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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Night Sky
by Giles Sparrow
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Explore the stars, planets, and galaxies. Colorful photographs.
by Giles Sparrow
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Explore the stars, planets, and galaxies. Colorful photographs.
Nikki & Deja: Wedding Drama
by Karen English
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Ms. Shelby gets married, she invites two representatives from her elementary school class to the festivities. Wedding fever infects the class and affects two dear friends. Textured black-and-white illustrations.
by Karen English
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Ms. Shelby gets married, she invites two representatives from her elementary school class to the festivities. Wedding fever infects the class and affects two dear friends. Textured black-and-white illustrations.
No Shelter Here
by Rob Laidlaw
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Learn all about shelter dogs, homeless dogs, and puppy mills. The kids who advocate for better conditions for dogs point out what you can do too.
by Rob Laidlaw
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Learn all about shelter dogs, homeless dogs, and puppy mills. The kids who advocate for better conditions for dogs point out what you can do too.
Olivia Bean: Trivia Queen
by Donna Gephart
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Olivia achieves her greatest wish, becoming a contestant on “Jeopardy! Kids Week.” The support of family and best friend Tucker help her deal with the pressure.
by Donna Gephart
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Olivia achieves her greatest wish, becoming a contestant on “Jeopardy! Kids Week.” The support of family and best friend Tucker help her deal with the pressure.
One Dog and His Boy
by Eva Ibbotson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Hal, a pampered ten-year-old, wants one thing--a dog. But the dog is rented and goes home after the weekend. What can Hal do?
by Eva Ibbotson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Hal, a pampered ten-year-old, wants one thing--a dog. But the dog is rented and goes home after the weekend. What can Hal do?
One for the Murphys
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Carley is placed in foster care after her stepfather badly beats her and her mother. Can kind Mrs. Murphy and her happy family break through Carley's defenses?
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Carley is placed in foster care after her stepfather badly beats her and her mother. Can kind Mrs. Murphy and her happy family break through Carley's defenses?
One White Dolphin
written by Gill Lewis
Illustrator: Raquel Aparicio
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In a failing English fishing village, twelve-year-old Kara and Felix join forces to save a baby dolphin and discover ways to heal themselves.
written by Gill Lewis
Illustrator: Raquel Aparicio
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In a failing English fishing village, twelve-year-old Kara and Felix join forces to save a baby dolphin and discover ways to heal themselves.
One Year in Coal Harbor
by Polly Horvath
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Primrose tries to resolve what she sees as problems in her small fishing town, but sometimes she is misunderstood! Companion to Everything on a Waffle.
by Polly Horvath
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Primrose tries to resolve what she sees as problems in her small fishing town, but sometimes she is misunderstood! Companion to Everything on a Waffle.
On the Road to Mr. Mineo's
by Barbara O'Connor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Stella is determined to catch a one-legged pigeon she calls Harvey, but it seems everyone else in her South Carolina town is too.
by Barbara O'Connor
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Stella is determined to catch a one-legged pigeon she calls Harvey, but it seems everyone else in her South Carolina town is too.
Outcasts of River Falls
by Jacqueline Guest
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Kathryn, now orphaned, is sent to live with Aunt Belle in Western Canada, she learns that she is Métis, a mixed-race people who have no rights. She fights for justice.
by Jacqueline Guest
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Kathryn, now orphaned, is sent to live with Aunt Belle in Western Canada, she learns that she is Métis, a mixed-race people who have no rights. She fights for justice.
Paiute Princess
written and illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Sarah Winnemucca straddled two worlds: the traditional life of the Paiute tribe of Nevada and the white settlers who invaded them. She went on to become a spokesperson for her people. Informative, vibrant illustrations.
written and illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Sarah Winnemucca straddled two worlds: the traditional life of the Paiute tribe of Nevada and the white settlers who invaded them. She went on to become a spokesperson for her people. Informative, vibrant illustrations.
Pegasus
by Kate O'Hearn
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Is it mere coincidence when Pegasus, the winged horse, falls through time to the top of Emily's New York City apartment building? Adventure ensues.
by Kate O'Hearn
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Is it mere coincidence when Pegasus, the winged horse, falls through time to the top of Emily's New York City apartment building? Adventure ensues.
