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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The Brixen Witch
by Stacy DeKeyser
Illustrator: John Nickle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Rudi confronts a witch and her wicked servant, and partakes in adventures set in motion by his discovery of a golden coin. Digitally rendered illustrations.
by Stacy DeKeyser
Illustrator: John Nickle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Rudi confronts a witch and her wicked servant, and partakes in adventures set in motion by his discovery of a golden coin. Digitally rendered illustrations.
The Cabinet of Earths
by Anne Nesbet
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A Cabinet of Earth holds some terrible secrets. Twelve-year-old Maya's year in Paris transforms into a true adventure when she becomes its keeper.
by Anne Nesbet
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A Cabinet of Earth holds some terrible secrets. Twelve-year-old Maya's year in Paris transforms into a true adventure when she becomes its keeper.
The Case of the Deadly Desperados
by Caroline Lawrence
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old P.K. Pinkerton could become the richest person in a Wild West silver-mining town, but a vicious outlaw is in pursuit.
by Caroline Lawrence
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old P.K. Pinkerton could become the richest person in a Wild West silver-mining town, but a vicious outlaw is in pursuit.
The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs
by Sandra Markle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The story of an endangered amphibian is told as a page-turning mystery. Clear language defines scientific facts, while exquisite photographs support this important tale.
by Sandra Markle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The story of an endangered amphibian is told as a page-turning mystery. Clear language defines scientific facts, while exquisite photographs support this important tale.
The City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau
Illustrator: Niklas Asker
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Will Lina and Doon decipher the mysterious instructions and save the people of Ember from the darkness? Adapted from the original novel in graphic format.
by Jeanne DuPrau
Illustrator: Niklas Asker
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Will Lina and Doon decipher the mysterious instructions and save the people of Ember from the darkness? Adapted from the original novel in graphic format.
The Cup and the Crown
by Diane Stanley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Molly's search for a loving cup brings her closer to her mysterious past and catapults her toward her future.
by Diane Stanley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Molly's search for a loving cup brings her closer to her mysterious past and catapults her toward her future.
The Dogs of Winter
by Bobbie Pyron
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Five-year-old Ivan finds himself on the streets of Moscow alone. A pack of dogs accepts him as their own through the harsh winter and beyond.
by Bobbie Pyron
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Five-year-old Ivan finds himself on the streets of Moscow alone. A pack of dogs accepts him as their own through the harsh winter and beyond.
The Elements
by Dan Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Learn about the properties and uses of the basic substances--from hydrogen to ununhexium-- that everything on Earth is made of. Clear diagrams and photographs.
by Dan Green
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Learn about the properties and uses of the basic substances--from hydrogen to ununhexium-- that everything on Earth is made of. Clear diagrams and photographs.
The Fairy Ring
or Elsie and Frances Fool the World
by Mary Losure
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A girl with a vivid imagination and a girl with masterful artistic skills lead the world to believe in the existence of fairies.
by Mary Losure
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
A girl with a vivid imagination and a girl with masterful artistic skills lead the world to believe in the existence of fairies.
The Final Four
by Paul Volponi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Everyone wants to win--Malcolm who thinks only he is important, Roko from Croatia who is trying to fit in, Crispin who makes a large mistake, and M. J. who is trying to live up to his name.
by Paul Volponi
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Everyone wants to win--Malcolm who thinks only he is important, Roko from Croatia who is trying to fit in, Crispin who makes a large mistake, and M. J. who is trying to live up to his name.
The Giant and How He Humbugged America
by Jim Murphy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 1869 in New York State, a petrified giant figure is discovered. Who was he? Was he real? Archival illustrations and photographs.
by Jim Murphy
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 1869 in New York State, a petrified giant figure is discovered. Who was he? Was he real? Archival illustrations and photographs.
The Great Unexpected
by Sharon Creech
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Finn falls from a tree and into her life, things begin to change for the orphan Naomi and her new friend Lizzie.
by Sharon Creech
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
When Finn falls from a tree and into her life, things begin to change for the orphan Naomi and her new friend Lizzie.
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
by Christopher Healy
Illustrator: Todd Harris
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The four Princes Charming are rivals. The kings are greedy, the princesses are selfish, and the dwarfs are rude. These artful stories will forever change your view of fairy tale heroes. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Christopher Healy
Illustrator: Todd Harris
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
The four Princes Charming are rivals. The kings are greedy, the princesses are selfish, and the dwarfs are rude. These artful stories will forever change your view of fairy tale heroes. Black-and-white illustrations.
