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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Forest of Wonders (Wing & Claw series)
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: James Madsen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Raffa, a young apothecary, finds a mysterious vine with extraordinary healing powers, but then discovers it also has darker uses. Black-and-white spot illustrations.
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: James Madsen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Raffa, a young apothecary, finds a mysterious vine with extraordinary healing powers, but then discovers it also has darker uses. Black-and-white spot illustrations.
Fossils
by Chris Oxlade
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The composition, location, history, and transformations of a variety of fossils are presented with helpful color photographs. Well-referenced.
by Chris Oxlade
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The composition, location, history, and transformations of a variety of fossils are presented with helpful color photographs. Well-referenced.
Freedom Over Me
written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In poetry, the author recreates the individual lives of 11 slaves--their history, pride in their skills, desire for freedom, and dreams of the future. Richly detailed pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In poetry, the author recreates the individual lives of 11 slaves--their history, pride in their skills, desire for freedom, and dreams of the future. Richly detailed pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations.
Friday Barnes, Girl Detective
by R. A. Spratt
Illustrator: Phil Gosier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Using her unusual observation and reasoning skills, an 11-year-old solves numerous mysteries at her private school. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.
by R. A. Spratt
Illustrator: Phil Gosier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Using her unusual observation and reasoning skills, an 11-year-old solves numerous mysteries at her private school. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.
Full of Beans
by Jennifer L. Holm
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In this prequel to Turtle in Paradise, Beans Curry is sure all grown-ups lie, so distrust is aplenty as Key West is transformed during the Great Depression.
by Jennifer L. Holm
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In this prequel to Turtle in Paradise, Beans Curry is sure all grown-ups lie, so distrust is aplenty as Key West is transformed during the Great Depression.
Fuzzy
by Tom Angleberger
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Max is thrilled to be chosen to help robot Fuzzy adjust to sixth grade. Then she discovers dangerous secrets about the Robot Integration Program.
by Tom Angleberger
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Max is thrilled to be chosen to help robot Fuzzy adjust to sixth grade. Then she discovers dangerous secrets about the Robot Integration Program.
Garvey's Choice
by Nikki Grimes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Garvey's dad wants him to be an athlete instead of pursuing his own interests. Can joining the school chorus lead to a way to connect? Told in verse.
by Nikki Grimes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Garvey's dad wants him to be an athlete instead of pursuing his own interests. Can joining the school chorus lead to a way to connect? Told in verse.
Ghost
by Jason Reynolds
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Ghost, a middle school boy, joins a running team and, with strong support from adults, learns to face the demon in his family's past.
by Jason Reynolds
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Ghost, a middle school boy, joins a running team and, with strong support from adults, learns to face the demon in his family's past.
Going Where It's Dark
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Will 13-year-old Buck's relationship with a grumpy old man help his stuttering and stop the bullies? Will his stubborn determination to explore caves alone land him in danger?
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Will 13-year-old Buck's relationship with a grumpy old man help his stuttering and stop the bullies? Will his stubborn determination to explore caves alone land him in danger?
Grayling's Song
by Karen Cushman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
A girl with no gift of magic fights the evil forces that are attacking witches and wizards of their kingdom.
by Karen Cushman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
A girl with no gift of magic fights the evil forces that are attacking witches and wizards of their kingdom.
Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World
written and illustrated by Judd Winick
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
ARC Hilo and his friends D.J., Gina, and Lisa team up with warrior cat Polly to stop strange creatures and robots from other dimensions from destroying the world. Brightly colored graphics.
written and illustrated by Judd Winick
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
ARC Hilo and his friends D.J., Gina, and Lisa team up with warrior cat Polly to stop strange creatures and robots from other dimensions from destroying the world. Brightly colored graphics.
Hour of the Bees
by Lindsay Eagar
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When Carol, twelve, spends the summer helping on her grandfather's sheep ranch, he tells her stories that just might be true, despite his dementia.
by Lindsay Eagar
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When Carol, twelve, spends the summer helping on her grandfather's sheep ranch, he tells her stories that just might be true, despite his dementia.
How to Build a Museum
by Tonya Bolden
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
From slavery to today, a hundred-year dream of remembrance and celebration is finally realized. Photographs and back matter showcase the Smithsonian building and its incredible holdings.
by Tonya Bolden
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
From slavery to today, a hundred-year dream of remembrance and celebration is finally realized. Photographs and back matter showcase the Smithsonian building and its incredible holdings.
