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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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again
by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Illustrator: Joe Berger
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The magical car returns, still with a mind of its own, moving through the air, in the desert, and under water. Black-and-white illustrations. Approved by the Ian Fleming Estate.
by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Illustrator: Joe Berger
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The magical car returns, still with a mind of its own, moving through the air, in the desert, and under water. Black-and-white illustrations. Approved by the Ian Fleming Estate.
Chomp
by Carl Hiaasen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Thirteen-year-old Wahoo Cray and his friend Tuna join a dangerous romp in the Everglades and try to extricate the adults from the difficult situation they have caused.
by Carl Hiaasen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Thirteen-year-old Wahoo Cray and his friend Tuna join a dangerous romp in the Everglades and try to extricate the adults from the difficult situation they have caused.
Chronicles of Harris Burdick
by Chris Van Allslburg
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The 1984 winner of the Irma Simonton Black Award for best picture book returns with original short stories as imagined by award winning authors.
by Chris Van Allslburg
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The 1984 winner of the Irma Simonton Black Award for best picture book returns with original short stories as imagined by award winning authors.
Citizen Scientists
by Loree Griffin Burns
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Fall butterflying, winter birding, spring frogging, summer ladybugging--learn about the techniques and equipment needed to enjoy contributing to the advance of knowledge of the natural world. Glossary, resources, bibliography.
by Loree Griffin Burns
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Fall butterflying, winter birding, spring frogging, summer ladybugging--learn about the techniques and equipment needed to enjoy contributing to the advance of knowledge of the natural world. Glossary, resources, bibliography.
City Critters
by Nicholas Read
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Learn about the surprising animals that share our cities and the mixed blessings they bring. Colorful photographs.
by Nicholas Read
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Learn about the surprising animals that share our cities and the mixed blessings they bring. Colorful photographs.
Clover Twig and the Perilous Path
by Kaye Umansky
Illustrator: Johanna Wright
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Clover's brother disappears, she embarks on a perilous journey to the place where witches, trolls, and strange events create obstacles. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.
by Kaye Umansky
Illustrator: Johanna Wright
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Clover's brother disappears, she embarks on a perilous journey to the place where witches, trolls, and strange events create obstacles. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.
Crush
by Gary Paulsen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In this zany romp, eighth grader Kevin collects data on romance, using his friends as subjects to approach his great love successfully.
by Gary Paulsen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In this zany romp, eighth grader Kevin collects data on romance, using his friends as subjects to approach his great love successfully.
Curse of the Thirteenth Fey
by Jane Yolen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A “magick” trap, an encounter with a self-centered prince, and other mishaps befall Gorse on her way to bestow a gift on the newborn royal princess. Accident or fate?
by Jane Yolen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A “magick” trap, an encounter with a self-centered prince, and other mishaps befall Gorse on her way to bestow a gift on the newborn royal princess. Accident or fate?
Dare to Dream...Change the World
edited by Jill Corcoran
Illustrator: J. Beth Jepson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
This collection of poetry celebrates people who have changed the world and inspired others. Written by thirty poets who have also inspired change. Vibrant folk-art-style illustrations.
edited by Jill Corcoran
Illustrator: J. Beth Jepson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
This collection of poetry celebrates people who have changed the world and inspired others. Written by thirty poets who have also inspired change. Vibrant folk-art-style illustrations.
Deadly Seas
by David Borgenicht
Illustrator: Yancey Labat
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Six teens sail around the world. Extensive notes in the back challenge the reader to decide if the group survives. Bold black-and-white illustrations.
by David Borgenicht
Illustrator: Yancey Labat
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Six teens sail around the world. Extensive notes in the back challenge the reader to decide if the group survives. Bold black-and-white illustrations.
Deadweather and Sunrise
by Geoff Rodkey
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A 13-year-old battles pirates and the powerful Mr. Pembroke to uncover why his family was “accidentally” lost at sea and to save his family's island plantation.
by Geoff Rodkey
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A 13-year-old battles pirates and the powerful Mr. Pembroke to uncover why his family was “accidentally” lost at sea and to save his family's island plantation.
Dear Mr. Longfellow
by Sydelle Pearl
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Children's letters to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow are used to tell the story of the famous nineteenth-century poet. Archival illustrations.
by Sydelle Pearl
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Children's letters to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow are used to tell the story of the famous nineteenth-century poet. Archival illustrations.
