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These 28 middle grade and YA nonfiction titles invite readers to delve into different facets and figures of history, science, social justice topics, and more. With a range of titles from a graphic memoir by Jerry Pinkney to a logbook-style look at an Arctic expedition to a history of the Scopes Monkey Trial that ties to contemporary censorship, there's much to explore and consider.
The beginning of life, the stars in the sky, the fungi around us, and some of the hottest topics in biology and science are on display in the best books of 2023 in the elementary nonfiction list. The facts are in: these writers and illustrators help kids connect with the real world in one thrilling book after another.
With beautiful language and imagery, these eight poems teach children everything from animal facts to how to write a poem, while also allowing readers to sit back and have a good laugh.
A straightforward yet encouraging discussion on the fight against racism with a uniquely global perspective.
This eye-opening book will have children examining the world anew, and is a unique addition to the earth science shelves.
PREMIUM
A Day in the Sun
This book is a visual delight, leaving readers with a true appreciation for the sun’s role in our daily existence and its power to unite us across continents.
A stunning book that will delight readers of any age, filled with interesting facts about the turtles’ life cycles, their eating habits, and even a few myths.
Fascinating. Recommended for all elementary and middle school collections.
How did Suzanne Collins dream up Panem and the Hunger Games? Influences range from Roman Gladiators to the Vietnam War, as this booklist shows.
The weighty subject of antiracism—actively dismantling the systems of oppression that are based on race—is made more approachable through these titles.
PREMIUM
I Am Mister Rogers
This biography helps introduce a childhood hero in simple, relevant terms.
In a blend of science and art, this book succeeds in making the complex accessible and extraordinarily relatable, making it a valuable addition to any collection’s astronomy shelves.
It’s a book that will be enjoyed by many: the elementary schooler with an interest in history, architecture or engineering; the teacher trying to bring the past to life for their students; the librarian trying to sell a reluctant reader on nonfiction. Highly recommended for school libraries.
Great for educators or anyone looking to teach children essential life skills while sparking an interest in science. Heartwarming and informative, this is a stellar addition to any collection.
PREMIUM
You Are Everything
The concept may be a little complicated for younger children to understand completely, but this thought-provoking book will help readers gain mindful insight and inspire a greater awareness of self.
PREMIUM
Exploring AI
Quickly dated information that is laudatory and limited. For larger libraries seeking information on this quickly evolving topic.
A superb resource for budding astronomers or a fascinating read for any kid with an interest, highly recommended for libraries serving elementary and middle school students.
Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond and Wayward Creatures by Dayna Lorentz, the 2023 Orbis Pictus and Charlotte Huck Award winners, will be honored at the NCTE annual conference.
Will be enjoyed by children and families who cherish the Elf on the Shelf tradition.
An accessible and helpful text for tweens and young teens to read independently or with adults.
This is a captivating nonfiction title that will appeal to preschoolers as well as older readers thanks to its versatile presentation.
This is an accessible and thought-provoking title that connects readers to the world of a spider through engagement and education.
PREMIUM
Behold the Octopus!
This is a visually stunning nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the short but adventure-filled life of the octopus.
For many teens and their parents—OK, for nearly all of us—navigating the fear and ignorance around drugs to talk about our experiences with them can be excruciating. That’s part of the reason why I wrote my book Weed: Cannabis Culture in the Americas.
This work of nonfiction is a good overview of the Salem witch trials, and it may help students better understand the complicated situation. A good supplemental option for teen graphic novels.
For a primer that covers many core components of the manga and anime subculture, this is an accurate entrance work to recommend to curious minds and new otaku.
PREMIUM
The Boy from Clearwater
A story of persistence, both hopeful and chilling, and a powerful vision of the personal implications of Taiwan’s mid-century history.
PREMIUM
Gender Is Really Strange
Public, high school, and medical libraries serving patients all need this introduction. It would also support group reading and discussion.
Budding young scientists will undoubtedly learn much from this title, and may imagine the role they could play in future bioinspired innovations.
Prince’s devoted investigation of frogs and toads offers effortless education for readers of all ages and levels of interest, poised to make an Anura aficionado of every reader.
A great introduction to astronomy concepts with plenty of friendly humor to keep readers engaged.
Eye-opening information in a simple style; if the format reads young, the epiphanies are for preschool through upper elementary-aged children.
