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
A Voyage in the Clouds
by Mathew Olshan
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In 1785, an incompatible Englishman and his French pilot try to fly their balloon beyond their own country. Humorous stylized illustrations. Author's note.
by Mathew Olshan
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In 1785, an incompatible Englishman and his French pilot try to fly their balloon beyond their own country. Humorous stylized illustrations. Author's note.
Beautiful Blue World
by Suzanne LaFleur
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Mathilde and Megs, 12, are best friends. With their country at war, the army is recruiting children. Mathilde is sure Megs will be selected and they'll be separated forever.
by Suzanne LaFleur
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Mathilde and Megs, 12, are best friends. With their country at war, the army is recruiting children. Mathilde is sure Megs will be selected and they'll be separated forever.
Be the Change, Make It Happen
written and illustrated by Bernadette Russell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Kids can discover all kinds of activities that they can do to make a difference in the world around them. Simple mix-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Bernadette Russell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Kids can discover all kinds of activities that they can do to make a difference in the world around them. Simple mix-media illustrations.
Birds vs. Blades?
by Rebecca E. Hirsch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Scientists track seabirds and their migration patterns in order to build wind farms out of the birds' way. Photographs, glossary, bibliography, and notes.
by Rebecca E. Hirsch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Scientists track seabirds and their migration patterns in order to build wind farms out of the birds' way. Photographs, glossary, bibliography, and notes.
Booked
by Kwame Alexander
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Middle schooler, reluctant wordsmith Nick contends with bullies, romantic feelings, and his parents' impending divorce when all he wants is to play soccer.
by Kwame Alexander
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Middle schooler, reluctant wordsmith Nick contends with bullies, romantic feelings, and his parents' impending divorce when all he wants is to play soccer.
Book Uncle and Me
by Uma Krishnaswami
Illustrator: Julianna Swaney
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When Yasmin, 9, discovers that her favorite free lending library is going to close, she decides to try to save it. Spot black and white illustrations.
by Uma Krishnaswami
Illustrator: Julianna Swaney
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When Yasmin, 9, discovers that her favorite free lending library is going to close, she decides to try to save it. Spot black and white illustrations.
California, the Magic Island
written and illustrated by Doug Hansen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Queen Calafia, heroine of a 16th century tale, challenges 26 creatures to defend the choice of the state's name. Brilliant, colorful, descriptive illustrations.
written and illustrated by Doug Hansen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Queen Calafia, heroine of a 16th century tale, challenges 26 creatures to defend the choice of the state's name. Brilliant, colorful, descriptive illustrations.
Captain
by Sam Angus
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
ARC During World War I, fifteen -year-old Billy enlists and encounters the cruelties of war, but also the loyalty of his buddies and the horses and camels. Check hardcover for map!
by Sam Angus
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
ARC During World War I, fifteen -year-old Billy enlists and encounters the cruelties of war, but also the loyalty of his buddies and the horses and camels. Check hardcover for map!
Catching a Story Fish
by Janice N. Harrington
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Struggling to find her place in a new school and town, Katharen develops her storytelling abilities in this novel in verse. Includes a glossary of poetic forms.
by Janice N. Harrington
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Struggling to find her place in a new school and town, Katharen develops her storytelling abilities in this novel in verse. Includes a glossary of poetic forms.
Caveboy Dave
by Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Phil McAndrew
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Can this prehistoric boy use his inventions to save himself and his friends and prove his worth to the community? Humorous, graphic-style illustrations.
by Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Phil McAndrew
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Can this prehistoric boy use his inventions to save himself and his friends and prove his worth to the community? Humorous, graphic-style illustrations.
Chloe in India
by Kate Darnton
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Everything is different and challenging when Chloe's family moves from Boston to Delhi, but finding friends and fitting in is hardest. An unexpected partnership amazes her.
by Kate Darnton
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Everything is different and challenging when Chloe's family moves from Boston to Delhi, but finding friends and fitting in is hardest. An unexpected partnership amazes her.
Cleared for Takeoff
by Rowland White
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
An exploration of flying objects through history, packed with stories and facts, and illustrated with photos, drawings and graphic charts.
by Rowland White
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
An exploration of flying objects through history, packed with stories and facts, and illustrated with photos, drawings and graphic charts.
