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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If I Ever Get Out of Here
by Eric Gansworth
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A seventh grader from the Tuscarora Reservation makes his first non-Indian friend, but can his new friend protect him from a bully and widespread prejudice?
by Eric Gansworth
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A seventh grader from the Tuscarora Reservation makes his first non-Indian friend, but can his new friend protect him from a bully and widespread prejudice?
If the Shoe Fits (Whatever After series)
by Sarah Mlynowski
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Siblings move through a magic mirror in their new house and land in the middle of the Cinderella fairy tale with surprise twists and turns. Black and white chapter heads.
by Sarah Mlynowski
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Siblings move through a magic mirror in their new house and land in the middle of the Cinderella fairy tale with surprise twists and turns. Black and white chapter heads.
Iron Hearted Violet
by Kelly Barnhill
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
An unorthodox princess--plain and clever--goes on a mission to save her family and her kingdom. Detailed black-and-white illustrations.
by Kelly Barnhill
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
An unorthodox princess--plain and clever--goes on a mission to save her family and her kingdom. Detailed black-and-white illustrations.
Ivy in the Shadows
by Chris Woodworth
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A best friend who is more interested in make-up than sharing, family money troubles, and odd boy arriving to board at her house! Can twelve-year-old Ivy's life get any worse?
by Chris Woodworth
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A best friend who is more interested in make-up than sharing, family money troubles, and odd boy arriving to board at her house! Can twelve-year-old Ivy's life get any worse?
Ivy Takes Care
by Rosemary Wells
Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Separation from her best friend for the summer is a challenge, but solving other problems gives shape to Ivy's life. Soft pencil drawings.
by Rosemary Wells
Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Separation from her best friend for the summer is a challenge, but solving other problems gives shape to Ivy's life. Soft pencil drawings.
Jack Strong Takes a Stand
by Tommy Greenwald
Illustrator: Melissa Mendes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
When Jack, an over scheduled middle-school student, decides to rebel it has unexpected consequences for him, his family and community. Black-and-white drawings.
by Tommy Greenwald
Illustrator: Melissa Mendes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
When Jack, an over scheduled middle-school student, decides to rebel it has unexpected consequences for him, his family and community. Black-and-white drawings.
Jane, the Fox & Me
by Fanny Britt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Tormented by her peers, Jane struggles with her distorted self-image, isolation, and hunger for connection. Mixed media and watercolor graphics
by Fanny Britt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Tormented by her peers, Jane struggles with her distorted self-image, isolation, and hunger for connection. Mixed media and watercolor graphics
Jasper's Story
by Jill Robinson
Illustrator: Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Jasper, an abused moon bear in China, is rescued and taken to live in a protected compound with other moon bears. Realistic, painted illustrations.
by Jill Robinson
Illustrator: Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Jasper, an abused moon bear in China, is rescued and taken to live in a protected compound with other moon bears. Realistic, painted illustrations.
Jinx
by Sage Blackwood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Jinx, saved by the magician Simon, learns the dangers that magic can create. Will Simon save him or harm him? Can he use his newfound powers to protect his friends?
by Sage Blackwood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Jinx, saved by the magician Simon, learns the dangers that magic can create. Will Simon save him or harm him? Can he use his newfound powers to protect his friends?
Keeping Safe the Stars
by Sheila O'Connor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
In the 1974 midwest, after their grandfather becomes ill, Pride attempts to keep her family together and avoid a return to foster care.
by Sheila O'Connor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
In the 1974 midwest, after their grandfather becomes ill, Pride attempts to keep her family together and avoid a return to foster care.
Kid Pickers
by Mike Wolfe
Illustrator: Mike Right
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A pro's treasure-hunting tips and examples show young pickers how to find unexpected valuables and acquire a taste to uncover mysteries of the past. Photos and cartoon illustrations.
by Mike Wolfe
Illustrator: Mike Right
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A pro's treasure-hunting tips and examples show young pickers how to find unexpected valuables and acquire a taste to uncover mysteries of the past. Photos and cartoon illustrations.
Light in the Darkness
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Despite the possibility of a whipping if they are discovered, Rosa and her mother travel to the hole in the ground where Morris teaches them their letters. Subdued watercolor paintings.
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Despite the possibility of a whipping if they are discovered, Rosa and her mother travel to the hole in the ground where Morris teaches them their letters. Subdued watercolor paintings.
