Buzz
The Children's Book Committee at New York City's Bank Street College of Education has unveiled its 2018 compilation of standout children's books. Organized into five age-specific groups, the list features over 600 titles released in the U.S. and Canada during 2017.
Judges evaluated books based on their literary quality, presentation, and potential to resonate emotionally with young audiences. They also prioritized originality, character authenticity, and the avoidance of stereotypes, alongside positive portrayals of religious and cultural diversity.
Nonfiction titles were scrutinized for factual accuracy, balanced perspectives, and proper sourcing, while poetry collections were judged on their use of language, rhythm, depth, and emotional resonance. Every book underwent review by at least two committee members before being discussed and approved by the entire group.
Each year, three books from the list are honored with special awards. In 2018, the Josette Frank Award, recognizing a novel where a child character navigates challenges in a realistic and uplifting manner, was given to Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Nikki Grimes received the Claudia Lewis Award for poetry with One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance, while Kara Hagedorn earned the Flora Stieglitz Straus Award for nonfiction with Hawk Mother: The Story of a Red-Tailed Hawk Who Hatched Chickens.
Here’s a curated list of some of the books recognized by the committee for their "outstanding merit." To explore the complete selection, click on the PDF link provided for each category.
Under five category [PDF]Anywhere Farm by Phyllis Root and G. Brian KarasBig Cat, Little Cat by Elisha CooperCreepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds and Peter BrownMine! by Jeff MackNoisy Night by Mac Barnett and Brian BiggsSam & Eva by Debbie Ridpath OhiSnow Scene by Richard Jackson and Laura Vaccaro SeegerWinter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer and Richard Jones
Five to nine category [PDF]After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan SantatAlfie: The Turtle That Disappeared by Thyra HederEmmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas by Russell Hoban and Lillian HobanGood Night, Planet by LiniersPandora by Victoria TurnbullRobinson by Peter SísSleep Tight, Charlie by Michael Escoffier and Kris Di GiacomoSpiders!: Strange and Wonderful by Laurence Pringle and Meryl Henderson
Nine to twelve category [PDF]All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria JamiesonA Properly Unhaunted Place by William Alexander and Kelly MurphyIf Sharks Disappeared by Lily WilliamsLittle Bits of Sky by S. E. Durrant and Katie HarnettMe and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig KingSputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell BoyceThe Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain, Philip C. Stead, and Erin E. SteadThe War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Twelve to fourteen category [PDF]Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time by Tanya Lee StoneInsignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti BowlingSaints and Misfits by S. K. AliSatellite by Nick LakeThe Book of Chocolate: The Amazing Story of the World's Favorite Candy by H. P. NewquistThe Exact Location of Home by Kate MessnerThick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner and Maxime PlasseYvain: The Knight of the Lion by M. T. Anderson and Andrea Offermann
Fourteen and up category [PDF]Between Two Skies by Joanne O'SullivanEliza and Her Monsters by Francesca ZappiaFar From the Tree by Robin BenwayI Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. SánchezMidnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn AndersonSaint Death by Marcus SedgwickThe Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F. C. YeeThe Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
To order a printed version of The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2018 Edition ($10, plus $3 shipping), send an email to [email protected].
