Non fiction stories for children

20 Best Nonfiction Books for Kids 2021

Foster children's love of learning with these engaging books about real-life people and topics.

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Cooler than fiction

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!

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1.

Babies Around the World by Puck

For ages 0+

Children are never too young to start learning about the world. Each spread of this simple board book presents a child from a different city around the world—including New York City, Mexico City, Paris, Cape Town, Cairo, and Tokyo—saying hello in English and in the country’s language. Bright and engaging illustrations feature country flags and city landmarks that can spark conversation with older toddlers, as well. Published in 2017, it’s a great introduction to cultures and countries around the globe. Starting babies off with these kinds of gentle stories is one of the early reading habits that make young kids love books.

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2.

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

For ages 0+

Author Vashti Harrison adapts her best-selling Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History for babies in this empowering 2018 board book. Featuring women who stood out—and stood up—it encourages even the youngest readers to do the same. Cute illustrations of real-life heroes and role models help Black children specifically see themselves visually represented in picture books. It’s also a great starter for a collection of mother-daughter books to read together.

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3.

Counting with Frida by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein

For ages 0+

For babies, even a book on numbers is nonfiction! The youngest readers are just learning these basics, but this simple and sweet 2018 board book has the added bonus of featuring Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. It also includes numbers in Spanish and English, which is helpful for both bilingual children and English speakers, since it’s never too early to start learning more than one language. Featuring math, language, and art in one, it’s just what nonfiction books for kids should be at this age level. You can also find board books about other Hispanic female trailblazers from its authors.

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4.

Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward

For ages 3+

This beautiful 2014 book introduces preschoolers to the types of nests made by different birds, from woodpeckers to penguins, using fun rhymes and gorgeous pictures. For older children, additional inset text on each bird gives more information on how they build their nests, which allows the book to grow with kids. Illustrator Steve Jenkins is an honoree of the Caldecott Medal, an award that recognizes the best children’s picture books; plus, because it’s written by a female author, the book encourages boys and girls to pursue interests in science and nature.

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5.

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick

For ages 4+

This best-selling Caldecott Medal winner tells the amazing true story of Winnie, the real-life bear who inspired the character of Winnie-the-Pooh when real-life boy Christopher Robin visited her at the London Zoo with his father, author A.A. Milne. A wonderful example of narrative nonfiction books for kids that read like fictional tales, the book ends with old pictures and documents for children who want more behind-the-scenes information about Winnie and the veterinarian/soldier who rescued her, Harry Colebourn. Amazingly, this 2015 book, which will be a favorite of any young Pooh fan and could be considered one of the best children’s books ever written, was penned by Colebourn’s great-granddaughter.

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6.

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

For ages 5+

Complex concepts such as immigration can be introduced in age-appropriate ways, as in this gorgeous memoir about the author’s experiences coming to the United States from Mexico and discovering a love of books and libraries. A best seller that landed on many best children’s books lists, the 2018 book also won the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award, which is given to a work from a Latino/Latina author/illustrator about Latinx culture. Featuring beautiful, dreamlike illustrations, the story is positive and uplifting, and it’s one of the best books by Latinx authors you’ll want to read with your kids right now.

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7.

Beware of the Crocodile by Martin Jenkins

For ages 5+

Kids love crocodiles, and what better way to stoke their interest in animals than with a nonfiction book for kids on these scary but fascinating creatures? Fun illustrations showing lots (and lots) of teeth keep children’s interest as they learn about crocs’ feeding habits. But beware: Any young lover of wildlife knows that some animals eat one another, and caregivers should be aware this informative text is honest about the circle of life in the animal kingdom. For the budding zoologist, the 2019 book also has an index and notes on species. Once kids are in kindergarten and start using the computer, you can search the best websites to find free online books for kids to read books such as this one.

