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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Minus-One Club, The
Kekla Magoon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Kermit has just lost his sister. He is invited to join a secret high school support group for the bereaved, but how are they dealing with their grief?
Kekla Magoon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Kermit has just lost his sister. He is invited to join a secret high school support group for the bereaved, but how are they dealing with their grief?
Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story
Sarah Myer
Illustrator: Sarah Myer
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Adopted from South Korea by white parents, Sarah is bullied and ridiculed at school. Unable to suppress her anger, she finds solace in art, anime, and manga. Bold, emotional artwork.
Sarah Myer
Illustrator: Sarah Myer
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Adopted from South Korea by white parents, Sarah is bullied and ridiculed at school. Unable to suppress her anger, she finds solace in art, anime, and manga. Bold, emotional artwork.
Moonlit Vine, The
Elizabeth Santiago
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Taína (aka Ty), learns about her rich family history going back several centuries in Puerto Rico, which empowers her to lift up her current-day family and community.
Elizabeth Santiago
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Taína (aka Ty), learns about her rich family history going back several centuries in Puerto Rico, which empowers her to lift up her current-day family and community.
Nigeria Jones
Ibi Zoboi
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
As the daughter of a charismatic Black leader, 16-year-old Nigeria is expected to fill the role of her absent mother. Homeschooled, she searches for freedom at a private Quaker school. Mature content
Ibi Zoboi
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
As the daughter of a charismatic Black leader, 16-year-old Nigeria is expected to fill the role of her absent mother. Homeschooled, she searches for freedom at a private Quaker school. Mature content
Nightbirds
Kate J. Armstrong
Illustrator: Svera Dorosheva, maps
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
In Simta, where magic is publicly forbidden but privately embraced, three girls with magical power learn they are not alone and can change their world. Detailed maps.
Kate J. Armstrong
Illustrator: Svera Dorosheva, maps
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
In Simta, where magic is publicly forbidden but privately embraced, three girls with magical power learn they are not alone and can change their world. Detailed maps.
Ode to My First Car
Robin Gow
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Taking a job at a nursing home to pay for the damages to her car, Claire, bisexual, meets Lena, an 85-year-old lesbian, and sees connections in their lives. In verse. Black-and-white occasional illustrations.
Robin Gow
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Taking a job at a nursing home to pay for the damages to her car, Claire, bisexual, meets Lena, an 85-year-old lesbian, and sees connections in their lives. In verse. Black-and-white occasional illustrations.
Once There Was
Kiyash Monsef
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Following the sudden death of her Iranian father, Marjan inherits his veterinary clinic, discovering his patients included mythical animals. She resolves to uncover the mystery surrounding his life.
Kiyash Monsef
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Following the sudden death of her Iranian father, Marjan inherits his veterinary clinic, discovering his patients included mythical animals. She resolves to uncover the mystery surrounding his life.
One Last Shot: The Story of Wartime Photographer Gerda Taro
Kip Wilson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
A young Jewish German girl's lifelong dream of becoming a photographer is realized when she travels to Spain to document the Spanish Civil War. Free verse. Back matter.
Kip Wilson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
A young Jewish German girl's lifelong dream of becoming a photographer is realized when she travels to Spain to document the Spanish Civil War. Free verse. Back matter.
Only This Beautiful Moment
Abdi Nazemian
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
When three generations of Jafarzadeh men are united in Tehran, their stories and secrets are revealed. Elegantly told in alternating narratives. Mature content
Abdi Nazemian
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
When three generations of Jafarzadeh men are united in Tehran, their stories and secrets are revealed. Elegantly told in alternating narratives. Mature content
Other Pandemic, The: An AIDS Memoir
Lynn Curlee
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
A gay man gives a straightforward account of his life during the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, when a strange disease began annihilating his friends. Photos. Selected bibliography, source notes, index. Mature content
Lynn Curlee
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
A gay man gives a straightforward account of his life during the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, when a strange disease began annihilating his friends. Photos. Selected bibliography, source notes, index. Mature content
Pedro & Daniel
Federico Erebia
Illustrator: Julie Kwon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Pedro and Daniel are Latinx brothers who depend on each other for survival. Set in Ohio from 1968 to 1993. Includes dichos (proverbs) in Spanish. Emotive black-and-white illustrations.
Federico Erebia
Illustrator: Julie Kwon
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Pedro and Daniel are Latinx brothers who depend on each other for survival. Set in Ohio from 1968 to 1993. Includes dichos (proverbs) in Spanish. Emotive black-and-white illustrations.
Picture-Perfect Boyfriend
Becky Dean
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Lying to her family about a fake boyfriend, Kenzie is surprised when "Jacob" turns up as the family arrives in Hawaii. Complications ensue.
Becky Dean
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Lying to her family about a fake boyfriend, Kenzie is surprised when "Jacob" turns up as the family arrives in Hawaii. Complications ensue.
