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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One & Everything
Sam Winston
Illustrator: Sam Winston
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
One story claims to be the only story after absorbing all others, until they demand to be heard too. Watercolor and typographic illustrations. Map. Back matter includes descriptions of the language systems used
Sam Winston
Illustrator: Sam Winston
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
One story claims to be the only story after absorbing all others, until they demand to be heard too. Watercolor and typographic illustrations. Map. Back matter includes descriptions of the language systems used
Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe
Kate Messner and Margaret E. Dowell
Illustrator: Erin K. Robinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Gorgeous, collage-like illustrations amplify this story of the brilliant Black clothing designer who succeeded despite personal hardship and racial discrimination. Archival photographs. Back matter.
Kate Messner and Margaret E. Dowell
Illustrator: Erin K. Robinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Gorgeous, collage-like illustrations amplify this story of the brilliant Black clothing designer who succeeded despite personal hardship and racial discrimination. Archival photographs. Back matter.
Operation Pangolin: Saving the World's Only Scaled Mammal
Suzi Eszterhas
Illustrator: Suzi Eszterhas
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In Vietnam Thai Nguyen is among the rescuers and researchers working to save this rare endangered creature. Maps, diagrams, photographs depict the efforts being made.
Suzi Eszterhas
Illustrator: Suzi Eszterhas
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In Vietnam Thai Nguyen is among the rescuers and researchers working to save this rare endangered creature. Maps, diagrams, photographs depict the efforts being made.
Our Own Little Paradise
Marianne Kaurin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In Norway, on the last day of school, an impoverished and humiliated sixth grader blurts falsely that she'll vacation in “the tropics.” A new classmate discovers her lie.
Marianne Kaurin
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In Norway, on the last day of school, an impoverished and humiliated sixth grader blurts falsely that she'll vacation in “the tropics.” A new classmate discovers her lie.
Out of the Shadows: How Lotte Reiniger Made the First Animated Fairytale Movie
Fiona Robinson
Illustrator: Fiona Robinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Reiniger's innovative techniques .made her a pioneering animator. Dramatically illustrated with silhouettes, cut paper designs, and silent movie intertitles, reminiscent of her films. Extensive back matter.
Fiona Robinson
Illustrator: Fiona Robinson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Reiniger's innovative techniques .made her a pioneering animator. Dramatically illustrated with silhouettes, cut paper designs, and silent movie intertitles, reminiscent of her films. Extensive back matter.
Parks for the People: How Frederick Law Olmsted Designed America
Elizabeth Partridge
Illustrator: Becca Stadtlander
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A 19th-century visionary thinker led the creation of beautiful public spaces throughout the United States. Detailed, realistic watercolor and gouache illustrations. Extensive back matter.
Elizabeth Partridge
Illustrator: Becca Stadtlander
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A 19th-century visionary thinker led the creation of beautiful public spaces throughout the United States. Detailed, realistic watercolor and gouache illustrations. Extensive back matter.
Problem With Prophecies, The (Celia Cleary series)
Scott Reintgen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
On her 4444th day, Celia's magic starts up. She learns to manage the complications of seventh grade and her increased engagement with mortality that comes with her gift.
Scott Reintgen
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
On her 4444th day, Celia's magic starts up. She learns to manage the complications of seventh grade and her increased engagement with mortality that comes with her gift.
Puffin Keeper, The
Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: Benji Davies
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A lifelong friendship starts when a boy, who will grow up to found Penguin Books, is rescued from a shipwreck by a lighthouse keeper on Puffin Island. Painterly illustrations.
Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: Benji Davies
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A lifelong friendship starts when a boy, who will grow up to found Penguin Books, is rescued from a shipwreck by a lighthouse keeper on Puffin Island. Painterly illustrations.
Red Scare
Liam Francis Walsh
Illustrator: Liam Francis Walsh
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In 1953, when townsfolk see communists everywhere, Peggy. who has polio, fights villains and her own emotional shortcomings. Comic noir drawings.
Liam Francis Walsh
Illustrator: Liam Francis Walsh
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In 1953, when townsfolk see communists everywhere, Peggy. who has polio, fights villains and her own emotional shortcomings. Comic noir drawings.
River's Gifts, A: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn
Patricia Newman
Illustrator: Natasha Donovan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A Washington state river, central to the life of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, is restored after being dramatically altered by damming over 100 years ago. Bold, colorful illustrations.
Patricia Newman
Illustrator: Natasha Donovan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A Washington state river, central to the life of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, is restored after being dramatically altered by damming over 100 years ago. Bold, colorful illustrations.
Rover's Story, A
Jasmine Warga
Illustrator: Matt Rockefeller
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Res, a rover built to explore Mars, narrates his experience from assembly to final location. Designed to be rational, Res wrestles with human emotions. Black-and-white Illustrations.
Jasmine Warga
Illustrator: Matt Rockefeller
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Res, a rover built to explore Mars, narrates his experience from assembly to final location. Designed to be rational, Res wrestles with human emotions. Black-and-white Illustrations.
Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion
K. Tempest Bradford
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Ruby, 11, is a gifted Black student who loves bugs. Her curiosity unleashes a chain reaction, filled with G-men, aliens, brave friends, supportive parents, and her own courage.
K. Tempest Bradford
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Ruby, 11, is a gifted Black student who loves bugs. Her curiosity unleashes a chain reaction, filled with G-men, aliens, brave friends, supportive parents, and her own courage.
Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild (Food Heroes series)
Jacqueline Briggs Martin and June Jo Lee
Illustrator: Julie Wilson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A lover of fermented foods travels from New York to Tennessee to open a school for like-minded cooks. Humorous, detailed mixed-media illustrations. Recipe included.
Jacqueline Briggs Martin and June Jo Lee
Illustrator: Julie Wilson
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A lover of fermented foods travels from New York to Tennessee to open a school for like-minded cooks. Humorous, detailed mixed-media illustrations. Recipe included.
Sashiko
Barbara Ciletti
Illustrator: Maria Cristina Pritelli
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Sumptuous watercolors accompany a fictionalized account of the origins of a type of Edo-period Japanese embroidery, originally used for repair, now an art form.
Barbara Ciletti
Illustrator: Maria Cristina Pritelli
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Sumptuous watercolors accompany a fictionalized account of the origins of a type of Edo-period Japanese embroidery, originally used for repair, now an art form.
Saving the Butterfly
Helen Cooper
Illustrator: Gill Smith
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A brother and sister, refugees, have different memories of their difficult journey to a new land. The poignant, poetic text describes how a butterfly helps them heal. Expressive mixed-media illustrations.
Helen Cooper
Illustrator: Gill Smith
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
A brother and sister, refugees, have different memories of their difficult journey to a new land. The poignant, poetic text describes how a butterfly helps them heal. Expressive mixed-media illustrations.
Secrets of the Lost City: A Scientific Adventure in the Honduran Rain Forest
Sandra Markle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Travel deep into the Honduran rain forest with scientists as they uncover an ancient civilization while experiencing the unique challenges of this virgin space. Photographs, back matter.
Sandra Markle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Travel deep into the Honduran rain forest with scientists as they uncover an ancient civilization while experiencing the unique challenges of this virgin space. Photographs, back matter.
Seed in the Sun, A
Aida Salazar
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
After Mama falls ill due to hostile working conditions, Lula and her family decide to fight for the rights of farmworkers alongside Dolores Huerta
Aida Salazar
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
After Mama falls ill due to hostile working conditions, Lula and her family decide to fight for the rights of farmworkers alongside Dolores Huerta
Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America
Selene Castrovilla
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In 1861 George Scott, an enslaved person seeking freedom and safety, worked with the Union commander of Fortress Monroe in Virginia to save the fort. Expressive watercolors. Extensive back matter
Selene Castrovilla
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In 1861 George Scott, an enslaved person seeking freedom and safety, worked with the Union commander of Fortress Monroe in Virginia to save the fort. Expressive watercolors. Extensive back matter
Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck, The
Matt Phelan
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
The famous 1783 Versailles hot-air balloon trio uncover an evil plot to steal Benjamin Franklin's inventions and enthrone a king in America. Graphic novel-style illustrations. Author's note.
Matt Phelan
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
The famous 1783 Versailles hot-air balloon trio uncover an evil plot to steal Benjamin Franklin's inventions and enthrone a king in America. Graphic novel-style illustrations. Author's note.
Shine On, Luz Véliz!
Rebecca Balcárcel
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
After an injury on the soccer field, sixth grader Luz feels lost until she discovers a knack for coding. And then a new Guatemalan half sister arrives! Author's note.
Rebecca Balcárcel
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
After an injury on the soccer field, sixth grader Luz feels lost until she discovers a knack for coding. And then a new Guatemalan half sister arrives! Author's note.
Singing with Elephants
Margarita Engle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In 1947, Cuban immigrant Oriol learns to write poetry from Gabriela Mistral, famous poet and diplomat, who assists her campaign to reunite an elephant with its family. In verse. Back matter.
Margarita Engle
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
In 1947, Cuban immigrant Oriol learns to write poetry from Gabriela Mistral, famous poet and diplomat, who assists her campaign to reunite an elephant with its family. In verse. Back matter.
Snail, The
Emily Hughes
Illustrator: Emily Hughes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
There was no place on Earth that famed Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi felt accepted, except in his own creation, made in the shape of a snail. Subdued illustrations. Author's note. Bibliography.
Emily Hughes
Illustrator: Emily Hughes
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
There was no place on Earth that famed Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi felt accepted, except in his own creation, made in the shape of a snail. Subdued illustrations. Author's note. Bibliography.
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
With the help of a magical rebozo, a young royal protects her kingdom and its natural resources from invading forces.
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
With the help of a magical rebozo, a young royal protects her kingdom and its natural resources from invading forces.
Song for the Cosmos, A: Blind Willie Johnson and Voyager's Golden Record
Jan Lower
Illustrator: Gary Kelley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Graphic art in a dark somber palette complements the text to tell the story of Blind Willie Johnson and the Golden Record sent on NASA's 1977 Voyager spacecrafts. Back matter.
Jan Lower
Illustrator: Gary Kelley
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Graphic art in a dark somber palette complements the text to tell the story of Blind Willie Johnson and the Golden Record sent on NASA's 1977 Voyager spacecrafts. Back matter.
Song for the Unsung, A: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington
Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders
Illustrator: Byron McCray
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Despite marginalization as a gay man, Rustin organized and motivated the nonviolent protest movement, mentoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Extensive back matter. Mixed-media illustrations.
Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders
Illustrator: Byron McCray
Ages: 9+
Published: 2022
Despite marginalization as a gay man, Rustin organized and motivated the nonviolent protest movement, mentoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Extensive back matter. Mixed-media illustrations.