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8.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

For ages 5+

You’re never too old to learn new things. Just ask Mary Walker, a real-life woman who was born into slavery and learned to read at the age of 116. This inspiring biography encourages a lifelong love of learning for young readers, while also teaching about American history from the Civil War to the civil rights era. An ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Notable Children’s Book, this 2018 entry definitely ranks among the best books by Black authors. It also features collage-like illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Oge Mora, who made the Forbes 30 Under 30 2021 list in Art & Style.

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9.

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

For ages 5+

Kids are just as fascinated by “Did You Know?” facts as we are! This book presents fun facts about a symbol of America kids know and love: the Statue of Liberty. But most people, even New Yorkers, have never noticed that Lady Liberty is actually mid-stride, with her right heel lifted. Why? The author theorizes she’s walking out to sea to light the way for those coming to America. An honoree of the 2018 Orbis Pictus Award, which is presented for excellence in nonfiction books for kids, as well as a Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of the Year and a School Library Journal Best Picture Book of the Year, Her Right Foot is a tribute to the patriotic American spirit. Actor and voice artist Dion Graham narrates the story in one of the best audiobooks for a family road trip, especially if you’re headed to NYC.

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10.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

For ages 5+

The picture book edition of the #1 New York Times best seller and Academy Award–nominated movie features the inspiring true story of four Black female mathematicians who helped the United States land on the moon. With pictures by Laura Freeman, this 2019 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book, which recognizes works for children by and about African Americans, brings the extraordinary tale of these groundbreakers to vibrant life for young readers. The audiobook was read by prolific narrator Bahni Turpin. Check out your local library online for free audiobooks for kids, including this one.

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11.

Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming

For ages 6+

Kids either love or fear bees—or both—and this picture book capitalizes on that fascination to present a lovely, fact-filled tale about the life cycle of these environmentally important creatures. Winner of the 2021 Sibert Medal for the most distinguished informational book for children, as well as an Orbis Pictus Honor Book and an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, this is one of the best nonfiction books for kids on a science topic.

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12.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander

For ages 6+

Another major award winner, this 2019 New York Times best seller is a Newbery Honor Book, one of the highest awards in children’s literature. It’s also one of the best poetry books for kids, highlighting people and events in Black history in the United States, from slavery to Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural figures in sports, literature, art, and music are also celebrated, and the back of the book includes additional biographical and historical information for further reading. With photorealistic illustrations by Kadir Nelson, the book is also a Caldecott Medal winner and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner.

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13.

The Lights & Types of Ships at Night by Dave Eggers

For ages 6+

This 2020 NPR Book Concierge pick proves that any nonfiction topic can be compelling when presented with beautiful pictures and language. Full of details on different types of ships, the book features stunning illustrations of the boats lit up at nighttime, reflecting on the water and sparkling in the sky. Kids can also have fun looking for the image of a seal named Fatima in every illustration of water in the book.

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14.

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

For ages 7+

A Caldecott Honor Book and Orbis Pictus Award winner, this 2017 book is jam-packed with everything a young nature lover would want to know about the Grand Canyon. With gorgeous illustrations, the informational text covers the history and formation of the canyon, its wildlife and ecology, and its geology. A fold-out panorama, rich back-of-book material, and a map of the canyon complete the immersive reading experience. This literary field trip could inspire your child to want to visit the real Grand Canyon someday! Display it with your coffee table books to keep kids engaged and in the conversation when you have visitors.

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15.

Baking Class by Deanna F. Cook

For ages 8+

Kids love the independence that how-to instruction books afford them. This 2017 cookbook features 50 easy recipes for aspiring chefs, along with fun pictures and graphics to help them along the way. An NPR Best Book of the Year, one of the New York Times‘ Best Cookbooks for Kids, and an IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals) Cookbook Award winner, this beloved baking cookbook will inspire caregivers and children to bond while creating healthy and yummy treats they can enjoy together.

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16.

