All the Animals Where I LivePhilip C. SteadCharming sketches invite readers on a meandering stroll through the sights and sounds of country life. A quiet pastoral reflection on memory and storytelling.All readersLexile 600LATOS 3.9View book detailsNYPL Best Books for Kids 2018
Books chosen each year by New York Public Library staff and grouped into the library's own categories.
NYPL Best Books for Kids 2018See the original list
Selections100
Published byNew York Public Library
SectionsAll readers
All readers
100 selections
All the Animals Where I LivePhilip C. SteadCharming sketches invite readers on a meandering stroll through the sights and sounds of country life. A quiet pastoral reflection on memory and storytelling.All readersLexile 600LATOS 3.9View book details
Alma and How She Got Her NameJuana Martinez-NealA young girl is empowered as she discovers the family history behind her many names. Softly colored drawings fit this gentle tale perfectly.All readersLexile AD490LView book details
Amal UnboundAisha SaeedIn modern-day Pakistan, a life-altering mistake leaves strong-willed Amal an indentured servant. Will her determination lead her back to freedom?All readersView book details
Assassination of Brangwain SpurgeM.T. Anderson & Eugene Yelchin, art…A goblin and an elf must put differences aside to save their kingdoms. Their alternating perspectives are revealed through witty text and intricate drawings.All readersView book details
Be PreparedVera BrosgolBunkmates, mosquitos, and ... borscht? Russian summer camp is not what Vera expected. An earthy color palette and captivating voice draw readers into her story of growth and self-acceptance.All readersLexile GN360LATOS 2.6View book details
Betty Before XIlyasah Shabazz, with Renée WatsonAbused by her birth mother, Betty finds a loving home with neighbors who encourage her interest in social justice.All readersLexile 810LATOS 4.9View book details
Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art GallerySandra Neil WallaceThe unlikely story of a reluctant athlete who became a renowned artist.All readersView book details
Big Foot and Little FootEllen PotterHugo, a young Sasquatch, longs to see the world. Boone, a young boy, longs to make a friend. When their worlds collide, a wild woodland adventure unfolds.All readersLexile 700LATOS 4.4View book details
A Big Mooncake for Little StarGrace LinLittle Star can’t stop sneaking bites of mooncake, but when it’s all gone, Mama can make more. Lovely as the night sky, this sweet story is impossible to resist.All readersLexile AD430LATOS 2.2View book details
Bird Builds a NestMartin JenkinsThis deceptively simple picture book about nest-building is really a lesson in physics for the very young.All readersLexile 221LATOS 1.9View book details
BobWendy Mass, Rebecca SteadBob's a little green zombie in a chicken suit! But where did he come from? And who is he really? Livy is determined to figure it out.All readersLexile 590LATOS 3.9View book details
Born to Swing: Lil Hardin Armstrong's Life in JazzMara RockliffBright acrylic illustrations evoke the unforgettable charm and vivacity of a pioneering jazz musician.All readersView book details
The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin MakerMatilda WoodsIn the magical seaside town of Allora, where fish fly, a lonely coffin-maker and a boy on the run strike up an unlikely friendship.All readersView book details
A Busy Creature's Day Eating!Mo WillemsZany illustrations take readers on a culinary romp through the day’s menu in this unexpected alphabet book with a bite.All readersView book details
Capsized! The Forgotten Story of the SS Eastland DisasterPatricia SuttonAn engrossing account that perfectly captures the palpable fear and loss on one tragic day in 1915.All readersView book details
Captain StarfishDavina BellAn encounter with a kindred spirit at the aquarium encourages Alfie to cope with his anxieties. Soothing illustrations accompany this heartfelt glimpse into the life of a boy with some big fears.All readersLexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book details
Cardboard KingdomChad SellEighteen imaginative neighborhood kids have an unforgettable summer defending their recycled realm as heroes, villains, monsters, and robots.All readersLexile GN150LATOS 2.4View book details
Crash: The Great Depression and the Rise and Fall of AmericaMarc FavreauRich with first-hand accounts and historical images, this multifaceted look at the Great Depression immerses the reader in this pivotal time.All readersView book details
Curiosity: The Story of the Mars RoverMarkus MotumGet a robot's-eye-view of the process involved in space travel starting with scientists' blueprints and ending with a courageous landing on Mars.All readersView book details
Dactyl Hill SquadDaniel José OlderA group of dinosaur-riding orphans fight for freedom in New York City during the American Civil War.All readersLexile 800LATOS 5.5View book details
The DamDavid AlmondFolk music and memories combine with majestic illustrations to create an uplifting tale about how a valley was transformed by the building of a dam.All readersView book details
Drawn TogetherMinh LêA boy and his grandfather struggle to communicate until their shared love of art creates a bond that transcends words.All readersLexile AD310LATOS 2.1View book details
El ChupacabrasAdam RubinThe modern-day cryptid is brought to life by cinematic illustrations in this quirky bilingual tale.All readersLexile AD530LATOS 3.5View book details
The Eye that Never Sleeps: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President LincolnMarissa MossSharp-eyed sleuth Allan Pinkerton uncovers an early plot to assassinate President Lincoln. Art inspired by antique maps and newspapers portrays the historic details of this intriguing investigation.All readersView book details
Fake BloodWhitney GardnerIt's a new school year, but nothing changes for AJ until he gets picked to work on a project about Transylvania with his vampire-obsessed crush. Now’s his chance to show her that he's her type.All readersLexile GN150LATOS 2.5View book details
Finding LangstonLesa Cline-RansomeTorn from everything familiar when his father moves them from Alabama to Chicago, Langston finds refuge and solace in the poetry of another Langston.All readersLexile 760LATOS 4.5View book details
First Laugh—Welcome, Baby!Rose Ann Tahe, Nancy Bo Flood“Baby! We wait. ... When will we hear your very first laugh?” A Navajo family continues the tradition of celebrating a joyful milestone.All readersView book details
Flight of SwansSarah McGuireForced into silence, Princess Andaryn risks everything to save her family from the evil enchantress who transformed her seven brothers into swans.All readersView book details
The Frog PrinceThe Brothers GrimmStriking silhouette artwork infuses this classic story with magic.All readersView book details
A Frog's LifeIrene KellyIntricate illustrations depict different species of frogs and their unique traits.All readersView book details
Front DeskKelly YangMia must help her parents navigate the intricacies of running a small motel while pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. Can her power with words help her family succeed?All readersLexile 640LATOS 4.5View book details
The FuneralMatt JamesTextured illustrations vividly capture the perspective of a young girl and her cousin as they attend the funeral of a distant relative.All readersLexile 549LATOS 3.6View book details
Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena WilliamsLesa Cline-Ransome“Tennis filled their dreams.” Hard work and family bonds fuel their success.All readersLexile 1030LATOS 6View book details
The Ghostly Carousel: Delightfully Frightful PoemsCalef BrownZombie family reunions, vengeful canaries, and insect pie! A procession of creepy characters and gross-out delights sure to make you say “ew!”All readersView book details
A Gift from AbuelaCecilia RuizInventive art inspired by the colors and patterns of Mexican pesos illustrate the creative way that Niña and Abuela reaffirm their bond amid personal and economic changes.All readersLexile AD540LATOS 2.8View book details
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed ScienceJoyce SidmanA gorgeous examination of a self-taught artist, entomologist, and the first to document the metamorphosis of butterflies. Merian's original artwork is showcased throughout.All readersView book details
Go Show the WorldWab KinewLavish illustrations and uplifting verse celebrate the diversity of indigenous peoples and their contributions to North American culture.All readersWord count 498View book details
Grains of SandSibylle DelacroixGraceful drawings in a luminous palette evoke an imaginative daydream as two siblings remember their beach vacation.All readersLexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book details
