Non fiction short stories for children
Fiction - Free Kids Books
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Ayrton Senna’s life, a race driver and philanthropist, is highlighted in this book for elementary school age children. The book details his early life, race successes and career, and his tragic ending and legacy.
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Toby Rush creates a fun and engaging way to learn music theory, and this is his introductory selection of pages available, detailing notation: pitch, notation: rhythm, notation: meter, the major scale and major key signatures, the circle of fifths, intervals, and minor scales and circle, and dynamics and articulations. This is a perfect resource for …
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Manatees and Dugongs, commonly named Sea Cows due to their vegetarian nature, are beautiful, gentle creatures, inhabiting shallow areas such as mangroves and estuaries in the warm equatorial regions. Learn more about these magnificent creatures in this book, aimed at early to mid elementary (primary) school children. The book is released in creative commons and …
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Always be Nice is a short book for young children promoting kindness and manners and can be used as an early reader. The book is perfect for building confidence in reading with only 28 words most of which are simple words. This book also teaches kids ten important lessons about being kind to others. Each …
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In the grip of a terrifying pandemic, thirty writers, aged eight to eighteen share their innermost experiences in journals, poetry, and essays. Writing from Quarantine is produced by Mighty Writers – inspiring youth to think clearly and write with clarity.
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My Body is Mine is a short and powerful book for children to help them become aware of the nature of abuse and how important it is to speak to a parent or trusted adult. The book also provides some guidance pages for adults on how to identify signs and how to handle a child’s …
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Teach your children proper hygiene and why it’s important in this short book for children about hygiene
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This poignant account of children and teen’s child helpline calls can help children put their problems in perspective or recognise that there are ways to get help.
Over thirty stories of problems from too much schoolwork or friendship difficulties to suicide and physical and sexual abuse. The book also includes worldwide contacts for Child Helpline …
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This early music book teaches you everything you need to know about rhythm and tone to play simple tunes and scales on the piano. There is a section on rhythm which includes beats, key signatures, and rests, and provides exercises to clap to. There is a second section on tone that introduces the 7 whole …
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Herewith the Wikijunior big book of Science Experiments featuring the first five featured experiments from Wikijunior. Contents Slime recipes Yucky gooey slime! Isn’t it just great?! We love it! Oobleck – is it a liquid or a solid? Red cabbage indicator Red cabbage indicators are great for showing if something is an acid or base. …
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15 Best Nonfiction Books for Kids
courtesy of brands
Getting kids to read books outside the classroom can sometimes feel like you're pulling teeth.
But that won't be the case with these nonfiction titles. Each is based on real people, places, and events that will keep them engaged, excited, and turning page after page.
Courtesy of Harper Collins
1 of 15
'Mae Among The Stars' by Roda Ahmed
$15
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A story about how determination can turn imagination into reality, this children's book is out-of-this-world remarkable. It follows the journey of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, and details how she accomplished her childhood dream of soaring amongst the stars.
Courtesy of Simon & Schuster
2 of 15
'I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark' by Debbie Levy
$11
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Standing up for what you believe in is a lesson we try to instill in kids from an early age, which is why little ones should read this illustrated biography that celebrates Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She spent her life speaking up for others and arguing against unfair treatment, and her biggest — and most influential — dissents are detailed here.
Courtesy of Harper Collins
3 of 15
'Hidden Figures' by Margot Lee Shetterly
$12
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You fell in love with the female African American mathematicians who worked at NASA when you watched the Hidden Figures film. But now your kids can get to know them too, as this nonfiction book shares even more empowering elements of scientific and social history.
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
4 of 15
'Worst of Friends' by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain
$14
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Humor meets history in this funny (but true!) story about two friends and political rivals. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had very different views on how to best govern in the early days of the U.S., and this story tells the tale of how they managed to put their issues aside for the sake of friendship.
Courtesy of Little Brown Books For Young Readers
5 of 15
'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai
$10
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Malala Yousafzai, now the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient, tells her inspiring story of standing up to the Taliban and fighting for girls’ education worldwide.
