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/.
How to Perform a Search and Save a List
Search
Advanced Search
Fooled Ya!
by Jordan D. Brown
Illustrator: Emily Bornoff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Cartoon narrator Brian D. Brain guides readers through topics in neuroscience and psychology. Activities, glossary, and index.
by Jordan D. Brown
Illustrator: Emily Bornoff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Cartoon narrator Brian D. Brain guides readers through topics in neuroscience and psychology. Activities, glossary, and index.
Forever, or a Long, Long Time
by Caela Carter
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
After years in many foster homes, a sister and brother are finally adopted, but can they ever trust anyone?
by Caela Carter
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
After years in many foster homes, a sister and brother are finally adopted, but can they ever trust anyone?
Frederick Douglass
by Walter Dean Myers
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Determination and wise decisions as a youth led Frederick to learn to read, escape from slavery, and become a leading abolitionist. Soft erasure and oil-on-board illustrations.
by Walter Dean Myers
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Determination and wise decisions as a youth led Frederick to learn to read, escape from slavery, and become a leading abolitionist. Soft erasure and oil-on-board illustrations.
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up (Fighting for Justice series)
by Laura Atkins
Illustrator: Yutaka Houlette
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A Japanese American seeks justice for himself and others. Told in verse. Photographs, sources, bibliography, and other back matter.
by Laura Atkins
Illustrator: Yutaka Houlette
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A Japanese American seeks justice for himself and others. Told in verse. Photographs, sources, bibliography, and other back matter.
From Here to There
by HP Newquist
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A detailed historical timeline of locomotion from along the ground, on the water, and in the air, with a peek at the future. Visual artifacts included.
by HP Newquist
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A detailed historical timeline of locomotion from along the ground, on the water, and in the air, with a peek at the future. Visual artifacts included.
Genevieve's War
by Patricia Reilly Giff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
French American Genevieve, 13, makes a fateful decision to remain with her grandmother in Alsace, France, and help with her farm on the eve of World War II.
by Patricia Reilly Giff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
French American Genevieve, 13, makes a fateful decision to remain with her grandmother in Alsace, France, and help with her farm on the eve of World War II.
Georgia Rules
by Nanci Turner Steveson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
When Maggie inherits her estranged father's farm, her mother moves them to Vermont where an unusual family shows them that certain rules are made to be broken.
by Nanci Turner Steveson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
When Maggie inherits her estranged father's farm, her mother moves them to Vermont where an unusual family shows them that certain rules are made to be broken.
Gone Camping
by Tamera Will Wissinger
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
This playful verse narrative includes family humor, adventure, and sibling rivalry. Pen-and-ink, black-and-white illustrations.
by Tamera Will Wissinger
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
This playful verse narrative includes family humor, adventure, and sibling rivalry. Pen-and-ink, black-and-white illustrations.
Gorilla Dawn
by Gill Lewis
Illustrator: Susan Meyer
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A Congolese girl, kidnapped by rebels involved in an illegal mining operation which threatens animal habitats and village life, becomes “mother” to a gorilla baby. Black-and-white digitally rendered illustrations.
by Gill Lewis
Illustrator: Susan Meyer
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A Congolese girl, kidnapped by rebels involved in an illegal mining operation which threatens animal habitats and village life, becomes “mother” to a gorilla baby. Black-and-white digitally rendered illustrations.
Grand Canyon
written and illustrated by Jason Chin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
ARC - Information is seamlessly interwoven as a father and daughter explore the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon. Breathtaking detailed panoramic scenes. Well referenced.
written and illustrated by Jason Chin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
ARC - Information is seamlessly interwoven as a father and daughter explore the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon. Breathtaking detailed panoramic scenes. Well referenced.
Grandpa's Great Escape
by David Walliams
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Jack plans the rescue of his wonderful grandfather, a World War II ace, from a ghastly old folks home. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.
by David Walliams
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Jack plans the rescue of his wonderful grandfather, a World War II ace, from a ghastly old folks home. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.
Growing Peace
written and photographed by Richard Sobol
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
After experiencing the attack on the World Trade Center, J. J. Keki, Ugandan musician and coffee grower, went home to share his message of living in religious harmony. Photographs. Backmatter.
written and photographed by Richard Sobol
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
After experiencing the attack on the World Trade Center, J. J. Keki, Ugandan musician and coffee grower, went home to share his message of living in religious harmony. Photographs. Backmatter.