The Great Cheese Robbery (Pocket Pirates, vol. 1)Chris MouldA ragtag family of itty-bitty buccaneers catapult into a comic caper when evil mice kidnap their cat.All readersView book details
Hello, DoorAlastair HelmHello, riches. Hello, jewels. A wily fox greets everything he sees as he sneaks through the home of the Three Bears snatching their treasures. Brisk, rhyming text offsets detailed illustrations in this humorous heist.All readersView book details
Hidden City: Poems of Urban WildlifeSarah Grace TuttleUncover secrets of the natural world in unlikely places with this warmly illustrated collection.All readersView book details
The Horse's HaikuMichael RosenBeautiful watercolors blend seamlessly with charming traditional haiku to convey the grace and power of horses.All readersView book details
The House in Poplar WoodK. E. OrmsbeeA deal with Death and Memory separates a family. Can twin brothers break the contract and bring the family together?All readersLexile 710LATOS 5View book details
How Mamas Love Their BabiesJuniper FitzgeraldHeartfelt prose and retro photo collages remind us that no matter the job, mamas love their little ones and work to give them better lives.All readersView book details
I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of KindnessKerascoëtBright illustrations tell a powerful story about empathy and the courage to step up as an ally.All readersView book details
I'm OKPatti KimIn a series of darkly funny schemes, Ok Lee plans his escape from bullies, bills, and Mom’s new boyfriend. But things are beginning to look increasingly desperate.All readersLexile 670LATOS 4.3View book details
IllegalEoin Colfer, Andrew DonkinEbo must embark on a harrowing journey through desert, ocean, and rat-infested sewers for the chance at a better life. A gripping narrative for older readers.All readersLexile GN490LATOS 2.5View book details
Imagine!Raúl ColónKinetic illustrations animate the wordless adventure of a boy inspired to bring art outside museum walls and into the streets of New York City.All readersView book details
In the PastDavid ElliottDinosaur lovers will dig the blend of poetry, science, and jaw-dropping art in these odes to prehistoric creatures.All readersView book details
InklingKenneth OppelAn inkblot escapes his sketchbook prison and alters Ethan’s life for the better.All readersLexile 650LATOS 4.2View book details
Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the WorldAshley Herring BlakeIn the aftermath of a tornado, Ivy befriends June and feels the stirrings of a first crush.All readersView book details
JabberwalkingJuan Felipe HerreraHow can you be a Jabberwalker? A United States Poet Laureate takes you on a mind-melting journey in this part memoir, part how-to guide that's like nothing you've ever seen.All readersView book details
Jerome by HeartThomas ScottoIn this tender depiction of friendship, a child is unafraid to express his affection—even if it gives his parents pause.All readersView book details
The Journey of Little CharlieChristopher Paul CurtisLittle Charlie realizes that he wasn't helping Cap'n Buck, "a stanking piece of human filth", recover stolen money—he's unwittingly become a fugitive slave catcher. For older readers.All readersLexile 960LATOS 5.8View book details
Julián Is a MermaidJessica LoveA young boy is enchanted by the costumed mermaids he sees while riding the New York City subway. Flowing watercolors complement the spare language in this poignant tale of self-expression and acceptance.All readersLexile 190LATOS 0.8View book details
KnockoutK.A. HoltLevi discovers the advantage of being "small but fast" in a boxing ring. Will health problems and an overprotective family pull a TKO over his ambition?All readersLexile HL610LATOS 3.7View book details
Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth CottenLaura VeirsFrom humble origins to worldwide acclaim, Libba never gave up on her dream. Subtle graphite drawings reflect her life and most famous work.All readersView book details
Look at the WeatherBritta TeckentrupAtmospheric illustrations and lyrical writing combine in this meditative study of weather.All readersView book details
Lovely Beasts: The Surprising TruthKate Gardner, illustrated by Heidi SmithCharcoal drawings highlight surprising contrasts, revealing the softer side of beasts with bad reputations.All readersView book details
