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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Wild Bird
by Wendelin Van Draanen
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
Wren is sent to a wilderness camp to deal with her addictions. During the rough journey, she learns to believe in herself and to regret the harm she has caused.
by Wendelin Van Draanen
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
Wren is sent to a wilderness camp to deal with her addictions. During the rough journey, she learns to believe in herself and to regret the harm she has caused.
Wildman
by J. C. Geiger
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
Lance, 18, is headed to the last big party before graduation. His car breaks down in a remote town, leading to life-changing experiences.
by J. C. Geiger
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
Lance, 18, is headed to the last big party before graduation. His car breaks down in a remote town, leading to life-changing experiences.
Windfall
by Jennifer E. Smith
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
When Alice gives Teddy a winning lottery ticket for his birthday everything changes. Can he balance the predictable challenges of high school with sudden fortune?
by Jennifer E. Smith
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
When Alice gives Teddy a winning lottery ticket for his birthday everything changes. Can he balance the predictable challenges of high school with sudden fortune?
Words in Deep Blue
by Cath Crowley
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
After Rachel's brother drowns, she withdraws from life and fails senior year. She eventually returns to their former hometown and confronts her feelings about love and loss.
by Cath Crowley
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
After Rachel's brother drowns, she withdraws from life and fails senior year. She eventually returns to their former hometown and confronts her feelings about love and loss.
You Bring the Distant Near
by Mitali Perkins
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
ARC - India-London-Queens, then New Jersey. Three generations of five very different Bengali women find their way in America.
by Mitali Perkins
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
ARC - India-London-Queens, then New Jersey. Three generations of five very different Bengali women find their way in America.
You're Welcome, Universe
by Whitney Gardner
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
Being the only deaf person at school is tough, but the real challenge for Julia, a passionate graffiti artist, is discovering who is painting over her pieces.
by Whitney Gardner
Ages: 14+
Published: 2017
Being the only deaf person at school is tough, but the real challenge for Julia, a passionate graffiti artist, is discovering who is painting over her pieces.
All We Have Left
by Wendy Mills
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
The stories of Alia, trapped in the World Trade Center in 2001, and, years later, Jesse's pain of not knowing how her brother died are interwoven.
by Wendy Mills
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
The stories of Alia, trapped in the World Trade Center in 2001, and, years later, Jesse's pain of not knowing how her brother died are interwoven.
As I Descended
by Robin Talley
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Maria and Lily are already at the top of their class, but because of their insecurities they plot for more and stir up more than ghosts.
by Robin Talley
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Maria and Lily are already at the top of their class, but because of their insecurities they plot for more and stir up more than ghosts.
Ask Me How I Got Here
by Christine Heppermann
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
When Addie, a high school sophomore, becomes pregnant, she makes a choice that leads to other questions about her future direction. Beautifully rendered in poetry.
by Christine Heppermann
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
When Addie, a high school sophomore, becomes pregnant, she makes a choice that leads to other questions about her future direction. Beautifully rendered in poetry.
Away We Go
by Emil Ostrovski
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Quarantined at an elite school for kids with a fatal virus that is sweeping the country, Noah searches for love and meaning in a terminal world.
by Emil Ostrovski
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Quarantined at an elite school for kids with a fatal virus that is sweeping the country, Noah searches for love and meaning in a terminal world.
Bluescreen
by Dan Wells
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
In 2050 Los Angeles, Marisa and her friends are master gamers and hackers. Are their skills sufficient to destroy a dangerous new virtual-reality drug threatening society?
by Dan Wells
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
In 2050 Los Angeles, Marisa and her friends are master gamers and hackers. Are their skills sufficient to destroy a dangerous new virtual-reality drug threatening society?
Burn Baby Burn
by Meg Medina
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
A 17-year-old Cuban American girl comes of age in New York, coping with her troubled family and a troubled city.
by Meg Medina
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
A 17-year-old Cuban American girl comes of age in New York, coping with her troubled family and a troubled city.
Character Driven
by David Lubar
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Cliff describes the last months before graduation, including a new romance, post-high school plans, and dealing with his father's abusive behavior.
by David Lubar
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Cliff describes the last months before graduation, including a new romance, post-high school plans, and dealing with his father's abusive behavior.
