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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Half A Chance
by Cynthia Lord
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
When twelve-year-old Lucy's family moves to New Hampshire, she develops wonderful friendships, joins the Loon Patrol to protect the species, and enters a photography contest.
by Cynthia Lord
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
When twelve-year-old Lucy's family moves to New Hampshire, she develops wonderful friendships, joins the Loon Patrol to protect the species, and enters a photography contest.
Hansel & Gretel
by Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Lorenzo Mattotti
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Chillingly expressive black-and-white illustrations intensify this eerie yet straightforward retelling of the traditional Grimm tale.
by Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Lorenzo Mattotti
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Chillingly expressive black-and-white illustrations intensify this eerie yet straightforward retelling of the traditional Grimm tale.
Hello from 2030
by Jan Paul Schutten
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
What will be different in 2030? Possibilities are discussed, based on the technology that we now possess, and issues to consider. Color photographs.
by Jan Paul Schutten
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
What will be different in 2030? Possibilities are discussed, based on the technology that we now possess, and issues to consider. Color photographs.
Hello, I'm Johnny Cash
by G. Neri
Illustrator: A. G. Ford
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
The positive aspects of the singer's rise from poverty to the top of the charts are conveyed in words as lyrical and poetic as those of his songs. Realistic oil paintings.
by G. Neri
Illustrator: A. G. Ford
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
The positive aspects of the singer's rise from poverty to the top of the charts are conveyed in words as lyrical and poetic as those of his songs. Realistic oil paintings.
Hidden
by Loïc Dauvillier
Illustrator: Marc Lizano
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
As a young girl in Paris, Dounia was hidden from the Nazis by neighbors and friends when her parents were sent to concentration camps; she survived to tell the story to her granddaughter in this subtly colored graphic novel.
by Loïc Dauvillier
Illustrator: Marc Lizano
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
As a young girl in Paris, Dounia was hidden from the Nazis by neighbors and friends when her parents were sent to concentration camps; she survived to tell the story to her granddaughter in this subtly colored graphic novel.
Jackpot (Swindle series)
by Gordon Korman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
When a winning lottery ticket is lost and unclaimed, thirteen-year-old Griffin and his friends use their myriad talents to locate the unsuspecting buyer and share the prize.
by Gordon Korman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
When a winning lottery ticket is lost and unclaimed, thirteen-year-old Griffin and his friends use their myriad talents to locate the unsuspecting buyer and share the prize.
Justin Case
by Rachel Vail
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Fourth grade is challenging--a tough teacher, old and new friends who don't get along, and other worries. How is Justin going to make it? Black-and-white doodle-like spot art.
by Rachel Vail
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Fourth grade is challenging--a tough teacher, old and new friends who don't get along, and other worries. How is Justin going to make it? Black-and-white doodle-like spot art.
Just Jake
by Jake Marcionette
Illustrator: Victor Rivas Villa
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
In a journal-style presentation, sixth-grader Jake relates the trials of going to a new school. Hilarious text by a twelve-year-old author with entertaining illustrations.
by Jake Marcionette
Illustrator: Victor Rivas Villa
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
In a journal-style presentation, sixth-grader Jake relates the trials of going to a new school. Hilarious text by a twelve-year-old author with entertaining illustrations.
Kate the Great
written and illustrated by Suzy Becker
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Quirky fifth-grader Kate deals with teachers, friends, siblings, and parents in this humorous story, generously illustrated with cartoon sketches showcasing Kate's artistic talent.
written and illustrated by Suzy Becker
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Quirky fifth-grader Kate deals with teachers, friends, siblings, and parents in this humorous story, generously illustrated with cartoon sketches showcasing Kate's artistic talent.
Life on Mars
by Jennifer Brown
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Arty is upset at his family's imminent move and worried about its affect on his search for life on Mars. Then he becomes friends with a surly retired astronaut.
by Jennifer Brown
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Arty is upset at his family's imminent move and worried about its affect on his search for life on Mars. Then he becomes friends with a surly retired astronaut.
Lost Children of the Far Islands
by Emily Raabe
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Twins Gus and Leo and their little sister Ila discover unknown powers as they embark on a sea adventure to save their family from an evil force.
by Emily Raabe
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Twins Gus and Leo and their little sister Ila discover unknown powers as they embark on a sea adventure to save their family from an evil force.
