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Best Non-Fiction Books for Kids

Spark curiosity and a love for learning with these top non-fiction reads for kids, selected from leading educational blogs and publications. These enriching books are ranked according to their frequency of recommendation.

Recommendations from 17 articles, Alexis Ohanian, Emily Lakdawalla, Donalyn Miller and 5 others.
22 books on the list
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Bloom Boom! book cover
Bloom Boom!
April Pulley Sayre - 2019-02-05
Goodreads Rating
Embark on a journey through the beauty of spring flower blooms in this captivating photographic exploration. From the desert to the woodlands, discover the science behind these colorful displays as flowers sprout, grow buds, and bloom. Witness the magic of nature as many flowers burst into an explosion of colors all at once, creating a breathtaking flower boom. Celebrate the vibrant diversity of flowers and uncover the secrets behind their stunning transformations. A must-read for nature lovers and science enthusiasts alike.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition book cover
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition
William Kamkwamba - 2015-02-05 (first published in 2009)
Goodreads Rating
A gripping memoir of survival and perseverance, this young reader's edition tells the inspiring story of a heroic young inventor who brings electricity to his drought-stricken Malawian village. William Kamkwamba's brilliant idea to build a windmill out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts transforms his family's life and shows how one young boy's determination can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue, this is a perfect read for the whole family.
Beware of the Crocodile book cover
Beware of the Crocodile
Martin Jenkins, Satoshi Kitamura - 2019-03-12
Goodreads Rating
Beware of the Crocodile is an informative and beautifully illustrated book that takes readers on a journey to explore the fascinating world of crocodiles. Discover the secrets and behaviors of these dangerous animals, from their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to their cunning hunting tactics. But there's more to crocodiles than meets the eye. Dive into their natural habitats, witness their nurturing side as mothers, and learn about their love for warm sand and calm waters. This captivating and educational read is perfect for young aspiring scientists. Complete with an index, species notes, and suggestions for further reading, this book is a must-have for anyone curious about these infamous creatures.
Honeybee book cover
Honeybee
The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera
Candace Fleming - 2020-02-04
Goodreads Rating
Follow the life cycle of a honeybee named Apis on her journey to protect and care for her hive, from birth to becoming an adventurer seeking nectar. This beautifully illustrated and poetically written picture book is a thoroughly researched and informative read, with an essay on the plight of honeybees. A must-read for all ages.
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge book cover
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge
George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition
Erica Armstrong Dunbar, Kathleen van Cleve - 2019-01-08
Goodreads Rating
Explore the extraordinary life of Ona Judge, a runaway slave who risked everything for freedom in this gripping young reader's edition. Erica Armstrong Dunbar takes readers behind the scenes of American history, offering a close look at the Washingtons and their slave, Ona Judge. From her childhood in slavery to her daring escape to the north, this is the captivating story of a remarkable woman who defied the most powerful couple in the country. Discover the bravery and resilience of Ona as she seeks a better life in the face of unimaginable challenges.
The Deep! book cover
The Deep!
Wild Life at the Ocean's Darkest Depths
Lindsey Leigh - 2023-06-27
Goodreads Rating
Dive into the depths of the ocean and discover a world filled with strange and fascinating creatures. The Deep! takes readers on an adventure through the darkest trenches, showcasing animals that have adapted to thrive in this alien environment. With stunning illustrations and first-person commentary from the creatures themselves, this graphic nonfiction book is an immersive and educational journey. Learn about transparent animals, tube worms that live for centuries, and even the "headless chicken monster." From bioluminescence to the habits of the Pram Bug and Dumbo Octopus, The Deep! will captivate readers with the wonders of life beneath the waves.
Little Leaders book cover
Little Leaders
Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison)
Vashti Harrison - 2017-12-05
Goodreads Rating
Little Leaders showcases forty groundbreaking black women in American history who shattered barriers and exceeded expectations. This must-read book shares both well-known and overlooked historical figures such as politician Shirley Chisholm, pilot Bessie Coleman and mathematician Katherine Johnson, amongst others. The compelling stories of these trailblazers are accompanied by captivating illustrations that bring each woman's story to life. Little Leaders celebrates extraordinary heroes, role models and everyday women who took a stand against a world that didn't always accept them - inspiring generations to come.
Recommended by
Alexis Ohanian
What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? book cover
What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?
Steve Jenkins - 2003-01-01
Goodreads Rating
Discover the fascinating abilities of animals in this award-winning picture book. From noses for digging to eyes that squirt blood, young readers will love guessing which animal each attribute belongs to. With stunning cut-paper illustrations and a glossary full of fun facts, children will explore species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, and arthropods. Perfect for curious kids, this interactive guessing book will spark their imagination and teach them about the wonders of the animal kingdom.
The Undefeated book cover
The Undefeated
Kwame Alexander - 2019-04-02
Goodreads Rating
This powerful poem serves as a tribute to black life in America, exploring the trauma of slavery, the strength of the civil rights movement, and the perseverance of legendary heroes. With references to iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Langston Hughes, The Undefeated offers valuable insight into past accomplishments and present-day triumphs.
Her Right Foot book cover
Her Right Foot
Dave Eggers - 2017-09-19
Goodreads Rating
Explore the deeper meaning behind the Statue of Liberty's right foot with Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris in this captivating nonfiction book. Discover why this seemingly small trait of America's most emblematic statue holds a message of acceptance that is crucial to the creation of an entire country.
She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton
The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Moonshot by Brian Floca
Dreaming Up by Christy Hale
Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
Every Body by Shelley Rotner
Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick
The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix
Fly Girls by P. O’connell Pearson
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson
The Indestructible Tom Crean by Jennifer Thermes
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly