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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The Year We Fell From Space
by Amy Sarig King
Illustrator: Nina Goffi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Liberty draws new constellations to help cope with her father's depression and the separation of her parents. A poignant portrayal of a changing family.
by Amy Sarig King
Illustrator: Nina Goffi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Liberty draws new constellations to help cope with her father's depression and the separation of her parents. A poignant portrayal of a changing family.
This Promise of Change
by Jo Ann Allen Boyce
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Jo Ann Allen Boyce shares her experience as one of 12 black teens integrating Tennessee's Clinton High School in 1956. Archival photographs, timeline, and bibliography.
by Jo Ann Allen Boyce
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Jo Ann Allen Boyce shares her experience as one of 12 black teens integrating Tennessee's Clinton High School in 1956. Archival photographs, timeline, and bibliography.
Todos Iguales - All Equal
written and illustrated by Christy Hale
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
In the 1930s, Mexican Americans fought for their right to attend an integrated elementary school in Lemon Grove, California. Illustrations in gouache and relief printing inks. Told in English and in Spanish. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Christy Hale
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
In the 1930s, Mexican Americans fought for their right to attend an integrated elementary school in Lemon Grove, California. Illustrations in gouache and relief printing inks. Told in English and in Spanish. Back matter.
To Night Owl From Dogfish
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
When their dads fall in love, Bett from California and Avery from New York City, both 12, are sent to camp to get to know each other with interesting results.
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
When their dads fall in love, Bett from California and Avery from New York City, both 12, are sent to camp to get to know each other with interesting results.
Tree of Dreams
by Laura Resau
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Thrust into the conflict between oil companies ad the indigenous people in the Amazon, Coco, her mother, and her best friends fight for the forest's survival.
by Laura Resau
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Thrust into the conflict between oil companies ad the indigenous people in the Amazon, Coco, her mother, and her best friends fight for the forest's survival.
Tunnel of Bones
by Victoria Schwab
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Cassidy, 12, and her best friend, a ghost, navigate ”the veil” between this world and the next. Can they free a menacing poltergeist in Paris?
by Victoria Schwab
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Cassidy, 12, and her best friend, a ghost, navigate ”the veil” between this world and the next. Can they free a menacing poltergeist in Paris?
Under Pressure
by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Illustrator: Marie-Ève Tremblay
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
What happens to our bodies under stress, when stress can be helpful, and “stress busters,” are explained simply. Humorous digital art. Sources, index.
by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Illustrator: Marie-Ève Tremblay
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
What happens to our bodies under stress, when stress can be helpful, and “stress busters,” are explained simply. Humorous digital art. Sources, index.
Unseen Worlds
by Hélène Rajcak
Illustrator: Damien Laverdunt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Colorful, detailed, double-page spreads with fold-outs identify magnified microscopic creatures in their environments, including the beach, ocean, forest, beds, and skin.
by Hélène Rajcak
Illustrator: Damien Laverdunt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Colorful, detailed, double-page spreads with fold-outs identify magnified microscopic creatures in their environments, including the beach, ocean, forest, beds, and skin.
¡Vamos!
written and illustrated by Raúl the Third
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Little Lobo, with his dog Bernabé, has lots of deliveries to make, and so he loads up his wagon to go to the mercado. Ink illustrations with photoshopped colors.
written and illustrated by Raúl the Third
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Little Lobo, with his dog Bernabé, has lots of deliveries to make, and so he loads up his wagon to go to the mercado. Ink illustrations with photoshopped colors.
Vasilisa the Wise & Other Tales of Brave Young Women
retold by Kate Forsyth
Illustrator: Lorena Carrington
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Seven tales with feminist themes are accompanied by haunting black-and-white photo collages. Extensive author and illustrator notes and sources.
retold by Kate Forsyth
Illustrator: Lorena Carrington
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Seven tales with feminist themes are accompanied by haunting black-and-white photo collages. Extensive author and illustrator notes and sources.
Voyage of the Frostheart
by Jamie Littler
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
In a frozen land, Ash, an outcast, travels the wild snow sea and faces many perils with a hearty crew of pathfinders. Lively black-and-white illustrations.
by Jamie Littler
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
In a frozen land, Ash, an outcast, travels the wild snow sea and faces many perils with a hearty crew of pathfinders. Lively black-and-white illustrations.
We're Not From Here
by Geoff Rodkey
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
The human family that desperately tries to survive on Planet Choom encounters issues that are remarkably earthly. Funny, creative, and relevant.
by Geoff Rodkey
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
The human family that desperately tries to survive on Planet Choom encounters issues that are remarkably earthly. Funny, creative, and relevant.