Lincoln's Grave Robbers
by Steve Sheinkin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Fascinating true story of a group of counterfeiters' attempt to steal the body of the beloved President, and the law enforcement agents determined to foil the plan.
by Steve Sheinkin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Fascinating true story of a group of counterfeiters' attempt to steal the body of the beloved President, and the law enforcement agents determined to foil the plan.
Louisa May's Battle
by Kathleen Krull
Illustrator: Carlyn Beccia
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Louisa May Alcott's experience as a Civil War nurse helped mold the wonderful writing style that produced “Little Women” and her other books. Expressive digital illustrations.
by Kathleen Krull
Illustrator: Carlyn Beccia
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Louisa May Alcott's experience as a Civil War nurse helped mold the wonderful writing style that produced “Little Women” and her other books. Expressive digital illustrations.
Mary Walker Wears the Pants
by Cheryl Harness
Illustrator: Carlo Molinari
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A pants-wearing woman served as the first female surgeon during the Civil War and earned the Medal of Honor. Realistic illustrations. End notes.
by Cheryl Harness
Illustrator: Carlo Molinari
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A pants-wearing woman served as the first female surgeon during the Civil War and earned the Medal of Honor. Realistic illustrations. End notes.
Master George's People
by Marfe Ferguson Delano
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
The experiences of individual enslaved Africans who lived at Mount Vernon are described in detail. Archival paintings and photographs of historical interpreters recreating specific activities.
by Marfe Ferguson Delano
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
The experiences of individual enslaved Africans who lived at Mount Vernon are described in detail. Archival paintings and photographs of historical interpreters recreating specific activities.
Mickey Price: Journey to Oblivion
by John P. Stanley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
NASA sends an unlikely group of twelve-year-olds into space to prevent a lunar nuclear meltdown.
by John P. Stanley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
NASA sends an unlikely group of twelve-year-olds into space to prevent a lunar nuclear meltdown.
Mister Max
by Cynthia Voigt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
In the early 1900s, twelve-year-old Max tries to prove his independence after his theatrical parents disappear as he searches for lost things, including himself.
by Cynthia Voigt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
In the early 1900s, twelve-year-old Max tries to prove his independence after his theatrical parents disappear as he searches for lost things, including himself.
Mountain Dog
by Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Olga & Aleksey Ivanov
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A boy finds salvation in his new foster home headed by his great uncle and a search-and-rescue dog. Pen and ink drawings add meanings to the narrative verse
by Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Olga & Aleksey Ivanov
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
A boy finds salvation in his new foster home headed by his great uncle and a search-and-rescue dog. Pen and ink drawings add meanings to the narrative verse
Numbed!
by David Lubar
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
During Logan and Benedict's trip to a math museum, a robot zaps their math knowledge right before their big test. Math challenges abound!
by David Lubar
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
During Logan and Benedict's trip to a math museum, a robot zaps their math knowledge right before their big test. Math challenges abound!
Octopuses
by Anna Claybourne
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Learn all about these extremely intelligent aquatic invertebrates. Clear text and diagrams and striking photographs.
by Anna Claybourne
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Learn all about these extremely intelligent aquatic invertebrates. Clear text and diagrams and striking photographs.
Odd Duck
by Cecil Castellucci
Illustrator: Sara Varon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Theodora thinks she's a normal duck. Chad thinks he is too. They each think the other is odd. Whimsical illustrations.
by Cecil Castellucci
Illustrator: Sara Varon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Theodora thinks she's a normal duck. Chad thinks he is too. They each think the other is odd. Whimsical illustrations.
Odette's Secrets
by Maryann Macdonald
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
To be safe from the Nazis, Odette, a young secular Jewish girl living in Paris, learns to keep all kinds of secrets.
by Maryann Macdonald
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
To be safe from the Nazis, Odette, a young secular Jewish girl living in Paris, learns to keep all kinds of secrets.
One Step at a Time
by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Rescued from a country at war, Tuyet joins a loving Canadian family who help her through a series of treatments for her polio-damaged leg. A stand-alone sequel to Last Airlift.
by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Rescued from a country at war, Tuyet joins a loving Canadian family who help her through a series of treatments for her polio-damaged leg. A stand-alone sequel to Last Airlift.
Ouch!
by Joe Rhatigan
Illustrator: Anthony Owsley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Your body's reaction to the most common ills is supported by explanatory illustrations and photographs.
by Joe Rhatigan
Illustrator: Anthony Owsley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2013
Your body's reaction to the most common ills is supported by explanatory illustrations and photographs.