Dogs on Duty
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The training of Military Working Dogs who perform an important role and some become real heroes. Photographs of specific dogs.
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The training of Military Working Dogs who perform an important role and some become real heroes. Photographs of specific dogs.
Don't Feed the Boy
by Irene Latham
Illustrator: Stephanie Graegin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A lonely eleven-year-old, tutored and living in the Alabama zoo his parents run, acquires a friend and learns about life outside the zoo. Black-and-white drawings.
by Irene Latham
Illustrator: Stephanie Graegin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A lonely eleven-year-old, tutored and living in the Alabama zoo his parents run, acquires a friend and learns about life outside the zoo. Black-and-white drawings.
Drama
written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Seventh grader Callie loves everything about the theater, but when her school puts on a play, there's also lots of real-life drama with a diverse cast of characters. Simple illustrations in warm colors.
written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Seventh grader Callie loves everything about the theater, but when her school puts on a play, there's also lots of real-life drama with a diverse cast of characters. Simple illustrations in warm colors.
Earth-friendly Buildings, Bridges and More
by Etta Kaner
Illustrator: Stephen MacEachern
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Photographs, drawings, diagrams, and simple experiments explain earth friendly constructions. Cleverly presented by an enthusiastic student narrator.
by Etta Kaner
Illustrator: Stephen MacEachern
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Photographs, drawings, diagrams, and simple experiments explain earth friendly constructions. Cleverly presented by an enthusiastic student narrator.
Earwig and the Witch
by Diana Wynne Jones
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
After leaving the orphanage where she was able to control everyone, Earwig faces different circumstances in her life with a witch and a devil. Black-and-white drawings.
by Diana Wynne Jones
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
After leaving the orphanage where she was able to control everyone, Earwig faces different circumstances in her life with a witch and a devil. Black-and-white drawings.
Electric Ben
written and illustrated by Robert Byrd
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Printer, writer, inventor and statesman, and founding father--beloved, bespectacled Ben Franklin helped shape our country. Stylized watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Robert Byrd
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Printer, writer, inventor and statesman, and founding father--beloved, bespectacled Ben Franklin helped shape our country. Stylized watercolor illustrations.
Eva of the Farm
by Dia Calhoun
Illustrator: Kate Slater
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Life on an apple farm in eastern Washington is inspiring to a young poet but challenging for the family during hard economic times. Written in blank verse. Collagelike illustrations.
by Dia Calhoun
Illustrator: Kate Slater
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Life on an apple farm in eastern Washington is inspiring to a young poet but challenging for the family during hard economic times. Written in blank verse. Collagelike illustrations.
Eye of the Storm
by Kate Messner
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 2053, when storms run amok, Jaden reconnects with her scientist father at an elite camp where she attempts to solve the puzzle of tornado dissipation.
by Kate Messner
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 2053, when storms run amok, Jaden reconnects with her scientist father at an elite camp where she attempts to solve the puzzle of tornado dissipation.
Faith
written and photographed by Dr. Richard Steckel
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The commonality and contrasts among Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism are depicted in clear text and helpful photographs.
written and photographed by Dr. Richard Steckel
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The commonality and contrasts among Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism are depicted in clear text and helpful photographs.
Fangbone!
written and illustrated by Michael Rex
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Fangbone, a young warrior from Skullbania, must enter third grade in order to save his world from an evil villain. Black, brown, and tan illustrations.
written and illustrated by Michael Rex
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Fangbone, a young warrior from Skullbania, must enter third grade in order to save his world from an evil villain. Black, brown, and tan illustrations.
Fat No More
by Alberto Hidalgo-Robert
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Alberto ate and watched television. It wasn't until he was nearly diabetic that he changed his life with the help of professionals and family.
by Alberto Hidalgo-Robert
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Alberto ate and watched television. It wasn't until he was nearly diabetic that he changed his life with the help of professionals and family.
Flying the Dragon
by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Japanese Hiroshi and his Japanese American cousin, Skye, struggle to become friends and bond around rokkaku kite flying as they come to terms with their grandfather's illness.
by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Japanese Hiroshi and his Japanese American cousin, Skye, struggle to become friends and bond around rokkaku kite flying as they come to terms with their grandfather's illness.
Forever Four
by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Four middle school girls with very different interests and personalities are grouped to create a magazine for a school competition with amazing results.
by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Four middle school girls with very different interests and personalities are grouped to create a magazine for a school competition with amazing results.