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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FDR and the American Crisis
by Albert Marrin
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
The life of FDR, accompanied by the history of the tumultuous times during which he lived, is meticulously described. Archival photographs.
by Albert Marrin
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
The life of FDR, accompanied by the history of the tumultuous times during which he lived, is meticulously described. Archival photographs.
Fig
by Sarah Elizabeth Schantz
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
In this haunting first-person narrative, 19-year-old Fig recounts her emotional journey growing up with a schizophrenic mother and her struggle to understand her own demons.
by Sarah Elizabeth Schantz
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
In this haunting first-person narrative, 19-year-old Fig recounts her emotional journey growing up with a schizophrenic mother and her struggle to understand her own demons.
First & Then
by Emma Mills
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
High school senior Devon's life turns upside down with the arrival of a foster brother who is an all-star football player. A witty take on Jane Austen.
by Emma Mills
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
High school senior Devon's life turns upside down with the arrival of a foster brother who is an all-star football player. A witty take on Jane Austen.
Grounded
by Sheena Wilkinson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
A teenager's love of horses and employment advancement becomes complicated by his girlfriend's pregnancy.
by Sheena Wilkinson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
A teenager's love of horses and employment advancement becomes complicated by his girlfriend's pregnancy.
Half a Creature from the Sea
by David Almond
Illustrator: Eleanor Taylor
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
The author introduces eight magical, mysterious stories by giving insight to the writing process and what inspires him. Black-and-white illustrations.
by David Almond
Illustrator: Eleanor Taylor
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
The author introduces eight magical, mysterious stories by giving insight to the writing process and what inspires him. Black-and-white illustrations.
Hold Me Closer
by David Levithan
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Tiny sings joyously of life, love, and coming out in a funny, bold musical theater presentation. A companion to “Will Grayson, Will Grayson.”
by David Levithan
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Tiny sings joyously of life, love, and coming out in a funny, bold musical theater presentation. A companion to “Will Grayson, Will Grayson.”
Hold Tight, Don't Let Go
by Laura Rose Wagner
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake of 2010, two teenage cousins deal with the emotional and physical consequences of the disaster.
by Laura Rose Wagner
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake of 2010, two teenage cousins deal with the emotional and physical consequences of the disaster.
I Am Her Revenge
by Meredith Moore
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Vivian's mother manipulates her into seeking revenge against a lover who had rejected her years before. Then Vivian learns the truth.
by Meredith Moore
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Vivian's mother manipulates her into seeking revenge against a lover who had rejected her years before. Then Vivian learns the truth.
I'll Meet You There
by Heather Demetrios
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Skylar and Josh have both suffered tremendous loss. Can their unlikely friendship help them both?
by Heather Demetrios
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Skylar and Josh have both suffered tremendous loss. Can their unlikely friendship help them both?
Illuminae (The Illuminae Files series)
by Amie Kaufman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
After their planet is attacked in 2575, teens Kady and Ezra escape in a ship threatened by the enemy, a deadly virus, and an Artificial Intelligence system gone haywire. Pen and ink illustrations and diagrams
by Amie Kaufman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
After their planet is attacked in 2575, teens Kady and Ezra escape in a ship threatened by the enemy, a deadly virus, and an Artificial Intelligence system gone haywire. Pen and ink illustrations and diagrams
Ink and Ashes
by Valynne E. Maetani
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Claire's father had been a gang member in Japan although he later turned his life around. A decade after his death his criminal history affects his family. Includes a glossary of terms.
by Valynne E. Maetani
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Claire's father had been a gang member in Japan although he later turned his life around. A decade after his death his criminal history affects his family. Includes a glossary of terms.
Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation
by Martin W. Sandler
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
From Sacramento and from Omaha to Utah, men and their machines struggle through mountains and deserts to link America. Photographs and maps.
by Martin W. Sandler
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
From Sacramento and from Omaha to Utah, men and their machines struggle through mountains and deserts to link America. Photographs and maps.
I Was Here
by Gayle Foreman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
While investigating her friend's death, Cody uncovers a support group that encourages people to commit suicide. Disturbing, but powerfully written.
by Gayle Foreman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
While investigating her friend's death, Cody uncovers a support group that encourages people to commit suicide. Disturbing, but powerfully written.