Mapping SamJoyce HesselberthFollow a cat on her nightly stroll around the neighborhood through maps, diagrams, and charts of all kinds.All readersLexile AD700LATOS 3View book details
Martin Rising: Requiem for a KingAndrea Davis PinkneyEvocative brushwork and emotional, musical poems explore the tumultuous last months of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life.All readersView book details
Mary Who Wrote FrankensteinLinda BaileyMoody and gothic illustrations bring to life the birth of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece.All readersView book details
Mega Robo BrosNeill CameronEven the most powerful robot kids on Earth deal with bullies and fitting in. To make matters worse, a sinister plot is underway to shut them down and destroy the world they protect.All readersLexile GN270LATOS 2.9View book details
Merci Suárez Changes GearsMeg MedinaAs if middle school wasn't enough of an uphill battle, with frenemies and frizzy hair, Merci must also keep her abuelo’s secret.All readersLexile 700LView book details
Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret SchoolJanet HalfmannAn enslaved woman secretly taught herself to read and risked her life to share this knowledge with others.All readersView book details
My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday WonderNie JunWatercolor illustrations transport the reader to the hutongs of Beijing where Yu’er and her grandfather embark on whimsical adventures.All readersView book details
My Pillow Keeps Moving!Laura GehlA man’s shopping trip leads to unexpected antics when he encounters furry friends in search of a home. Cartoon illustrations and silly dialogue will produce giggles.All readersLexile AD380LATOS 1.4View book details
Myth MatchGood Wives, Warriors (Partnership)Create your own mythical creature by mixing and matching the dazzling illustrations in this interactive bestiary.All readersView book details
New ShoesSara VaronFrancis the donkey is thrilled when he gets the chance to make shoes for his favorite calypso singer. But there's just one problem: he needs more tiger grass, which can only be found deep in the jungle.All readersLexile GN590LATOS 3.2View book details
Night JobKaren HesseMuted art and gently rhythmic text follow a father and son on an ordinary, but always special, routine.All readersLexile AD920LATOS 3.4View book details
Old MiseryJames SagePencil illustrations convey the dark humor in this allegorical tale of why misery exists.All readersView book details
The Orphan Band of SpringdaleAnne NesbetOne French horn. One orphanage. One family secret. They all come together when Augusta is sent to live with her grandmother in a small Maine town in 1941.All readersView book details
Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the BathysphereBarb Rosenstock, illustrated by Katherine RoyA suspenseful story of two explorers whose determination and teamwork plunged them into previously uncharted ocean depths.All readersLexile 620LATOS 3.6View book details
The Parker InheritanceVarian JohnsonAn old letter sends two kids searching the past and the present to find a $40 million treasure.All readersLexile 610LATOS 4.2View book details
The Patchwork BikeMaxine Beneba ClarkeSiblings zoom through their village on their homemade bike while their fed-up mum looks on. Vibrant paintings on cardboard enliven this spirited ode to childhood ingenuity.All readersLexile 420LATOS 2.9View book details
Peter and Ernesto: A Tale of Two SlothsGraham AnnableThis hilarious duo tests the strength of their friendship when Ernesto sets out on an exciting expedition and leaves homebody Peter behind.All readersView book details
The Rabbit ListenedCori DoerrfeldThis simple and sweetly illustrated story reminds readers that no one else can tell you what to feel. Sometimes, all we need is someone who will listen.All readersLexile AD450LATOS 1.7View book details
Red Sky at NightElly MacKayThe origins of traditional sayings used to forecast the weather are accompanied by dreamy paper dioramas.All readersView book details
The Rough PatchBrian LiesA farmer fox harvests hope after a great loss. Lush, dramatic imagery conveys his journey from grief to new beginnings.All readersLexile AD580LATOS 2.8View book details
Sci-Fu, vol. 1Yehudi MercadoIn 1980s Brooklyn, young DJ Wax takes to the turntables and accidentally summons a UFO that whisks him and his crew away to the robot planet Discopia.All readersView book details