Never Caught, The Story of Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve

For ages 9+

Around fourth grade, kids are ready to start reading longer stories that tackle more serious subjects. The young readers’ version of this National Book Award finalist uses compelling narrative nonfiction to tell the gripping true story of the courageous Ona Judge, who was born into slavery on George and Martha Washington’s estate but later successfully ran away to New Hampshire. Written by a historian, the 2019 book was listed among School Library Journal‘s Best Nonfiction Books of the Year. A powerful introduction to an important part of American history told through the engrossing story of one amazing woman’s daring escape, it’s one of the essential books about race in America you’ll want to put on your family’s must-read list.

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17.

Greta’s Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet by Valentina Camerini

For ages 9+

No need to wait until they’re grown up—kids can do amazing things at whatever age they are right now. This inspiring tale for young people tells the story of a 15-year-old Swedish student named Greta Thunberg, who went on strike for the environment, gained international attention for her work, and started a global movement to raise awareness of climate change. Through Greta’s example, this 2019 book encourages kids to take action now, stand up for a cause they believe in, impact their own future—and even save the planet.

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18.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

For ages 10+

Cowritten by the titular boy himself, now a grown man, this true story follows a young student in Malawi who taught himself how to build a windmill from spare parts in order to irrigate the land and save his family’s farm. Embedded in this inspiring “kids can do anything” 2015 book are lessons about how ingenuity fosters amazing inventions, what life is like in an impoverished country, how things we take for granted (water, electricity) can be hard to come by in other parts of the world, and how science and learning can lead to incredible solutions to problems. Young readers can then watch the Netflix movie adaptation directed by and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor.

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19.

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix

For ages 10+

Calling all graphic novel fans: This 2018 biography of real-life double agent and would-be Hitler assassin Dietrich Bonhoeffer is told through the stunning use of illustrated frames. Written like a spy thriller (because Bonhoeffer’s story really was one), it leads follows Hitler’s rise to power and one German pastor’s attempts to resist it. Visual learners will appreciate the use of color and design, as well as maps and diagrams, to bring history to life in this complex yet accessible nonfiction story for adolescents. The book was a YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) Award for Excellence in Nonfiction finalist and named a Best Book of 2018 by NPR and School Library Journal.

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20.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat

For ages 10+

What would happen if your soccer team’s afternoon hike turned into a 17-day survival story that gripped the whole world? Young readers love tales of heart-pounding adventure, so this 2020 book about kids just like them is sure to hold their interest through the last page. Weaving in information about Thai culture and religion, as well as explaining the complex science and engineering that went into the rescue operation, the narrative nonfiction book includes firsthand accounts of the incident. The book was a 2021 Newbery Honor Book, Robert F. Sibert Honor Book, Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book, and YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction finalist. Looking to read a riveting tale yourself? Check out our list of the best autobiographies of all time.

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Originally Published: November 15, 2021

Tina Donvito

Tina Donvito is a regular contributor to RD.com’s Culture and Travel sections. She also writes about health and wellness, parenting, and pregnancy. Previously editor-in-chief of Twist magazine, Donvito has also written for Parade Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Parents Magazine online, among others. Here work was selected by author Elizabeth Gilbert to be included in the anthology Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It: Life Journeys Inspired by the Bestselling Memoir. She earned a BA in English and History from Rutgers University.

50 Best Nonfiction Books for Kids Who Love Learning

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One of my favorite things about book talking with middle school classes is that the kids I interact with haven’t lost their interest in true stories and learning new facts. They love nonfiction if it’s presented in an engaging, attractive package, and luckily for all of us, there are so many great nonfiction books for kids on shelves these days. From history to self-help, memoir to gross science, there’s something for every kid on this list of the best nonfiction books for kids!

Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You by Marley Dias

This inspiring book about social media and activism is by Marley Dias, the kid activist who started the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign. She focuses on empowering other kids, diversity, and the important of literacy.

