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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Anna Was Here
by Jane Kurtz
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Relocating to Kansas from their beloved Colorado is NOT the choice of the Nickels children, Anna and Isabella, but their father's ministerial duties dictate the family's move, and three generations unite.
by Jane Kurtz
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Relocating to Kansas from their beloved Colorado is NOT the choice of the Nickels children, Anna and Isabella, but their father's ministerial duties dictate the family's move, and three generations unite.
Anubis Speaks! (Secrets of the Ancient Gods series)
by Vicky Alvear Shecter
Illustrator: Antoine Revoy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Join Anubis, ancient Egyptian god of embalming, to learn the dark details of sun god Ra's nightly journey through the afterlife. Dramatic pen and ink drawings.
by Vicky Alvear Shecter
Illustrator: Antoine Revoy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Join Anubis, ancient Egyptian god of embalming, to learn the dark details of sun god Ra's nightly journey through the afterlife. Dramatic pen and ink drawings.
Aphrodite (Olympians series)
written and illustrated by George O'Connor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
The Goddess of Love joins the Greek pantheon with dramatic results. Detailed, expressive art and lively text.
written and illustrated by George O'Connor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
The Goddess of Love joins the Greek pantheon with dramatic results. Detailed, expressive art and lively text.
Arlene, The Rebel Queen
by Carol Liu
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
As feisty Arlene deals with her handicaps she learns about and practices the skills of fighting injustices.
by Carol Liu
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
As feisty Arlene deals with her handicaps she learns about and practices the skills of fighting injustices.
Ask My Mood Ring How I Feel
by Diana López
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Erica doesn't talk about her feelings, even to her best friends, but when her mom is diagnosed with breast cancer, she draws on friends and finds her own strength.
by Diana López
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Erica doesn't talk about her feelings, even to her best friends, but when her mom is diagnosed with breast cancer, she draws on friends and finds her own strength.
A Tangle of Knots
by Lisa Graff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
An eleven-year-old orphan has an amazing cake-baking talent but no family. When she becomes involved with a curious group of characters, things begin to sort themselves out.
by Lisa Graff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
An eleven-year-old orphan has an amazing cake-baking talent but no family. When she becomes involved with a curious group of characters, things begin to sort themselves out.
Be a Wilderness Detective
written and illustrated by Peggy Kochanoff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A guide to fields, woods, and coastlines has helpful descriptive illustrations
written and illustrated by Peggy Kochanoff
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A guide to fields, woods, and coastlines has helpful descriptive illustrations
Becoming Ben Franklin
by Russell Freedman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A rebellious printer's apprentice became an American icon. His personal life and political and scientific contributions are included. Archival drawings, bibliography, maps.
by Russell Freedman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A rebellious printer's apprentice became an American icon. His personal life and political and scientific contributions are included. Archival drawings, bibliography, maps.
Better Nate Than Ever
by Tim Federle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
With his friend Libby's help, Nate executes a daring bus trip to audition for a Broadway musical. Complexities of life and family are explored.
by Tim Federle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
With his friend Libby's help, Nate executes a daring bus trip to audition for a Broadway musical. Complexities of life and family are explored.
Better to Wish
by Ann M. Martin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
100-year-old Abby Nichols recalls different important events in her life and the impact of the Great Depression on her family.
by Ann M. Martin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
100-year-old Abby Nichols recalls different important events in her life and the impact of the Great Depression on her family.
Bluffton
written and illustrated by Matt Phelan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
When a traveling vaudeville troupe passes through Michigan in 1908, Henry experiences the friendship and talents of Buster Keaton, who later became a silent movie comic. Lush watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Matt Phelan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
When a traveling vaudeville troupe passes through Michigan in 1908, Henry experiences the friendship and talents of Buster Keaton, who later became a silent movie comic. Lush watercolor illustrations.
Bully Bait (The Odd Squad series)
written and illustrated by Michael Fry
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A cast of oddball characters interact in this hilarious twist of events to give a bully his comeuppance. Slapstick cartoonish illustrations.
written and illustrated by Michael Fry
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A cast of oddball characters interact in this hilarious twist of events to give a bully his comeuppance. Slapstick cartoonish illustrations.
Buzz About Bees
by Kari-Lynn Winters
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
An in-depth account of the history and social structure of bees with activities and clearly labeled drawings and photographs.
by Kari-Lynn Winters
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
An in-depth account of the history and social structure of bees with activities and clearly labeled drawings and photographs.
