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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Kepler's Dream
by Juliet Bell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Eleven-year-old Ella has an unexpectedly good summer with her forbidding Grandmother as she makes a friend while learning about stars and solving a mystery.
by Juliet Bell
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Eleven-year-old Ella has an unexpectedly good summer with her forbidding Grandmother as she makes a friend while learning about stars and solving a mystery.
Kids of Kabul
by Deborah Ellis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The impact of the ongoing war in Afghanistan before and after the fall of the Taliban is explored by children and teens. Black-and-white photographs courtesy of the author.
by Deborah Ellis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The impact of the ongoing war in Afghanistan before and after the fall of the Taliban is explored by children and teens. Black-and-white photographs courtesy of the author.
King of the Mound
by Wes Tooke
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Love of baseball and the guidance of the great Satchel Paige help twelve-year-old Nick through his recovery from polio.
by Wes Tooke
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Love of baseball and the guidance of the great Satchel Paige help twelve-year-old Nick through his recovery from polio.
Kizzy Ann Stamps
by Jeri Watts
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In the first year of integration in her Virginia school, Kizzy Ann faces many challenges. Shag, a Border Collie, gives her loving support and the chance to develop skills.
by Jeri Watts
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In the first year of integration in her Virginia school, Kizzy Ann faces many challenges. Shag, a Border Collie, gives her loving support and the chance to develop skills.
Last Airlift
by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Tuyet is airlifted from a burning Saigon and adopted in Toronto, Canada, the courageous girl meets kind foster parents. A true story.
by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Tuyet is airlifted from a burning Saigon and adopted in Toronto, Canada, the courageous girl meets kind foster parents. A true story.
Last of the Gullivers
by Carter Crocker
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Michael discovers his own abilities when he uncovers the Lilliputians and guides them to respect the rights of all their members.
by Carter Crocker
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Michael discovers his own abilities when he uncovers the Lilliputians and guides them to respect the rights of all their members.
Letters to Leo
by Amy Hest
Illustrator: Julia Denos
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Annie writes letters to her new dog, revealing the inner life of a New York City fourth grader who has lost her mother. Engaging sketches.
by Amy Hest
Illustrator: Julia Denos
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Annie writes letters to her new dog, revealing the inner life of a New York City fourth grader who has lost her mother. Engaging sketches.
Liar & Spy
by Rebecca Stead
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When his Dad loses his job and the family must move to an apartment, Georges meets Safer, who involves him in spying on another neighbor, Mr. X.
by Rebecca Stead
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When his Dad loses his job and the family must move to an apartment, Georges meets Safer, who involves him in spying on another neighbor, Mr. X.
Little White Duck
by Andres Vera Martinez
Illustrator: Andres Vera Martinez
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Na Liu remembers her childhood in a changing China in this richly illustrated graphic novel which blends history, tradition and family life.
by Andres Vera Martinez
Illustrator: Andres Vera Martinez
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Na Liu remembers her childhood in a changing China in this richly illustrated graphic novel which blends history, tradition and family life.
Madhattan Mystery
by John J. Bonk
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Suburbanites twelve-year-old Lexi and her brother Kevin team up with Kim Ling Levine to solve the mystery of the theft of Cleopatra's jewels from the Metropolitan Museum.
by John J. Bonk
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Suburbanites twelve-year-old Lexi and her brother Kevin team up with Kim Ling Levine to solve the mystery of the theft of Cleopatra's jewels from the Metropolitan Museum.
Malcolm at Midnight
by W. H. Beck
Illustrator: Brian Lies
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A small rat, posing as a classroom pet mouse, proves himself to be a “critter of valor and merit.” This exciting, satisfying animal mystery deserves a sequel. Black-and-white pencil and powdered graphite illustrations.
by W. H. Beck
Illustrator: Brian Lies
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A small rat, posing as a classroom pet mouse, proves himself to be a “critter of valor and merit.” This exciting, satisfying animal mystery deserves a sequel. Black-and-white pencil and powdered graphite illustrations.