Magic in the Mix
by Annie Barrows
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
If magic sets things right, why are twins Molly and Miri time-traveling back to 1935 and 1918 to save their twin brothers stuck in the Civil War?
by Annie Barrows
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
If magic sets things right, why are twins Molly and Miri time-traveling back to 1935 and 1918 to save their twin brothers stuck in the Civil War?
Manhunt
by Kate Messner
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Three junior members of the Silver Jaguar Society solve the mystery of an art-heist. But which member is a double agent?
by Kate Messner
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Three junior members of the Silver Jaguar Society solve the mystery of an art-heist. But which member is a double agent?
Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Shy Trisha faces reciting in public. With the help of her drama teacher, she is able to conquer her fears. Emotions vividly expressed in dramatic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Shy Trisha faces reciting in public. With the help of her drama teacher, she is able to conquer her fears. Emotions vividly expressed in dramatic illustrations.
My Cousin's Keeper
by Simon French
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Eleven-year-old Kieran wants to fit in at school, and so he goes along with the bullies who target his weird cousin. But when they go too far, he finally does the right thing.
by Simon French
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Eleven-year-old Kieran wants to fit in at school, and so he goes along with the bullies who target his weird cousin. But when they go too far, he finally does the right thing.
Neighborhood Sharks
written and illustrated by Katherine Roy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
All of the necessary conditions--from their anatomy to their environment--that enable sharks to capture their food are described. Striking, yet muted, color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Katherine Roy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
All of the necessary conditions--from their anatomy to their environment--that enable sharks to capture their food are described. Striking, yet muted, color illustrations.
Nest
by Esther Ehrlich
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
In 1972, when her mother is diagnosed with MS and depression, eleven-year-old Chirp desperately tries to keep her world from falling apart.
by Esther Ehrlich
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
In 1972, when her mother is diagnosed with MS and depression, eleven-year-old Chirp desperately tries to keep her world from falling apart.
New Kid
by Tim Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
After years of relocating whenever his father says so, twelve-year-old Brock is finally feeling at home with baseball, his coach, and a good friend. Then the family moves again.
by Tim Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
After years of relocating whenever his father says so, twelve-year-old Brock is finally feeling at home with baseball, his coach, and a good friend. Then the family moves again.
Nightingale's Nest
by Nikki Loftin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Little John meets Gayle, whose magical voice heals physical and emotional damage, and is so affected by her that he is matured and changed.
by Nikki Loftin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Little John meets Gayle, whose magical voice heals physical and emotional damage, and is so affected by her that he is matured and changed.
Nuts to You
written and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
A squirrel tells the story of his friends who band together to save their colony from destruction. Pen and ink drawings.
written and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
A squirrel tells the story of his friends who band together to save their colony from destruction. Pen and ink drawings.
Odd, Weird & Little
by Patrick Jennings
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Will Woodrow, a much bullied middle schooler, befriend a very strange new student, also the target of bullies.
by Patrick Jennings
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Will Woodrow, a much bullied middle schooler, befriend a very strange new student, also the target of bullies.
Once Upon a Midnight Eerie (The Misadventures of Edgar & Allan Poe series)
by Gordon McAlpine
Illustrator: Sam Zuppardi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
The Poe twins are back, and this time they're teamed up with Em and Milly Dickinson as they try to solve a ghostly mystery in New Orleans. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Gordon McAlpine
Illustrator: Sam Zuppardi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
The Poe twins are back, and this time they're teamed up with Em and Milly Dickinson as they try to solve a ghostly mystery in New Orleans. Black-and-white illustrations.
Operation Bunny (Wings & Co.)
by Sally Gardner
Illustrator: David Roberts
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Emily discovers fairies, talking animals, and magical shops as she tries to escape her cruel parents and outwit the evil Harpella. Detailed, whimsical line drawings.
by Sally Gardner
Illustrator: David Roberts
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Emily discovers fairies, talking animals, and magical shops as she tries to escape her cruel parents and outwit the evil Harpella. Detailed, whimsical line drawings.
Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
by Karen Foxlee
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Timid, realistic Ophelia unwillingly helps a boy find his magical sword while coping with her mother's death and her own asthma. Decorative black and white illustrations.
by Karen Foxlee
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Timid, realistic Ophelia unwillingly helps a boy find his magical sword while coping with her mother's death and her own asthma. Decorative black and white illustrations.
Our Solar System
by Seymour Simon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
A well-written photo-essay about our solar system includes dramatic full color photographs and spacecraft images.
by Seymour Simon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
A well-written photo-essay about our solar system includes dramatic full color photographs and spacecraft images.