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Growing Reader

Tween

16 Nonfiction Books Kids Will
Actually Read

by Kari Ness Riedel

Nonfiction-Books-Kids-Read

Photography by Seana Williamson

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

Worst of Friends

by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, illustrated by Larry Day

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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)

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Humongous Fungus

Humongous Fungus

by DK

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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)

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The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

by Nikole Hannah Jones and Renee Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

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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)

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Facts & Figures

Curious Comparisons: A Life-Size Look at the World Around You

Curious Comparisons: A Life-Size Look at the World Around You

by Jorge Doneiger, illustrated by Guido Chouela, David Sisso, and Marcelo Setton

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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)

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Truth or Lie Series

Truth or Lie Series

by Erica S. Perl

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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)

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The National Parks

The National Parks

by DK

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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)

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Life Stories

Thanks to Frances Perkins

Thanks to Frances Perkins

by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

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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)

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Stay Curious!

Stay Curious!

by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer, illustrated by Boris Kulikov

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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)

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Courage Like Kate

Courage Like Kate

by Anna Crowley Redding, illustrated by Emily Sutton

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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)

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Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Fauja Singh Keeps Going

by Simran Jeet Singh, illustrated by Baljinder Kaur

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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)

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Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid

Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid

by Mikaila Ulmer

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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+)

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Nonfiction Narratives for More Advanced Readers

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Anna Hymas

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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+)

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What Was the Titanic?

What Was the Titanic?

by Stephanie Sabol, illustrated by Gregory Copeland

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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)

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Amelia Lost

Amelia Lost

by Candace Fleming

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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)

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When Stars Are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered

by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, illustrated by Victoria Jamieson and Iman Geddy

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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)

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How We Got to the Moon

How We Got to the Moon

by John Rocco

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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+)

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2022.