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/.
How to Perform a Search and Save a List
Search
Advanced Search
Man Made Monsters
Andrea L. Rogers
Illustrator: Jeff Edwards
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
A series of short stories follows an extended Cherokee family over generations (from 1839 to 2039) as they encounter vampires, zombies, and other monsters. White on black line art.
Andrea L. Rogers
Illustrator: Jeff Edwards
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
A series of short stories follows an extended Cherokee family over generations (from 1839 to 2039) as they encounter vampires, zombies, and other monsters. White on black line art.
Man o' War
Cory McCarthy
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
A multiracial competitive swimmer in a small Ohio town known for its dilapidated marine life theme park discovers their gender identity during high school and as they begin college.
Cory McCarthy
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
A multiracial competitive swimmer in a small Ohio town known for its dilapidated marine life theme park discovers their gender identity during high school and as they begin college.
Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester, The
Maya MacGregor
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Moving into the home where a tragic death occurred 30 years ago, autistic, nonbinary Sam tries to free themself from a painful past while findng a path forward.
Maya MacGregor
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Moving into the home where a tragic death occurred 30 years ago, autistic, nonbinary Sam tries to free themself from a painful past while findng a path forward.
Me and White Supremacy
Layla F. Saad
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
A Black British Muslim author discusses topics such as white privilege, racist stereotypes, and cultural appropriation. Reflection questions and activities provided. Young readers edition.
Layla F. Saad
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
A Black British Muslim author discusses topics such as white privilege, racist stereotypes, and cultural appropriation. Reflection questions and activities provided. Young readers edition.
Media and Me, The: A Guide to Critical Media Literacy for Young People
Project Censored and the Media Revolution Collective
Illustrator: Peter Glanting
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
This comprehensive handbook prepares young readers for understanding today's media landscape and using media responsibly. Extensive back matter includes a glossary, source notes, and further reading. Black-and-white spot illustrations.
Project Censored and the Media Revolution Collective
Illustrator: Peter Glanting
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
This comprehensive handbook prepares young readers for understanding today's media landscape and using media responsibly. Extensive back matter includes a glossary, source notes, and further reading. Black-and-white spot illustrations.
Mister Miracle: The Great Escape
Varian Johnson
Illustrator: Daniel Isles
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Scott Free, a young Black student, attends a repressive soldier training academy and plots to escape planet Apokolips, but love, treachery, and misleading friends await. Dynamic panel compositions in a muted palette.
Varian Johnson
Illustrator: Daniel Isles
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Scott Free, a young Black student, attends a repressive soldier training academy and plots to escape planet Apokolips, but love, treachery, and misleading friends await. Dynamic panel compositions in a muted palette.
Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin, The
Kip Wilson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
In 1932 homeless, penniless, and orphaned Hilde, 18, finds a friend and a home working at the Café Lila, a gay bar in Berlin. Free verse. Back matter.
Kip Wilson
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
In 1932 homeless, penniless, and orphaned Hilde, 18, finds a friend and a home working at the Café Lila, a gay bar in Berlin. Free verse. Back matter.
My Good Man
Eric Gansworth (Sˑha-weñ na-saeˀ)
Illustrator: Eric Gansworth (Sˑha-weñ na-saeˀ)
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
After being viciously assaulted on the Tuscarora reservation, Brian, now a local journalist, reflects on his family and cultural relationships and uncovers the truth of what really happened. Elaborate greyscale illustrations.
Eric Gansworth (Sˑha-weñ na-saeˀ)
Illustrator: Eric Gansworth (Sˑha-weñ na-saeˀ)
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
After being viciously assaulted on the Tuscarora reservation, Brian, now a local journalist, reflects on his family and cultural relationships and uncovers the truth of what really happened. Elaborate greyscale illustrations.
My Imaginary Mary
Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Ada Lovelace, mathematical genius, and Mary Shelley, esteemed writer, attempt to create a living creature as they face perils and dodging villains.
Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Ada Lovelace, mathematical genius, and Mary Shelley, esteemed writer, attempt to create a living creature as they face perils and dodging villains.
Name She Gave Me, The
Betty Culley
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
In rural Maine, 16-year-old Rynn, unloved by the woman who adopted her as a baby, searches for her biological family and discovers her true identity. Free verse.
Betty Culley
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
In rural Maine, 16-year-old Rynn, unloved by the woman who adopted her as a baby, searches for her biological family and discovers her true identity. Free verse.
No Filter and Other Lies
Crystal Maldonado
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Insecure and feeling rejected by her parents, biracial high school teen Kat uses social media and her photographic talent to create a popular fictional self. Then her lies are revealed.
Crystal Maldonado
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Insecure and feeling rejected by her parents, biracial high school teen Kat uses social media and her photographic talent to create a popular fictional self. Then her lies are revealed.
Nothing Burns as Bright as You
Ashley Woodfolk
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
The tumultuous friendship of two Black teen girls evolves into a fiery first love. Nonlinear story arc in passionate free verse.
Ashley Woodfolk
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
The tumultuous friendship of two Black teen girls evolves into a fiery first love. Nonlinear story arc in passionate free verse.
Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken
Nita Tyndall
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Charlie's queer relationship and fear of its consequences during the Nazi regime tests her willingness to risk resistance and being part of the underground Swing culture.
Nita Tyndall
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Charlie's queer relationship and fear of its consequences during the Nazi regime tests her willingness to risk resistance and being part of the underground Swing culture.
Only a Monster
Vanessa Len
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Malaysian-British Joan learns she is a half-monster who can time travel by stealing time from humans. Unfortunately, her crush is the legendary hero whose mission is to kill all monsters.
Vanessa Len
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Malaysian-British Joan learns she is a half-monster who can time travel by stealing time from humans. Unfortunately, her crush is the legendary hero whose mission is to kill all monsters.
On the Subject of Unmentionable Things
Julia Walton
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Phoebe Townsend is a rule follower; however, her alter ego, Pom, writes about sex education on an anonymous blog until it goes viral.
Julia Walton
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Phoebe Townsend is a rule follower; however, her alter ego, Pom, writes about sex education on an anonymous blog until it goes viral.
Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America
Candacy Taylor
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Detailed research informs this history of an early 20th-century guide for safe travel for Black Americans. Archival photographs and images. Maps, end notes, bibliography. Young readers edition.
Candacy Taylor
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Detailed research informs this history of an early 20th-century guide for safe travel for Black Americans. Archival photographs and images. Maps, end notes, bibliography. Young readers edition.
Peach Rebellion, The
Wendelin Van Draanen
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Three teenaged girls from different socioeconomic backgrounds in post-World War II California unite over a unique and heartbreaking mission. A testament to friendship, feminism, and challenging the status quo.
Wendelin Van Draanen
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Three teenaged girls from different socioeconomic backgrounds in post-World War II California unite over a unique and heartbreaking mission. A testament to friendship, feminism, and challenging the status quo.
Practice Girl
Estelle Laure
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Jo, who misses and idealizes her dad, realizes that she has sold herself short in her search for love and acceptance on the wrestling team.
Estelle Laure
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Jo, who misses and idealizes her dad, realizes that she has sold herself short in her search for love and acceptance on the wrestling team.
Private Label
Kelly Yang
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Two Chinese American teens in California, one from a traditional background, the other assimilated to the point of cultural erasure, navigate complex relationships with their parents and peers.
Kelly Yang
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Two Chinese American teens in California, one from a traditional background, the other assimilated to the point of cultural erasure, navigate complex relationships with their parents and peers.
Queen of the Tiles
Hanna Alkaf
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Though grieving the death—and possibly murder—of her best friend during a Malaysian Scrabble tournament, Najwa determines to play again and win. Challenging Scrabble vocabulary.
Hanna Alkaf
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Though grieving the death—and possibly murder—of her best friend during a Malaysian Scrabble tournament, Najwa determines to play again and win. Challenging Scrabble vocabulary.
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality
Eliot Schrefer
Illustrator: Jules Zuckerberg
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Schrefer takes us on a humorous tour of sexual diversity in animal life. Comic-like illustrations. Meticulously sourced. Glossary, bibliograpy, notes.
Eliot Schrefer
Illustrator: Jules Zuckerberg
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Schrefer takes us on a humorous tour of sexual diversity in animal life. Comic-like illustrations. Meticulously sourced. Glossary, bibliograpy, notes.
Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman
Kristen R. Lee
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Attending a prestigious, predominantly white college, Black scholarship student Savannah faces microaggressions, racism, and white privilege while living her mother's dream of a better life for her.
Kristen R. Lee
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Attending a prestigious, predominantly white college, Black scholarship student Savannah faces microaggressions, racism, and white privilege while living her mother's dream of a better life for her.
Respect the Mic: Celebrating 20 Years of Poetry From a Chicagoland High School
Hanif Abdurraqib, Franny Choi, Peter Kahn, Dan "Sully" Sullivan, editors, foreword by Tyehimba Jess
Illustrator: Timba Smits
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Culled from a decades-long high school writing and poetry slam project, these powerful varied verses are deeply personal, urgent and affecting. An inspiring model for replication in other educational settings. Black-and-white-spot illustrations.
Hanif Abdurraqib, Franny Choi, Peter Kahn, Dan "Sully" Sullivan, editors, foreword by Tyehimba Jess
Illustrator: Timba Smits
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Culled from a decades-long high school writing and poetry slam project, these powerful varied verses are deeply personal, urgent and affecting. An inspiring model for replication in other educational settings. Black-and-white-spot illustrations.
Rising Trouble Maker: A Fear-Fighter Manual for Teens
Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Although there are countless things to be afraid of, asking for what you need is the antidote to that fear.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Although there are countless things to be afraid of, asking for what you need is the antidote to that fear.
Rust in the Root
Justina Ireland
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Laura, a Black queer mage in 1937 NYC, earns her magic license and joins an official agency, with whom she battles racism and dark forces. Archival black-and-white photos.
Justina Ireland
Ages: 14+
Published: 2022
Laura, a Black queer mage in 1937 NYC, earns her magic license and joins an official agency, with whom she battles racism and dark forces. Archival black-and-white photos.