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 Weight of Our Sky
by Hanna Alkaf
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Battling her own inner demon, Melati Ahmad, 16, is caught in the midst of fighting in Kuala Lumpur in 1969. Can she return home safely?
by Hanna Alkaf
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Battling her own inner demon, Melati Ahmad, 16, is caught in the midst of fighting in Kuala Lumpur in 1969. Can she return home safely?
The Weight of the Stars
by K. Ancrum
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Alexandria is determined to connect with her mother who went on a one-way deep-space mission shortly after her birth. Can social outcasts Ryann and her friends help?
by K. Ancrum
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Alexandria is determined to connect with her mother who went on a one-way deep-space mission shortly after her birth. Can social outcasts Ryann and her friends help?
Thirteen Doorways
by Laura Ruby
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Frankie and her sister live in an orphanage, enduring the savagery of the nuns who run it, while a ghost looks for closure there.
by Laura Ruby
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Frankie and her sister live in an orphanage, enduring the savagery of the nuns who run it, while a ghost looks for closure there.
This Place
by
Illustrator: Tara Audibert
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
This groundbreaking graphic anthology recounts Canadian history and folklore from an Indigenous perspective. Artwork in many styles brings it to life.
by
Illustrator: Tara Audibert
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
This groundbreaking graphic anthology recounts Canadian history and folklore from an Indigenous perspective. Artwork in many styles brings it to life.
Trans+
by Kathryn Gonzales
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
With many first-person interviews, color illustrations, and resources in every chapter, this is a comprehensive and practical guide for young adults exploring their gender identities. Glossary, bibliography, index.
by Kathryn Gonzales
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
With many first-person interviews, color illustrations, and resources in every chapter, this is a comprehensive and practical guide for young adults exploring their gender identities. Glossary, bibliography, index.
Voices
by David Elliott
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Joan's story is told from her viewpoint, the perspectives of others who knew her, and from personified objects close to her.
by David Elliott
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Joan's story is told from her viewpoint, the perspectives of others who knew her, and from personified objects close to her.
Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black
by Marcus Sedgwick
Illustrator: Alexis Deacon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Conscientious objector Harry Black searches for his brother after a V2 rocket attack in 1944, convinced he is still alive. Stark graphic images.
by Marcus Sedgwick
Illustrator: Alexis Deacon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Conscientious objector Harry Black searches for his brother after a V2 rocket attack in 1944, convinced he is still alive. Stark graphic images.
Warrior of the Wild
by Tricia Levenseller
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Rasmira, 18, fails her initiation test and is banished to the monster-filled wilderness. Faced with an impossible task, she vows to return and claim her mantle of leadership.
by Tricia Levenseller
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Rasmira, 18, fails her initiation test and is banished to the monster-filled wilderness. Faced with an impossible task, she vows to return and claim her mantle of leadership.
We Are Displaced
by Malala Yousafzai
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Nobel Peace prizewinner Malala recounts her own story as a refugee and activist as well as those of 11 other girls fleeing violence and creating new lives.
by Malala Yousafzai
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Nobel Peace prizewinner Malala recounts her own story as a refugee and activist as well as those of 11 other girls fleeing violence and creating new lives.
We Are Lost and Found
by Helene Dunbar
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
In the 1980s, Michael's brother has been kicked out by his father for being gay. With AIDS and his father's disapproval looming, Michael must decide whether to come out.
by Helene Dunbar
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
In the 1980s, Michael's brother has been kicked out by his father for being gay. With AIDS and his father's disapproval looming, Michael must decide whether to come out.
We Rule the Night
by Claire Eliza Bartlett
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
In a Soviet-inspired, War-torn world powered by magic, Revna, who has prosthetic legs, and Linne, a rebellious general's daughter, join an experimental women's flying regiment.
by Claire Eliza Bartlett
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
In a Soviet-inspired, War-torn world powered by magic, Revna, who has prosthetic legs, and Linne, a rebellious general's daughter, join an experimental women's flying regiment.
What Makes Us
by Rafi Mittlefehldt
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Eran, 17, has few memories of his father. After the publicity from a student protest reveals the painful past, Eran and his Israeli-born mother confront difficult truths.
by Rafi Mittlefehldt
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Eran, 17, has few memories of his father. After the publicity from a student protest reveals the painful past, Eran and his Israeli-born mother confront difficult truths.