Where the Heart Is
by Jo Knowles
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
The summer before 8th grade, Rachel, 13, struggles with friendship, her sexual identity, social class, and the foreclosure of her home. Change is certainly bittersweet.
by Jo Knowles
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
The summer before 8th grade, Rachel, 13, struggles with friendship, her sexual identity, social class, and the foreclosure of her home. Change is certainly bittersweet.
White Bird
written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
French girl Sara, separated from her parents, is hidden from the Nazis by classmate Julien, a polio victim, and his parents. Digital art. Back matter and biographical information.
written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
French girl Sara, separated from her parents, is hidden from the Nazis by classmate Julien, a polio victim, and his parents. Digital art. Back matter and biographical information.
Wish on All the Stars
by Lisa Schroeder
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
There is only one way to save Mr. and Mrs. Button's bookmobile, but first Juliet will have to conquer her own fears ad self doubt.
by Lisa Schroeder
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
There is only one way to save Mr. and Mrs. Button's bookmobile, but first Juliet will have to conquer her own fears ad self doubt.
You Are Enough
by Jen Petro-Roy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
This self-help manual explores techniques, resources, and the personal journey of the author to overcome her eating disorder.
by Jen Petro-Roy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
This self-help manual explores techniques, resources, and the personal journey of the author to overcome her eating disorder.
Your Amazing Digestion from Mouth Through Intestine
by Joanne Settel
Illustrator: Steve Björkman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Catchy rhymes follow pizza from mouth to anus and explain the digestive system. Quirky pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations. Back matter includes extensive glossary.
by Joanne Settel
Illustrator: Steve Björkman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2019
Catchy rhymes follow pizza from mouth to anus and explain the digestive system. Quirky pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations. Back matter includes extensive glossary.
24 Hours in Nowhere
by Dusti Bowling
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
ARC When Rossi gives bully Bo her bike to rescue Gus, he agrees to bring Bo gold from a lethal collapsing mine to get the bike back.
by Dusti Bowling
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
ARC When Rossi gives bully Bo her bike to rescue Gus, he agrees to bring Bo gold from a lethal collapsing mine to get the bike back.
Acadia Files
by Katie Coppens
Illustrator: Holly Hatam
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Curious Acadia uses the scientific method to find out why her hair is curly, where sand comes from, and more. Entertaining, informative illustrations. Includes experiments. Website resources.
by Katie Coppens
Illustrator: Holly Hatam
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Curious Acadia uses the scientific method to find out why her hair is curly, where sand comes from, and more. Entertaining, informative illustrations. Includes experiments. Website resources.
A Grain of Rice
written and illustrated by Helena Clare Pittman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
A very smart but poor man tries to win the hand of a princess by using his math skills. An engaging tale set in China. Pencil drawings. Extensive afterword explains the math in the story.
written and illustrated by Helena Clare Pittman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
A very smart but poor man tries to win the hand of a princess by using his math skills. An engaging tale set in China. Pencil drawings. Extensive afterword explains the math in the story.
A Lady Has the Floor
by Kate Hannigan
Illustrator: Alison Jay
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Teacher, lawyer, and candidate in the 1880's presidential campaigns, this courageous, determined suffragette broke down barriers of inequality. Quotes are integrated in folk art style illustrations. Extensive back matter.
by Kate Hannigan
Illustrator: Alison Jay
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Teacher, lawyer, and candidate in the 1880's presidential campaigns, this courageous, determined suffragette broke down barriers of inequality. Quotes are integrated in folk art style illustrations. Extensive back matter.
All the Things that Could Go Wrong
by Stewart Foster
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Alex, who suffers from severe OCD, and Dan, a bully, join forces to build a raft with surprising results for both of them.
by Stewart Foster
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Alex, who suffers from severe OCD, and Dan, a bully, join forces to build a raft with surprising results for both of them.
A Long Line of Cakes
by Deborah Wiles
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
ARC Moving yet again, 11-year-old Emma resolves not to make friends when her family arrives in Halleluia, Mississippi, but Ruby Lavendar changes her mind.
by Deborah Wiles
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
ARC Moving yet again, 11-year-old Emma resolves not to make friends when her family arrives in Halleluia, Mississippi, but Ruby Lavendar changes her mind.
Amal Unbound
by Aisha Saeed
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Amal's dreams of becoming a teacher appear to be shattered when she insults Jawad Khan and becomes an indentured servant to his powerful family.
by Aisha Saeed
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Amal's dreams of becoming a teacher appear to be shattered when she insults Jawad Khan and becomes an indentured servant to his powerful family.
Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
by Hilda Eunice Burgos
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Living in NYC, Dominican-American Ana Maria tries to win a scholarship to a prestigious private school, but family circumstances present her with big challenges.
by Hilda Eunice Burgos
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Living in NYC, Dominican-American Ana Maria tries to win a scholarship to a prestigious private school, but family circumstances present her with big challenges.