Counting Thyme
by Melanie Conklin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When her family moves to New York for cancer treatment for her brother, 5, unhappy Thyme, 11, guiltily longs to return home to San Diego.
by Melanie Conklin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When her family moves to New York for cancer treatment for her brother, 5, unhappy Thyme, 11, guiltily longs to return home to San Diego.
Crow Smarts
by Pamela S. Turner
Illustrator: Guido De Filippo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Travel to New Caledonia to observe crows who fashion and manipulate leaves to obtain food, demonstrating the techniques to their young. Color photographs and back matter.
by Pamela S. Turner
Illustrator: Guido De Filippo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Travel to New Caledonia to observe crows who fashion and manipulate leaves to obtain food, demonstrating the techniques to their young. Color photographs and back matter.
Cry, Heart, But Never Break
by Glenn Ringtved
Illustrator: Charlotte Pardi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When Death comes to visit their grandmother, four siblings learn that life must embrace both joy and sorrow. Evocative watercolor and acrylic illustrations.
by Glenn Ringtved
Illustrator: Charlotte Pardi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When Death comes to visit their grandmother, four siblings learn that life must embrace both joy and sorrow. Evocative watercolor and acrylic illustrations.
Demon Dentist
by David Walliams
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Will Alfie ever discover who is stealing children's teeth from under their pillows? Animated pencil illustrations.
by David Walliams
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Will Alfie ever discover who is stealing children's teeth from under their pillows? Animated pencil illustrations.
Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific
by Deborah Hopkinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
ARC The sailors and their submarines as they fought in World War II beneath the waters in the Pacific Ocean are described and accompanied by photos and maps.
by Deborah Hopkinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
ARC The sailors and their submarines as they fought in World War II beneath the waters in the Pacific Ocean are described and accompanied by photos and maps.
Diwali
by Rina Singh
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The Indian holiday of light is celebrated around the world. This book discusses its many different origins, Hindu, Sikh, and Jain. Full color photographs.
by Rina Singh
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The Indian holiday of light is celebrated around the world. This book discusses its many different origins, Hindu, Sikh, and Jain. Full color photographs.
Echo Echo
by Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Josée Masse
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Classic myths are brought to life with poems that can be read backwards and forwards. Vibrant acrylic illustrations mirror the reversable themes.
by Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Josée Masse
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Classic myths are brought to life with poems that can be read backwards and forwards. Vibrant acrylic illustrations mirror the reversable themes.
Elizabeth Started All the Trouble
by Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Matt Faulkner
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Meet the suffragettes who led the 144 year fight for women's right to vote. Highlights many achievements by women. Lively informative ink and gouache illustrations.
by Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Matt Faulkner
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Meet the suffragettes who led the 144 year fight for women's right to vote. Highlights many achievements by women. Lively informative ink and gouache illustrations.
Esquivel!
by Susan Wood
Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Juan Esquival experiments with musical instruments to discover new sounds and invent a new style. Mixed-media illustrations reflect a collage of noises.
by Susan Wood
Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Juan Esquival experiments with musical instruments to discover new sounds and invent a new style. Mixed-media illustrations reflect a collage of noises.
Fannie Never Flinched
by Mary Cronk Farrell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In the early 1900s, Fannie Sellins fights for workers' rights in the coal and garment industries. Photographs and backmatter.
by Mary Cronk Farrell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In the early 1900s, Fannie Sellins fights for workers' rights in the coal and garment industries. Photographs and backmatter.
Fanny in France
by Alice Waters
Illustrator: Ann Arnold
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Nine-year-old Fanny learns French and travels to France with her mother, the chef Alice Waters. Recipes for young cooks included. Scrumptious colorful illustrations.
by Alice Waters
Illustrator: Ann Arnold
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Nine-year-old Fanny learns French and travels to France with her mother, the chef Alice Waters. Recipes for young cooks included. Scrumptious colorful illustrations.
Five Children on the Western Front
by Kate Saunders
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
As five brothers and sisters prepare to face World War I, an old friend, the sand fairy returns.
by Kate Saunders
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
As five brothers and sisters prepare to face World War I, an old friend, the sand fairy returns.
Fluffy Strikes Back
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When “aliens” attack P. U. R. S. T. headquarters, the top bureau-cat must return to the field to save the day. Colored graphic format panels.
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When “aliens” attack P. U. R. S. T. headquarters, the top bureau-cat must return to the field to save the day. Colored graphic format panels.