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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Invisible Isabel
Sally J. Pla
Illustrator: Tania de Regil
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Shy Isabel's stomach hurts from the "worry-moths" as she struggles to be heard at home and at school. Expressive black-and-white drawings.
Sally J. Pla
Illustrator: Tania de Regil
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Shy Isabel's stomach hurts from the "worry-moths" as she struggles to be heard at home and at school. Expressive black-and-white drawings.
Isabel in Bloom
Mae Respicio
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
After joining her mother in the United States., Isabel overcomes homesickness for the Philippines through gardening and cooking, new friends, and a growing relationship with her mom. Novel in verse. Author's note.
Mae Respicio
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
After joining her mother in the United States., Isabel overcomes homesickness for the Philippines through gardening and cooking, new friends, and a growing relationship with her mom. Novel in verse. Author's note.
I See Color: An Affirmation and Celebration of Our Diverse World
Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew
Illustrator: Laylie Frazier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Celebrate our rainbow of humanity and multicultural efforts to create a just world. Expressive digital art. Biographical back matter.
Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew
Illustrator: Laylie Frazier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Celebrate our rainbow of humanity and multicultural efforts to create a just world. Expressive digital art. Biographical back matter.
It's So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families (The Family Library series)
Robie H. Harris
Illustrator: Michael Emberley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
A candid, factual guide to the various biological and emotional aspects of sex, sexuality, and reproduction with some humorous help from a bird and a bee. Inviting, colorful mixed-media illustrations.
Robie H. Harris
Illustrator: Michael Emberley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
A candid, factual guide to the various biological and emotional aspects of sex, sexuality, and reproduction with some humorous help from a bird and a bee. Inviting, colorful mixed-media illustrations.
Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek
Kwame Mbalia
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
From the moment he arrives in Chicago, strange things keep happening to Jax, a 12-year-old Black boy. How is he connected to the five magical summoning families and what powers does he have?
Kwame Mbalia
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
From the moment he arrives in Chicago, strange things keep happening to Jax, a 12-year-old Black boy. How is he connected to the five magical summoning families and what powers does he have?
Jimmy's Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin
Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Jamiel Law
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
The story of a young boy growing up in Harlem who became a civil rights activist and one of America's greatest authors. Expressive, warm, mixed-media illustrations.
Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Jamiel Law
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
The story of a young boy growing up in Harlem who became a civil rights activist and one of America's greatest authors. Expressive, warm, mixed-media illustrations.
John the Skeleton
Triinu Laan
Illustrator: Maria-Liisa Plats
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
John, a classroom skeleton, is retired and taken in by Grams and Gramps, who treat him like one of the family. Black, white and hot pink pencil illustrations.
Triinu Laan
Illustrator: Maria-Liisa Plats
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
John, a classroom skeleton, is retired and taken in by Grams and Gramps, who treat him like one of the family. Black, white and hot pink pencil illustrations.
Juneberry Blue
Candice Ransom
Illustrator: Makenzie Hooks
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Andie expects to work in her grandmother's diner and create a magical recipe, but has she inherited the family gift? All she wants is for her father to come home. Greyscale spot illustrations and map.
Candice Ransom
Illustrator: Makenzie Hooks
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Andie expects to work in her grandmother's diner and create a magical recipe, but has she inherited the family gift? All she wants is for her father to come home. Greyscale spot illustrations and map.
Kindred Spirits/Shilombish Ittibachvffa
Leslie Stall Widener
Illustrator: Johnson Yazzie
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1847 the Choctaw Nation's compassion for the suffering of the people of Ireland began decades of reciprocal giving, most recently including the Hopi and Navajo Nations. Evocative illustrations.
Leslie Stall Widener
Illustrator: Johnson Yazzie
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1847 the Choctaw Nation's compassion for the suffering of the people of Ireland began decades of reciprocal giving, most recently including the Hopi and Navajo Nations. Evocative illustrations.
Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall
Lynn Brunelle
Illustrator: Jason Chin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, a rich ecosystem of diverse organisms develops around it. Finely detailed, realistic watercolor and gouache illustrations. Back matter.
Lynn Brunelle
Illustrator: Jason Chin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, a rich ecosystem of diverse organisms develops around it. Finely detailed, realistic watercolor and gouache illustrations. Back matter.
Lion of the Sky
Ritu Hemnani
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
When India's long-anticipated independence from British rule in 1947 pits Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims against each other, a Hindu boy's family must relocate and reinvent their lives. Free verse.
Ritu Hemnani
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
When India's long-anticipated independence from British rule in 1947 pits Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims against each other, a Hindu boy's family must relocate and reinvent their lives. Free verse.
Little Bit Super, A: With Small Powers Come Big Problems
Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt (Editors)
Illustrator: Jarrett Krosoczka
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Shape-shifting, time travel, and inter-species communication are just some of the talents that kids employ to deal with their real lives. Poem and short stories by multiple authors with a greyscale graphic format narrative woven throughout.
Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt (Editors)
Illustrator: Jarrett Krosoczka
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Shape-shifting, time travel, and inter-species communication are just some of the talents that kids employ to deal with their real lives. Poem and short stories by multiple authors with a greyscale graphic format narrative woven throughout.
Long Way Around, The
Anne Nesbet
Illustrator: Jamie Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
A family camping trip in Sequoia National Park takes an unexpected turn when three young cousins find themselves stranded in a harrowing wilderness disaster. Black-and-white spot illustrations and greyscale map.
