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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Inky's Amazing Escape
by Sy Montgomery
Illustrator: Amy Schimler-Safford
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In 2016 a clever octopus escaped from the New Zealand National Aquarium. Vibrant collages.
by Sy Montgomery
Illustrator: Amy Schimler-Safford
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In 2016 a clever octopus escaped from the New Zealand National Aquarium. Vibrant collages.
Inky the Octopus
by Erin Guendelsberger
Illustrator: David Leonard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A fictional retelling of Inky the octopus' amazing real-life escape from his aquarium. Humorous rhyming text and detailed color illustrations. Back matter with fascinating octopus facts and a bibliography.
by Erin Guendelsberger
Illustrator: David Leonard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A fictional retelling of Inky the octopus' amazing real-life escape from his aquarium. Humorous rhyming text and detailed color illustrations. Back matter with fascinating octopus facts and a bibliography.
In the Past
by David Elliott
Illustrator: Matthew Trueman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Enlightening and humorous poems about prehistoric creatures from the Dunkleosteus to the wooly mammoth are accompanied by rich watercolor illustrations. Timeline, notes.
by David Elliott
Illustrator: Matthew Trueman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Enlightening and humorous poems about prehistoric creatures from the Dunkleosteus to the wooly mammoth are accompanied by rich watercolor illustrations. Timeline, notes.
Islandborn
by Junot Díaz
Illustrator: Leo Espinosa
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Lola must draw a picture for school of her home country. Her whole community helps her conjure images of the island she left as a baby. Dreamlike digital illustrations. Available in Spanish as Lola.
by Junot Díaz
Illustrator: Leo Espinosa
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Lola must draw a picture for school of her home country. Her whole community helps her conjure images of the island she left as a baby. Dreamlike digital illustrations. Available in Spanish as Lola.
Jack (Not Jackie)
by Erica Silverman
Illustrator: Holly Hatam
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
F&G Although her little sister Jackie would rather be Jack, Susan realizes it's the same person on the inside. Bibliography and mixed-media illustrations support the texr.
by Erica Silverman
Illustrator: Holly Hatam
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
F&G Although her little sister Jackie would rather be Jack, Susan realizes it's the same person on the inside. Bibliography and mixed-media illustrations support the texr.
Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor
by Patricia Valdez
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In 1913, 16-year-old Joan brought her pet crocodile to school. Ten years later, she became the London Zoo's curator of reptiles, caring for huge Komodo dragons and other creatures. Realistic earth-toned illustrations.
by Patricia Valdez
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In 1913, 16-year-old Joan brought her pet crocodile to school. Ten years later, she became the London Zoo's curator of reptiles, caring for huge Komodo dragons and other creatures. Realistic earth-toned illustrations.
Kate, Who Tamed the Wind
by Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrator: Lee White
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Young Kate helps the man on top of the hill as everything in and around his home is blowing away. Descriptive mixed-media illustrations.
by Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrator: Lee White
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Young Kate helps the man on top of the hill as everything in and around his home is blowing away. Descriptive mixed-media illustrations.
Let's Go ABC!
by Rhonda Gowler Greene
Illustrator: Daniel Kirk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Rhyming text and bright Photoshop art are used to reinforce alphabet skills, with 26 unusual modes of transportation.
by Rhonda Gowler Greene
Illustrator: Daniel Kirk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Rhyming text and bright Photoshop art are used to reinforce alphabet skills, with 26 unusual modes of transportation.
Let the Children March
by Monica Clark-Robinson
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In 1963, Jim Crow laws deprived African Americans of their rights; even though protesting was perilous, their children volunteered to march in their stead. Painterly illustrations. Back matter.
by Monica Clark-Robinson
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In 1963, Jim Crow laws deprived African Americans of their rights; even though protesting was perilous, their children volunteered to march in their stead. Painterly illustrations. Back matter.
Life in the Amazon Rainforest
by Ginjer L. Clarke
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Tropical animals struggle to survive in the Amazon Rainforest. Superb up-close photographs. Vocabulary clearly defined.
by Ginjer L. Clarke
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Tropical animals struggle to survive in the Amazon Rainforest. Superb up-close photographs. Vocabulary clearly defined.
Lights! Camera! Alice!
by Mara Rockliff
Illustrator: Simona Ciraolo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In the late 19th century, innovative Alice Guy-Blaché became the first director of both a sound and narrative fiction film. Colorful dry-media illustrations, silent movie-style format. Back matter.
by Mara Rockliff
Illustrator: Simona Ciraolo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In the late 19th century, innovative Alice Guy-Blaché became the first director of both a sound and narrative fiction film. Colorful dry-media illustrations, silent movie-style format. Back matter.
Little Fox in the Snow
by Jonathan London
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Told in elegant, poetic prose, a young fox's daily adventures from morning to night are animated by stunning dramatic paintings.
by Jonathan London
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Told in elegant, poetic prose, a young fox's daily adventures from morning to night are animated by stunning dramatic paintings.
