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
The Inventor's Secret
by Andrea Cremer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When the British win the Revolutionary War, sixteen-year-old Charlotte and her brother use magic and inventive machinery as they lead a rebel group to freedom.
by Andrea Cremer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When the British win the Revolutionary War, sixteen-year-old Charlotte and her brother use magic and inventive machinery as they lead a rebel group to freedom.
The Iron Trial (Magisterium series)
by Holly Black
Illustrator: Scott Fischer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Call unintentionally passes magic tests that place him in the dark, mysterious Magisterium to train for the first of many trials. Black-and-white drawings.
by Holly Black
Illustrator: Scott Fischer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Call unintentionally passes magic tests that place him in the dark, mysterious Magisterium to train for the first of many trials. Black-and-white drawings.
The Last Wild
by Piers Torday
Illustrator: Thomas Flintham
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
A silent twelve-year-old boy who can only communicate with animals is charged with saving the remaining animals in a devastated earth. Black & white chapter drawings.
by Piers Torday
Illustrator: Thomas Flintham
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
A silent twelve-year-old boy who can only communicate with animals is charged with saving the remaining animals in a devastated earth. Black & white chapter drawings.
The Madman of Piney Woods
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In 1901 Benji, an African Canadian, and Red, an Irish Canadian, both thirteen, meet and uncover the identity of the madman of Piney Woods.
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In 1901 Benji, an African Canadian, and Red, an Irish Canadian, both thirteen, meet and uncover the identity of the madman of Piney Woods.
The Mark of the Dragonfly
by Jaleigh Johnson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When orphaned Piper, thirteen, saves Anna during a meteor shower that plagues the land but fuels her town's economy, they must flee in order to survive.
by Jaleigh Johnson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When orphaned Piper, thirteen, saves Anna during a meteor shower that plagues the land but fuels her town's economy, they must flee in order to survive.
The Paper Cowboy
by Kristin Levine
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In 1953 twelve-year-old Tommy struggles with an unstable, abusive mother and suspicions that someone he knows is a communist. Can he do anything about either problem?
by Kristin Levine
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In 1953 twelve-year-old Tommy struggles with an unstable, abusive mother and suspicions that someone he knows is a communist. Can he do anything about either problem?
The Port Chicago 50
by Steve Sheinkin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
After a dangerous explosion at a World War II naval yard, black sailors, fearful for their lives, refused to load ammunition and were charged with mutiny. Based on interviews. Photographs, notes, bibliography.
by Steve Sheinkin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
After a dangerous explosion at a World War II naval yard, black sailors, fearful for their lives, refused to load ammunition and were charged with mutiny. Based on interviews. Photographs, notes, bibliography.
There Will Be Bears
by Ryan Gebhart
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Thirteen-year-old Tyson, facing changing friendships and academic challenges, embarks on an elk hunting trip with his grandfather that alters his self-image.
by Ryan Gebhart
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Thirteen-year-old Tyson, facing changing friendships and academic challenges, embarks on an elk hunting trip with his grandfather that alters his self-image.
The Riverman
by Aaron Starmer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In upstate New York, Fiona discovers a portal to a magical world and enlists classmate Alistair to help her explore it and rescue missing children.
by Aaron Starmer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In upstate New York, Fiona discovers a portal to a magical world and enlists classmate Alistair to help her explore it and rescue missing children.
The Science of Soccer
by John Taylor
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
The physics, math, biomechanics, and biochemistry or soccer are explained with illustrations, diagrams and photographs. Includes glossary, experiments, bibliography and index.
by John Taylor
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
The physics, math, biomechanics, and biochemistry or soccer are explained with illustrations, diagrams and photographs. Includes glossary, experiments, bibliography and index.
The Shadow Hero
by Gene Luen Yang
Illustrator: Sonny Liew
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In the mid-20th century, San Francisco's Chinatown is in grip of a vicious tong. Can Hank, an unlikely super hero, defeat it? Dramatic detailed graphic art.
by Gene Luen Yang
Illustrator: Sonny Liew
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
In the mid-20th century, San Francisco's Chinatown is in grip of a vicious tong. Can Hank, an unlikely super hero, defeat it? Dramatic detailed graphic art.
The Story of Owen
by E. K. Johnston
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Every dragon slayer needs a bard, and Siobhan expertly assumes the role for Owen, extolling his exploits as he grows from apprentice to master.
by E. K. Johnston
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Every dragon slayer needs a bard, and Siobhan expertly assumes the role for Owen, extolling his exploits as he grows from apprentice to master.