Becoming Madeleine: A Biography of the Author of A Wrinkle in Time by Her Granddaughters by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy

Madeleine’s L’Engle’s granddaughters have penned an accessible, intimate look of their grandmother’s life from girlhood to success with A Wrinkle in Time, drawing upon her letters and their own memories. The audio edition, read by the authors, is excellent!

First Generation: 36 Trailblazing Immigrants and Refugees Who Make America Great by Sandra Neil Wallace, Rich Wallace, and Agata Nowicka

This illustrated collection of immigrant and refugee stories reveals the challenges and triumphs of some of the U.S.’s best-known citizens, and a few lesser-known stories as well.

Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet

This authorized biography tells readers of the varied and prolific career of beloved children’s writer E.B. White. It’s richly illustrated and full of letters and family ephemera.

Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by Veronica Chambers

Chambers highlights activists both historical and contemporary, illuminating their challenges and accomplishments in order to inspire kids. This is a great tool for teaching kids about activism and important historical figures, and for motivating them to make positive changes in their own communities.

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pederson and the Churchill Club by Phillip Hoose

When Denmark didn’t resist Hitler’s occupation, fifteen-year-old Knud Pederson and his friends formed the Churchill Club to undermine and sabotage the Nazis. Their incredible efforts launched the Danish Resistance, and are chronicled in this carefully researched book.

Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson

Perfect for fans of I Survived…, Olson tells the incredible true story of eight soldiers in World War II whose plane went down in the Pacific, stranding them in three inflatable rafts.

Someone Like Me: How One Undocumented Girl Fought for Her American Dream by Julisse Arce

Julisse, born in Mexico, grew up with her siblings close by while her parents lived far away in Texas, working to provide for them. When she joined her parents as an undocumented immigrant, she thrived in the U.S., going on to become a Wall Street executive. This memoir tells her story, and reminds readers that anyone could be an undocumented immigrant.

Streetcar to Justice: How Elizabeth Jennings Won the Right to Ride in New York by Amy Hill Hearth

Before Rosa Parks, Elizabeth Jennings attempted to take a seat in a segregated streetcar, resulting in her removal. With the support of many people in the African American community, including Frederick Douglas, and represented by future president Chester Arthur, she went to court to challenge the unfair law—and won.

My Family Divided: One Girl’s Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope by Diane Guerrero

Adapted from Diane Guerrero’s memoir for adults In The Country We Love, this young reader’s edition of Guerrero’s story tells of her parents’ deportation when she was just a teen, and calls for compassion and reform in the immigration system.

Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space by Libby Jackson

Libby Jackson shows young readers that although Neil Armstrong was most famously the first man on the moon, he wouldn’t have gotten there without many talented women. Starting with Ada Lovelace, Jackson tells the stories of many influential women both historical and contemporary.

Itch: Everything You Didn’t Know About What Makes You Scratch by Anita Sanchez and Gilbert Ford

Perfect for kids who are enthralled by gross science or weird facts, this book looks at everything that can make you itch. The facts and exploration make for a really interesting blend of history, biology, and anatomy!

Never Caught:

the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Katherine Van Cleeve

Born into slavery, Ona Judge would grow up to become one of George and Martha Washington’s most favored slaves. But when she found out she was to be given away, she made the brave decision to run north instead, where she lived as a fugitive. This is the Young Readers’ Edition of the National Book Award finalist title.

Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and the The War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America by Gail Jarrow

In 1938, a radio dramatization of Orson Welles’s The War of the Worlds shocked and terrified many Americans, who thought it was the real account of alien invasion. Jarrow tells the story of the production, the public’s reaction, and draws comparisons between fake news and propaganda then and now.

Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass, a Monumental American Man by Tonya Bolden

Bolden takes a close look at Frederick Douglas, digging deeper into his life to see past his famous memoir and include all aspects of his spectacular life.

Fred Korematsu Speaks Up by Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi

When the U.S. government ordered the internment of Japanese Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fred Korematsu refused to be imprisoned. He spoke up, and began resisting the unfair treatment. His story and this book aim to get kids asking questions about injustice in our lives today.

