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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100 Sideways Miles
by Andrew Smith
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Finn copes with epilepsy, his first kiss, and experiences of a high school student growing into the world. But is he real or a character from his father's cult-class book?
by Andrew Smith
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Finn copes with epilepsy, his first kiss, and experiences of a high school student growing into the world. But is he real or a character from his father's cult-class book?
Afterworlds
by Scott Westerfeld
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Eighteen-year-old Darcy Patel writes a paranormal romance, and her character Lizzie Scofield lives the tale. Their stories are told in alternating chapters.
by Scott Westerfeld
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Eighteen-year-old Darcy Patel writes a paranormal romance, and her character Lizzie Scofield lives the tale. Their stories are told in alternating chapters.
Althea & Oliver
by Cristina Moracho
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
High school juniors Althea and Oliver have been best friends since they were six, but Althea's feelings for Oliver are changing into something more. Will their friendship survive?
by Cristina Moracho
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
High school juniors Althea and Oliver have been best friends since they were six, but Althea's feelings for Oliver are changing into something more. Will their friendship survive?
Always Emily
by Michaela MacColl
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
The famed Brontë authors are woven into a heather-covered moor mystery, which includes characters similar to ones in the stories they wrote. Who will save the day?
by Michaela MacColl
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
The famed Brontë authors are woven into a heather-covered moor mystery, which includes characters similar to ones in the stories they wrote. Who will save the day?
A Mad, Wicked Folly
by Sharon Biggs Waller
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In 1909 London, seventeen-year-old Vicky struggles against the social constraints that limit women's behavior as she pursues her dream of studying at the Royal College of Art.
by Sharon Biggs Waller
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In 1909 London, seventeen-year-old Vicky struggles against the social constraints that limit women's behavior as she pursues her dream of studying at the Royal College of Art.
A Matter of Souls
by Denise Lewis Patrick
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
The experiences of African Americans, from the brutality of the slave trade to the struggle for voting rights, are depicted in eight short stories.
by Denise Lewis Patrick
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
The experiences of African Americans, from the brutality of the slave trade to the struggle for voting rights, are depicted in eight short stories.
Andre the Giant
written and illustrated by Box Brown
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
This candid and well-researched account of a larger-than-life wrestler--both in size and accomplishments--creates a vivid portrait of the man and sport. Graphic format, illustrated in black-and-white.
written and illustrated by Box Brown
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
This candid and well-researched account of a larger-than-life wrestler--both in size and accomplishments--creates a vivid portrait of the man and sport. Graphic format, illustrated in black-and-white.
Ashes to Ashes
by Melissa Walker
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
When a high school sophomore picks up her cell phone while driving, it results in a tragic accident that catapults her to the Prism, a space beyond Earth where good and evil persist.
by Melissa Walker
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
When a high school sophomore picks up her cell phone while driving, it results in a tragic accident that catapults her to the Prism, a space beyond Earth where good and evil persist.
A Thousand Pieces of You
by Claudia Gray
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Are there alternate universes where we exist as a different (but similar) person? In pursuing her father's alleged killer, Marguerite finds herself in a futuristic London and then in Tsarist Russia.
by Claudia Gray
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Are there alternate universes where we exist as a different (but similar) person? In pursuing her father's alleged killer, Marguerite finds herself in a futuristic London and then in Tsarist Russia.
A Time to Dance
by Padma Venkatraman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In India, a talented girl, Vida, lives to dance. After she loses her lower right leg in an accident, she refuses to give up dancing. Written in free verse.
by Padma Venkatraman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In India, a talented girl, Vida, lives to dance. After she loses her lower right leg in an accident, she refuses to give up dancing. Written in free verse.
A Volcano Beneath the Snow
by Albert Marrin
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Passionate abolitionist John Brown, whose seizure of the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry in 1859 played a crucial role in bringing about the Civil War, is a hero to many. But is “righteous violence” ever really justified? Archival illustrations and photographs.
by Albert Marrin
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Passionate abolitionist John Brown, whose seizure of the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry in 1859 played a crucial role in bringing about the Civil War, is a hero to many. But is “righteous violence” ever really justified? Archival illustrations and photographs.
Because I Am a Girl I Can Change the World
by Rosemary McCarneywith
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
True stories of individual girls from developing nations around the world call for a change in how girls are treated and viewed. Lively color photographs.
by Rosemary McCarneywith
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
True stories of individual girls from developing nations around the world call for a change in how girls are treated and viewed. Lively color photographs.