Concentr8
by William Sutcliffe
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
In a not so distant future London, the government withdraws a drug used to control disruptive youth. The citizens rebel and a gang from the projects takes a hostage with unexpected consequences.
by William Sutcliffe
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
In a not so distant future London, the government withdraws a drug used to control disruptive youth. The citizens rebel and a gang from the projects takes a hostage with unexpected consequences.
Cure for the Common Universe
by Christian McKay Heidicker
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
When Jaxon's concerned father sends him to video-gaming rehab, he is faced with the challenge of figuring out who he is in real life.
by Christian McKay Heidicker
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
When Jaxon's concerned father sends him to video-gaming rehab, he is faced with the challenge of figuring out who he is in real life.
Defender
by Graham McNamee
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
After discovering a corpse in her Toronto tenement, a gifted basketball player and her boyfriend uncover family secrets from decades ago.
by Graham McNamee
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
After discovering a corpse in her Toronto tenement, a gifted basketball player and her boyfriend uncover family secrets from decades ago.
Desert Dark
by Sonja Stone
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Sixteen-year-old Nadia, selected to attend an elite boarding school that is really a CIA training program, uses all her skills to prove she is not a double agent.
by Sonja Stone
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Sixteen-year-old Nadia, selected to attend an elite boarding school that is really a CIA training program, uses all her skills to prove she is not a double agent.
Drag Teen
by Jeffrey Self
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
College or pumping gas? JT's life seems doomed until his boyfriend encourages him to enter a teen drag queen contest. Can he do it?
by Jeffrey Self
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
College or pumping gas? JT's life seems doomed until his boyfriend encourages him to enter a teen drag queen contest. Can he do it?
Draw the Line
written and illustrated by Laurent Linn
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
A violent attack on a fellow gay student propels sixteen-year-old Adrian to stand tall, first through his online comics and then in real life. Spectacular black-and-white graphic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Laurent Linn
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
A violent attack on a fellow gay student propels sixteen-year-old Adrian to stand tall, first through his online comics and then in real life. Spectacular black-and-white graphic illustrations.
Exit, Pursued By a Bear
by E. K. Johnston
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Cheerleading captain Hermione is drugged and raped at camp before senior year. An honest, realistic portrayal of the impact on Hermione, her family, and friends. Set in Canada.
by E. K. Johnston
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Cheerleading captain Hermione is drugged and raped at camp before senior year. An honest, realistic portrayal of the impact on Hermione, her family, and friends. Set in Canada.
Feminism
by Nadia Abushanab Higgins
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
This is a comprehensive look at the history of 21st Century feminism, including gender justice and body image. Includes photos, sources, and a bibliography.
by Nadia Abushanab Higgins
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
This is a comprehensive look at the history of 21st Century feminism, including gender justice and body image. Includes photos, sources, and a bibliography.
Flip the Bird
by Kym Brunner
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
While learning the family sport of falconry, 14-year-old Mercer must deal with opposition from animal rights proponents, and his romantic feelings for their daughter.
by Kym Brunner
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
While learning the family sport of falconry, 14-year-old Mercer must deal with opposition from animal rights proponents, and his romantic feelings for their daughter.
Front Lines
by Michael Grant
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
A multiethnic group of young women serve on the front lines in an alternate World War II where women can enlist or be drafted.
by Michael Grant
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
A multiethnic group of young women serve on the front lines in an alternate World War II where women can enlist or be drafted.
Gena/Finn
by Hannah Moskowitz
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Fangirls Gena and Finn connect online and become fast friends. Their story is told through fanfic, fanart, emails, and text messages. Pen and ink drawings.
by Hannah Moskowitz
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Fangirls Gena and Finn connect online and become fast friends. Their story is told through fanfic, fanart, emails, and text messages. Pen and ink drawings.
Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit
by Jaye Robin Brown
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Joanna promises her accepting radio evangelist dad to hide her homosexuality from his new in-laws and town. Then she falls in love. Can she keep her promise?
by Jaye Robin Brown
Ages: 14+
Published: 2016
Joanna promises her accepting radio evangelist dad to hide her homosexuality from his new in-laws and town. Then she falls in love. Can she keep her promise?