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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Strong as Sandow
written and illustrated by Don Tate
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Through exercise and healthy living, a sickly boy, born in the 19th century, builds himself up to be a man of steel. Digitally drawn illustrations.
written and illustrated by Don Tate
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Through exercise and healthy living, a sickly boy, born in the 19th century, builds himself up to be a man of steel. Digitally drawn illustrations.
Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee!
by Andrea J. Loney
Illustrator: Keith Mallett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
This famous photographer took photos of Harlem for 80 years, creating a new view of its residents and a history of Harlem. Painterly illustrations and photographs. Afterword and other back matter.
by Andrea J. Loney
Illustrator: Keith Mallett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
This famous photographer took photos of Harlem for 80 years, creating a new view of its residents and a history of Harlem. Painterly illustrations and photographs. Afterword and other back matter.
That Is My Dream!
by Langston Hughes
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&G - Appealing soft gouache paintings interpret Hughes' “Dream Variations” through the eyes of a child experiencing joy and dreaming of inclusion during segregation.
by Langston Hughes
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&G - Appealing soft gouache paintings interpret Hughes' “Dream Variations” through the eyes of a child experiencing joy and dreaming of inclusion during segregation.
The Art Lesson
by Allison Marks
Illustrator: Annie Wilkinson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In Shoshanna's art classes, love of art, Jewish culture and artists are passerd down from one generation to the next. Colorful digital illustrations.
by Allison Marks
Illustrator: Annie Wilkinson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In Shoshanna's art classes, love of art, Jewish culture and artists are passerd down from one generation to the next. Colorful digital illustrations.
The Banana-Leaf Ball (CitizenKid series)
by Katie Smith Milway
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In a refugee camp in Tanzania, Deo is bullied by a gang leader until they start playing soccer and making their own balls together. Expressive textured illustrations.
by Katie Smith Milway
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In a refugee camp in Tanzania, Deo is bullied by a gang leader until they start playing soccer and making their own balls together. Expressive textured illustrations.
The Boy and the Whale
written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC - Can a small boy possibly rescue a huge whale who is trapped in a net? Expressive, painterly illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC - Can a small boy possibly rescue a huge whale who is trapped in a net? Expressive, painterly illustrations.
The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Illustrator: Ana Aranda
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Three goats fend off a goat-eating chupacabra by offering alternate delicacies . Colorful, lively watercolor, ink, and gouache illustrations.
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Illustrator: Ana Aranda
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Three goats fend off a goat-eating chupacabra by offering alternate delicacies . Colorful, lively watercolor, ink, and gouache illustrations.
The Curse of Einstein's Pencil (Bea Garcia series)
written and illustrated by Deborah Zemke
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Bea Garcia longs for smart Judith Einstein's pencil. But Bea's artistic talent can't be suppressed, to winning results. Humorous black-and-white drawings.
written and illustrated by Deborah Zemke
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Bea Garcia longs for smart Judith Einstein's pencil. But Bea's artistic talent can't be suppressed, to winning results. Humorous black-and-white drawings.
The Founding Fathers were Spies! (Secrets of American History series)
by Patricia Lakin
Illustrator: Valerio Fabbretti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
This lively chapter book presents the founding fathers of the United States and their spying activities. Appealing, humorous illustrations. Activities and quiz,
by Patricia Lakin
Illustrator: Valerio Fabbretti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
This lively chapter book presents the founding fathers of the United States and their spying activities. Appealing, humorous illustrations. Activities and quiz,
The Giant of Jum
by Elli Woollard
Illustrator: Benji Davies
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Energetic, colorful illustrations enliven this rhyming tale of a grumpy, hungry giant whose wise young prey teaches him the value of kindness and generosity.
by Elli Woollard
Illustrator: Benji Davies
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Energetic, colorful illustrations enliven this rhyming tale of a grumpy, hungry giant whose wise young prey teaches him the value of kindness and generosity.
The Glassmaker's Daughter
by Dianne Hofmeyr
Illustrator: Jane Ray
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Who can make the glassmaker's daughter smile? Set in early Venice and told in folkloric style with vivid expressive illustrations.
by Dianne Hofmeyr
Illustrator: Jane Ray
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Who can make the glassmaker's daughter smile? Set in early Venice and told in folkloric style with vivid expressive illustrations.
The Hawk of the Castle
by Danna Smith
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
With a lyrical voice, the daughter of the castle's falconer details every step as a goshawk hunts prey. Gouache paintings. Back matter.
by Danna Smith
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
With a lyrical voice, the daughter of the castle's falconer details every step as a goshawk hunts prey. Gouache paintings. Back matter.