Trust us: there’s no one better to let your child know that age really is just a number when you want to make a difference.
Courtesy of Little Brown & Company
6 of 15
'Little Leaders: Visionary Women Around the World' by Vashti Harrison
$18
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Kids can never have too many role models, and this book is packed with them. Each page-long biography delves into the life, accomplishments, and legacy of iconic women from around the globe, ranging from writers and artists to inventors and scientists. Whether they identify with environmental activist Wangari Maathai or architect Zaha Hadid doesn't matter — each woman will help them realize that they too can grow up to do something amazing.
Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press
7 of 15
'When You Grow Up to Vote' by Eleanor Roosevelt with Michelle Markel
$20
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It’s never too early to learn about civic duty, and who better to teach your child about how the government works than former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt? Originally published in 1932, her words have been supplemented with updated info and eye-catching art in this nonfiction book for kids.
Courtesy of Bantam
8 of 15
'Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank
$7
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It may be one of the most monumental nonfiction books you read as a kid, and now your child can experience the same emotions while flipping through the diary of 13-year-old Anne Frank. Her entries detail what life was like for her family while hiding in Amsterdam during World War II. Each one displays Anne's youthfulness, wisdom beyond her years, and the admirable ability to hold onto her spirit during an incredibly dark time.
Courtesy of Philomel Books
9 of 15
'She Persisted' by Chelsea Clinton
$13
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This children's book shines a spotlight on the American women who have made a difference through their bold actions and tenaciousness. From Helen Keller to Sonia Sotomayor, kids will learn the value of boldness and the magic that can happen when you stand up for yourself and others.
Courtesy of Chronicle Books
10 of 15
'This is How We Do It' by Matt Lamothe
$14
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Have any little ones in your life who could use some perspective? This is How We Do It compares an average day of seven different kids from countries around the world.
By learning about different cultures, kids can pick out which daily rituals are different and similar to their own, in turn fostering empathy and acceptance for all.
Courtesy of DK Children
11 of 15
'The Bee Book' by Charlotte Milner
$11
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This colorful book is filled with lighthearted graphics and charts that will open your child's mind to the very complex and fascinating role of the honey bee. Kids will learn how this species talks to one another, what it takes to become a Queen bee, and how exactly they make so much honey. And as nature's hardest workers, your kid may just pick up a thing or two about developing a solid work ethic.
Courtesy of Square Fish
12 of 15
'Neo Leo' by Gene Barretta
$9
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A true renaissance man, did you know that Leonardo da Vinci came up with ideas for inventions that wouldn't come to fruition until years later? From contact lenses to cars and robots, da Vinci thought about them all, and this book introduces one of the world's greatest thinkers to your kids.
Courtesy of Candlewick
13 of 15
'How Does My Home Work?' by Lucia Gaggiotti
$10
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For the kid who always asks “How?,” this image-packed book should satisfy some around-the-house curiosities, like how exactly you get electricity and water. The illustrated charts and information may even teach you a thing or two about the things in your home that you take for granted.
Courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
14 of 15
'Finding Winnie' by Lindsay Mattick
$12
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Your kids probably know all about Winnie-the-Pooh, but what about the non-cartoon bear? This adorable book tells the true story of how veterinarian Harry Colebourn rescued and adopted a baby bear, named her Winnie, and eventually brought her to the London Zoo, where she met a little boy named Christopher.
Courtesy of Millbrook Pr Trade
15 of 15
'Water Can Be...' by Laura Purdie Salas
$16
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From a thirst quencher to a kid drencher, this poetic children's book teaches young ones about all the many different things that water can be.
They'll love the constant rhymes and fun pictures, and may even try to brainstorm new ways to use water once they flip the final page.
Genre of a literary work - Writer's Handbook
Why does an author need to understand genres?
Then, in order to:
a) to learn mastery in one's own genre;
b) know exactly which publisher to submit the manuscript to;
c) study your target audience and offer the book not to “everyone in general”, but to those people who may be interested in it.
