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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Rhythm Ride
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Ride along with the Groove for an exciting history of Detroit music from Diana Ross to the Jackson 5. Illustrated with photographs.
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Ride along with the Groove for an exciting history of Detroit music from Diana Ross to the Jackson 5. Illustrated with photographs.
River Runs Deep
by Jennifer Bradbury
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Sent to the Mammoth Caves of Kentucky to cure his tuberculosis, 12-year-old Elias comes upon runaway slaves seeking their freedom.
by Jennifer Bradbury
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Sent to the Mammoth Caves of Kentucky to cure his tuberculosis, 12-year-old Elias comes upon runaway slaves seeking their freedom.
Roller Girl
by Victoria Jamieson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
A trip to a roller derby inspires Astrid to leave her predictable life to attend roller derby boot camp. Colorful, dynamic and expressive panels.
by Victoria Jamieson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
A trip to a roller derby inspires Astrid to leave her predictable life to attend roller derby boot camp. Colorful, dynamic and expressive panels.
Rules for Stealing Stars
by Corey Ann Haydu
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Coping with their mother's alcoholism and their father's inability to connect with the world, four sisters discover a magical way to get what they need.
by Corey Ann Haydu
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Coping with their mother's alcoholism and their father's inability to connect with the world, four sisters discover a magical way to get what they need.
Sand Swimmers
written and illustrated by Narelle Oliver
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
An astonishing variety of wildlife has adapted to the extremely harsh conditions in the desert of Central Australia. Meticulously detailed mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Narelle Oliver
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
An astonishing variety of wildlife has adapted to the extremely harsh conditions in the desert of Central Australia. Meticulously detailed mixed-media illustrations.
Should You Be a River
written and illustrated by Ed Young
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
How many ways can you say I love you? A breathtaking visual journey in verse and evocative illustrations combining cut paper collage, photographs, and calligraphy.
written and illustrated by Ed Young
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
How many ways can you say I love you? A breathtaking visual journey in verse and evocative illustrations combining cut paper collage, photographs, and calligraphy.
Sitting Bull
written and illustrated by S. D. Nelson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
An imagined autobiography chronicles the great Lakota leader's valiant struggle against white encroachment. Maps, photographs, and period-style illustrations.
written and illustrated by S. D. Nelson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
An imagined autobiography chronicles the great Lakota leader's valiant struggle against white encroachment. Maps, photographs, and period-style illustrations.
Small Wonders
by Matthew Clark Smith
Illustrator: Giuliano Ferri
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Admired by Darwin, this little-known naturalist observed insects in the wild, made important discoveries, and published more than 200 works. Detailed watercolors. Sources, time line.
by Matthew Clark Smith
Illustrator: Giuliano Ferri
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Admired by Darwin, this little-known naturalist observed insects in the wild, made important discoveries, and published more than 200 works. Detailed watercolors. Sources, time line.
Smashie McPerter and the Mystery of Room 11
by N. Griffin
Illustrator: Kate Hindley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
The substitute teacher may be the culprit, but, if so, how? Pen and pencil drawings.
by N. Griffin
Illustrator: Kate Hindley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
The substitute teacher may be the culprit, but, if so, how? Pen and pencil drawings.
SpaceX and Tesla Motors Engineer Elon Musk (STEM Trailblazer Bios)
by Matt Doeden
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
List with Aerospace Engineer Aprille Ericsson (STEM Trailblazer Bios)
by Matt Doeden
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
List with Aerospace Engineer Aprille Ericsson (STEM Trailblazer Bios)
Spidermania: Friends on the Web
by Alexandra Siy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
This informative overview of spider anatomy, behavior, and habitats includes additional material, glossary, sources, a bibliography, and up-close photography.
by Alexandra Siy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
This informative overview of spider anatomy, behavior, and habitats includes additional material, glossary, sources, a bibliography, and up-close photography.
Stella By Starlight
by Sharon M. Draper
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
When the Ku Klux Klan returns to 1932 Bumblebee, NC, Stella, 11, deals with prejudice even as things change.
by Sharon M. Draper
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
When the Ku Klux Klan returns to 1932 Bumblebee, NC, Stella, 11, deals with prejudice even as things change.
Sunny Side Up
written and illustrated by Jennifer L. Holm
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
On a summer trip to her grandfather in Florida, Sunny discovers comic book heroes, swamp alligators, and how to cope with family problems. Humorous graphic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jennifer L. Holm
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
On a summer trip to her grandfather in Florida, Sunny discovers comic book heroes, swamp alligators, and how to cope with family problems. Humorous graphic illustrations.
