This collection of nonfiction books for kids opens doors to new understandings, adventures, and historical insights. From the first steps on the moon with Neil Armstrong to the imaginative dreams of young girls wanting to be cowgirls, each book serves as a window into the lives and achievements of extraordinary individuals and the simple yet profound moments of daily life around the globe. As we travel from the vibrant landscapes of Africa with The Water Princess to the courageous heart of the Holocaust with Signs of Survival, young readers are invited to explore themes of perseverance, curiosity, and the endless possibilities that come from dreaming big.
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Nonfiction Books for Kids
Whether it’s uncovering the mysteries of animal hibernation or celebrating the achievements of groundbreaking figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai, these nonfiction books for kids are carefully curated to educate, inspire, and entertain children of all ages.
1. A Ticket Around the World, by Natalia Diaz, Melissa Owens
A Ticket Around the World is a fun and informative picture book for children by Natalia Diaz and Melissa Owens. It features a young boy as he journeys to 13 different countries, introducing readers to the cultures, languages, foods, and environments of each place. A dedicated spread per country presents small maps that show geography and landmarks, allowing readers to imagine they are traveling, too.
2. I am Neil Armstrong, by Brad Meltzer
Neil Armstrong was an American engineer and pilot who became the first person to walk on the moon. He was born on a farm in Ohio and grew up to be an excellent student. He studied engineering in college and then joined the military, where he became a test pilot. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong made his famous first step on the moon and uttered the now-famous phrase: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. The I Am Neil Armstrong biography, written by Brad Meltzer, celebrates this heroic figure and his incredible achievements.
3. I am Jane Goodall, by Brad Meltzer
I am Jane Goodall, by Brad Meltzer, is a biography of the eponymous scientist and conservationist who is renowned for her work with chimpanzees. The book is part of a series of picture books that use simple, conversational language to narrate the life stories of historical figures in the first-person present tense.
4. Babies Around the World, by Puck
Babies Around the World by Puck is an adorable and educational board book designed to introduce young readers to different cultures. Readers travel from city to city, starting in New York City and ending in San Francisco, and meet babies who greet them in different languages. This is a great book for any little one interested in learning about the world around them.
5. Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera, by Candace Fleming
Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera, by Candace Fleming is a delightful exploration of the life of the Honeybee. Readers are taken on an incredible journey as Apis emerges from her cell and embarks on a fantastic voyage. Through captivating illustrations and storytelling, readers follow along on Apis’ journey as she collects nectar, builds wax combs, and defends her hive from invaders.
6. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin, by Julia Finley Mosca
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca tells a remarkable story of determination and success. Diagnosed with autism as a young girl, many did not expect her to develop the ability to speak. However, through sheer determination and an ability to think in pictures, Temple became one of the most influential voices in modern science. The book details her life and how she used her unique visual thinking to create groundbreaking improvements for farms around the world.
7. Mama Built a Little Nest, by Jennifer Ward
Mama Built a Little Nest, by Jennifer Ward, is a delightful book that celebrates the variety of birds and their nests. Through bouncy rhymes, Mama Built a Little Nest looks at different types of nests—from large to small, silky to cottony, muddy to twiggy—and the birds that lay their eggs in them. Mama Built a Little Nest is an interactive book, inviting children to explore nests of different shapes and sizes while learning about the birds that build them. The book encourages young readers to think more deeply about the world around them and appreciate the beauty of nature.
8. Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, is a book about a secret kingdom beneath winter’s snowy landscape. It follows the story of animals that live through the winter safe and warm, awake and busy, under the snow. The book reveals the beauty and activity that lies beneath the snow and provides readers with a magical adventure that exposes them to the wonders of the winter season.
9. I Am Martin Luther King Jr., by Brad Meltzer
I Am Martin Luther King Jr., by Brad Meltzer, introduces children to the activist’s incredible story in a friendly and engaging way. Through this book, kids will learn about the importance of standing up for what is right and having the courage to dream big.
10. Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers
In Her Right Foot, Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris explore the meaning behind the Statue of Liberty’s iconic right foot. By examining the statue’s footsteps and its place in America’s history, they trace the story of how acceptance has been at the foundation of an entire nation. Her Right Foot dives into both the literal and metaphorical significance behind the statue’s powerful message. The book is both an informative and entertaining read that provides insight into the core beliefs of America.