What is fiction?
Fiction refers to all works that have a fictional plot and fictional characters: novels, short stories, short stories and plays.
Memoirs are classified as non-fiction because they are not fictitious events, but they are written according to the canons of fiction - with a plot, characters, etc.
But poetry, including lyrics, is fiction, even if the author recalls a past love that actually happened.
Types of fiction for adults
Fiction is divided into genre literature, mainstream and intellectual prose.
Genre literature
In genre literature, the plot plays the first fiddle, while it fits into certain, previously known frameworks.
This does not mean that all genre novels should be predictable. The writer's skill lies precisely in creating a unique world, unforgettable characters and an interesting way to get from point "A" (start) to point "B" (denouement) under given conditions.
As a rule, a genre work ends on a positive note, the author does not delve into psychology and other lofty matters and simply tries to entertain readers.
Basic plot schemes in genre literature
Detective: crime - investigation - exposure of the criminal.
Love story : heroes meet - fall in love - fight for love - unite hearts.
Thriller: the hero lived his usual life - a threat arises - the hero tries to escape - the hero gets rid of the danger.
Adventures: the hero sets a goal and, having overcome many obstacles, achieves what he wants.
When we talk about science fiction, fantasy, historical or modern novel, we are talking not so much about the plot as about the scenery, so when defining the genre, two or three terms are used that allow us to answer the questions: “What happens in the novel?” and "Where is it happening?". If we are talking about children's literature, then an appropriate note is made.
Examples: “modern romance novel”, “fantastic action movie” (action movie is adventure), “historical detective story”, “children's adventure story”, “fairy tale for primary school age”.
Genre prose, as a rule, is published in series, either author's or general.
Mainstream
In the mainstream (from English mainstream - the main stream) readers expect unexpected solutions from the author. For this type of book, the most important thing is the moral development of the characters, philosophy and ideology. The requirements for a mainstream author are much higher than for writers working with genre prose: he must be not only an excellent storyteller, but also a good psychologist and a serious thinker.
Another important feature of the mainstream is that such books are written at the intersection of genres. For example, it is impossible to say unequivocally that Gone with the Wind is only romance or only historical drama.
By the way, the drama itself, that is, the story of the tragic experience of the characters, is also a sign of the mainstream.
As a rule, novels of this type are published outside the series. This is due to the fact that serious works are written for a long time and it is rather problematic to form a series of them. Moreover, mainstream authors are so different from each other that it is difficult to group their books on any basis other than “good book”.
When specifying the genre in mainstream novels, the emphasis is usually placed not so much on the plot as on certain distinguishing features of the book: historical drama, novel in letters, fantastic saga, etc.
Origin of the term
writer and critic William Dean Howells (1837–1920).
As editor of one of the most popular and influential literary magazines of his time, The Atlantic Monthly , he had a clear preference for works written in a realistic vein and emphasizing moral and philosophical issues.
Thanks to Howells, realistic literature became fashionable, and for some time it was called the mainstream. The term was fixed in English, and from there it moved to Russia.
Intellectual prose
Unlike the mainstream, which should appeal to a wide readership, intellectual prose is focused on a narrow circle of connoisseurs and claims to be elitism. The authors do not set themselves the goal of commercial success: they are primarily interested in art for the sake of art and the opportunity to share something sore with the world.
In the overwhelming majority of cases, intellectual prose has a gloomy tone and is published outside the series.
Main genres of fiction
Approximate classification
When applying to a publisher, we must indicate the genre so that our manuscript is sent to the appropriate editor.
The following is an indicative list of genres as they are understood by publishers and bookstores.
- Avant-garde literature. Characterized by a violation of the canons and language and plot experiments. As a rule, the avant-garde comes out in very small editions. Closely intertwined with intellectual prose.
- Action. Focused primarily on the male audience. The basis of the plot is fights, chases, saving beauties, etc.
- Detective. The main storyline is the disclosure of a crime.