Mason Dixon
by Claudia Mills
Illustrator: Guy Francis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Although not great athletes, Mason and his friend Brody reluctantly agree to join a raggle-taggle fifth-grade basketball team coached by his father.
by Claudia Mills
Illustrator: Guy Francis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Although not great athletes, Mason and his friend Brody reluctantly agree to join a raggle-taggle fifth-grade basketball team coached by his father.
Matter Matters!
by Tom Adams
Illustrator: Thomas Flintham
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Atoms, elements, solid, liquid, gas, and more are explained simply and depicted by colorful pop-ups.
by Tom Adams
Illustrator: Thomas Flintham
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Atoms, elements, solid, liquid, gas, and more are explained simply and depicted by colorful pop-ups.
May B.: a novel
by Caroline Starr Rose
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Hired-servant May Betterly faces the ravages of a prairie winter when she finds herself abruptly alone and abandoned. Written in blank verse.
by Caroline Starr Rose
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Hired-servant May Betterly faces the ravages of a prairie winter when she finds herself abruptly alone and abandoned. Written in blank verse.
Michael at the Invasion of France 1943
by Laurie Calkhoven
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
With France occupied by the Nazis, thirteen-year-old Michael joins the Resistance to help Jewish families hide and leads downed Allied pilots to safety.
by Laurie Calkhoven
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
With France occupied by the Nazis, thirteen-year-old Michael joins the Resistance to help Jewish families hide and leads downed Allied pilots to safety.
Migrant Mother
by Don Nardo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The iconic Dorothea Lange WPA photograph is presented in the context of the times with short biographies of the artist and subject.
by Don Nardo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The iconic Dorothea Lange WPA photograph is presented in the context of the times with short biographies of the artist and subject.
Mimi's Village
by Katie Smith Milway
Illustrator: Eugenie Fernandes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When her little sister becomes sick from drinking dirty water, Mimi suggests that her village build its own health clinic. Lush acrylic illustrations.
by Katie Smith Milway
Illustrator: Eugenie Fernandes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When her little sister becomes sick from drinking dirty water, Mimi suggests that her village build its own health clinic. Lush acrylic illustrations.
Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind
by Valerie Hobbs
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A new teacher inspires quiet sixth-grader Minnie and her friend Amira to ask questions, think critically, and stand up for justice.
by Valerie Hobbs
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A new teacher inspires quiet sixth-grader Minnie and her friend Amira to ask questions, think critically, and stand up for justice.
Mister Orange
by Truus Matti
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 1943, when his brother is fighting in Europe, Linus takes over his delivery route and is drawn into the fascinating world of a customer who is an artist.
by Truus Matti
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 1943, when his brother is fighting in Europe, Linus takes over his delivery route and is drawn into the fascinating world of a customer who is an artist.
My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer
by Jennifer Gennari
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Spending the summer on Lake Champlain, twelve-year-old June plans to enter the Pie Competition but did not foresee her mother's Civil Union to Eva.
by Jennifer Gennari
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Spending the summer on Lake Champlain, twelve-year-old June plans to enter the Pie Competition but did not foresee her mother's Civil Union to Eva.
My Pop-up World Atlas
by Anita Ganeri
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The world is explored through colorful pop-ups, grouped by continents.
by Anita Ganeri
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The world is explored through colorful pop-ups, grouped by continents.
Neil Flambé and the Aztec Abduction
written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In Mexico City, kidnapping threats interfere with our young chef's quest to win the prize as best chef in the Aztec Cocina. Black-and-white illustrations.
written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In Mexico City, kidnapping threats interfere with our young chef's quest to win the prize as best chef in the Aztec Cocina. Black-and-white illustrations.
Neil Flambé and the Crusader's Curse
written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A series of harrowing events compel a fifteen-year-old champion chef and his friends to discover the source of a medieval curse on his family.
written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A series of harrowing events compel a fifteen-year-old champion chef and his friends to discover the source of a medieval curse on his family.
Neil Flambé and the Marco Polo Murders
written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A teen superchef uses his extraordinary sense of smell to solve a string of murders. Good, tasty fun. Black-and-white illustrations.
written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A teen superchef uses his extraordinary sense of smell to solve a string of murders. Good, tasty fun. Black-and-white illustrations.