Start Now!: You Can Make a Difference by Chelsea Clinton

Packed full of facts, stories, and inspiration, Chelsea Clinton talks about how kids can make a difference in their communities. She addresses big and small problems, and encourages kids by telling them you’re never too young to start solving problems.

Fly Girls: The Daring American Women Pilots Who Helped Win WWII by P. O’Connell Pearson

During WWII, women weren’t allowed to fly military planes, even though the Air Force was desperate for qualified pilots and many women were very good pilots. Pearson’s book tells how women stepped up and helped ferry, test, and repair planes for less pay and recognition than men, and under just as dangerous conditions as those pilots in the line of action.

The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande

In the middle grade adaptation of her memoir of the same title, Reyna tells of how her parents crossed the border from Mexico to the U.S. illegally when she a child, and her struggles to assimilate when she and her siblings made the same trek later.

Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community by Robin Stevenson

Robin Stevenson explains what “pride” means to the LGBTQ+ community by chronicling the history of the Stonewall Riots, Harvey Milk, and other important moments in LGBTQ+ history. Her book is a beautiful celebration of diversity and inclusivity, and includes stories of real people all over the world.

The Jerrie Mock Story: The First Woman to Fly Solo Around the World by Nancy Roe Pimm

Jerrie Mock always harbored aspirations of being a pilot. When her husband joked that she should fly around the world, she pursued her dream, competing against another woman to do what Amelia Earhart died trying: to fly around the world.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

What started out as an Instagram project is now a book about 40 trailblazing Black women who changed history! Readers may recognize well-known women such as Sojourner Truth and Maya Angelou, but Harrison also includes many lesser-known figures as well!

The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr by Judith St. George

St. George frames the compelling story of founding fathers Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr by comparing and contrasting their lives, which were very similar despite their paths leading them to face off in the most infamous duel in American history.

The Booth Brothers: Drama, Fame, and the Death of President Lincoln by Rebecca Langston-George

The Booth brothers couldn’t have been more different: Edwin, an actor, favored the Union cause, while John raged against President Lincoln and his politics. When John moved against the president, Edwin’s life was changed forever by his brother’s actions…and so was the nation.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

When a drought destroyed his family’s crops in Malawi, William Kamkwamba began looking for a scientific solution to help bis family survive. The result was a windmill, which brought them electricity. This remarkable story tells how William’s ingenuity and hard work saved his family.

Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story by Caren Stelson

Sachiko Yasui was only six years old when she survived the American bombing of Nagasaki, which brought about the end of World War II, but her story stretched long after the conclusion of the war. Stelson interviewed Sachiko extensively to tell her remarkable story about the lasting effects of the bombing.

Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America’s Pioneering Woman in Space by Tam O’Shaughnessy

This visually rich biography tells the story of a tennis-playing academic underachiever who would go on to become the first American woman in space. But Sally Ride’s accomplishments aren’t limited to space exploration: she was a champion for gender equality as well.

Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13 by Tod Olson

In 1970, Jim Lovell and his crew hoped to set foot on the moon. Instead, their journey was derailed by an explosion and their mission became to simply get back to Earth alive. Olson recounts the tense experience with the suspense of a novel, and includes photographs and diagrams to help young readers understand this incredible survival story.

The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming and Ray Fenwick

Candace Fleming tells the incredible story of the man behind the Greatest Show on Earth, and his lasting legacy on American culture, with historical posters and photos augmented by Fenwick’s artwork.

Finding the Edge: My Life on the ice by Karen Chen

The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Karen Chen learned how to figure skate at age 5, and went on to the Olympics at age 15, where she took home the bronze medal. This memoir tells of her early years and the remarkable beginning of her career.

Irena’s Children: A True Story of Courage by Tilar Mazzeo and Mary Cronk Farell

This Young Readers’ Edition tells the story of Irena Sendler, a courageous young woman who smuggled hundreds of children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II, saving them from certain death.