Plan A
Deb Caletti
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
The Texas law prohibiting abortion after six weeks causes 16-year-old Ivy, pregnant after a nonconsensual encounter, to travel to Oregon with her boyfriend for a legal abortion. Mature content
Deb Caletti
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
The Texas law prohibiting abortion after six weeks causes 16-year-old Ivy, pregnant after a nonconsensual encounter, to travel to Oregon with her boyfriend for a legal abortion. Mature content
Planning Perfect
Haley Neil
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Trying to make sense of her asexuality, Felicity attempts to find something to control: her mother's wedding. Her plans are perfect—or are they?
Haley Neil
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Trying to make sense of her asexuality, Felicity attempts to find something to control: her mother's wedding. Her plans are perfect—or are they?
Prince and the Coyote, The
David Bowles
Illustrator: Amanda Mijangos
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Fictionalized story of Acolmiztli/Nezahualcoyotl, brilliant 15th-century Aztec king, warrior, poet, engineer, musician, and statesman. Told in prose and verse, some translated from his poems. Striking graphite pencil and digital illustrations. Pronunciation guide, back matter. Mature content
David Bowles
Illustrator: Amanda Mijangos
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Fictionalized story of Acolmiztli/Nezahualcoyotl, brilliant 15th-century Aztec king, warrior, poet, engineer, musician, and statesman. Told in prose and verse, some translated from his poems. Striking graphite pencil and digital illustrations. Pronunciation guide, back matter. Mature content
Promise Boys
Nick Brooks
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
A preparatory school known for its strict discipline is rocked by the murder of its principal. Three students, all boys of color, are arrested, then join forces to prove their innocence.
Nick Brooks
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
A preparatory school known for its strict discipline is rocked by the murder of its principal. Three students, all boys of color, are arrested, then join forces to prove their innocence.
Quiet and the Loud, The
Helena Fox
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Georgia's life is burdened with weighty responsibilities for family and friends. Can she finally express her own needs?
Helena Fox
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Georgia's life is burdened with weighty responsibilities for family and friends. Can she finally express her own needs?
Rana Joon and the One and Only Now
Shideh Etaat
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
As she approaches high school graduation in 1996, Rana struggles with her sexuality, the expectations of her Iranian family, and her best friend's death. Mature content
Shideh Etaat
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
As she approaches high school graduation in 1996, Rana struggles with her sexuality, the expectations of her Iranian family, and her best friend's death. Mature content
Ravensong
Cayla Fay
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Demi-god Neve has spent lifetimes defending the mortal world against demons from hell. Then she meets Alexandria, a human, and falls in love.
Cayla Fay
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Demi-god Neve has spent lifetimes defending the mortal world against demons from hell. Then she meets Alexandria, a human, and falls in love.
Rez Ball
Byron Graves
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Can sophomore Tre lead his Minnesota reservation's varsity basketball team to their first state victory, or will he be overwhelmed in his attempt to step into his late brother's shoes?
Byron Graves
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Can sophomore Tre lead his Minnesota reservation's varsity basketball team to their first state victory, or will he be overwhelmed in his attempt to step into his late brother's shoes?
Ruby Code, The
Jessica Khoury
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Ash retreats to VR to escape his unhappy home, but the reality in a fantasy game overlaps with real life, bringing profound complexities and dire possibilities.
Jessica Khoury
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Ash retreats to VR to escape his unhappy home, but the reality in a fantasy game overlaps with real life, bringing profound complexities and dire possibilities.
Run for Your Life
Jane Mitchell
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Azari and her mother have fled the brutality of their homeland. Landing in Ireland, they struggle to survive among other immigrants and in a new society.
Jane Mitchell
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Azari and her mother have fled the brutality of their homeland. Landing in Ireland, they struggle to survive among other immigrants and in a new society.
Ryan and Avery
David Levithan
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
A gay boy and a transgender boy fall in love, contrary to mainstream expectations, while their parents choose very different paths to protect and support them.
David Levithan
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
A gay boy and a transgender boy fall in love, contrary to mainstream expectations, while their parents choose very different paths to protect and support them.
Saints of the Household
Ari Tison
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Brothers Max and Jay, of Costa Rican Bribri descent, each struggle to process the aftermath of violence in their small Minnesota town. Alternating perspectives told in prose and verse.
Ari Tison
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Brothers Max and Jay, of Costa Rican Bribri descent, each struggle to process the aftermath of violence in their small Minnesota town. Alternating perspectives told in prose and verse.
Savage Her Reply
Deirdre Sullivan
Illustrator: Karen Vaughan
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Forced to marry her sister's widower, Aife takes vengeance on her blameless stepchildren. Challenging, emotionally raw retelling of a well-known Irish fairy tale. Spare, contemplative ink illustrations. Mature content
Deirdre Sullivan
Illustrator: Karen Vaughan
Ages: 14+
Published: 2023
Forced to marry her sister's widower, Aife takes vengeance on her blameless stepchildren. Challenging, emotionally raw retelling of a well-known Irish fairy tale. Spare, contemplative ink illustrations. Mature content