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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On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories
Edited by Chris Baron, Joshua S. Levy. and Naomi Milliner
Illustrator: Shannon Hochman and Amy Ignatow
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Foillowing an explanation of each step of the Jewish seder, well-known authors using diverse literary forms share reimagined connections to the ritual. Dramatic black-and-white illustrations.
Edited by Chris Baron, Joshua S. Levy. and Naomi Milliner
Illustrator: Shannon Hochman and Amy Ignatow
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Foillowing an explanation of each step of the Jewish seder, well-known authors using diverse literary forms share reimagined connections to the ritual. Dramatic black-and-white illustrations.
One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them (Discovery Chronicles series)
Loree Griffin Burns
Illustrator: Jamie Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Jean-Henri Fabre's challenge to earlier explanations of the unique leader-follower behavior of caterpillars exemplifies the methodical process of scientific discovery. Evocative green-tone illustrations. Back matter
Loree Griffin Burns
Illustrator: Jamie Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Jean-Henri Fabre's challenge to earlier explanations of the unique leader-follower behavior of caterpillars exemplifies the methodical process of scientific discovery. Evocative green-tone illustrations. Back matter
One of a Kind: The Life of Sydney Taylor
Richard Michelson
Illustrator: Sarah Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Sarah Brenner, aka Sydney Taylor, began writing about growing up on the Lower East Side after her daughter asked for stories with Jewish protagonists. Colorful digital illustrations. Back matter.
Richard Michelson
Illustrator: Sarah Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Sarah Brenner, aka Sydney Taylor, began writing about growing up on the Lower East Side after her daughter asked for stories with Jewish protagonists. Colorful digital illustrations. Back matter.
On the Block: Stories of Home
Ellen Oh, ed
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Twelve interconnected stories of the identity and culture of the diverse kids and their families who live in one apartment house.
Ellen Oh, ed
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Twelve interconnected stories of the identity and culture of the diverse kids and their families who live in one apartment house.
Onyx & Beyond
Amber McBride
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1970 a 12-year-ol Black boy, Onyx, dreams of space and astronauts as he tries to protect his mother, who is living with dementia, keep himself safe, and accept help from others. Free verse.
Amber McBride
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
In 1970 a 12-year-ol Black boy, Onyx, dreams of space and astronauts as he tries to protect his mother, who is living with dementia, keep himself safe, and accept help from others. Free verse.
Out of the Valley of Horses
Wendy Orr
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Honey's Australian family once found refuge from a pandemic in a hidden, magical place. But now her dad's sick, she needs help, and the refuge won't let her leave.
Wendy Orr
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Honey's Australian family once found refuge from a pandemic in a hidden, magical place. But now her dad's sick, she needs help, and the refuge won't let her leave.
Outspoken: Paul Robeson: Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Divided into four acts—Youth, Artist, Activist, and Erased—this stirring first-person, free-verse narration, interwoven with lyrics of spirituals, plays tribute to the iconic actor and singer. Arresting oil paintings. Sources, notes, bibliography.
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Divided into four acts—Youth, Artist, Activist, and Erased—this stirring first-person, free-verse narration, interwoven with lyrics of spirituals, plays tribute to the iconic actor and singer. Arresting oil paintings. Sources, notes, bibliography.
Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow, The
Elaine Dimopoulos
Illustrator: Doug Salati
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
The arrival of turkey performers leaves rabbit Butternut sidelined when her siblings are dazzled by the newcomers. Expressive black-and-white illustrations. Map. Sequel to The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow.
Elaine Dimopoulos
Illustrator: Doug Salati
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
The arrival of turkey performers leaves rabbit Butternut sidelined when her siblings are dazzled by the newcomers. Expressive black-and-white illustrations. Map. Sequel to The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow.
Picture Purrfect (Bodega Cats series)
Hilda Eunice Burgos
Illustrator: Siara Faison
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Miguel, an aspiring artist (despite his parents' objections) creates superhero comic books that feature Super Cat, the Dominican American family's newly-adopted bodega cat, Lolo. Detailed greyscale illustrations.
Hilda Eunice Burgos
Illustrator: Siara Faison
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Miguel, an aspiring artist (despite his parents' objections) creates superhero comic books that feature Super Cat, the Dominican American family's newly-adopted bodega cat, Lolo. Detailed greyscale illustrations.
Plain Jane and the Mermaid
Vera Brosgol
Illustrator: Vera Brosgol
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Plucky Jane embarks on an epic underwater adventure full of menacing sea monsters, evil mermaids, and a handsome Selkie. Hilarious dialogue, exciting plot twists. Mesmerizing graphic panels in muted palette.
Vera Brosgol
Illustrator: Vera Brosgol
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Plucky Jane embarks on an epic underwater adventure full of menacing sea monsters, evil mermaids, and a handsome Selkie. Hilarious dialogue, exciting plot twists. Mesmerizing graphic panels in muted palette.
Planet Is a Poem, A
Amanda West Lewis
Illustrator: Oliver Averill
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Science and poetry merge on 14 solar system journeys, each with a gatefold fueled with facts and a differently styled poem, bursting in brilliant celestial hues. Poetic forms defined. Back matter.
Amanda West Lewis
Illustrator: Oliver Averill
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Science and poetry merge on 14 solar system journeys, each with a gatefold fueled with facts and a differently styled poem, bursting in brilliant celestial hues. Poetic forms defined. Back matter.
Planting Hope: A Portrait of Photographer Sebastião Salgado
Philip Hoelzel
Illustrator: Renato Alarcão
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
The life and work of the award-winning Brazilian photojournalist, humanitarian, and environmental activist, are chronicled through text and representational watercolor and pencil illustrations. Map. Author's note. Back matter.
Philip Hoelzel
Illustrator: Renato Alarcão
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
The life and work of the award-winning Brazilian photojournalist, humanitarian, and environmental activist, are chronicled through text and representational watercolor and pencil illustrations. Map. Author's note. Back matter.
Popcorn
Rob Harrell
Illustrator: Rob Harrell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Picture day might be Andrew's worst day ever. Greyscale comics and drawings. Author's note on OCD anxiety. Resources.
Rob Harrell
Illustrator: Rob Harrell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Picture day might be Andrew's worst day ever. Greyscale comics and drawings. Author's note on OCD anxiety. Resources.
Queer and Fearless: Poems Celebrating the Lives of LGBTQ+ Heroes
Rob Sanders
Illustrator: Harry Woodgate
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Seventeen LGBTQ+ activists and politicians, from Harvey Milk to Pete Buttigieg, are introduced through poems, biographical sidebars, and colorful, painterly, evocative illustrations. Back matter. Poetic styles explained.
Rob Sanders
Illustrator: Harry Woodgate
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Seventeen LGBTQ+ activists and politicians, from Harvey Milk to Pete Buttigieg, are introduced through poems, biographical sidebars, and colorful, painterly, evocative illustrations. Back matter. Poetic styles explained.
Red Bird Danced
Dawn Quigley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Ariel and Tomah find their voices as they mourn the suspicious death of Ariel's missing Auntie Bineshiinh with their Ojibwe community, inspiring activism. Lyrical text. Back matter.
Dawn Quigley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Ariel and Tomah find their voices as they mourn the suspicious death of Ariel's missing Auntie Bineshiinh with their Ojibwe community, inspiring activism. Lyrical text. Back matter.
Remembering Rosalind Franklin: Rosalind Franklin & the Discovery of the Double Helix Structure of DNA
Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrator: Gretchen Ellen Powers
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
A brilliant young woman who loved to solve problems unlocked the secret to DNA, but was never given credit for it during her lifetime. Delicate watercolors. Notes, sources.
Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrator: Gretchen Ellen Powers
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
A brilliant young woman who loved to solve problems unlocked the secret to DNA, but was never given credit for it during her lifetime. Delicate watercolors. Notes, sources.
