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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Outside In
by Sarah Ellis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Lynn's conventional eighth-grade world collides with her new friend's antimaterialistic, off-the-grid family and creates conflict between maintaining old friendships and embracing new alliances.
by Sarah Ellis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Lynn's conventional eighth-grade world collides with her new friend's antimaterialistic, off-the-grid family and creates conflict between maintaining old friendships and embracing new alliances.
Park Scientists
by Mary Kay Carson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Discover ways to study animal life and plant growth in Yellowstone, Sagaro, and Great Smoky Mountain National Parks. Profusely illustrated with photographs, maps, and diagrams.
by Mary Kay Carson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Discover ways to study animal life and plant growth in Yellowstone, Sagaro, and Great Smoky Mountain National Parks. Profusely illustrated with photographs, maps, and diagrams.
Photos Framed
by Ruth Thomson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Point of view is explored through a selection of twenty-seven famous historical photographs. Includes biographies of the photographers and a glossary.
by Ruth Thomson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Point of view is explored through a selection of twenty-seven famous historical photographs. Includes biographies of the photographers and a glossary.
Picture This! Animals
by Margaret Hynes
Illustrator: Andy Crisp
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
A wide range of fundamental topics about the animal kingdom is covered in a visually appealing and easy-to-read format. Clean, often humorous, illustrations. Helpful introduction, glossary, and index.
by Margaret Hynes
Illustrator: Andy Crisp
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
A wide range of fundamental topics about the animal kingdom is covered in a visually appealing and easy-to-read format. Clean, often humorous, illustrations. Helpful introduction, glossary, and index.
Plastic Ahoy!
by Patricia Newman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
The causes of the vast swaths of plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean, and the dangers they pose, are well explained and photographed. Extensive sources and recommendations for further reading.
by Patricia Newman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
The causes of the vast swaths of plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean, and the dangers they pose, are well explained and photographed. Extensive sources and recommendations for further reading.
Rain Reign
by Ann M. Martin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Rose, diagnosed with high-functioning autism, steps out of her comfort zone of homonyms, rules, and prime numbers to find her dog, lost in a storm.
by Ann M. Martin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Rose, diagnosed with high-functioning autism, steps out of her comfort zone of homonyms, rules, and prime numbers to find her dog, lost in a storm.
Revolution (The Sixties Trilogy, Book 2)
by Deborah Wiles
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Civil rights activism in Mississippi in 1964 is viewed from the perspective of two young people, one white and one African American. A documentary novel containing many source materials and copious photographs.
by Deborah Wiles
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Civil rights activism in Mississippi in 1964 is viewed from the perspective of two young people, one white and one African American. A documentary novel containing many source materials and copious photographs.
Rhyme Schemer
by K.A. Holt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Bully at school and bullied at home, Kevin comes to terms with his problems with the help of an older brother, a librarian, and by writing poetry.
by K.A. Holt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Bully at school and bullied at home, Kevin comes to terms with his problems with the help of an older brother, a librarian, and by writing poetry.
Rock & Roll Highway
by Sebastian Robertson
Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Influenced by his Mohawk heritage and his rock and roll heroes, Robbie Robertson becomes a world famous musician playing with The Band. Realistic oil paintings.
by Sebastian Robertson
Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Influenced by his Mohawk heritage and his rock and roll heroes, Robbie Robertson becomes a world famous musician playing with The Band. Realistic oil paintings.
Rules of Summer
written and illustrated by Shaun Tan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
A younger boy learns to navigate summer based on an older boy's humorous, arbitrary rules. Majestic, sometimes scary illustrations.
written and illustrated by Shaun Tan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
A younger boy learns to navigate summer based on an older boy's humorous, arbitrary rules. Majestic, sometimes scary illustrations.
Saving Kabul Corner
by N. H. Senzai
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
An eleven-year-old AFghan-American girl, her cousin, and her best friend investigate the vandalization of her family store as well as a rival one. Includes a glossary and bibliography.
by N. H. Senzai
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
An eleven-year-old AFghan-American girl, her cousin, and her best friend investigate the vandalization of her family store as well as a rival one. Includes a glossary and bibliography.
Saving Lucas Biggs
by Marisa de los Santos
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Plucky Margaret O'Malley uses her special time-traveling abilities to go back sixty years, change history, and save her father's life.
by Marisa de los Santos
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Plucky Margaret O'Malley uses her special time-traveling abilities to go back sixty years, change history, and save her father's life.
