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 Wedding Portrait
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
ARC - Discover some of the different ways that people can take action when they see something that is wrong or unjust in the world. Bold striking illustrations.
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
ARC - Discover some of the different ways that people can take action when they see something that is wrong or unjust in the world. Bold striking illustrations.
The Witch Boy
written and illustrated by Molly Ostertag
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Aster is drawn towards witchcraft which boys are not allowed to learn. Can he save the shapeshifters with magic? Graphic format and diverse characters.
written and illustrated by Molly Ostertag
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Aster is drawn towards witchcraft which boys are not allowed to learn. Can he save the shapeshifters with magic? Graphic format and diverse characters.
The Wonderling
by Mira Bartók
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
With the gifts of song and true friends, Number Thirteen, a one-eared, foxlike groundling, and other human-animal creatures, escape the orphanage to seek his origins. Detailed pencil illustrations.
by Mira Bartók
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
With the gifts of song and true friends, Number Thirteen, a one-eared, foxlike groundling, and other human-animal creatures, escape the orphanage to seek his origins. Detailed pencil illustrations.
The World's Greatest Detective
by Caroline Carlson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
This Victorian period whodunit is enlivened with amusing, idiosyncratic characters and hilarious incidents.
by Caroline Carlson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
This Victorian period whodunit is enlivened with amusing, idiosyncratic characters and hilarious incidents.
This is Our Constitution
by Khizr Khan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Mr. Khan, a lawyer, provides the historical context of the Constitution, a cornerstone of American democracy, explaining it amendment by amendment for today's young people. Back matter.
by Khizr Khan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Mr. Khan, a lawyer, provides the historical context of the Constitution, a cornerstone of American democracy, explaining it amendment by amendment for today's young people. Back matter.
Threads of Blue
by Suzanne LaFleur
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Mathilde reunites with the other members of the Adolescent Army and awaits her fate for her past treasonous act. A sequel to Beautiful Blue World.
by Suzanne LaFleur
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Mathilde reunites with the other members of the Adolescent Army and awaits her fate for her past treasonous act. A sequel to Beautiful Blue World.
Three Pennies
by Melanie Crowder
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
She's at a tricky age in foster care but, surprisingly, someone seeks to adopt 11-year-old Marin. She, however, is convinced her mother will return for her.
by Melanie Crowder
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
She's at a tricky age in foster care but, surprisingly, someone seeks to adopt 11-year-old Marin. She, however, is convinced her mother will return for her.
Train I Ride
by Paul Mosier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
On a train from Palm Springs to Chicago to live with an uncle she's never met, Rydr, 13, is also on a journey of self-discovery.
by Paul Mosier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
On a train from Palm Springs to Chicago to live with an uncle she's never met, Rydr, 13, is also on a journey of self-discovery.
Traveling the Blue Road
collected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrator: Bob Hansman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
This collection of poems honors the voyages of explorers, the enslaved, the Pilgrims, immigrants, and refugees. Powerful mixed-media illustrations and historical notes.`
collected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrator: Bob Hansman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
This collection of poems honors the voyages of explorers, the enslaved, the Pilgrims, immigrants, and refugees. Powerful mixed-media illustrations and historical notes.`
Tumble & Blue
by Cassie Beasley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Friends, Blue and Tumble, must overcome a family curse that causes them to never succeed - which means confronting the golden alligator that can undo the curse.
by Cassie Beasley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Friends, Blue and Tumble, must overcome a family curse that causes them to never succeed - which means confronting the golden alligator that can undo the curse.
Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge
by Kristin L. Gray
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Vilonia struggles to help her father keep the household going after her grandmother dies and her mother becomes depressed.
by Kristin L. Gray
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Vilonia struggles to help her father keep the household going after her grandmother dies and her mother becomes depressed.
Walking with Miss Millie
by Tamara Bundy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Alice, a white girl, learns about accepting loss and misjudging people during her daily walks with her elderly African American neighbor in 1960's Georgia.
by Tamara Bundy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Alice, a white girl, learns about accepting loss and misjudging people during her daily walks with her elderly African American neighbor in 1960's Georgia.
When My Sister Started Kissing
by Helen Frost
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Spending the summer at their beloved lake, 11-year-old Claire and 13-year-old Abi watch each other and their world change. Told through poems.
by Helen Frost
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Spending the summer at their beloved lake, 11-year-old Claire and 13-year-old Abi watch each other and their world change. Told through poems.
