16 Nonfiction Books Kids Will
Actually Read
by Kari Ness Riedel
Over the past couple of years, you may have noticed your child’s teachers placing greater emphasis on reading nonfiction. With the adoption of Common Core standards in many states, elementary-school students are now expected to spend 50% of their reading time on literature and 50% on informational texts (i.e., nonfiction) to help them develop a deeper knowledge of the world.
While some kids naturally gravitate toward informational writing, those who love a good story often feel that reading nonfiction is a chore. Here are 16 nonfiction books that have gotten rave reviews from young readers.
-
Picture Books With Complex Texts
-
Worst of Friends
Buy from:History meets humor as readers learn about the rivalry and friendship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, and about the issues they tackled in the early days of the American government.
(Ages 6 – 8)Buy from: -
Humongous Fungus
Buy from:As the cover proclaims, this one’s all about the weird and wonderful kingdom of fungi — and weird and wonderful it is, indeed! Readers will learn all about the countless functions of mushrooms and other fungi species, from the Good Guys (like the plastic-eaters) to the Bad Guys (like the ones that control minds!).
(Ages 7 – 9)Buy from: -
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Buy from:This beautiful picture book in verse gives a heartfelt look at the past. When a young girl gets an assignment for a family history project, she asks her grandmother for help. Her grandmother gathers their family around and tells them the history of their people, the slave trade, and how they came to America.
(Ages 7 – 10)Buy from:
-
Facts & Figures
-
Radzi's Incredible Facts
Buy from:Get ready to ignite curiosity with Radzi's Incredible Facts! From astonishing facts about the human body and remarkable historical figures to mind-boggling sporting achievements and incredible animals, this book is a treasure trove of quirky questions and fascinating answers.
(Ages 5 – 9)Buy from: -
Truth or Lie Series
Buy from:The Truth or Lie series is a highly entertaining way to get your reader excited about nonfiction. A Truth Sleuth helps them parse out facts from fiction on subjects ranging from sharks and dinosaurs to presidents and inventors.
(Ages 5 – 8)Buy from: -
The National Parks
Buy from:For readers who would rather be outside in the dirt than inside with a book, capture their attention with this fascinating guide to America’s 62 National Parks, and all the animals, plant life, and adventures they offer.
(Ages 7 – 9)Buy from:
-
Life Stories
-
My Lost Freedom
Buy from:This New York Times bestselling autobiography chronicles the childhood of renowned actor, George Takei. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, George's family, along with thousands of others with Japanese ancestry, were moved into incarceration camps. George's memories, paired with Lee's beautiful illustrations, provide an age-appropriate account of a dark time in US history.
(Ages 6 – 9)Buy from: -
Courage Like Kate
Buy from:Kate grew up helping her father run their lighthouse. When she was twelve, her father became ill, and Kate took over the lighthouse duties. She spent her life guiding ships to safety and pulling sailors from the sea, but it took 35 years before she received an official title. It’s a beautiful, true story about perseverance, courage, and making a difference.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Fauja Singh Keeps Going
Buy from:Fauja Singh is a world record holder for being the first 100-year-old to run a full marathon. (Yes, you read that right!) Readers of all ages will be moved by his story, which touches on disability, immigration, Sikhism, and incredible perseverance.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid
Buy from:Fifteen-year-old Mikaila Ulmer has a heart for conservation and the drive of an entrepreneur, which she channeled into creating a fully-fledged business, Me & the Bees Lemonade. Part memoir, part business guide, and part call to change the world, Bee Fearless is a must-read.
(Ages 10+)Buy from:
-
Nonfiction Narratives for More Advanced Readers
-
An Immense World (Young Readers Edition)
Buy from:This young readers edition of Ed Yong's bestselling book takes readers on an exciting journey into the amazing ways animals sense the world around them. With fun facts, colorful pictures, and easy-to-understand explanations, this book shows how creatures like turtles, dogs, and even shrimp experience things in ways we never imagined.
Buy from: -
Unstoppable Us, Volume 1: How Humans Took Over the World
Buy from:This one is for history lovers! Historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari takes readers on a journey through time to explain how we’ve become the most powerful creatures on the planet. Complete with maps, a timeline, and full-color illustration, he shows how we got to where we are today.
(Ages 10+)Buy from: -
What Was the Titanic?
Buy from:The story of the Titanic and how the magnificent ship met its doom fascinates kids. This short book offers young readers an overview of the conditions and mistakes that led to the notable maritime disaster and the rediscovery of the sunken ship almost a century later. Pictures, facts, and a fast-paced narrative keep young readers glued to the page.
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
Amelia Lost
Buy from:Candace Fleming’s exploration of the infamous Amelia Earhart — her extraordinary accomplishments, doomed final flight, and modern legacy — proves to readers that history can be as thrilling as fantasy, as suspenseful as mystery, and as poignant as the best of fiction.
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
When Stars Are Scattered
Buy from:This National Book Award Finalist shares the real-life experience of Omar Mohamed, a Somali refugee who lives with his younger brother in a camp in Kenya. When Omar gets the opportunity to attend school, he knows it’s his chance to create a better life for them. This graphic novel gives readers a peek into a refugee’s life, challenges, and hope.
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
How We Got to the Moon
Buy from:The story of Apollo 11’s moon landing doesn’t belong only to Neil Armstrong and his fellow astronauts. It’s also the story of 400,000 people, from engineers to factory workers, who helped NASA during the space race. This is the sort of book one pores over, full of mind-blowing facts and unforgettable stories that culminated in one giant leap for mankind.
(Ages 10+)Buy from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2025.