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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Eye Spy
written and illustrated by Guillaume Duprat
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Information about how insects, mammals, birds, and reptiles see is created with originality and craft. Glossary and bibliography. (Need info about illustrations)
written and illustrated by Guillaume Duprat
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Information about how insects, mammals, birds, and reptiles see is created with originality and craft. Glossary and bibliography. (Need info about illustrations)
Fairy Spell
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 1917, two girls and a camera duped a credulous public, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Archival photographs, watercolor and mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 1917, two girls and a camera duped a credulous public, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Archival photographs, watercolor and mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
Following Baxter
by Barbara Kerley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Jordie and younger brother TJ help their new neighbor, Professor Reese, and his dog Baxter with a risky science experiment that moves objects through space. Black-and-white flip book illustrations.
by Barbara Kerley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Jordie and younger brother TJ help their new neighbor, Professor Reese, and his dog Baxter with a risky science experiment that moves objects through space. Black-and-white flip book illustrations.
Front Desk
by Kelly Yang
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Chinese immigrants Mia, 10, and her parents lead a campaign to buy the motel they manage outside Disney World in the 1990's when it is suddenly up for sale. Will they succeed in time?
by Kelly Yang
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Chinese immigrants Mia, 10, and her parents lead a campaign to buy the motel they manage outside Disney World in the 1990's when it is suddenly up for sale. Will they succeed in time?
Granted
by John David Anderson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Fledgling wish-granting fairy Ophelia has a finite amount of magic available; so, how does she figure out, in this complicated world, which wishes should be granted?
by John David Anderson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Fledgling wish-granting fairy Ophelia has a finite amount of magic available; so, how does she figure out, in this complicated world, which wishes should be granted?
Grenade
by Alan Gratz
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Hideki, 13, an Okinawan student, and Ray, a young American Marine, meet on the battlefield during the Battle of Okinawa with grave consequences for both.
by Alan Gratz
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Hideki, 13, an Okinawan student, and Ray, a young American Marine, meet on the battlefield during the Battle of Okinawa with grave consequences for both.
Hammering for Freedom
by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Illustrator: John Holyfield
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Though born into slavery, William Lewis possessed skill as a blacksmith that enabled him to buy his freedom and his family's. Expressive color illustrations. Back matter.
by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Illustrator: John Holyfield
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Though born into slavery, William Lewis possessed skill as a blacksmith that enabled him to buy his freedom and his family's. Expressive color illustrations. Back matter.
Harbor Me
by Jacqueline Woodson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Six students in a fifth/six grade special needs class, assigned to a room where they can talk without adult supervision, bond as they discuss issues of immigration, racial discrimination, and economic disparities.
by Jacqueline Woodson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Six students in a fifth/six grade special needs class, assigned to a room where they can talk without adult supervision, bond as they discuss issues of immigration, racial discrimination, and economic disparities.
Hazelnut Days
by Emmanuel Bourdier
Illustrator: Za
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
A young boy experiences mixed emotions from love to anger whenever he and his mother visit his incarcerated father every Saturday. Charcoal illustrations on beige paper.
by Emmanuel Bourdier
Illustrator: Za
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
A young boy experiences mixed emotions from love to anger whenever he and his mother visit his incarcerated father every Saturday. Charcoal illustrations on beige paper.
Hermes
written and illustrated by George O'Connor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Meet the god of shepherds, thieves, fables, and much more, who, as a mischievous newborn, cunningly stole Apollo's sacred herd. Dramatic graphic panels and extensive back matter..
written and illustrated by George O'Connor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Meet the god of shepherds, thieves, fables, and much more, who, as a mischievous newborn, cunningly stole Apollo's sacred herd. Dramatic graphic panels and extensive back matter..
Herstory
by Katherine Halligan
Illustrator: Sarah Walsh
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Fifty short life stories of women, some familiar, others not, who have made an important mark on the world. Gouache and colored pencil illustrations.
by Katherine Halligan
Illustrator: Sarah Walsh
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Fifty short life stories of women, some familiar, others not, who have made an important mark on the world. Gouache and colored pencil illustrations.
Howard and the Mummy
by Tracey Fern
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Brilliant, mixed media illustrations illuminate the true adventure of Howard Carter's lifelong search for an Egyptian king's tomb. Back matter.
by Tracey Fern
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Brilliant, mixed media illustrations illuminate the true adventure of Howard Carter's lifelong search for an Egyptian king's tomb. Back matter.
How Sweet The Sound
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
John Newton, a slave trader who became an English minister and an abolitionist, wrote a stirring and still inspiring hymn. Illustrated with bold oil paintings. Back matter.