- Historical novel . The time of action is the past. The plot, as a rule, is tied to significant historical events.
- Love story. Heroes find love.
- Mystic. The plot is based on supernatural events.
- Adventure. Heroes embark on an adventure and/or embark on a perilous journey.
- Thriller/Horror.
The heroes are in mortal danger, from which they are trying to get rid of. - Fantasy. The plot is set in a hypothetical future or in a parallel world. One of the varieties of fantasy is alternative history.
- Fantasy/fairy tales. The main features of the genre are fairy-tale worlds, magic, unseen creatures, talking animals, etc. Often based on folklore.
What is non-fiction?
The category of non-fiction includes textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, biographies, journalism, etc. That is, all books that describe life as it is.
Non-fiction books are classified by subject (eg gardening, history, etc.) and type (scientific monograph, collection of articles, photo album, etc.).
The following is a classification of non-fiction books, as is done in bookstores. When applying to a publisher, indicate the topic and type of book - for example, a textbook on writing.
Classification of non-fiction
- autobiographies, biographies and memoirs;
- architecture and art;
- astrology and esotericism;
- business and finance;
- armed forces;
- upbringing and education;
- house, garden, kitchen garden;
- health;
- history;
- career;
- computers;
- local history;
- love and family relationships;
- fashion and beauty;
- music, film, radio;
- science and technology;
- food and cooking;
- deluxe editions;
- politics, economics, law;
- guides and travel books;
- religion;
- self-development and psychology;
- agriculture;
- dictionaries and encyclopedias;
- sports;
- philosophy;
- hobby;
- school books;
- linguistics and literature.
Read more? But is there any benefit from stories invented by someone?
- Claudia Hammond
- BBC Future
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We hear from childhood that we need to read more. But do modern studies confirm the positive impact of fiction on a person?
More than 1.8 million books are bought in the US every day. In the UK, half a million. Despite the many distractions (and entertainment) of modern life, people still love to read.
Books teach us to understand the world around us, help to expand vocabulary and correct spelling.
But can fiction make us better?
Many miraculous things have been attributed to the influence of fiction, from the desire to participate in charity, to civic activism, to the gradual decline in violence around the world over the centuries.
Masterfully written characters keep us immersed in the story being told. As Aristotle said, when we watch a tragedy, two emotions prevail in us - pity (for the main character) and fear (for ourselves).
We imagine what it would be like to be the person we read about and compare the reaction of a character in a book in a given situation with how we would act in his place. Or we imagine how we will behave if we find ourselves in such a situation in the future.
This exercise (perspective from another person's point of view) is like training in understanding other people. That's why Canadian psychologist Keith Oatley calls fiction "the flight simulator of our mind."
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Just as pilots learn to fly an airliner without taking off from the ground, people who regularly read fiction can improve their social skills by discovering a novel.
In his research, Oatley found that as soon as we begin to identify with characters, we begin to think about their goals and desires instead of our own.
When the characters in a book are in danger, our hearts beat faster. It even happens that we suffocate from excitement.
However, the thought that all this is not happening to us is comforting and even pleasurable. We are not terrified, we do not jump out of the window to save ourselves.
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At the same time, some of the neural mechanisms used by our brains to understand what is happening in a book have much in common with those used in real life.
For example, when we read the word "kick", the same areas in the brain are activated that a physical kick activates.
When we read that the hero has grasped the end of a thin rope, the area of the brain associated with grasping is active.
To follow the plot, we need to know which of the characters knows what, how they feel and what each of them thinks about the thoughts and plans of other characters.
To do this, you need to have the ability called mental state modeling. When people read about what thoughts a hero has in their head, exactly those areas in the brain that are responsible for this ability are activated in their brain.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,Reading fiction activates certain areas of our brain
And since we learn to empathize with others through reading, is there any way to prove that those who read fiction, do they have better social skills than those who mostly read non-fiction, non-fiction, or none at all?
One of the difficulties here is that people tend to exaggerate the number of books they read. To get around it, Oatley and his colleagues gave students a list of authors of fiction and non-fiction and asked them to mark which ones they had heard of.