Penelope Crumb
by Shawn K. Stout
Illustrator: Valeria Docampo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The discovery that she has her grandfather's large nose leads imaginative, quirky fourth-grader, Penelope, to search for him. An unusual, humorous mystery. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Shawn K. Stout
Illustrator: Valeria Docampo
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The discovery that she has her grandfather's large nose leads imaginative, quirky fourth-grader, Penelope, to search for him. An unusual, humorous mystery. Black-and-white illustrations.
Penguins
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Want to know about penguins? Find out where they live, what they eat, how they sleep and other interesting facts, including how to protect them.
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Want to know about penguins? Find out where they live, what they eat, how they sleep and other interesting facts, including how to protect them.
Penguins
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Want to know about penguins? Find out where they live, what they eat, how they sleep, and other interesting facts, including how to protect them.
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Want to know about penguins? Find out where they live, what they eat, how they sleep, and other interesting facts, including how to protect them.
Pie in the Sky
by Jane Smiley
Illustrator: Elaine Clayton
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Abby has great empathy for her horse's feelings. As she enters high school, she learns to care about another girl's feelings as well. Finely detailed black-and-white illustrations.
by Jane Smiley
Illustrator: Elaine Clayton
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Abby has great empathy for her horse's feelings. As she enters high school, she learns to care about another girl's feelings as well. Finely detailed black-and-white illustrations.
Pinch Hit
by Tim Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Sam and Trevor switch places, each is exposed to a different kind of life and learns to accept the good in his own.
by Tim Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Sam and Trevor switch places, each is exposed to a different kind of life and learns to accept the good in his own.
Plunked
by Michael Northrop
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Little League sixth grader Jack must learn not to be afraid of being beaned if he is to continue playing.
by Michael Northrop
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Little League sixth grader Jack must learn not to be afraid of being beaned if he is to continue playing.
Prairie Evers
by Ellen Airgood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Ten-year-old Prairie, homeschooled by her wise grandmother, faces many changes--moving, attending school for the first time, and making friends.
by Ellen Airgood
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Ten-year-old Prairie, homeschooled by her wise grandmother, faces many changes--moving, attending school for the first time, and making friends.
Precious Bones
by Mika Ashley-Hollinger
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In a small Florida community sixty years ago, Bones and her best friend Little Man explore the surrounding swamp which is teeming with wildlife.
by Mika Ashley-Hollinger
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In a small Florida community sixty years ago, Bones and her best friend Little Man explore the surrounding swamp which is teeming with wildlife.
Princess of the Wild Swans
by Diane Zahler
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
To rescue her brothers, who are caught in a terrible enchantment, Princess Meriel must complete a daunting task.
by Diane Zahler
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
To rescue her brothers, who are caught in a terrible enchantment, Princess Meriel must complete a daunting task.
Revenge of the Loser
by H.N. Kowitt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Wise-cracking Danny Shire can draw really well, but his reputation is at middle school's bottom rung. Will his clever new schemes all go awry? Cartoon illustrations.
by H.N. Kowitt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Wise-cracking Danny Shire can draw really well, but his reputation is at middle school's bottom rung. Will his clever new schemes all go awry? Cartoon illustrations.
Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers
by Chris Grabenstein
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Riley and his friends defeat the school bully and help capture dognappers and bank robbers.
by Chris Grabenstein
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Riley and his friends defeat the school bully and help capture dognappers and bank robbers.
Sailing to Freedom
by Martha Bennett Stiles
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 1852 twelve-year-old Ray sets sail on his uncle's ship and discovers he is part of the Underground Railroad.
by Martha Bennett Stiles
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 1852 twelve-year-old Ray sets sail on his uncle's ship and discovers he is part of the Underground Railroad.
Same Sun Here
by Silas House
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Sharing a love of mountains, an Indian immigrant girl in Chinatown and a Kentucky coal miner's son become unlikely pen pals.
by Silas House
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Sharing a love of mountains, an Indian immigrant girl in Chinatown and a Kentucky coal miner's son become unlikely pen pals.