11. Who Was Albert Einstein?, by Jess Brallier, Who HQ
Who Was Albert Einstein?, written by Jess Brallier of Who HQ, tells the story of Albert Einstein and his life. From his childhood expulsion from school to his revolutionary discoveries in the fields of physics and mathematics, this book dives deep into the world of one of history’s most famous scientists. The book discusses Einstein’s impact on society and how his work has changed our understanding of the world.
12. Locomotive, by Brian Floca
Locomotive, by Brian Floca, is a chidlren’ s book about the summer of 1869 and the transcontinental railroad. It follows the journey of trains and their crews, as well as the families who travel with them. The story details the sights, sounds, and sensations of the trip. It is an immersive experience that captures the power of the locomotives, the hard work of the crews that keep them going, and the excitement of traveling through different landscapes.
13. Malala Yousafzai, by Jenni L. Walsh
Malala Yousafzai is an inspiring figure and an advocate for girls’ rights and education. She was born in Pakistan and from a young age had a desire to become a doctor. Unfortunately, her home country was overrun by extremists who wanted to stop girls from going to school, but Malala wasn’t deterred. She spoke out in defiance of their views and was eventually attacked on a bus for her beliefs. Malala recovered from the attack and continued to fight for educational rights, eventually becoming the youngest-ever Nobel Prize winner.
14. Why Do Animals Hibernate?, by David Martin
Why Do Animals Hibernate? by David Martin, is an informational book that explores the fascinating world of hibernation. With large color photographs illustrating burrows, dens, caves and animals in hibernation, this book provides readers with interesting facts about how and why animals go into hibernation. It also explains the biological processes of hibernation, including how animals slow their heart rate and metabolic rate. Why Do Animals Hibernate? is correlated to the Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts, making it a valuable tool in teaching students about hibernation.
15. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read, by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
The Oldest Student, by Rita Lorraine Hubbard tells the inspiring story of Mary Walker, an African American woman who lived through the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. Born into slavery, she was freed and married at 20. She worked various jobs throughout her long life, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At age 116, Mary Walker defied expectations by learning to read. The book celebrates Mary’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity as an example of never being too old to learn.
16. Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales
Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales, is a celebration of finding strength and resilience in the unknown. This lyrical and lovingly-illustrated picture book memoir follows one family’s journey of leaving their home and adjusting to a new place. Through vibrant illustrations, Dreamers captures the difficulty of navigating an unfamiliar world while still finding hope and joy in it. Dreamers encourages readers to never stop dreaming and to always carry their own strengths wherever they roam, just like Dream Big Little One by Vashti Harrison.
17. Dream Big, Little One, by Vashti Harrison
Dream Big, Little One, by Vashti Harrison is an inspiring board book adaptation of the popular Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. The book features 18 powerful and courageous black women, including both famous historical figures and everyday women who did extraordinary things. These trailblazers overcame many obstacles to make a lasting impact on the world. Dream Big, Little One inspires young readers and encourages them to pursue their own dreams and make a difference in the world. Dream big, little one!
18. The Water Princess, by Susan Verde, Georgie Badiel
The Water Princess, by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel, tells the story of Princess Gie Gie and the struggle for clean drinking water in her African village. The book is inspired by the childhood of Georgie Badiel who, like many girls in her village, had to walk miles each day to collect water. The book shows the hardships faced by those without access to clean drinking water and brings hope for a better future. With vibrant illustrations, The Water Princess encourages readers to work towards the goal of providing safe, potable water to all communities. The book is an inspiring example of how literature can be used as a tool for social change.
19. Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust, by Renee Hartman, Joshua M. Greene
Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust, by Renee Hartman and Joshua M. Greene, is a vivid and heartbreaking account of the struggles faced by Jews living in 1940s Czechoslovakia during the Holocaust. The narrative begins with Renee, Herta, and their parents trying to hide from the Nazis while Renee, as the only hearing person in her family, must alert them of any approaching Nazis. Sadly, their parents are taken away and the sisters go on the run trying to find a safe place…
Final thoughts
Through the pages of these carefully selected books, children are not only transported to different times and places but are also introduced to the boundless strength of the human spirit. From the resilience of Mary Walker, who learned to read at the age of 116, to the innovative mind of Albert Einstein, each story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. As young readers turn each page, they are reminded that they, too, can be heroes in their own lives, making a difference in the world around them.