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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Destination Moon
by Richard Maurer
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
This detailed history of the space race clearly outlines the tremendous effort needed to get to the moon. Includes archival photographs, references, timeline, and a cast of characters.
by Richard Maurer
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
This detailed history of the space race clearly outlines the tremendous effort needed to get to the moon. Includes archival photographs, references, timeline, and a cast of characters.
Enough Is Enough
by Michelle Roehm McCann
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Well sourced research on current gun violence and gun policy in the United states, with many ways readers can take action toward gun safety. Statistics, graphics, and back matter.
by Michelle Roehm McCann
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Well sourced research on current gun violence and gun policy in the United states, with many ways readers can take action toward gun safety. Statistics, graphics, and back matter.
Every Moment After
by Joseph Moldover
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
During the summer after high school graduation, best friends Cole and Matt, survivors of a school shooting 11 years earlier, still struggle with the aftermath.
by Joseph Moldover
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
During the summer after high school graduation, best friends Cole and Matt, survivors of a school shooting 11 years earlier, still struggle with the aftermath.
Exposing Hate
by Michael Miller
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Why do some people choose to hate and what can be done to address it? Glossary, sources, web sites, photographs.
by Michael Miller
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Why do some people choose to hate and what can be done to address it? Glossary, sources, web sites, photographs.
Famous in a Small Town
by Emma Mills
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Sophie's high school marching band wins a spot in California's Rose Parade and she tries to convince a famous resident to return home for their fundraiser.
by Emma Mills
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Sophie's high school marching band wins a spot in California's Rose Parade and she tries to convince a famous resident to return home for their fundraiser.
Field Notes on Love
by Jennifer E. Smith
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Teenagers Mae and Hugo, complete strangers but both eager for adventure, take a cross-country train ride together. What can happen?
by Jennifer E. Smith
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Teenagers Mae and Hugo, complete strangers but both eager for adventure, take a cross-country train ride together. What can happen?
Fireborne
by Rosaria Munda
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Dragonfleet riders, class struggles, political intrigue,impending war, and complicated personal relationships combine in this riveting, action-packed fantasy.
by Rosaria Munda
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Dragonfleet riders, class struggles, political intrigue,impending war, and complicated personal relationships combine in this riveting, action-packed fantasy.
Frankly in Love
by David Yoon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Frank wants his parents to be happy, but it's hard to balance his Americanness with his Koreanness. You just can't predict when true friendship or love will appear.
by David Yoon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Frank wants his parents to be happy, but it's hard to balance his Americanness with his Koreanness. You just can't predict when true friendship or love will appear.
German Calendar, No December
by Sylvia Ofili
Illustrator: Birgit Weyhe
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Olivia, with a Nigerian father and German mother, experiences rejection at her Lagos boarding school and her Hamburg hostel until she meets older immigrants to Germany. Expressive graphics.
by Sylvia Ofili
Illustrator: Birgit Weyhe
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Olivia, with a Nigerian father and German mother, experiences rejection at her Lagos boarding school and her Hamburg hostel until she meets older immigrants to Germany. Expressive graphics.
Girls on the Verge
by Sharon Biggs Waller
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
When Camille decides to end an unwanted pregnancy, she discovers obstacles that will test her resolve. The support of friends will hold the key.
by Sharon Biggs Waller
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
When Camille decides to end an unwanted pregnancy, she discovers obstacles that will test her resolve. The support of friends will hold the key.
Gravity
by Sarah Deming
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Gravity Delgado has always wanted to be an Olympic boxer. Starting at 12, she works for years to overcome poverty and a dysfunctional family to achieve her goal.
by Sarah Deming
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Gravity Delgado has always wanted to be an Olympic boxer. Starting at 12, she works for years to overcome poverty and a dysfunctional family to achieve her goal.
Have a Little Faith in Me
by Sonia Hartl
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
CeCe, wanting her boyfriend back, follows him to a Christian camp, falsely professing her faith. Are the campers ready for her wit and frankness?
by Sonia Hartl
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
CeCe, wanting her boyfriend back, follows him to a Christian camp, falsely professing her faith. Are the campers ready for her wit and frankness?
Heroine
by Mindy McGinnis
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Mickey becomes addicted to OxyContin following recovery from a car accident. This leads to heroin and the death of three friends. Includes author's note and resources for recovery.
by Mindy McGinnis
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Mickey becomes addicted to OxyContin following recovery from a car accident. This leads to heroin and the death of three friends. Includes author's note and resources for recovery.
