pals, she has become a horrible despot. Can another Kansas girl liberate the land?
by Danielle Paige
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Dorothy has returned to Oz and, with help from her three famous pals, she has become a horrible despot. Can another Kansas girl liberate the land?