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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Singer
by Jean Thesman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Gwenore escapes from her murderous mother, joins a community of women healers and saves the children of Lir. Based on a classic Irish folktale.
by Jean Thesman
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Gwenore escapes from her murderous mother, joins a community of women healers and saves the children of Lir. Based on a classic Irish folktale.
Smiler's Bones
by Peter Lerangis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
The only surviving Eskimo of six “presented” to the Museum of Natural History in 1897 tells the story of a complete misunderstanding between cultures.
by Peter Lerangis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
The only surviving Eskimo of six “presented” to the Museum of Natural History in 1897 tells the story of a complete misunderstanding between cultures.
Summer's End
by Audrey Couloumbis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Grace struggles to make sense of the deep divisions in her family that arise when her brother and cousins are drafted to serve in Vietnam.
by Audrey Couloumbis
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Grace struggles to make sense of the deep divisions in her family that arise when her brother and cousins are drafted to serve in Vietnam.
Swimming in the Monsoon Sea
by Shyam Selvadurai
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
A young man becomes aware of his homosexuality and comes to terms with the rigid mores and traditions of Sri Lankan culture.
by Shyam Selvadurai
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
A young man becomes aware of his homosexuality and comes to terms with the rigid mores and traditions of Sri Lankan culture.
The Book Of Mordred
by Vivian Vande Velde
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
The obscure story of the enigmatic Mordred, King Arthur's son and nephew, as seen through the eyes of three women.
by Vivian Vande Velde
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
The obscure story of the enigmatic Mordred, King Arthur's son and nephew, as seen through the eyes of three women.
The Crazy Man
by Pamela Porter
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
A hardscrabble life in rural Saskatchewan becomes more difficult still when Emaline's father deserts the family and they must take on a mental patient to help farm.
by Pamela Porter
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
A hardscrabble life in rural Saskatchewan becomes more difficult still when Emaline's father deserts the family and they must take on a mental patient to help farm.
The Hunter's Moon
by O.R. Melling
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Two teenage cousins set out to find a magic doorway to the Faraway Country. Steeped in Irish folklore about the little people.
by O.R. Melling
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Two teenage cousins set out to find a magic doorway to the Faraway Country. Steeped in Irish folklore about the little people.
The Legend of the Wandering King
by Laura Gallego García
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
In sixth-century Arabia, agonized Walid searches for the secrets that will restore his heart and soul. A thrilling tale.
by Laura Gallego García
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
In sixth-century Arabia, agonized Walid searches for the secrets that will restore his heart and soul. A thrilling tale.
The Minister's Daughter
by Julie Hearn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Who is telling the truth? Is it a“merry begot” or the minister's beautiful daughter? Set in 1645 England.
by Julie Hearn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Who is telling the truth? Is it a“merry begot” or the minister's beautiful daughter? Set in 1645 England.
The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming
by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
A young Indian healer in training is called back in time to help his teacher overcome an evil jinn. Sequel to The Conch Bearer.
by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
A young Indian healer in training is called back in time to help his teacher overcome an evil jinn. Sequel to The Conch Bearer.
The Naming
by Alison Croggon
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
An orphaned slave is aided by the great Bard, Cadvan, to overcome all kinds of obstacles in her quest to fulfill her destiny.
by Alison Croggon
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
An orphaned slave is aided by the great Bard, Cadvan, to overcome all kinds of obstacles in her quest to fulfill her destiny.
The Truth-Teller's Tale
by Sharon Shinn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Mirror twins, Adele and Eleda, grow into their special gifts as safe-keeper and truth-teller in this captivating story of life in Merendon.
by Sharon Shinn
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Mirror twins, Adele and Eleda, grow into their special gifts as safe-keeper and truth-teller in this captivating story of life in Merendon.
The Witch's Boy
by Michael Gruber
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
An ugly infant, raised by a witch with magical powers, causes havoc around him, until his life changes.
by Michael Gruber
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
An ugly infant, raised by a witch with magical powers, causes havoc around him, until his life changes.
Thorn
by Betty Levin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Cast out from one island culture, crippled Thorn struggles to determine his place in another.
by Betty Levin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Cast out from one island culture, crippled Thorn struggles to determine his place in another.
Totally Joe
by James Howe
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
A touching humorous alphabiography of a gay twelve-year-old with a supportive family and fine friends.
by James Howe
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
A touching humorous alphabiography of a gay twelve-year-old with a supportive family and fine friends.
What I Call Life
by Jill Wolfson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Life in the foster home is neither real nor permanent to Cal, but she receives unexpected help from the “knitting lady.”
by Jill Wolfson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Life in the foster home is neither real nor permanent to Cal, but she receives unexpected help from the “knitting lady.”
Where I Want to Be
by Adele Griffin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
The heartbreak of mental illness and sibling loss in the story of two teenaged sisters, both sensitive and bright, with one set apart by her difference.
by Adele Griffin
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
The heartbreak of mental illness and sibling loss in the story of two teenaged sisters, both sensitive and bright, with one set apart by her difference.
Wild Roses
by Deb Caletti
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Cassie discovers the mysteries of genius while living with the terror and stress of insanity.
by Deb Caletti
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Cassie discovers the mysteries of genius while living with the terror and stress of insanity.
Wrecked
by E.R. Frank
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
When a car accident kills her brother's girl friend, Anna goes into therapy to help her cope with her guilt and grief.
by E.R. Frank
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
When a car accident kills her brother's girl friend, Anna goes into therapy to help her cope with her guilt and grief.
Zahrah the Windseeker
by
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Born Dada, Zahra has difficulty accepting her difference until her quest to save her friend's life gives her courage and confidence.
by
Ages: 12+
Published: 2005
Born Dada, Zahra has difficulty accepting her difference until her quest to save her friend's life gives her courage and confidence.
A Heart Divided
by Cherie Bennett
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
When she moves to the South, Kate, an aspiring playwright, becomes embroiled in a controversy to remove her high school's Confederate symbols.
by Cherie Bennett
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
When she moves to the South, Kate, an aspiring playwright, becomes embroiled in a controversy to remove her high school's Confederate symbols.
A House of Tailors
by Patricia Reilly Giff
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
In 1870, thirteen-year-old Dina emigrates from Germany to Brooklyn and faces struggles and joys in her new life.
by Patricia Reilly Giff
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
In 1870, thirteen-year-old Dina emigrates from Germany to Brooklyn and faces struggles and joys in her new life.
Ann and Seamus
by Kevin Major
Illustrator: David Blackwood
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
The heroic efforts of Ann Harvey and her family to save 163 people shipwrecked off the rugged Newfoundland coast in 1828. Poetic text.
by Kevin Major
Illustrator: David Blackwood
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
The heroic efforts of Ann Harvey and her family to save 163 people shipwrecked off the rugged Newfoundland coast in 1828. Poetic text.
Behind You
by Jacqueline Woodson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
A young man, accidentally shot during a parental argument, is remembered by those closest to him. Sequel to “If You Come softly.”
by Jacqueline Woodson
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
A young man, accidentally shot during a parental argument, is remembered by those closest to him. Sequel to “If You Come softly.”
Bound
by Donna Jo Napoli
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
In ancient China, Xing Xing must serve a cruel stepmother, until she plans an escape. Graphic scenes.
by Donna Jo Napoli
Ages: 12+
Published: 2004
In ancient China, Xing Xing must serve a cruel stepmother, until she plans an escape. Graphic scenes.