How (Not) to Ask a Boy to Prom
by S. J. Goslee
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Nolan's older sister, deciding her brother needs a push to enjoy high school social life, sets him up for a year of growth and surprises.
by S. J. Goslee
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Nolan's older sister, deciding her brother needs a push to enjoy high school social life, sets him up for a year of growth and surprises.
How to Make Friends with the Dark
by Kathleen Glasgow
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Tiger, 16, struggles after the sudden death of her mother leaves her alone in the world
by Kathleen Glasgow
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Tiger, 16, struggles after the sudden death of her mother leaves her alone in the world
If It Makes You Happy
by Claire Kann
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Winnie, soon to be a college freshman, explores her identity as an oversized black girl confronting her sexuality, goals, and social labels.
by Claire Kann
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Winnie, soon to be a college freshman, explores her identity as an oversized black girl confronting her sexuality, goals, and social labels.
I Love You So Mochi
by Sarah Kuhn
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
When Kimi, 17, visits her grandparents in Kyoto, she meets a Japanese boy who encourages her to pursue her passion - fashion! A humorous but heartfelt story of first love.
by Sarah Kuhn
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
When Kimi, 17, visits her grandparents in Kyoto, she meets a Japanese boy who encourages her to pursue her passion - fashion! A humorous but heartfelt story of first love.
Indigo Girl
by Suzanne Kamata
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Aiko Cassidy travels from Michigan to rural Japan to spend the summer with her biological father, an indigo farmer. A sequel to Gadget Girl.
by Suzanne Kamata
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Aiko Cassidy travels from Michigan to rural Japan to spend the summer with her biological father, an indigo farmer. A sequel to Gadget Girl.
Ink Knows No Borders
edited by Patrice Vecchione
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
In this profoundly beautiful collection, 64 poets share their struggles as immigrants to find homes far from their native lands. Index and biographies.
edited by Patrice Vecchione
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
In this profoundly beautiful collection, 64 poets share their struggles as immigrants to find homes far from their native lands. Index and biographies.
Internment
by Samira Ahmed
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
After the President authorizes “Exclusion Laws” for all Muslims in America, Layla's family is among those sent to an internment camp. She chooses to resist.
by Samira Ahmed
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
After the President authorizes “Exclusion Laws” for all Muslims in America, Layla's family is among those sent to an internment camp. She chooses to resist.
In the Neighborhood of True
by Susan Kaplan Carlton
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
ARC After her father's death in 1959, Ruth's family moves from ew York to segregated Atlanta. She conceals her Jewish faith from new friends, and then the synagogue is bombed.
by Susan Kaplan Carlton
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
ARC After her father's death in 1959, Ruth's family moves from ew York to segregated Atlanta. She conceals her Jewish faith from new friends, and then the synagogue is bombed.
Joe Quinn's Poltergeist
by David Almond
Illustrator: Dave McKean
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
A psychological novel about a sensitive teen dealing with existential angst, ghosts, and grief after the death of his sisters. Stylized mixed-media illustrations.
by David Almond
Illustrator: Dave McKean
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
A psychological novel about a sensitive teen dealing with existential angst, ghosts, and grief after the death of his sisters. Stylized mixed-media illustrations.
Killing November
by Adriana Mather
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Seventeen-year-old November is sent to a mysterious boarding school that is completely off the grid. Family rivalries reveal who she really is.
by Adriana Mather
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Seventeen-year-old November is sent to a mysterious boarding school that is completely off the grid. Family rivalries reveal who she really is.
Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens
by Tanya Boteju
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Awkward and out-of-place, Nima, 17, attends a drag performance that changes her life. This isn't just a story about finding yourself; it's about allowing others to discover you.
by Tanya Boteju
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Awkward and out-of-place, Nima, 17, attends a drag performance that changes her life. This isn't just a story about finding yourself; it's about allowing others to discover you.
Let Me Hear a Rhyme
by Tiffany D. Jackson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
After Steph's death, his two best friends promote his music in the hope of getting him a record deal. With his sister's help, they find his murderer.
by Tiffany D. Jackson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
After Steph's death, his two best friends promote his music in the hope of getting him a record deal. With his sister's help, they find his murderer.