I Am Not a Number
by Jenny Kay Dupuis
Illustrator: Gillian Newland
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Eight-year-old Irene, a First Nations member, survives abuse and humiliation at a residential school, mandated by the Canadian government to “civilize” nonwhite children. Poignant, dark watercolors.
by Jenny Kay Dupuis
Illustrator: Gillian Newland
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Eight-year-old Irene, a First Nations member, survives abuse and humiliation at a residential school, mandated by the Canadian government to “civilize” nonwhite children. Poignant, dark watercolors.
I Am Pan
written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Follow exuberant, fun-loving Pan as he helps retrieve Zeus's sinews from the monster Typhon and helps the Greeks win the battle of Marathan, and more. Whimsical, pen-and-ink illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Follow exuberant, fun-loving Pan as he helps retrieve Zeus's sinews from the monster Typhon and helps the Greeks win the battle of Marathan, and more. Whimsical, pen-and-ink illustrations.
Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter
by Beth Fantaskey
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In 1920's Chicago, young Isabel sells newspapers but wants to be a journalist reporting crime stories like her idol star reporter. Will she get her wish?
by Beth Fantaskey
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In 1920's Chicago, young Isabel sells newspapers but wants to be a journalist reporting crime stories like her idol star reporter. Will she get her wish?
Jazz Day
by Roxane Orgill
Illustrator: Francis Vallejo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In 1958, 57 musicians gathered together on a Harlem stoop for a photograph to celebrate the Golden Age of Jazz. Spirited acrylics and pastels.
by Roxane Orgill
Illustrator: Francis Vallejo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In 1958, 57 musicians gathered together on a Harlem stoop for a photograph to celebrate the Golden Age of Jazz. Spirited acrylics and pastels.
Juana & Lucas
written and illustrated by Juana Medina
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Juana loves many things, but one of them is not ‘the English' until her grandfather gives her an important incentive to learn. Bold digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Juana Medina
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Juana loves many things, but one of them is not ‘the English' until her grandfather gives her an important incentive to learn. Bold digital illustrations.
Knights of the Borrowed Dark
by Dave Rudden
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Denizen, 12, is an orphan and realist, until an ‘unknown aunt' comes to claim him, and they are instantly beset by a mountain creature.
by Dave Rudden
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Denizen, 12, is an orphan and realist, until an ‘unknown aunt' comes to claim him, and they are instantly beset by a mountain creature.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
by Anita Silvey
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
A fascinating, in-depth account of Pete Seeger's many accomplishments brings the world-famous singer and activist to life. Archival photos, bibliography, and index.
by Anita Silvey
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
A fascinating, in-depth account of Pete Seeger's many accomplishments brings the world-famous singer and activist to life. Archival photos, bibliography, and index.
Liberty
by Kirby Larson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Fish longs to be a normal boy with a dog. Finding a stray only to have her stolen leads to unlikely friendships in the rescue operation.
by Kirby Larson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Fish longs to be a normal boy with a dog. Finding a stray only to have her stolen leads to unlikely friendships in the rescue operation.
Like a Bird
by Cynthia Grady
Illustrator: Michele Wood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Commentary and extraordinary acrylic paintings of the sheet music of slave songs. Includes original lyrics, a glossary, and bibliography.
by Cynthia Grady
Illustrator: Michele Wood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Commentary and extraordinary acrylic paintings of the sheet music of slave songs. Includes original lyrics, a glossary, and bibliography.
Lizzie and the Lost Baby
by Cheryl Blackford
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Evacuated to the English countryside during World War II, Lizzie, ten, finds a baby left under a tree and soon is in the midst of a moral dilemma about what to do.
by Cheryl Blackford
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Evacuated to the English countryside during World War II, Lizzie, ten, finds a baby left under a tree and soon is in the midst of a moral dilemma about what to do.
Lost in the Pacific, 1942
by Tod Olson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Eight men fight to survive the emergency landing of their B-17 aircraft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in October, 1942. Includes photographs, illustrations, and sources. (Check final copy for illustration.)
by Tod Olson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Eight men fight to survive the emergency landing of their B-17 aircraft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in October, 1942. Includes photographs, illustrations, and sources. (Check final copy for illustration.)
Making Friends With Billy Wong
by Augusta Scattergood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Azalea, 11, befriends a Chinese American boy in 1950's Texas in this tale of poetry and prose.
by Augusta Scattergood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Azalea, 11, befriends a Chinese American boy in 1950's Texas in this tale of poetry and prose.