Kissing in America
by Margo Rabb
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Through her experiences of loss and friendship, 16-year-old Eva realizes there are all kinds of love.
by Margo Rabb
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Through her experiences of loss and friendship, 16-year-old Eva realizes there are all kinds of love.
Leif's Journey
by Terry Hokenson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Leif, nineteen, finds life with his immigrant father very difficult. His sister and a sweetheart help him reach his father and thus maintain the family farm.
by Terry Hokenson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Leif, nineteen, finds life with his immigrant father very difficult. His sister and a sweetheart help him reach his father and thus maintain the family farm.
Lies I Told
by Michelle Zink
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Adopted into a family of grifters, two foster children accept their roles in major crimes until they reach the beautiful California town of Plaza Hermosa.
by Michelle Zink
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Adopted into a family of grifters, two foster children accept their roles in major crimes until they reach the beautiful California town of Plaza Hermosa.
Little Peach
by Peggy Kern
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
In a raw and terrifying saga, fourteen-year-old Michelle, alone and scared, falls into a child prostitution gang. Based on thorough research and true stories.
by Peggy Kern
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
In a raw and terrifying saga, fourteen-year-old Michelle, alone and scared, falls into a child prostitution gang. Based on thorough research and true stories.
Lizard Radio
by Pat Schmatz
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Fifteen-year-old Kivali is sent to CropCamp to learn to become a responsible adult and to decide on a gender in order to avoid being sent into exile.
by Pat Schmatz
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Fifteen-year-old Kivali is sent to CropCamp to learn to become a responsible adult and to decide on a gender in order to avoid being sent into exile.
Lois Lane: Fallout
by Gwenda Bond
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
At East Metropolis High School, student journalist Lois Lane uncovers a mystery involving video gamers and bullying. Can online friend SmallvilleGuy help her discover what's going on?
by Gwenda Bond
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
At East Metropolis High School, student journalist Lois Lane uncovers a mystery involving video gamers and bullying. Can online friend SmallvilleGuy help her discover what's going on?
Macbeth
adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
An emotional, action-packed adaptation of Shakespeare's tale of murder is dramatically illustrated.
adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
An emotional, action-packed adaptation of Shakespeare's tale of murder is dramatically illustrated.
Make It Messy
by Marcus Samuelsson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
A moving memoir traces Samuelsson's life from Ethiopian baby to adoption in Sweden, his years as a soccer player and as a world famous chef. Photo insert.
by Marcus Samuelsson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
A moving memoir traces Samuelsson's life from Ethiopian baby to adoption in Sweden, his years as a soccer player and as a world famous chef. Photo insert.
March
by John Lewis
Illustrator: Nate Powell
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Congressman John Lewis's participation in nonviolent civil disobedience including the Freedom Rides is described in graphic format.
by John Lewis
Illustrator: Nate Powell
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Congressman John Lewis's participation in nonviolent civil disobedience including the Freedom Rides is described in graphic format.
Me Being Me is exactly as insane as You Being You
by Todd Hasak-Lowy
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Teenaged Darren deals with his parents' divorce, his father's revelation that he is gay, his older brother's erratic behavior, and his own confusing love life. Told in a quirky series of lists, sometimes humorous, often touching.
by Todd Hasak-Lowy
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Teenaged Darren deals with his parents' divorce, his father's revelation that he is gay, his older brother's erratic behavior, and his own confusing love life. Told in a quirky series of lists, sometimes humorous, often touching.
Mindwalker
by A. J. Steiger
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Lain, seventeen, is being trained by a government agency to erase her clients' most painful memories. When a troubled classmate seeks her expertise, complicated questions arise and loyalties are tested.
by A. J. Steiger
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
Lain, seventeen, is being trained by a government agency to erase her clients' most painful memories. When a troubled classmate seeks her expertise, complicated questions arise and loyalties are tested.
Monster: A Graphic Novel
by Walter Dean Myers
Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
A teen-age film maker arrested for murder tells his tale. The graphic version of Myers' 1999 book is retold with vivid black-and-white drawings.
by Walter Dean Myers
Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Ages: 14+
Published: 2015
A teen-age film maker arrested for murder tells his tale. The graphic version of Myers' 1999 book is retold with vivid black-and-white drawings.