The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of ArtBarb RosenstockHistory, storytelling, and art converge in this immersive biography of a visionary folk artist who never stopped creating.All readersView book details
Seeing into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard WrightRichard Wright/biography by Nina…Photo collages paired with Wright's timeless haiku speak to themes of childhood and the natural world.All readersView book details
Seven Bad CatsMoe BonneauCount the clever cats as they cause chaos for an intrepid sailor in this rhyming tale set on rolling watercolor seas.All readersLexile 550LATOS 3.6View book details
SpeechlessAdam P. SchmittLife is complicated, and it turns out death is too. Jimmy’s recently deceased cousin Patrick gets the last laugh when Jimmy is told he will be delivering the eulogy. For older readers.All readersLexile 680LATOS 4.7View book details
Stanley Will Probably Be FineSally J. PlaStanley must summon his inner strength to battle overwhelming situations when he enters the city-wide scavenger hunt to win tickets to Comic Fest.All readersLexile 600LATOS 4.2View book details
Stella Díaz Has Something to SayAngela DominguezA tongue-tied, bilingual third-grader finds her voice with the help of family, new friends, her pet betta fish, and Jacques Cousteau.All readersLexile 650LATOS 4.2View book details
Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver ScreenCandace FlemingA former police dog becomes an unlikely but sensational silent movie star. When accused of a crime he didn't commit, will the renowned canine sniff out the truth?All readersView book details
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her MonsterJonathan AuxierNan Sparrow, a chimneysweep in Victorian London, befriends a mysterious magical creature in this fairy tale of monsters and great escapes.All readersView book details
They Didn't Teach THiS in Worm School!Simone LiaTo avoid becoming a bird's breakfast, a smooth-talking worm agrees to be her navigator. An unlikely friendship is formed as they travel to faraway lands.All readersView book details
They Say BlueJillian TamakiA swirl of colors carry a curious child through the natural world as she ponders the changing seasons.All readersLexile 281LATOS 2.2View book details
Tom's Midnight Garden: A Graphic Adaptation of the Philippa Pierce ClassicEdithA true New York origin story of two teenage musicians from Queens and their rise to international stardom.All readersView book details
The Triumphant Tale of the House SparrowJan ThornhillIntriguing narrative and detailed illustrations relate the surprising history of the humble house sparrow, which has lived alongside humans since ancient times.All readersView book details
The Truth as Told by Mason ButtleLeslie ConnorBenny died falling out of a treehouse. Everyone in town thinks his best friend, Mason Buttle, knows more than he's saying. What will it take to prove his innocence?All readersLexile 310LATOS 2.3View book details
Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to SchoolJulie FalatkoJump into the minds of the well-meaning (yet hopelessly goofy) Sassy and Waldo, a canine duo determined to find out where their boy disappears to every day.All readersLexile 540LATOS 3.6View book details
WallpaperThao LamA layered fantasy world unfolds under the wallpaper of a new house. Lively paneled collages detail a wordless escapade that lead a shy girl to new friendships.All readersView book details
Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the WorldChristy HaleAppealing die-cut pages and bold colors introduce topographical terms in this highly accessible primer for budding explorers.All readersView book details
Wed WabbitLissa EvansFidge is transported into the land of Wimbly Woos, who insist she is the champion they have been waiting for. Will she be able to free them from the tyrannical rule of Wed Wabbit?All readersView book details
Whale in a FishbowlTroy HowellFrom the middle of the city, Wednesday longs for the blue beyond her bowl.All readersView book details
When Paul Met Artie: The Story of Simon and GarfunkelG. NeriA true New York origin story of two teenage musicians from Queens and their rise to international stardom.All readersView book details
The YarkBertrand SantiniGood behavior will only get you eaten in this thrilling tale of an insatiable child-eating monster.All readersView book details