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 Wild Robot Escapes
written and illustrated by Peter Brown
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
A robot, originally built for servitude, spent years in the wild. Now refurbished and sold to a farm, she longs to return to her island home. Charcoal illustrations.
written and illustrated by Peter Brown
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
A robot, originally built for servitude, spent years in the wild. Now refurbished and sold to a farm, she longs to return to her island home. Charcoal illustrations.
Thirteen ways of Looking at a Black Boy
by Tony Medina
Illustrator: 13 artists
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Written Tanka poems celebrate black boyhood, its ups and its downs. Illustrators include Floyd Cooper, Javaka Steptoe, and Ekua Holmes.
by Tony Medina
Illustrator: 13 artists
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Written Tanka poems celebrate black boyhood, its ups and its downs. Illustrators include Floyd Cooper, Javaka Steptoe, and Ekua Holmes.
Thirty Minutes Over Oregon
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Illustrator: Melissa Iwai
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 1942, a Japanese pilot dropped bombs on Oregon, although they didn't do much damage. Twenty years later, his story became a tale of redemption. Bright watercolor illustrations. Bibliography.
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Illustrator: Melissa Iwai
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 1942, a Japanese pilot dropped bombs on Oregon, although they didn't do much damage. Twenty years later, his story became a tale of redemption. Bright watercolor illustrations. Bibliography.
Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word
by Sarah Jane Marsh
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
This well-researched and documented biography recounts the life and work of the man whose Common Sense issued a wake-up call that rallied the American people to declare independence. Lively, colorful illustrations. Extensive back matter.
by Sarah Jane Marsh
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
This well-researched and documented biography recounts the life and work of the man whose Common Sense issued a wake-up call that rallied the American people to declare independence. Lively, colorful illustrations. Extensive back matter.
Tom's Midnight Garden
by Philippa Pearce
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
When his brother becomes gravely ill, Tom goes to live with his aunt and uncle whose house has a mysterious time-travelling clock. Detailed illustrations with muted color palette.
by Philippa Pearce
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
When his brother becomes gravely ill, Tom goes to live with his aunt and uncle whose house has a mysterious time-travelling clock. Detailed illustrations with muted color palette.
To Pluto & Beyond
by Elaine Scott
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 2006 NASA launched a New Horizons spacecraft to explore Pluto and it surroundings. Includes images being sent now from the spacecraft. Amazing photographs, bibliography.
by Elaine Scott
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In 2006 NASA launched a New Horizons spacecraft to explore Pluto and it surroundings. Includes images being sent now from the spacecraft. Amazing photographs, bibliography.
Trees (Science Comics)
written and illustrated by Andy Hirsch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Interesting facts about trees and their behavior are shared in comic book format. Back matter includes glossary, bibliography, and leaf illustrations encouraging tree identification. Digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Andy Hirsch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Interesting facts about trees and their behavior are shared in comic book format. Back matter includes glossary, bibliography, and leaf illustrations encouraging tree identification. Digital illustrations.
Vivid: Poems & Notes About Color
written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
The arts and science of colors are celebrated with clever verse, whimsical gouache illustrations, and a multitude of fascinating facts and wordplay.
written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
The arts and science of colors are celebrated with clever verse, whimsical gouache illustrations, and a multitude of fascinating facts and wordplay.
Voices From the Underground Railroad
by Kay Winters
Illustrator: Larry Day
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Two young runaway slaves embark on a harrowing journey, seeking freedom. `Told in free verse. Poignant evocative mixed-media illustrations. References, notes, and endpaper maps.
by Kay Winters
Illustrator: Larry Day
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Two young runaway slaves embark on a harrowing journey, seeking freedom. `Told in free verse. Poignant evocative mixed-media illustrations. References, notes, and endpaper maps.
We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices
edited by Wade Hudson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In prose, poetry, letters, and songs, people of color offer inspiration and advice. Varied color illustrations and photographs. Back matter.
edited by Wade Hudson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
In prose, poetry, letters, and songs, people of color offer inspiration and advice. Varied color illustrations and photographs. Back matter.
What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?
by Chris Barton
Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Jordan's bold voice took her to places few African America women had been in the 1960s, and finally to the US Congress, where her oratory and integrity shone. Simple language and mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
by Chris Barton
Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Jordan's bold voice took her to places few African America women had been in the 1960s, and finally to the US Congress, where her oratory and integrity shone. Simple language and mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
Who Says Women Can't Be Computer Programmers?
by Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
The only legitimate child of Lord Byron, Ada grew to be a brilliant mathematician whose work became recognized as the debut of computer programming. Lively gouache and India ink illustrations. Back matter.
by Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
The only legitimate child of Lord Byron, Ada grew to be a brilliant mathematician whose work became recognized as the debut of computer programming. Lively gouache and India ink illustrations. Back matter.