What We Buried
by Kate A. Boorman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Liv, 16, former beauty queen, and Jory, 18, who has Mobeius syndrome, embark on a mind-bending search for their parents who disappeared right before the verdict in Liv's emancipation lawsuit.
by Kate A. Boorman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Liv, 16, former beauty queen, and Jory, 18, who has Mobeius syndrome, embark on a mind-bending search for their parents who disappeared right before the verdict in Liv's emancipation lawsuit.
Who Put This Song On?
by Morgan Parker
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
It is hard work being one of the only Black students at her private Christian academy. Morgan will need courage to follow the beat of her own drum.
by Morgan Parker
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
It is hard work being one of the only Black students at her private Christian academy. Morgan will need courage to follow the beat of her own drum.
Why No Goodbye?
by Pamela L. Laskin
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
When his mother escapes Myanmar with his siblings a boy rages over his abandonment. How do the Rohingya survive the brutality in their world? Told in free verse.
by Pamela L. Laskin
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
When his mother escapes Myanmar with his siblings a boy rages over his abandonment. How do the Rohingya survive the brutality in their world? Told in free verse.
Wicked Fox
by Kat Cho
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
When eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung, a Korean nine-tailed fox demon, saves the life of a human, her destiny is irrevocably altered. Glossary.
by Kat Cho
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
When eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung, a Korean nine-tailed fox demon, saves the life of a human, her destiny is irrevocably altered. Glossary.
Wild and Crooked
by Leah Thomas
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Kalyn is a murderer's daughter. Gus is the disabled kid whose dad was murdered. Each finds the other refreshing, but secrets and hate loom large.
by Leah Thomas
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Kalyn is a murderer's daughter. Gus is the disabled kid whose dad was murdered. Each finds the other refreshing, but secrets and hate loom large.
With the Fire on High
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Emoni Santiago, 17, single mom, struggles to balance school, working, and parenthood. A culinary arts class provides the opportunity to realize her dream of becoming a chef.
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
Emoni Santiago, 17, single mom, struggles to balance school, working, and parenthood. A culinary arts class provides the opportunity to realize her dream of becoming a chef.
Your Brain Needs a Hug
written and illustrated by Rae Earl
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
The author's description of her mental illness forms the backdrop for this easy-to-read account of various emotional dysfunctions and advice on how to deal with these conditions.
written and illustrated by Rae Earl
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
The author's description of her mental illness forms the backdrop for this easy-to-read account of various emotional dysfunctions and advice on how to deal with these conditions.
Ziggy Stardust & Me
by James Brandon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
In 1973 Jonathan, 16, undergoes treatment to “fix” his attraction to boys. After meeting Web, a Lakota boy, he learns to embrace his true self.
by James Brandon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2019
In 1973 Jonathan, 16, undergoes treatment to “fix” his attraction to boys. After meeting Web, a Lakota boy, he learns to embrace his true self.
500 Words or Less
by Juleah del Rosario
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
Nic becomes a social outcast after cheating on her boyfriend. She writes a college admissions essay for a friend and learns what really matters in life. Told in free verse.
by Juleah del Rosario
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
Nic becomes a social outcast after cheating on her boyfriend. She writes a college admissions essay for a friend and learns what really matters in life. Told in free verse.
A Conspiracy of Stars
by Olivia A. Cole
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
Octavia lives under a dome, in a world created by planetary explorers. Can they live peacefully with the indigenous people of the planet?
by Olivia A. Cole
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
Octavia lives under a dome, in a world created by planetary explorers. Can they live peacefully with the indigenous people of the planet?
After the Shot Drops
by Randy Ribay
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
In alternating chapters, Nasir and Bunny, friends since childhood, tell how basketball brought them together and is tearing them apart now that Bunny has transferred to prep school.
by Randy Ribay
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
In alternating chapters, Nasir and Bunny, friends since childhood, tell how basketball brought them together and is tearing them apart now that Bunny has transferred to prep school.
A Girl Like That
by Tanaz Bhathena
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
Lonely Indian orphan Zarin rebels against her abusive aunt, school bullies, and oppressive Saudi Arabian culture. Can kind Porus' love set her soul free?
by Tanaz Bhathena
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
Lonely Indian orphan Zarin rebels against her abusive aunt, school bullies, and oppressive Saudi Arabian culture. Can kind Porus' love set her soul free?
A Heart in a Body in the World
by Deb Caletti
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
Annabelle, 17, embarks on a cross-country run from Seattle to Washington, DC, in an attempt to outrun the pain from a terrible tragedy.
by Deb Caletti
Ages: 14+
Published: 2018
Annabelle, 17, embarks on a cross-country run from Seattle to Washington, DC, in an attempt to outrun the pain from a terrible tragedy.