Chitchat
by Jude Isabella
Illustrator: Kathy Boake
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
This vast subject covering such topics as origins, slang, invented language, and extinction is presented in an interesting and accessible format including photoshop illustrations. We;;-referenced.
by Jude Isabella
Illustrator: Kathy Boake
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
This vast subject covering such topics as origins, slang, invented language, and extinction is presented in an interesting and accessible format including photoshop illustrations. We;;-referenced.
Courageous Women Rebels (The Women's Hall of Fame series)
by Joy Crysdale
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
These ten women from around the world made a difference in the areas of politics, equality, disability, and women's rights.
by Joy Crysdale
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
These ten women from around the world made a difference in the areas of politics, equality, disability, and women's rights.
Crystal City Lights
by Holly Moulder
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
When her family is sent to a German internment camp in 1943, Dottie, twelve, discovers a secret about her best friend's father that could put people in danger.
by Holly Moulder
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
When her family is sent to a German internment camp in 1943, Dottie, twelve, discovers a secret about her best friend's father that could put people in danger.
Curses! Foiled Again
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mike Cavallaro
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
High School fencing champion Aliera encounters more fantasy characters and solves a mystery in this sequel to Foiled. Stay tuned for another installment. Illustrations are muted greytone with occasional splashes of color
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mike Cavallaro
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
High School fencing champion Aliera encounters more fantasy characters and solves a mystery in this sequel to Foiled. Stay tuned for another installment. Illustrations are muted greytone with occasional splashes of color
Cyberbullying
by Heather E. Schwartz
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
The very real dangers for young people in our technology-rich world are explained with advice for targets, bullies and parents.
by Heather E. Schwartz
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
The very real dangers for young people in our technology-rich world are explained with advice for targets, bullies and parents.
Dear America: The Diary of Pringle Rose
by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
When 14-year-old Pringle's parents are killed in a carriage accident, she runs away with her younger brother to Chicago just before the great fire.
by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
When 14-year-old Pringle's parents are killed in a carriage accident, she runs away with her younger brother to Chicago just before the great fire.
Diego Rivera
by Susan Goldman Rubin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
This book captures the artist's life, his art, and his country--Mexico. A compelling story, well researched, includings examples of his art.
by Susan Goldman Rubin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
This book captures the artist's life, his art, and his country--Mexico. A compelling story, well researched, includings examples of his art.
Duke
by Kirby Larson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Immediately after Hobie, eleven, volunteers his beloved Duke for “Dogs for Defense” to help the war effort, he regrets it. Can he figure out a way to get Duke back?
by Kirby Larson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Immediately after Hobie, eleven, volunteers his beloved Duke for “Dogs for Defense” to help the war effort, he regrets it. Can he figure out a way to get Duke back?
Electrical Wizard
by Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Oliver Dominguez
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
This portrait of the lesser-known rival to Thomas Edison details his fascination with electricity that led to his important inventions enabling the use of alternating current to power homes. Atmospheric mixed-media illustrations and abundant back matter.
by Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Oliver Dominguez
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
This portrait of the lesser-known rival to Thomas Edison details his fascination with electricity that led to his important inventions enabling the use of alternating current to power homes. Atmospheric mixed-media illustrations and abundant back matter.
Eruption
by Elizabeth Rusch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
These scientists work to protect the lives of people living in the danger zone when volcanoes erupt. Gorgeous photographs,
by Elizabeth Rusch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
These scientists work to protect the lives of people living in the danger zone when volcanoes erupt. Gorgeous photographs,
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
by Chris Grabenstein
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Twelve kids must rely on their knowledge of board games, books, and puzzle solving to find the hidden exit in Mr. Lemoncello's dream library.
by Chris Grabenstein
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Twelve kids must rely on their knowledge of board games, books, and puzzle solving to find the hidden exit in Mr. Lemoncello's dream library.
Face Bug
by J. Patrick Lewis
Illustrator: Kelly Murphy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Rhymes that are full of facts about insects in the Face Bug Museum. Black-and-white ink and graphite drawings and amazing close-up photographs. End notes.
by J. Patrick Lewis
Illustrator: Kelly Murphy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Rhymes that are full of facts about insects in the Face Bug Museum. Black-and-white ink and graphite drawings and amazing close-up photographs. End notes.