Winterhouse
by Ben Guterson
Illustrator: Chloe Bristol
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
When orphan Elizabeth is sent alone to a luxurious hotel at Christmastime, little does she suspect that Winterhouse offers life-changing adventures and magic. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Ben Guterson
Illustrator: Chloe Bristol
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
When orphan Elizabeth is sent alone to a luxurious hotel at Christmastime, little does she suspect that Winterhouse offers life-changing adventures and magic. Black-and-white illustrations.
You Are Mighty
by Caroline Paul
Illustrator: Lauren Tamaki
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
This engaging and informative guide tells kids how to become effective social activists. Back-and-white spot illustrations.
by Caroline Paul
Illustrator: Lauren Tamaki
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
This engaging and informative guide tells kids how to become effective social activists. Back-and-white spot illustrations.
You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!
by Alex Gino
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
“JillyinP” and “profoundinoaktown” start out chatting online about their favorite fantasy series, but move on to discuss deafness, racism, and other real world topics.
by Alex Gino
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
“JillyinP” and “profoundinoaktown” start out chatting online about their favorite fantasy series, but move on to discuss deafness, racism, and other real world topics.
You Go First
by Erin Entrada Kelly
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Separated by 1000 miles but connected by their online Scrabble game, gifted outsiders Charlotte and Ben help each other through school, relationship, and family adversity.
by Erin Entrada Kelly
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Separated by 1000 miles but connected by their online Scrabble game, gifted outsiders Charlotte and Ben help each other through school, relationship, and family adversity.
Your Amazing Skin from Outside In
by Joanne Settel, PhD
Illustrator: Bonnie Timmons
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Through informative rhymed text and fact-filled prose, readers learn all about all kinds of skin and its care. Humorous digital illustrations. Glossary.
by Joanne Settel, PhD
Illustrator: Bonnie Timmons
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
Through informative rhymed text and fact-filled prose, readers learn all about all kinds of skin and its care. Humorous digital illustrations. Glossary.
Zora & Me: The Cursed Ground
by T. R. Simon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
When Zora and friend Carrie see their neighbor's prize horse running away, they become involved in a mystery dating back to 1855, during the era of slavery in the U. S.
by T. R. Simon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2018
When Zora and friend Carrie see their neighbor's prize horse running away, they become involved in a mystery dating back to 1855, during the era of slavery in the U. S.
A Boy Called Bat
by Elana K. Arnold
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A young boy who is troubled in human relationships falls in love with an orphan skunk. Black and white illustrations.
by Elana K. Arnold
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A young boy who is troubled in human relationships falls in love with an orphan skunk. Black and white illustrations.
A Fair Deal
by Kari Jones
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Photographs and stories of fair trade organizations from many countries help with understanding the history and importance of purchasing goods from makers who are treated and compensated fairly.
by Kari Jones
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Photographs and stories of fair trade organizations from many countries help with understanding the history and importance of purchasing goods from makers who are treated and compensated fairly.
Ahimsa
by Supriya Kelkar
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
When her Brahmin-born mother becomes a freedom fighter in 1942 India, Anjali, 10, finds she must overcome ingrained prejudices and superstitions as she also becomes an activist.
by Supriya Kelkar
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
When her Brahmin-born mother becomes a freedom fighter in 1942 India, Anjali, 10, finds she must overcome ingrained prejudices and superstitions as she also becomes an activist.
All's Faire in Middle School
written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Can Imogene survive her own mistakes, middle school, and being a knight-in-training at the Renaissance Fair where her family works? Color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Can Imogene survive her own mistakes, middle school, and being a knight-in-training at the Renaissance Fair where her family works? Color illustrations.
Almost Paradise
by
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
ARC - After her mother is sent to jail, 12-year-old Ruby Clyde must rekindle a relationship with her mother's estranged identical twin sister, who is a nun.
by
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
ARC - After her mother is sent to jail, 12-year-old Ruby Clyde must rekindle a relationship with her mother's estranged identical twin sister, who is a nun.
Almost Paradise
by Corabel Shofner
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
After her mother is sent to jail, 12-year-old Ruby Clyde must rekindle a relationship with her mother's estranged identical twin sister, who is a nun.
by Corabel Shofner
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
After her mother is sent to jail, 12-year-old Ruby Clyde must rekindle a relationship with her mother's estranged identical twin sister, who is a nun.
Amina's Voice
by Hena Khan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Amina is a young Pakistani American who is musically gifted but suffers from stage fright. Can she find the courage to perform when it really counts?
by Hena Khan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Amina is a young Pakistani American who is musically gifted but suffers from stage fright. Can she find the courage to perform when it really counts?