Swing Sisters
by Karen Deans
Illustrator: Joe Cepeda
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
This integrated, all-female jazz band successfully played around the country in the 1930s and 1940s despite racism and sexism. Acrylic and oil illustrations offer a jazzy palette of color.
by Karen Deans
Illustrator: Joe Cepeda
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
This integrated, all-female jazz band successfully played around the country in the 1930s and 1940s despite racism and sexism. Acrylic and oil illustrations offer a jazzy palette of color.
Terrifying Tales
edited by Jon Scieszka
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Ten stories by a variety of authors and illustrators go beyond ghouls and gore to explore the frightening supernatural. Spot illustrations.
edited by Jon Scieszka
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Ten stories by a variety of authors and illustrators go beyond ghouls and gore to explore the frightening supernatural. Spot illustrations.
The Blackthorn Key
by Kevin Sands
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Why is a secret cult murdering apothecaries? Apprentice Christopher mourns the death of his master and, with his friend Tom, tries to solve the murders.
by Kevin Sands
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Why is a secret cult murdering apothecaries? Apprentice Christopher mourns the death of his master and, with his friend Tom, tries to solve the murders.
The Book Itch
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
The inspiring story of Harlem's National Memorial African Bookstore, as though told by the son of its founder, is illustrated with dramatic paintings that incorporate founder Lewis Michaux's proverbs.
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
The inspiring story of Harlem's National Memorial African Bookstore, as though told by the son of its founder, is illustrated with dramatic paintings that incorporate founder Lewis Michaux's proverbs.
The Book that Proves Time Travel Happens
by Henry Clark
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
During time travel, Ambrose and his friends find a historical connection between Morse Code and ancient Chinese I-Ching hexagrams. Spot illustrations.
by Henry Clark
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
During time travel, Ambrose and his friends find a historical connection between Morse Code and ancient Chinese I-Ching hexagrams. Spot illustrations.
The Boy Who Crashed to Earth
by Judd Winick
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
After his fall from the sky, Hilo is joined by ten-year-old D.J. and friend Gina in his quest to save the world. A brightly colored graphic novel.
by Judd Winick
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
After his fall from the sky, Hilo is joined by ten-year-old D.J. and friend Gina in his quest to save the world. A brightly colored graphic novel.
The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower or John Howland's Good Fortune
written and illustrated by P. J. Lynch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Joining the Pilgrims as an indentured servant, teenager John Howland endures the rigors of an ocean voyage and the creation of a new colony. Watercolor and gouache illustrations. Bibliography.
written and illustrated by P. J. Lynch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Joining the Pilgrims as an indentured servant, teenager John Howland endures the rigors of an ocean voyage and the creation of a new colony. Watercolor and gouache illustrations. Bibliography.
The Call of the Osprey (Scientists in the Field series)
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In mining areas of Montana, the gigantic nests and close family life of these fish-catching birds help researchers monitor the effects of mercury contaminants on them. Vivid photographs.
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In mining areas of Montana, the gigantic nests and close family life of these fish-catching birds help researchers monitor the effects of mercury contaminants on them. Vivid photographs.
The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
by Jacqueline Kelly
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
A spirited, inquisitive girl shares her love for science and animals, her family relationships and the effects of traumatic historical events.
by Jacqueline Kelly
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
A spirited, inquisitive girl shares her love for science and animals, her family relationships and the effects of traumatic historical events.
The Detective's Assistant
by Kate Hannigan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In 1859 a lively orphan helps her aunt, the first female detective for the Pinkertons, recover stolen money and thwart an assassination. Based on true events.
by Kate Hannigan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
In 1859 a lively orphan helps her aunt, the first female detective for the Pinkertons, recover stolen money and thwart an assassination. Based on true events.
The Doldrums
by Nicholas Gannon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Archer feels trapped in his boring life, until he and two friends decide to go looking for his lost explorer grandparents. Droll,. painterly illustrations.
by Nicholas Gannon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
Archer feels trapped in his boring life, until he and two friends decide to go looking for his lost explorer grandparents. Droll,. painterly illustrations.
The Flinkwater Factor
by Pete Hautman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
When an epidemic of comatose reactions to computer screens grips her high tech town, thirteen-year-old Ginger searches for a way to return victims to normal.
by Pete Hautman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2015
When an epidemic of comatose reactions to computer screens grips her high tech town, thirteen-year-old Ginger searches for a way to return victims to normal.