Beetle Boy
by Margaret Willey
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Eighteen-year-old Charlie is haunted by his troubled past as ”the world's youngest published author.” What will happen if his girl friend gets him to reveal his secrets?
by Margaret Willey
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Eighteen-year-old Charlie is haunted by his troubled past as ”the world's youngest published author.” What will happen if his girl friend gets him to reveal his secrets?
Belzhar
by Meg Wolitzer
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
After the loss of her boyfriend, Jam is sent to a boarding school for emotionally fragile teens, where she takes a mysterious English class with other trauma survivors.
by Meg Wolitzer
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
After the loss of her boyfriend, Jam is sent to a boarding school for emotionally fragile teens, where she takes a mysterious English class with other trauma survivors.
Beyond Magenta
written and photographed by Susan Kuklin
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Six transgender teens speak of the social and familial problems they face and their deep need to be who they are. Photographs show changes in how these teens present to the world.
written and photographed by Susan Kuklin
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Six transgender teens speak of the social and familial problems they face and their deep need to be who they are. Photographs show changes in how these teens present to the world.
Bombay Blues
by Tanuja Desai Hidier
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Dimple Lala, nineteen, still in the throes of identity confusion, travels to Bombay hoping to find herself and renew the spark with her boyfriend.
by Tanuja Desai Hidier
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Dimple Lala, nineteen, still in the throes of identity confusion, travels to Bombay hoping to find herself and renew the spark with her boyfriend.
Buzz Kill
by Beth Fantaskey
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
When her father is suspected in the murder of her high school football coach, Millie uses her journalistic skills to solve the crime.
by Beth Fantaskey
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
When her father is suspected in the murder of her high school football coach, Millie uses her journalistic skills to solve the crime.
Death Coming Up the Hill
by Chris Crowe
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In 1968 seventeen-year-old Ashe records his thoughts, in haiku, about the escalating Vietnam War, the increasing tensions between his parents, and his first girlfriend.
by Chris Crowe
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In 1968 seventeen-year-old Ashe records his thoughts, in haiku, about the escalating Vietnam War, the increasing tensions between his parents, and his first girlfriend.
(Don't You) Forget About Me
by Kate Karyus Quinn
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In a town where sickness is banished and long life guaranteed, teenagers pay a horrible price.
by Kate Karyus Quinn
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In a town where sickness is banished and long life guaranteed, teenagers pay a horrible price.
Elusion
by Claudia Gabel
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Regan's father dies just before his amazing virtual reality technology goes public. But is the technology actually safe, and is her father's death connected to its release?
by Claudia Gabel
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Regan's father dies just before his amazing virtual reality technology goes public. But is the technology actually safe, and is her father's death connected to its release?
Exile
by Kevin Emerson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
A high school senior who is managing a rock band learns about the seamy side of the music industry and the many dimensions of love.
by Kevin Emerson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
A high school senior who is managing a rock band learns about the seamy side of the music industry and the many dimensions of love.
Eyes Wide Open
by Paul Fleischman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Thoughtful essays about the interconnectivity of events, countries, and politics as replated to the environment address many critical issues. Extensive resources for futher research. Special section on how to weigh information.
by Paul Fleischman
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Thoughtful essays about the interconnectivity of events, countries, and politics as replated to the environment address many critical issues. Extensive resources for futher research. Special section on how to weigh information.
Fan Art
by Sarah Tregay
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Jamie's senior year is filled with decisions, including whether he will come out of the closet and confess his love for his best friend.
by Sarah Tregay
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Jamie's senior year is filled with decisions, including whether he will come out of the closet and confess his love for his best friend.
Girls Like Us
by Gail Giles
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Quincy and Biddy, abused graduates of a high school special ed program, bond and learn to appreciate one another's strengths.
by Gail Giles
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
Quincy and Biddy, abused graduates of a high school special ed program, bond and learn to appreciate one another's strengths.
Graffiti Knight
by Karen Bass
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In post World War II Soviet-controlled East Germany, a teenager, frustrated with widespread hunger and government oppression, finds power in small acts of sabotage against the police and their Soviet masters. Is it worth the risk?
by Karen Bass
Ages: 14+
Published: 2014
In post World War II Soviet-controlled East Germany, a teenager, frustrated with widespread hunger and government oppression, finds power in small acts of sabotage against the police and their Soviet masters. Is it worth the risk?