The High-Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate
written and illustrated by Scott Nash
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Blue Jay's mixed crew of bird pirates support the sparrows against the villainous Teach and his thieving gang of crows. Artfully crafted in tinted crow quill and ink.
written and illustrated by Scott Nash
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Blue Jay's mixed crew of bird pirates support the sparrows against the villainous Teach and his thieving gang of crows. Artfully crafted in tinted crow quill and ink.
The Humming Room
by Ellen Potter
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old orphan Roo discovers a new family and a secret garden in her mysterious uncle's remote island mansion.
by Ellen Potter
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old orphan Roo discovers a new family and a secret garden in her mysterious uncle's remote island mansion.
The Island Horse
by Susan Hughes
Illustrator: Alicia Quist
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Because of her father's work, Ellie relocates to a lonely, windy Canadian island where wild horses roam. Who will be her new friends? Detailed, finely drawn black-and-white illustrations.
by Susan Hughes
Illustrator: Alicia Quist
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Because of her father's work, Ellie relocates to a lonely, windy Canadian island where wild horses roam. Who will be her new friends? Detailed, finely drawn black-and-white illustrations.
The Last Dragonslayer
by Jasper Fforde
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Rumors predicting the death of the last dragon are flying, and those hoping to profit are gathering. A reluctant dragon slayer joins the fray.
by Jasper Fforde
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Rumors predicting the death of the last dragon are flying, and those hoping to profit are gathering. A reluctant dragon slayer joins the fray.
The Lions of Little Rock
by Kristin Levine
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Marlee finds friendship and courage when combatting racism in the schools in 1958 Arkansas.
by Kristin Levine
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Twelve-year-old Marlee finds friendship and courage when combatting racism in the schools in 1958 Arkansas.
The Loser List
by H. N. Kowitt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
After twelve-year-old talented comic artist Danny riskd friendship with dangerous school bullies, he finds answers to a difficult situation and discovers more about him,self.
by H. N. Kowitt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
After twelve-year-old talented comic artist Danny riskd friendship with dangerous school bullies, he finds answers to a difficult situation and discovers more about him,self.
The Magician's Apprentice
by Kate Banks
Illustrator: Peter Sís
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Sixteen-year-old Baz becomes apprenticed to a powerful but kind magician and learns to look at the world anew as they travel together. Black-and-white line drawings.
by Kate Banks
Illustrator: Peter Sís
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Sixteen-year-old Baz becomes apprenticed to a powerful but kind magician and learns to look at the world anew as they travel together. Black-and-white line drawings.
The Mastermind Plot
by Angie Frazier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 1904 eleven-year-old Suzanna investigates a case of art theft and arson and uncovers her own family's secrets. Sequel to The Midnight Tunnel.
by Angie Frazier
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In 1904 eleven-year-old Suzanna investigates a case of art theft and arson and uncovers her own family's secrets. Sequel to The Midnight Tunnel.
The Mighty Mars Rovers
by Elizabeth Rusch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Join the rovers' mission to explore Mars along with Steven Squyres, lead scientist, and his team. Illustrated with photos by Rover and of the scientists and engineers.
by Elizabeth Rusch
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Join the rovers' mission to explore Mars along with Steven Squyres, lead scientist, and his team. Illustrated with photos by Rover and of the scientists and engineers.
The Moon Over High Street
by Natalie Babbitt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Mr. Boulderwall, a millionaire, has big plans for orphan Joe's future, but Joe has dreams of his own.
by Natalie Babbitt
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Mr. Boulderwall, a millionaire, has big plans for orphan Joe's future, but Joe has dreams of his own.
The Normal Kid
by Elizabeth Holmes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Fifth-grader Sylvan, adjusting to his parents' break-up, just wants to be normal. Charity and Brian help him see that life is complicated.
by Elizabeth Holmes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
Fifth-grader Sylvan, adjusting to his parents' break-up, just wants to be normal. Charity and Brian help him see that life is complicated.
The Odyssey
by Homer
Illustrator: Neil Packer
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In this wondrously retold and illustrated ancient story, Odysseus and his men struggle for ten adventure-filled years to reach Ithaca. Bold, colorful, detailed illustrations.
by Homer
Illustrator: Neil Packer
Ages: 9+
Published: 2012
In this wondrously retold and illustrated ancient story, Odysseus and his men struggle for ten adventure-filled years to reach Ithaca. Bold, colorful, detailed illustrations.