The Hidden Life of a Toad
written and photographed by Doug Wechsler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Discover the day-to-day hidden life cycle of toads from embryo to adult, with brightly colored, detailed photographs. Glossary, bibliography.
written and photographed by Doug Wechsler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Discover the day-to-day hidden life cycle of toads from embryo to adult, with brightly colored, detailed photographs. Glossary, bibliography.
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors
by Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Adam Rex
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Objects in an ancient game are morphed into three champion warriors from each of their kingdoms who then challenge each other. Hilarious explosive text and illustrations.
by Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Adam Rex
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Objects in an ancient game are morphed into three champion warriors from each of their kingdoms who then challenge each other. Hilarious explosive text and illustrations.
The Music of Life
by Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Dissatisfied with the limitations of 17th century keyboard instruments, an Italian craftsman created the more nuanced pianoforte. Colorful, expressive period-style illustrations. Extensive back matter.
by Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Dissatisfied with the limitations of 17th century keyboard instruments, an Italian craftsman created the more nuanced pianoforte. Colorful, expressive period-style illustrations. Extensive back matter.
The Nutcracker in Harlem
by T. E. McMorrow
Illustrator: James Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In 1920s Harlem, a prominent African-American family celebrates Christmas and Marie finds herself in a dream of the Nutcracker ballet. Handsome watercolor paintings.
by T. E. McMorrow
Illustrator: James Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In 1920s Harlem, a prominent African-American family celebrates Christmas and Marie finds herself in a dream of the Nutcracker ballet. Handsome watercolor paintings.
The One Day House
by Julia Durango
Illustrator: Bianca Diaz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The whole community helps Wilson create a better home for Gigi, an older woman living in a ramshackle house. Expressive colorful collages.
by Julia Durango
Illustrator: Bianca Diaz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The whole community helps Wilson create a better home for Gigi, an older woman living in a ramshackle house. Expressive colorful collages.
The Road Home
by Katie Cotton
Illustrator: Sarah Jacoby
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Lyrical text and enchanting illustrations with muted, distancing perspective, follow four different animals sharing the harsh realities of their survival in the wild as they journey to find a safe home.
by Katie Cotton
Illustrator: Sarah Jacoby
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Lyrical text and enchanting illustrations with muted, distancing perspective, follow four different animals sharing the harsh realities of their survival in the wild as they journey to find a safe home.
The Search For Olinguito
by Sandra Markle
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The trail from museum collections to cloud forests in Ecuador is revealed as young scientists trace, research, and present a new species to the world. Photographs, maps, back matter.
by Sandra Markle
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The trail from museum collections to cloud forests in Ecuador is revealed as young scientists trace, research, and present a new species to the world. Photographs, maps, back matter.
The Secret Life of the Red Fox
by Laurence Pringle
Illustrator: Kate Garchinsky
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Haunting, realistic illustrations dramatize a year in the life of the red fox, Vixen as she hunts, avoids danger, finds a mate and raises her kits to maturity.
by Laurence Pringle
Illustrator: Kate Garchinsky
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Haunting, realistic illustrations dramatize a year in the life of the red fox, Vixen as she hunts, avoids danger, finds a mate and raises her kits to maturity.
The Secret Project
by Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Jeannette Winter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In a secret part of the New Mexico desert, scientists gather to develop the atomic bomb before anyone else does during World War II. Folk art style illustrations.
by Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Jeannette Winter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In a secret part of the New Mexico desert, scientists gather to develop the atomic bomb before anyone else does during World War II. Folk art style illustrations.
The Shape of the World
by K. L. Going
Illustrator: Lauren Stringer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Long before becoming a famous architect, a boy saw beauty in shapes and nature. Mixed media illustrations based on the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.
by K. L. Going
Illustrator: Lauren Stringer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Long before becoming a famous architect, a boy saw beauty in shapes and nature. Mixed media illustrations based on the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Story of Space
by Catherine Barr
Illustrator: Amy Husband
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The story of our universe, from the beginning to space exploration, is presented with vivd full-page illustrations.
by Catherine Barr
Illustrator: Amy Husband
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The story of our universe, from the beginning to space exploration, is presented with vivd full-page illustrations.
The Thing Lou Couldn't Do
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When her friends all climb a tree, Lou makes excuses to hide her fear. A humorous story about trying new things. Expressive digital art.
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When her friends all climb a tree, Lou makes excuses to hide her fear. A humorous story about trying new things. Expressive digital art.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A gentle version of the classic tale changes the bullying troll's fate to coexistence rather than disappearance. Animated, richly textured pencil and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A gentle version of the classic tale changes the bullying troll's fate to coexistence rather than disappearance. Animated, richly textured pencil and watercolor illustrations.