Look at Me!
by Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Colorful torn- and cut-paper collages illustrate how animals change themselves to attract mates or warn off enemies. Back matter includes a glossary of animals presented.
by Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Colorful torn- and cut-paper collages illustrate how animals change themselves to attract mates or warn off enemies. Back matter includes a glossary of animals presented.
Mae Among the Stars
by Roda Ahmed
Illustrator: Stasia Burrington
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Mae Jemison's childhood dreams, and her mother's encouragement, help her become the first African American woman astronaut, despite setbacks and nay-sayers. Evocative digital illustrations.
by Roda Ahmed
Illustrator: Stasia Burrington
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Mae Jemison's childhood dreams, and her mother's encouragement, help her become the first African American woman astronaut, despite setbacks and nay-sayers. Evocative digital illustrations.
Maggie
by Jennifer Keats Curtis
Illustrator: Phyllis Saroff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Alaska zoo keepers find Maggie, a lonely elephant, a home in a U.S. sanctuary. Watercolor illustrations. Back matter explains the intense social nature of elephants. [Also available in Spanish]
by Jennifer Keats Curtis
Illustrator: Phyllis Saroff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Alaska zoo keepers find Maggie, a lonely elephant, a home in a U.S. sanctuary. Watercolor illustrations. Back matter explains the intense social nature of elephants. [Also available in Spanish]
Marwan's Journey
by Patricia de Arias
Illustrator: Laura Borràs
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
When war comes to his homeland, young Marwan is forced to flee his country alone, but wishing his deceased mother were with him. Stylized ink and color-wash illustrations.
by Patricia de Arias
Illustrator: Laura Borràs
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
When war comes to his homeland, young Marwan is forced to flee his country alone, but wishing his deceased mother were with him. Stylized ink and color-wash illustrations.
Meet Yasmin
by Saadia Faruqi
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
ARC In four short stories, Pakistani American Yasmin, an energetic second-grader, finds a solution to the problems she faces. Whimsical, colorful illustrations and back matter.
by Saadia Faruqi
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
ARC In four short stories, Pakistani American Yasmin, an energetic second-grader, finds a solution to the problems she faces. Whimsical, colorful illustrations and back matter.
Minegoo Mniku
retold and illustrated by Sandra L. Dodge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
The Mi'kmaq Creation Story and the founding of Prince Edward Island are told in bilingual stories with realistic watercolors. Borders are Mi'kmaq quilt patterns.
retold and illustrated by Sandra L. Dodge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
The Mi'kmaq Creation Story and the founding of Prince Edward Island are told in bilingual stories with realistic watercolors. Borders are Mi'kmaq quilt patterns.
Mommy's Khimar
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A young Muslim girl wears her mother's headscarf to feel closer to her while imagining herself a queen, a superhero, and more. Simple, colorful digital illustrations.
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A young Muslim girl wears her mother's headscarf to feel closer to her while imagining herself a queen, a superhero, and more. Simple, colorful digital illustrations.
Mustafa
written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
An immigrant boy struggling to acclimate meets a girl and her cat in a nearby park who help him in that process. Simple multimedia illustrations.
written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
An immigrant boy struggling to acclimate meets a girl and her cat in a nearby park who help him in that process. Simple multimedia illustrations.
My Father's Words
by Patricia MacLachlan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A terrible accident changes the lives of Fiona and Finn. Volunteering at a dog shelter helps them recover and find reasons to live.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A terrible accident changes the lives of Fiona and Finn. Volunteering at a dog shelter helps them recover and find reasons to live.
Nick the Sidekick
written and illustrated by Dave Whamond
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Being a sidekick to Super Fantastic Guy is not what Nick hoped it would be. Can he save the day? Pen, ink, and digital watercolors.
written and illustrated by Dave Whamond
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Being a sidekick to Super Fantastic Guy is not what Nick hoped it would be. Can he save the day? Pen, ink, and digital watercolors.
Night Job
by Karen Hesse
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A young boy accompanies his father, by motorcycle, to his job as a night janitor. A loving father-son portrait. Muted mixed-media illustrations.
by Karen Hesse
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A young boy accompanies his father, by motorcycle, to his job as a night janitor. A loving father-son portrait. Muted mixed-media illustrations.
Nothing Stopped Sophie
by Cheryl Bardoe
Illustrator: Barbara McClintock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Forbidden to attend college in Paris at the turn of the 18th century, a young woman studied independently and developed a mathematical formula to predict patterns of vibration. Colorful period illustrations. Back matter.
by Cheryl Bardoe
Illustrator: Barbara McClintock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Forbidden to attend college in Paris at the turn of the 18th century, a young woman studied independently and developed a mathematical formula to predict patterns of vibration. Colorful period illustrations. Back matter.
Ocean Meets Sky
by Eric Fan
Illustrator: Terry Fan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Finn builds a boat to honor his late grandfather and goes on an imaginative journey seeking the magical place where ocean meets sky. Dreamlike graphite and digitally colored illustrations.
by Eric Fan
Illustrator: Terry Fan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Finn builds a boat to honor his late grandfather and goes on an imaginative journey seeking the magical place where ocean meets sky. Dreamlike graphite and digitally colored illustrations.