How? Why? When? What? And Where? Kids are fascinated with the world around them and are like sponges ready to absorb details and statistics - and take great pleasure in remembering all sorts of wonderful and weird facts!
Our Non-Fiction round-up includes a wide range of titles for all ages to entertain, amuse and educate children with useful facts to help them better understand our amazing world and bring factual information vividly to life.
So whether you have a keen reader or a reluctant one, a toddler or a teenager there's something to captivate and enthrall them here.
Scroll down for our favourite recently published non-fiction titles plus some timeless favourites that have been inspiring kids for years.
Everyone loves a good story, and that includes kids! But the best stories aren’t always fiction—often, nonfiction can be just as compelling, even for young readers. The best nonfiction books for kids get them interested in the world around them through true stories about real people, amazing events, different cultures, and the beauty of nature. Reading, and reading nonfiction specifically, opens up the world for kids—not just by memorizing facts, but by learning how to analyze and think critically.
Kids may enjoy different types of nonfiction that attract and keep their interest, including narrative nonfiction, which tells about people and events in a captivating “story” format; active nonfiction, which describes how to do something fun or interesting; and expository literature, which presents information with artistic language and gorgeous illustration to draw readers in. We’ve included all of these on this list, so the children in your life can discover what type of nonfiction best captures their attention.
In curating this list, we sought recommendations from teachers, librarians, and parents. We also looked at books that won awards, made “best books” lists, or otherwise garnered attention for being outstanding. We also made sure to include various topics from science to history, as well as the best biographies and children’s books about diversity. Some of these selections may even be considered the best books of all time and will lead your child to later be interested in the best books for teens and so much more. We’ve organized them by age range, but you know your children or your students best: Depending on their emotional and academic level, individual kids may be ready for these books at different times. Happy reading!
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
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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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Facts & Figures
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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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Life Stories
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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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+)Add to Cart Also available from:
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Nonfiction Narratives for More Advanced Readers
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.
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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)Add to Cart Also available from:
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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+)Add to Cart Also available from:
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2022.