Harry Miller's Run
by David Almond
Illustrator: Salvatore Rubbino
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
As he helps pack Harry Miller's belongings, Leam, eleven, hears about the time Harry ran a half marathon in 1938. Colorful mixed-media illustrations.
by David Almond
Illustrator: Salvatore Rubbino
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
As he helps pack Harry Miller's belongings, Leam, eleven, hears about the time Harry ran a half marathon in 1938. Colorful mixed-media illustrations.
Her Right Foot
by Dave Eggers
Illustrator: Shawn Harris
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Learn the symbolic relevance, past and present, of the Statue of Liberty. Engaging construction paper and India ink illustrations.
by Dave Eggers
Illustrator: Shawn Harris
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Learn the symbolic relevance, past and present, of the Statue of Liberty. Engaging construction paper and India ink illustrations.
His Royal Whiskers
by Sam Gayton
Illustrator: Sydney Hanson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A young alchemist, a “mathemagician,” and a giant cat (really a prince) stage a revolution to take down an evil czar. Sly and satirical. Clever pencil drawings.
by Sam Gayton
Illustrator: Sydney Hanson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A young alchemist, a “mathemagician,” and a giant cat (really a prince) stage a revolution to take down an evil czar. Sly and satirical. Clever pencil drawings.
How Many Guinea Pigs Can Fit on a Plane?
by Laura Overdeck
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
How can you figure out the answers to these zany math questions? Helpful photographs and illustrations. Resources, and seven slick tricks.
by Laura Overdeck
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
How can you figure out the answers to these zany math questions? Helpful photographs and illustrations. Resources, and seven slick tricks.
If Sharks Disappeared
written and illustrated by Lily Williams
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Although they may seem fearsome, if there were no sharks all life on earth would be in peril. Clear, bold illustrations. Glossary, back matter, references.
written and illustrated by Lily Williams
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Although they may seem fearsome, if there were no sharks all life on earth would be in peril. Clear, bold illustrations. Glossary, back matter, references.
I'm Just No Good at Rhyming and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups
by Chris Harris
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
One hundred hilarious poems, often irreverent, zany, and sometimes tender, surprise at every turn with their variety of themes and styles. Humorous textured multimedia double-page spreads.
by Chris Harris
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
One hundred hilarious poems, often irreverent, zany, and sometimes tender, surprise at every turn with their variety of themes and styles. Humorous textured multimedia double-page spreads.
Impact!: Asteroids and the Science of Saving the World
by Elizabeth Rusch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Explore the search for asteroids that might collide with earth with the scientists who have made significant breakthroughs. Color photographs, charts, and back matter.
by Elizabeth Rusch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Explore the search for asteroids that might collide with earth with the scientists who have made significant breakthroughs. Color photographs, charts, and back matter.
In Darkling Wood
by Emma Carroll
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
What do the fairies in the woods of Alice's grandmother have to do with saving the life of her little brother who is recovering from a heart transplant?
by Emma Carroll
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
What do the fairies in the woods of Alice's grandmother have to do with saving the life of her little brother who is recovering from a heart transplant?
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine
by Caroline Starr Rose
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Jasper follows his brother to the “Klondike Gold Rush,” encountering danger and intriguing characters.
by Caroline Starr Rose
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Jasper follows his brother to the “Klondike Gold Rush,” encountering danger and intriguing characters.
Karl, Get Out of the Garden!
by Anita Sanchez
Illustrator: Catherine Stock
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A boy's love of nature leads him to give a scientific name to every living thing, creating the Linnean System. Pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations. Sources.
by Anita Sanchez
Illustrator: Catherine Stock
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
A boy's love of nature leads him to give a scientific name to every living thing, creating the Linnean System. Pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations. Sources.
Land Mammals of the World (Animal Journal series)
written and illustrated by Juan Carlos Alonso
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Text and scientific illustration detail a wealth of information about mammals, both common and esoteric.
written and illustrated by Juan Carlos Alonso
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Text and scientific illustration detail a wealth of information about mammals, both common and esoteric.
Last Day on Mars (Chronicle of the Dark Star series)
by Kevin Emerson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Thirteen-year-old Liam and Phoebe, the last humans left on Mars, discover a plot to exterminate humankind.
by Kevin Emerson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Thirteen-year-old Liam and Phoebe, the last humans left on Mars, discover a plot to exterminate humankind.
Lesser Spotted Animals
written and illustrated by Martin Brown
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Find out about little-known animals with outlandish names from the numbat to the zorilla and everything in between. Amusing illustrations. Glossary, back matter.
written and illustrated by Martin Brown
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Find out about little-known animals with outlandish names from the numbat to the zorilla and everything in between. Amusing illustrations. Glossary, back matter.