Remember This: The Fascinating World of Memory (Orca Think series)
Monique Polak
Illustrator: Valéry Goulet
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Accessible text, photos, and colorful cartoon-style illustrations give clear, concise insight into the various forms of memory. Extensive back matter.
Monique Polak
Illustrator: Valéry Goulet
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Accessible text, photos, and colorful cartoon-style illustrations give clear, concise insight into the various forms of memory. Extensive back matter.
Rewild the World at Bedtime: Hopeful Stories From Mother Nature
Emily Hawkins
Illustrator: Ella Beech
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Twenty tales explore ecology projects around the world and their positive impact on native species and the environment. Mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
Emily Hawkins
Illustrator: Ella Beech
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Twenty tales explore ecology projects around the world and their positive impact on native species and the environment. Mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
Ribbon Skirt, The
Cameron Mukwa
Illustrator: Cameron Mukwa
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Humans and animals help a two-spirit Ojibwe child make a ribbon skirt for a powwow. Bold graphic panels combine realistic details with fantasy elements. Extensive back matter.
Cameron Mukwa
Illustrator: Cameron Mukwa
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Humans and animals help a two-spirit Ojibwe child make a ribbon skirt for a powwow. Bold graphic panels combine realistic details with fantasy elements. Extensive back matter.
Rica Baptista: A Week of Shenanigans
Janet Costs Bates
Illustrator: Gladys Jose
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
When Rica's grandfather sprains his ankle, it threatens to ruin their yearly adventure week. Humorous black and white digital illustrations.
Janet Costs Bates
Illustrator: Gladys Jose
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
When Rica's grandfather sprains his ankle, it threatens to ruin their yearly adventure week. Humorous black and white digital illustrations.
Rosa by Starlight
Hilary McKay
Illustrator: Matt Rockefeller
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
An orphaned girl, raised by cruel "in-laws," is taken from her beloved family home and abandoned in Venice. Will she find solace with the cats and magic she craves? Black-and-white illustrations.
Hilary McKay
Illustrator: Matt Rockefeller
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
An orphaned girl, raised by cruel "in-laws," is taken from her beloved family home and abandoned in Venice. Will she find solace with the cats and magic she craves? Black-and-white illustrations.
Safiyyah's War
Hiba Noor Khan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
After the Nazis occupy Paris, Safiyyah, a Muslim girl, becomes involved in her father's resistance work, sheltering Jews in the city's Grand Mosque and helping them escape to safety.
Hiba Noor Khan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
After the Nazis occupy Paris, Safiyyah, a Muslim girl, becomes involved in her father's resistance work, sheltering Jews in the city's Grand Mosque and helping them escape to safety.
Save Our Forest!
Nora Dåsnes
Illustrator: Nora Dåsnes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Middle schoolers learn, through trial and error, how to advocate effectively for a beloved wild area. Colorful, dramatic artwork. Sources. Includes guide for fledgling activists.
Nora Dåsnes
Illustrator: Nora Dåsnes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Middle schoolers learn, through trial and error, how to advocate effectively for a beloved wild area. Colorful, dramatic artwork. Sources. Includes guide for fledgling activists.
School for Invisible Boys, The (Kairos Files series)
Shaun David Hutchinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
When his best friend cruelly rejects his invitation to be his boyfriend, Hector wants to disappear. When that actually happens, he discovers that he's not the only student who has vanished.
Shaun David Hutchinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
When his best friend cruelly rejects his invitation to be his boyfriend, Hector wants to disappear. When that actually happens, he discovers that he's not the only student who has vanished.
Science of Friendship, The
Tanita S. Davis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Rylee believes in the sanctity of friendship, until she is pranked and abandoned in eighth grade and must plan to survive as a loner.
Tanita S. Davis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2024
Rylee believes in the sanctity of friendship, until she is pranked and abandoned in eighth grade and must plan to survive as a loner.