Anne Nesbet
Illustrator: Jamie Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
A family camping trip in Sequoia National Park takes an unexpected turn when three young cousins find themselves stranded in a harrowing wilderness disaster. Black-and-white spot illustrations and greyscale map.
Lunar Boy
Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo
Illustrator: Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Indu, a trans boy, lives on the moon until he is adopted and transported to New Earth where he struggles to be himself and accepted by his new family and peers. Incandescent illustrations
Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo
Illustrator: Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Indu, a trans boy, lives on the moon until he is adopted and transported to New Earth where he struggles to be himself and accepted by his new family and peers. Incandescent illustrations
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All
Chanel Miller
Illustrator: Chanel Miller
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Chinese American Magnolia is stuck helping at her family's laundromat this summer. But a new acquaintance makes a game of finding owners for orphaned socks, and a new community blossoms. Expressive greyscale illustrations.
Chanel Miller
Illustrator: Chanel Miller
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Chinese American Magnolia is stuck helping at her family's laundromat this summer. But a new acquaintance makes a game of finding owners for orphaned socks, and a new community blossoms. Expressive greyscale illustrations.
Mama's Chicken and Dumplings
Dionna L. Mann
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1930s Virginia, Allie, a 10-year-old Black girl faces challenges: honing her flute-playing skills, a rivalry with a classmate, an entrepreneurial venture, and finding a mate for her now single mother.
Dionna L. Mann
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1930s Virginia, Allie, a 10-year-old Black girl faces challenges: honing her flute-playing skills, a rivalry with a classmate, an entrepreneurial venture, and finding a mate for her now single mother.
Maybe It's a Sign
E. L. Shen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Chinese American seventh grader Freya Sun struggles with grief after her dad's death, but she finds her own direction and a new passion for cooking. Recipes.
E. L. Shen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Chinese American seventh grader Freya Sun struggles with grief after her dad's death, but she finds her own direction and a new passion for cooking. Recipes.
Misunderstandings of Charity Brown, The
Elizabeth Laird
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1950s England, a girl recovering from polio grapples with changes in her family., the teachings of her strict religious community, and her first experiences with a wider world.
Elizabeth Laird
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1950s England, a girl recovering from polio grapples with changes in her family., the teachings of her strict religious community, and her first experiences with a wider world.
Mr. Pei's Perfect Shapes: The Story of Architect I. M. Pei
Julie Leung
Illustrator: Yifan Wu
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
The signature structures of a Chinese-born architect reflect his ground-breaking vision of integrating design and environment. Dazzling illustrations showcase Pei conceptualizing his creations. Back matter.
Julie Leung
Illustrator: Yifan Wu
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
The signature structures of a Chinese-born architect reflect his ground-breaking vision of integrating design and environment. Dazzling illustrations showcase Pei conceptualizing his creations. Back matter.
My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More
G. Neri
Illustrator: Corbn Wilkin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
A chronicle of the author's experiences on this extreme continent under the auspices of the National Science Foundation. Scrapbook-like format with photos, cartoon drawings, and personal reflections; extensive back matter.
G. Neri
Illustrator: Corbn Wilkin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
A chronicle of the author's experiences on this extreme continent under the auspices of the National Science Foundation. Scrapbook-like format with photos, cartoon drawings, and personal reflections; extensive back matter.
My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story
George Takei
Illustrator: Michelle Lee
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Actor George Takei recalls childhood experiences of prejudice and injustice in an American internment camp during World War II. Mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
George Takei
Illustrator: Michelle Lee
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Actor George Takei recalls childhood experiences of prejudice and injustice in an American internment camp during World War II. Mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
Next Stop
Debbie Fong
Illustrator: Debbie Fong
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Pia Xing, a shy middle schooler and social outcast, embarks on a life-changing bus tour that offers promising miracles to help her cope with her grief. Colorful and nuanced graphics.
Debbie Fong
Illustrator: Debbie Fong
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Pia Xing, a shy middle schooler and social outcast, embarks on a life-changing bus tour that offers promising miracles to help her cope with her grief. Colorful and nuanced graphics.
Nothing: John Cage and 4'33"
Nicholas Day
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1952 an avant-garde composer challenged an audience to listen as pianist David Tudor sat at the keyboard and didn't play. Imaginative watercolor, pencil, and ink illustrations.
Nicholas Day
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1952 an avant-garde composer challenged an audience to listen as pianist David Tudor sat at the keyboard and didn't play. Imaginative watercolor, pencil, and ink illustrations.
Not the Worst Friend in the World
Anne Rellihan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Can Louise, 11, who gave away a secret and hurt her best friend, be trusted by new girl Cece, who is convinced her father has kidnapped her?
Anne Rellihan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Can Louise, 11, who gave away a secret and hurt her best friend, be trusted by new girl Cece, who is convinced her father has kidnapped her?
Observologist, The: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions
Giselle Clarkson
Illustrator: Giselle Clarkson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Every page of this playful, informative field guide for young scientists and aspiring entomologists is elevated by detailed, comedic digital illustrations. Index.
Giselle Clarkson
Illustrator: Giselle Clarkson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Every page of this playful, informative field guide for young scientists and aspiring entomologists is elevated by detailed, comedic digital illustrations. Index.