Sea Turtle Scientist
by Stephen R. Swinburne
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Scientist Kimberly Stewart leads the fascinating study of the life cycle and behavioral habits of an ancient and endangered species as well as efforts to save them. Vivid photos.
by Stephen R. Swinburne
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Scientist Kimberly Stewart leads the fascinating study of the life cycle and behavioral habits of an ancient and endangered species as well as efforts to save them. Vivid photos.
Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier
by Ying Chang Compestine
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
ARC Ming learns from a clay statue that life in his own world of Maoist China has many similarities to life during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
by Ying Chang Compestine
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
ARC Ming learns from a clay statue that life in his own world of Maoist China has many similarities to life during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Shackleton's Journey
written and illustrated by William Grill
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Clear writing accompanied by maps, cheerful pencil sketches, and meticulous illustrations describe Shackleton's attempt a crossing of the Antarctic continent.
written and illustrated by William Grill
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Clear writing accompanied by maps, cheerful pencil sketches, and meticulous illustrations describe Shackleton's attempt a crossing of the Antarctic continent.
Shapes in Math, Science and Nature
by Catherine Sheldrick Ross
Illustrator: Bill Slavin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Activities with the three basic geometric shapes demonstrate their importance in the real world. Instructions, diagrams, and drawings provided.
by Catherine Sheldrick Ross
Illustrator: Bill Slavin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Activities with the three basic geometric shapes demonstrate their importance in the real world. Instructions, diagrams, and drawings provided.
Sisters
written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Life on a road trip with Mom and younger sister and brother is fraught with tension, adventure, and even some fun and bonding. Crisp, vivid illustrations in a graphic novel format pump up the humor and sibling tensions.
written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Life on a road trip with Mom and younger sister and brother is fraught with tension, adventure, and even some fun and bonding. Crisp, vivid illustrations in a graphic novel format pump up the humor and sibling tensions.
Skydiver
written and illustrated by Celia Godkin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Follow the efforts of scientists intent upon saving an endangered peregrine falcon as it develops from egg to adult. Muted, soft illustrations.
written and illustrated by Celia Godkin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Follow the efforts of scientists intent upon saving an endangered peregrine falcon as it develops from egg to adult. Muted, soft illustrations.
Sorry You're Lost
by Matt Blackstone
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Struggling with the death of his mother, seventh-grader Denny discovers that he cannot ease his pain with jokes and schemes.
by Matt Blackstone
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Struggling with the death of his mother, seventh-grader Denny discovers that he cannot ease his pain with jokes and schemes.
Space Rocks!
by Tom O'Donnell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
When alien Chorkle encounters human kids on his planet, they all learn about peacemaking and cultural understanding.
by Tom O'Donnell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
When alien Chorkle encounters human kids on his planet, they all learn about peacemaking and cultural understanding.
Stand There! She Shouted
by Susan Goldman Rubin
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
In the early days of photography, a young woman is derided for her sentimental images but ultimately receives the fame she deserves. Finely detailed, colorful acrylic gouache illustrations. Bibliography, source notes, photographs.
by Susan Goldman Rubin
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
In the early days of photography, a young woman is derided for her sentimental images but ultimately receives the fame she deserves. Finely detailed, colorful acrylic gouache illustrations. Bibliography, source notes, photographs.
Stone Giant
by Jane Sutcliffe
Illustrator: John Shelley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
In Renaissance Florence, Michelangelo transforms a block of marble into the magnificent statue of David. Detailed color drawings.
by Jane Sutcliffe
Illustrator: John Shelley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
In Renaissance Florence, Michelangelo transforms a block of marble into the magnificent statue of David. Detailed color drawings.
Stubby the War Dog
by Ann Bausum
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Period photographs and amazing documents enhance the true story of an exceptional stray dog and his soldier partner who heroically supported American troops in France during World War I.
by Ann Bausum
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Period photographs and amazing documents enhance the true story of an exceptional stray dog and his soldier partner who heroically supported American troops in France during World War I.
Super Sniffers
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Because of their supersensitive sense of smell, dogs are used to detect many different things: disaster victims, human remains, explosives, dangerous allergens, and even cancer. Color photographs.
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
Because of their supersensitive sense of smell, dogs are used to detect many different things: disaster victims, human remains, explosives, dangerous allergens, and even cancer. Color photographs.
Take Shelter
by Nikki Tate
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
An informative presentation of traditional and innovative forms of housing from many cultures. Color photographs, resources and index.
by Nikki Tate
Ages: 9+
Published: 2014
An informative presentation of traditional and innovative forms of housing from many cultures. Color photographs, resources and index.