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
To Burp or Not to Burp
by Dave Williams, MD
Illustrator: Theo Krynauw
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The science and fun facts behind what happens to body functions in space is told by an astronaut who has been personally involved. Cartoon illustrations and photographs.
by Dave Williams, MD
Illustrator: Theo Krynauw
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The science and fun facts behind what happens to body functions in space is told by an astronaut who has been personally involved. Cartoon illustrations and photographs.
Unbound
by Ann E. Burg
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Grace hears talk that her mother and brothers are on the auction block and it spurs her family's escape to the Great Dismal Swamp.
by Ann E. Burg
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Grace hears talk that her mother and brothers are on the auction block and it spurs her family's escape to the Great Dismal Swamp.
Unidentified Suburban Object
by Mike Jung
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Chloe thinks she owes everything -- her musical talent and good grades -- to the fact that she is the only Korean in her school. But life gets stranger.
by Mike Jung
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Chloe thinks she owes everything -- her musical talent and good grades -- to the fact that she is the only Korean in her school. But life gets stranger.
We Are Like the Clouds/Somos Como las Nubes
by Jorge Argueta
Illustrator: Alfonso Ruano
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The journey, dreams, and emotions of migrant Central American children heading north to the US are related in poems in Spanish and English. Evocative acrylics.
by Jorge Argueta
Illustrator: Alfonso Ruano
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The journey, dreams, and emotions of migrant Central American children heading north to the US are related in poems in Spanish and English. Evocative acrylics.
When the Sea Turned to Silver
by Grace Lin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When her grandmother, the Storyteller, is kidnapped by the Tiger Emperor, Pinmei and her friend Yishan are determined to find her. Colorful detailed illustrations.
by Grace Lin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
When her grandmother, the Storyteller, is kidnapped by the Tiger Emperor, Pinmei and her friend Yishan are determined to find her. Colorful detailed illustrations.
Withering by the Sea
written and illustrated by Judith Rossell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In Victorian England, murder, a nefarious professor, and a magical bottle turn Stella's boring life with three eccentric aunts topsy-turvy. Black-and-white illustrations.
written and illustrated by Judith Rossell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
In Victorian England, murder, a nefarious professor, and a magical bottle turn Stella's boring life with three eccentric aunts topsy-turvy. Black-and-white illustrations.
Write This Down
by Claudia Mills
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Just when 12-year-old Autumn's social and family lives take unexpected, unsettling turns, her journalism teacher assigns a personal essay. What will she write?
by Claudia Mills
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Just when 12-year-old Autumn's social and family lives take unexpected, unsettling turns, her journalism teacher assigns a personal essay. What will she write?
Writing With Rosie
by Patricia Reilly Giff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The basic steps in storytelling are vividly demonstrated from the author's own works and her relationship with her dog. “Your Turn” encourages student's participation.
by Patricia Reilly Giff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
The basic steps in storytelling are vividly demonstrated from the author's own works and her relationship with her dog. “Your Turn” encourages student's participation.
Zoe in Wonderland
by Brenda Woods
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Working in her father's plant shop, 11-year-old Zoe discovers the magic of science and her own untapped potential
by Brenda Woods
Ages: 9+
Published: 2016
Working in her father's plant shop, 11-year-old Zoe discovers the magic of science and her own untapped potential
101 Things to Do Before You Grow Up
by Laura Dower
Illustrator: Dan Bramall
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
A wide variety of interesting activities such as making a compass or writing a spooky story are introduced. Included materials needed and complete illustrated instructions.
by Laura Dower
Illustrator: Dan Bramall
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
A wide variety of interesting activities such as making a compass or writing a spooky story are introduced. Included materials needed and complete illustrated instructions.
28 Days
by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Great African American men and women are praised in both poetry and prose. Striking mixed-media illustrations.
by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Great African American men and women are praised in both poetry and prose. Striking mixed-media illustrations.
Adam & Thomas
by Aharon Appelfeld
Illustrator: Philippe Dumas
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Impending deportation from the ghetto forces the mothers of two Jewish boys to leave them in a forest. They survive due to their friendship and ingenuity. Ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Aharon Appelfeld
Illustrator: Philippe Dumas
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Impending deportation from the ghetto forces the mothers of two Jewish boys to leave them in a forest. They survive due to their friendship and ingenuity. Ink and watercolor illustrations.