Participants were warned that the lists contained fictitious names - to check whether the subjects were lying.
The number of writers people have heard of is a good indicator of how much they read.
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Photo caption,Many of us tend to exaggerate the number of books we read
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Oakley's team then administered a Mind in the Eyes test to participants, which asks participants to take photographs of only a pair of eyes.
The task is to determine, by the expression of the eyes and the state of the mimic muscles surrounding them, what emotion the person is experiencing in the picture.
A list of options is given - eg embarrassment, guilt, daydreaming, anxiety...
The difference in the expression of the eyes is subtle, at first glance it may seem neutral, so the task is much more difficult than it might seem.
However, the fact remains that those who read more fiction scored higher on this test. As well as on the scale of interpersonal susceptibility.
Psychologist Diana Tamir of the Princeton Social Neuroscience Laboratory has been able to demonstrate that people who read a lot of fiction have better social cognition.
In other words, they have a better understanding of how others feel or think.
Using brain scans, Tamir found that when reading fiction, increased brain activity is observed in those areas of the brain that are usually excited when a person thinks about what others are thinking.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,Those who read more fiction tend to have a better understanding of other people
Those who read novels have a better understanding of the emotions of others than the average person.
However, does that necessarily make them better?
To test this, the researchers used a method that anyone who has studied psychology is familiar with: dropping a few pens or pencils on the floor, as if by accident, and then watching who rushes to your aid.
Before participants were tested for willingness to participate in pencil picking, they were asked to complete a questionnaire, including questions to measure empathy.
They then read a short story and answered a series of questions about how they were taken by the story. Are they good characters? Do they want to know more about the characters after they've finished the story?
The experimenters then said that they needed to bring something from another room and then - oh! - suddenly dropped six pens on the floor.
And it worked: those who were captivated by the story they just read, who sympathized more with its characters, were more likely to come to the rescue and pick up pens from the floor.
You ask: maybe these people were generally kinder and more sympathetic by nature - even before they read the story?
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Image caption,Those who were more engrossed in reading were less selfish later on
But the authors of the study took into account the participants' scores on the empathy scale and found that, regardless of this, those who were more engrossed in what they read were more altruistic.
Of course, experiments are one thing. Quite possibly, in real life, the opposite is true: those who are more sympathetic to others are more interested in their inner life, and such an interest attracts them to reading novels and short stories.
This item is not easy to learn. Ideally, it is necessary to measure the degree and levels of empathy of participants at different stages of life, either reading fiction or quitting - and so on for years.
Instead, several short studies were carried out.
For example, Dutch scientists suggested that students read either newspaper articles about the riots in Greece and the holiday in the Netherlands, or a chapter from the novel "Blindness" by Nobel laureate José Saramago.
In this chapter, a man, sitting at the wheel of a car, is waiting for the green light to turn on, when he suddenly loses his sight. Those who rode with him deliver him home, and a passer-by who promised to drive a car to his house steals it instead.
Immediately after the students read this story, their level of empathy increased. But even a week later, those who were highly engaged by what they read showed even higher results on the empathy scale.
Of course, you can say that not only works of art influence our behavior and feelings. We can also feel empathy for people we read about in news reports.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption, Reading fiction helps you become a good doctor.
And, apparently, not only a doctor
But fiction has at least three advantages. We have access to the inner world of the hero - which we do not have in journalism. We tend to take on faith what we read about people in a novel and what they say about themselves.
Finally, novels allow us to do what we can't do in real life - follow the life of a character over the years.
So the research shows that maybe reading fiction actually makes people behave better.
And some educational institutions are already taking into account this serious impact - they are inserting humanitarian modules into their programs.
For example, the Department of Family Medicine at the University of California at Irvine found that reading fiction helps you become a better doctor and developed a liberal arts program for medical students.
It looks like it's time to drop the stereotype that "bookworms" spend so much time reading because they're afraid of real relationships with real people.