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
John Newton, a slave trader who became an English minister and an abolitionist, wrote a stirring and still inspiring hymn. Illustrated with bold oil paintings. Back matter.
Hunger
by Donna Jo Napoli
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 1846 Ireland, Lorraine's family, like many others, leases farmland from English landowners. Then a blight wipes out the crucial potato crop. Extensive back matter.
by Donna Jo Napoli
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 1846 Ireland, Lorraine's family, like many others, leases farmland from English landowners. Then a blight wipes out the crucial potato crop. Extensive back matter.
I Am Loved
by Nikki Giovanni
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Joyous poems, some with African-American themes, are illustrated with vibrant watercolor artwork.
by Nikki Giovanni
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Joyous poems, some with African-American themes, are illustrated with vibrant watercolor artwork.
Imagine!
written and illustrated by Raúl Colón
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
A boy visits a museum where the figures in paintings come alive. Together, they leave the museum, spending the day visiting New York City. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Raúl Colón
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
A boy visits a museum where the figures in paintings come alive. Together, they leave the museum, spending the day visiting New York City. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations.
I'm OK
by Patti Kim
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
When his father dies unexpectedly, OK, the child of Korean immigrants, tries to make money, and in the process finds friendship and his own identity.
by Patti Kim
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
When his father dies unexpectedly, OK, the child of Korean immigrants, tries to make money, and in the process finds friendship and his own identity.
In Harm's Way
by Iain Martin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
ARC Vivid quotes and archival photographs recall John F. Kennedy's PT 109 experiences in World War II. Back matter.
by Iain Martin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
ARC Vivid quotes and archival photographs recall John F. Kennedy's PT 109 experiences in World War II. Back matter.
Inkling
by Kenneth Oppel
Illustrator: Sydney Smith
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
An inkspot comes alive and enables Ethan to draw with confidence, restores his father's artistic abilities, and enriches the life of his developmentally disabled sister. Sketchy, comic illustrations.
by Kenneth Oppel
Illustrator: Sydney Smith
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
An inkspot comes alive and enables Ethan to draw with confidence, restores his father's artistic abilities, and enriches the life of his developmentally disabled sister. Sketchy, comic illustrations.
Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea (Citizen Kid series)
by Elizabeth Suneby
Illustrator: Rebecca Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In Bangladesh, Iqbal creates a solar cooker, to both help his mother and win the science fair. Color pencil and digital illustrations. Note, project instructions, and glossary.
by Elizabeth Suneby
Illustrator: Rebecca Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In Bangladesh, Iqbal creates a solar cooker, to both help his mother and win the science fair. Color pencil and digital illustrations. Note, project instructions, and glossary.
Itch!
by Anita Sanchez
Illustrator: Gilbert Ford
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Learn about insects and plants that make human animals and birds uncomfortable - and what can be done to combat the pests. Humorous illustrations. Glossary, notes, and bibliography.
by Anita Sanchez
Illustrator: Gilbert Ford
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Learn about insects and plants that make human animals and birds uncomfortable - and what can be done to combat the pests. Humorous illustrations. Glossary, notes, and bibliography.
Journey of the Pale Bear
by Susan Fletcher
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 1752, runaway Arthur, 12, winds up looking after a polar bear en route from Norway to the King of England. Will either ever be free?
by Susan Fletcher
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 1752, runaway Arthur, 12, winds up looking after a polar bear en route from Norway to the King of England. Will either ever be free?
Just Like Jackie
by Lindsey Stoddard
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Robinson can do just about anything, including care for her Alzheimer's-afflicted grandfather. But she struggles to emulate her namesake, Jackie Robinson, and control her temper.
by Lindsey Stoddard
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Robinson can do just about anything, including care for her Alzheimer's-afflicted grandfather. But she struggles to emulate her namesake, Jackie Robinson, and control her temper.
Kasey & Ivy
by Alison Hughes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Because of a rare bone disease infection, Kasey, 12, spends a month in the geriatric ward of a local hospital, where she makes some unusual friendships.
by Alison Hughes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Because of a rare bone disease infection, Kasey, 12, spends a month in the geriatric ward of a local hospital, where she makes some unusual friendships.
Knights vs. Dinosaurs
written and illustrated by Matt Phelan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Merlin sends the Knights of the Round Table on a new conquest to find and slay the storied Terrible Lizards. Varied black-and-white illustrations
written and illustrated by Matt Phelan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Merlin sends the Knights of the Round Table on a new conquest to find and slay the storied Terrible Lizards. Varied black-and-white illustrations