Aerospace Engineer Aprille Ericsson (STEM Trailblazer Bios)
by Laura Hamilton Waxman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Meet scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians whose passion for discovery and innovation are changing the world and our understanding of it.
by Laura Hamilton Waxman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Meet scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians whose passion for discovery and innovation are changing the world and our understanding of it.
Alistair Grim's Odditorium
by Gregory Funaro
Illustrator: Vivienne To
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In the London of the 1800's, a twelve-year-old chimney sweep ends up living with Alistair Grim in his magical building fighting the evil Prince Night Shade.
by Gregory Funaro
Illustrator: Vivienne To
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In the London of the 1800's, a twelve-year-old chimney sweep ends up living with Alistair Grim in his magical building fighting the evil Prince Night Shade.
Anastasia and Her Sisters
by Carolyn Meyer
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
The final years of Russia's ruling Romanov family is told through the eyes of the last Tsar's youngest daughter.
by Carolyn Meyer
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
The final years of Russia's ruling Romanov family is told through the eyes of the last Tsar's youngest daughter.
A Nearer Moon
by Melanie Crowder
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Sisterly love unfolds in two intertwined fantasies about two sisters. Exquisite prose.
by Melanie Crowder
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Sisterly love unfolds in two intertwined fantasies about two sisters. Exquisite prose.
Another Kind of Hurricane
by Tamara Ellis Smith
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In New Orleans, Zavion, ten, loses everything in Hurricane Katrina; in Vermont, Henry, ten, loses his best friend. Their lives are connected to each other by a lucky marble.
by Tamara Ellis Smith
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In New Orleans, Zavion, ten, loses everything in Hurricane Katrina; in Vermont, Henry, ten, loses his best friend. Their lives are connected to each other by a lucky marble.
Auggie & Me
by R.J. Palacio
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Three new Auggie tales explore redemption, childhood relationships, and the meaning of friendship.
by R.J. Palacio
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Three new Auggie tales explore redemption, childhood relationships, and the meaning of friendship.
Be a Beach Detective
written and illustrated by Peggy Kochanoff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Can dead jelly fish still sting you? Fascinating information about common sea creatures and plants. Detailed labeled illustrations, glossary and references.
written and illustrated by Peggy Kochanoff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Can dead jelly fish still sting you? Fascinating information about common sea creatures and plants. Detailed labeled illustrations, glossary and references.
Beastly Verse
written and illustrated by JooHee Yoon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Sixteen child-friendly animal-themed poems - by Ogden Nash, Lewis Carroll and William Blake among others - range from nonsensical to sublime. Dazzling flourescent colored illustrations including four foldouts.
written and illustrated by JooHee Yoon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Sixteen child-friendly animal-themed poems - by Ogden Nash, Lewis Carroll and William Blake among others - range from nonsensical to sublime. Dazzling flourescent colored illustrations including four foldouts.
Blackbird Fly
by Erin Entrada Kelly
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
A Filipino immigrant, bullied by boys for her Asian looks, dreams of running away to New Orleans and finding a new life as a musician.
by Erin Entrada Kelly
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
A Filipino immigrant, bullied by boys for her Asian looks, dreams of running away to New Orleans and finding a new life as a musician.
Book Scavenger
by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Illustrator: Sarah Watts
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
When sinister developments threaten the online game--Book Scavenger, Emily and James join a dangerous race to discover one particular book. Occasional black-and-white illustrations.
by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Illustrator: Sarah Watts
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
When sinister developments threaten the online game--Book Scavenger, Emily and James join a dangerous race to discover one particular book. Occasional black-and-white illustrations.
Chasing Freedom
by Nikki Grimes
Illustrator: Michele Wood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In an imaginary 1904 meeting, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony talk about their life's work and their achievements. Folk art-style illustrations.
by Nikki Grimes
Illustrator: Michele Wood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In an imaginary 1904 meeting, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony talk about their life's work and their achievements. Folk art-style illustrations.
Chasing Secrets
by Gennifer Choldenko
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
When San Francisco in 1900 is threatened with the plague, Chinese immigrants are blamed. A doctor's daughter tries to save those she loves.
by Gennifer Choldenko
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
When San Francisco in 1900 is threatened with the plague, Chinese immigrants are blamed. A doctor's daughter tries to save those she loves.
Computer Engineer Ruchi Sanghvi (STEM Trailblazer Bios)
by Laura Hamilton Waxman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
List with Aerospace Engineer Aprille Ericsson (STEM Trailblazer Bios)
by Laura Hamilton Waxman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
List with Aerospace Engineer Aprille Ericsson (STEM Trailblazer Bios)