March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine by Melba Patillo Beals

Congressional Gold Medal recipient and activist Melba Patillo Beals tells her story, from questioning injustice at a young age to becoming one of the Little Rock Nine in 1957.

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmesh and Melissa Sweet

Thimmesh highlights some of history’s best thinkers and inventors, and Sweet illustrates their work and stories with brilliant collages.

The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor by Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina woman to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States, tells her story of growing up in the South Bronx, working hard, and achieving her dreams with the support of her Puerto Rican family.

Florence Nightingale: The Courageous Life of the Legendary Nurse by Catherine Reef

Florence Nightingale subverted Victorian expectations to become a nurse during the Crimean War, where she became legendary. But her story didn’t end with the Crimean War, and her work helped define modern nursing standards.

Chasing Space by Leland Melvin

This Young Readers’ Edition of the memoir by the same name tells the incredible story of Leland Melvin, a Detroit Lions player turned astronaut. This edition includes experiments that kids can conduct at home, making it entertaining and hands on.

Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History…and Our Future! by Kate Schatz and Miriam Klein Stahl

This alphabet book highlights 26 radical women who all did something amazing for women’s rights, focusing on lesser-known contributions and women that history has often overlooked.

I Got This: To Gold and Beyond by Laurie Hernandez

Laurie Hernandez’s life changed when she was chosen to be on the 2016 U.S. gymnastics team for the Olympics, where she took home both gold and silver medals.

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik

What started out as a Tumblr blog and became a bestselling book is now a Young Readers’ Edition book about the audacious, brilliant life and career about the most-loved Supreme Court Justice of our time.

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix

When the Nazi party rose to power, Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer was appalled by the church’s complacency in Hitler’s regime of evil. He spoke out against the Nazis, becoming a fugitive who struggled to reconcile religious faith with stopping Hitler by any means necessary.

Maya Lin: Thinking With Her Hands by Susan Goldman Rubin

When the United States decided to erect a monument in Washington D. C. to commemorate those who fought in the Vietnam War, they held a competition for the design. The winner was college student Maya Lin. This book tells the story of her work on the memorial, and beyond.

Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girls Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo

Sylvia Acevedo tells the true story of how, after family tragedy, joining the Girl Scouts empowered her to become a rocket scientist at NASA.

Code Girls: The True Story of American Women Who Secretly Broke Codes in World War II by Liza Mundy

For the first time in decades, women are able to tell the true story of their work during World War II, breaking and decoding secret messages to help the Allies win the war. This is the Young Readers’ Edition of the book by the same title.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

This award-winning memoir-in-verse is a moving account of Jacqueline Woodson’s childhood.

Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly by Gail Carson Levine

For the aspiring young writer, this craft book from Newbery Honor author of Ella Enchanted is an excellent introduction to the functions and form of story, with plenty of writing prompts to get the creative juices flowing.

Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World by Reshma Saujani

The founder of the organization Girls Who Code tells the significance of coding and getting girls in the field, and offers inspiration and advice on where to start and how to infuse your passion into a career in coding!

Something Rotten: A Fresh Look at Roadkill by Heather L. Mongomery and Kevin O’Malley

Heather Montgomery reveals the fascinating stories behind how roadkill helps scientists make important advancements and discover new species!

Biddy Mason Speaks Up by Arisa White and Laura Atkins

White and Atkins tell the story of Bridget Mason, a woman born into slavery who fought against illegal enslavement in California and went on to become a philanthropist and Civil Rights advocate.

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up and Off the Court by Kareem Abdul-Jabar

The basketball player turned author and activist shares his story in this memoir for young readers.

Lost in the Amazon: A Battle for Survival in the Heart of the Rainforest by Tod Olson

When Juliane Koepke’s flight across Peru goes down on Christmas Eve, she miraculously survives the crash…only to have to survive in the very large, very dangerous rainforest until help arrives.

What do you think are the best nonfiction books for kids? Share your favorites in the comments!

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.