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.
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Picture Books With Complex Texts
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Worst of Friends
Available 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)Also available from: -
Humongous Fungus
Available 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)Also available from: -
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Available 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)Also available from:
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Facts & Figures
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Curious Comparisons: A Life-Size Look at the World Around You
Available from:Science meets humor in this book of brain-twister comparisons. (What weighs more: a pillow or a Saint Bernard’s number two?) Backmatter delves further into all the wackiness, showing young readers that footnotes can also be treasure troves.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Truth or Lie Series
Available 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)Also available from: -
The National Parks
Available 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)Also available from:
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Life Stories
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Thanks to Frances Perkins
Available from:Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson tells the story of Frances Perkins in this picture book biography. Frances began fighting for workers’ rights after witnessing a terrible industrial fire that killed dozens of people. Because of her efforts, Americans now enjoy better work conditions and the Social Security program.
(Ages 6 – 9)Also available from: -
Stay Curious!
Stephen Hawking’s scientific discoveries changed how we view the entire universe, and it all started with a curious young boy who constantly asked questions. This picture book biography details his life, from a precocious childhood to his ALS diagnosis and one brilliant discovery after another.
(Ages 4 – 8)Preorder from: -
Courage Like Kate
Available 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)Also available from: -
Fauja Singh Keeps Going
Available 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)Also available from: -
Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid
Available 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+)Also available from:
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Nonfiction Narratives for More Advanced Readers
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Available from:This Young Readers Edition tells the exciting story of William Kamkwamba, a young boy from Malawi, and how he used scrap metal to invent a windmill and bring electricity to his tiny village. His journey is inspiring and gives kids a broader, more global perspective.
(Ages 10+)Also available from: -
What Was the Titanic?
Available 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)Also available from: -
Amelia Lost
Available 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)Also available from: -
When Stars Are Scattered
Available 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)Also available from: -
How We Got to the Moon
Available 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+)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2022.