Wishtree
by Katherine Applegate
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
ARC - Narrated with gentle humor by a tree, the tree faces mortality and gets her neighborhood to welcome a Muslim girl. Black-and-white illustrations. [ check final for illustrations not seen in ARC]
by Katherine Applegate
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
ARC - Narrated with gentle humor by a tree, the tree faces mortality and gets her neighborhood to welcome a Muslim girl. Black-and-white illustrations. [ check final for illustrations not seen in ARC]
Yoga for You
by Rebecca Rissman
Illustrator: Colonel Moutarde
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
An introduction depicting the value of the ancient activity is presented with illustrated energizing and calming yoga sequences.
by Rebecca Rissman
Illustrator: Colonel Moutarde
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
An introduction depicting the value of the ancient activity is presented with illustrated energizing and calming yoga sequences.
Zoo Scientists to the Rescue
by Patricia Newman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Three scientists bring their study of endangered species to zoos, guiding their care. Clear format with photographs and illustrations that enhance the text. End matter.
by Patricia Newman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2017
Three scientists bring their study of endangered species to zoos, guiding their care. Clear format with photographs and illustrations that enhance the text. End matter.
23 Ways to Be an Eco Hero
by Isabel Thomas
Illustrator: Chris Andrews
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Detailed instructions for reusing, recycling, and for creating outdoor gardens and wildlife havens to protect the environment. Helpful colorful illustrations and glossary.
by Isabel Thomas
Illustrator: Chris Andrews
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Detailed instructions for reusing, recycling, and for creating outdoor gardens and wildlife havens to protect the environment. Helpful colorful illustrations and glossary.
5 Giraffes
by Anne Innis Dagg
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
With a strong emphasis on conservation, the author presents five giraffes living in nature reserves and zoos around the world. Beautiful photographs add to the text. Includes index, glossary and bibliography.
by Anne Innis Dagg
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
With a strong emphasis on conservation, the author presents five giraffes living in nature reserves and zoos around the world. Beautiful photographs add to the text. Includes index, glossary and bibliography.
A Bandit's Tale
by Deborah Hopkinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In 1880s New York, young immigrant Rocco has to beg and steal in order to survive, but evolves into a social reformer. Vintage photographs and historical sources.
by Deborah Hopkinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In 1880s New York, young immigrant Rocco has to beg and steal in order to survive, but evolves into a social reformer. Vintage photographs and historical sources.
A is for Activist
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Bold graphic illustrations accompany this rhymed alphabet book that may spark activism and will certainly spark conversation.
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Bold graphic illustrations accompany this rhymed alphabet book that may spark activism and will certainly spark conversation.
A Long Pitch Home
by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Desperately missing his father left behind in Pakistan, cricket-playing Bilal must adjust to the United States, to baseball, and to an unexpected friendship with a girl pitcher.
by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Desperately missing his father left behind in Pakistan, cricket-playing Bilal must adjust to the United States, to baseball, and to an unexpected friendship with a girl pitcher.
A Poem for Peter
by Angela Davis Pinkney
Illustrator: Lou Fancher
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
A Polish immigrant fulfills his dream of becoming a famous author/illustrator by creating a groundbreaking book featuring an African American child. Soft acrylic and pencil art.
by Angela Davis Pinkney
Illustrator: Lou Fancher
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
A Polish immigrant fulfills his dream of becoming a famous author/illustrator by creating a groundbreaking book featuring an African American child. Soft acrylic and pencil art.
As Brave As You
by Jason Reynolds
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Two Brooklyn brothers spend four weeks with their grandparents in rural Virginia learning about picking peas - and family secrets about racism and wartime loss.
by Jason Reynolds
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Two Brooklyn brothers spend four weeks with their grandparents in rural Virginia learning about picking peas - and family secrets about racism and wartime loss.
A Spy Called James
by Anne Rockwell
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Enslaved in Virginia, James agrees to spy for the American army during the Revolutionary War in hopes of winning his freedom. Bold, full-page paintings. Author's note and annotated list of readings.
by Anne Rockwell
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Enslaved in Virginia, James agrees to spy for the American army during the Revolutionary War in hopes of winning his freedom. Bold, full-page paintings. Author's note and annotated list of readings.
A Tiny Piece of Sky
by Shawn K. Stout
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Over the summer of 1939, Frankie, the youngest of three sisters, faces racial prejudice, anti-German sentiments, and family tragedy in her Maryland town.
by Shawn K. Stout
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Over the summer of 1939, Frankie, the youngest of three sisters, faces racial prejudice, anti-German sentiments, and family tragedy in her Maryland town.