The Swap
by Megan Shull
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Popular jock Jack and social pariah Ellie swap bodies and learn more than they expected about each other.
by Megan Shull
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Popular jock Jack and social pariah Ellie swap bodies and learn more than they expected about each other.
The True Adventures of Nicolo Zen
by Nicholas Christopher
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Nicolo Zen, survivor of a malaria epidemic in eighteenth century Venice, relies on his talent with an enchanted clarinet to make his way in the world.
by Nicholas Christopher
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Nicolo Zen, survivor of a malaria epidemic in eighteenth century Venice, relies on his talent with an enchanted clarinet to make his way in the world.
The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy
by Kate Hattemer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When a reality TV show spends the year filming in a Minnesota arts high school, Ethan and his friends secretly distribute poetry protesting the phoniness of the show.
by Kate Hattemer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When a reality TV show spends the year filming in a Minnesota arts high school, Ethan and his friends secretly distribute poetry protesting the phoniness of the show.
The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy)
by Marie Rutkoski
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When Kestrel, an aristocratic Valorian, buys a handsome Herrani slave, she gets more than she bargained for: lies, espionage, deceit, and treachery.
by Marie Rutkoski
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
When Kestrel, an aristocratic Valorian, buys a handsome Herrani slave, she gets more than she bargained for: lies, espionage, deceit, and treachery.
The Winter Horses
by Philip Kerr
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
As Kalinka, orphaned by the Nazis, tries to escape German troops advancing across the Ukraine, she gets help in unexpected ways.
by Philip Kerr
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
As Kalinka, orphaned by the Nazis, tries to escape German troops advancing across the Ukraine, she gets help in unexpected ways.
This Star Won't Go Out
by Esther Earl
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Esther writes in her journals about her life with thyroid cancer. Her brave spirit helps not only herself, but the rest of her family and friends.
by Esther Earl
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Esther writes in her journals about her life with thyroid cancer. Her brave spirit helps not only herself, but the rest of her family and friends.
Threatened
by Eliot Schrefer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
AIDS orphan Luc is living in debt slavery until he is hired to assist the mysterious Prof as he studies chimpanzees in the Gabon jungle.
by Eliot Schrefer
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
AIDS orphan Luc is living in debt slavery until he is hired to assist the mysterious Prof as he studies chimpanzees in the Gabon jungle.
Through the Woods
by Emily Carroll
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Terrifying stories offer illustrations to engross and themes to ponder. Illustrations are ink and graphite on board, digitally (and harrowingly) colored.
by Emily Carroll
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Terrifying stories offer illustrations to engross and themes to ponder. Illustrations are ink and graphite on board, digitally (and harrowingly) colored.
Two Girls Staring At the Ceiling
by Lucy Frank
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Two very different girls bond while hospitalized with Crohn's disease. Written in verse.
by Lucy Frank
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Two very different girls bond while hospitalized with Crohn's disease. Written in verse.
Uncaged
by John Sandford
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Shay needs to find her brother, Odin, who has escaped from “Singular,” an organization that experiments on animals.
by John Sandford
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Shay needs to find her brother, Odin, who has escaped from “Singular,” an organization that experiments on animals.
Voices From the March on Washington
by J. Patrick Lewis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Six fictional marchers, white and black, voice their feelings, worries, and hopes in cycles of verse. Intense, dramatic, inspirational, and perfect for readers' theater.
by J. Patrick Lewis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Six fictional marchers, white and black, voice their feelings, worries, and hopes in cycles of verse. Intense, dramatic, inspirational, and perfect for readers' theater.
West of the Moon
by Margi Preus
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Sold to an abusive old goatherd, Astri, thirteen, takes drastic actions to save herself, rescue her little sister, and escape to America. Silhouette illustrations. Photos, glossary, back matter, bibliography.
by Margi Preus
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Sold to an abusive old goatherd, Astri, thirteen, takes drastic actions to save herself, rescue her little sister, and escape to America. Silhouette illustrations. Photos, glossary, back matter, bibliography.
What Flowers Remember
by Shannon Wiersbitzky
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Delia loves gardening with Old Red Clancy. When he begins to lose his memory, can she help him by writing down his stories?
by Shannon Wiersbitzky
Ages: 12+
Published: 2014
Delia loves gardening with Old Red Clancy. When he begins to lose his memory, can she help him by writing down his stories?