A great introduction for caregivers interested in learning to sign with their babies.
This very topical biography of Zelensky may be a struggle for the picture book demographic.
An excellent book for elementary readers that will surprise them as they turn each page, and a must for the nonfiction shelves.
PREMIUM
Today
With the right leader or educator for simple guided meditation, this could serve as an excellent reminder to take things as they come, and of the importance of slowing down and appreciating time.
This picture book biography suffers moments of mid-flight turbulence, but may prove inspirational for some.
This narrative biography about one of the creators of the COVID-19 vaccine will be an excellent addition to collections needing modern biographies.
This is a bold biography, finding inspiration from the subject and universalizing Prince’s creativity through a gentle approach. It’s perfect for elementary schools, especially as applied to music and art.
This gem of a book is perfect for anyone wishing to learn more about India; it should find a place on the shelves of most libraries and classrooms.
A good addition to any teen nonfiction collection.
PREMIUM
The Jockey & Her Horse: Inspired by the True Story of the First Black Female Jockey, Cheryl White
Pulitzer Prize–nominated Nir takes the notion of a horse book and elevates it to a work of inspiration. A recommended purchase for public and school library collections.
A quick nonfiction title that new and experienced readers who love animals can read together.
Recommended purchase for libraries looking for stories of heroic acts by everyday citizens, less-than-well-known stories of resistance to Nazi Germany, and the saving of a majority of the Danish Jewish population.
Expertly written but lacks inclusivity and contributions of underrepresented groups.
This roundup features reference titles for all ages, including a volume on Norse myths for tweens and encyclopedias on hair, Supreme Court decisions, and African American firsts for high schoolers.
Recommended for libraries serving young adults who are 15 and up, and especially for fans of Gill’s work.
PREMIUM
What a Map Can Do
This title will engage young readers, while teaching them valuable map reading skills; it will be useful in elementary school libraries.
This thoroughly and painstakingly researched book could serve as a blueprint for others seeking to revitalize similar areas. Highly recommended for school library collections.
A comprehensive examination of policing, race, and social issues in the United States with suggestions on ways to move forward, this is a supremely thoughtful read and excellent first purchase.
Thermes excels in providing a large scale overview of America’s history rooted in the experiences of many, rather than few. A first purchase and a remarkable undertaking.
PREMIUM
Hispanic Star: Sylvia Rivera
Purchase this foremost to round out collections with a much-needed historical exploration of trans rights, not as a biography.
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Experiential learning has become an integral part of many classrooms and libraries as we better understand how brains work. That tactile learning mode is essential for some students and beneficial for all.
Although niche, this is a super accessible and fun deep dive into a craft staple. Full of terrific facts for every collection.
Gorgeous text and resplendent illustrations present a nuanced picture book biography for all shelves.
An ideal big book of ebullient resources sure to promote confidence while young imaginations run wild discovering the art of writing poetry.
Well-researched and entertaining, readers will thoroughly enjoy this stellar title.
A superior volume of well-researched facts and figures; a must-have for young bird nerds.
Scientists-in-the-making will enjoy this glimpse into future possibilities.
PREMIUM
The Twenty-One: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change
With its legal focus, this makes a compelling and important addition to the growing body of climate change literature for teens. Recommended.
Add this graphic novel to your list of resources for teaching and learning about the Holocaust.
Most libraries have several Ali biographies already, but this will make an excellent addition to tell his story in a more complete and captivating way.
Although the topic may not immediately appeal to a typical browsing reader, a teacher or librarian could easily book talk this charming title into a middle grader or middle schooler’s backpack.
Exquisitely crafted text and illustrations convey an emotionally resonant tale of resilient family bonds and the lasting joy of stories.
PREMIUM
She Persisted: Simone Biles
Written in an accessible format for young readers, this is a great beginner biography
PREMIUM
The Upside-Down Book of Sloths
An engaging and informative inquiry into the world of sloths, past and present. Recommended for purchase for animal collections.
PREMIUM
Kaboom!: A Volcano Erupts
With information in the back matter offering a more complex view of volcanoes and the types that exist, this book is a well-rounded informational picture book suitable for any public or school library.
A book that enchants, educates, and inspires; this timeless tale has the qualities of a classic in the making. Highly recommended for readers of all ages.
A funny, thought-provoking book that opens the door to discussion about book banning with younger children.
PREMIUM
The Only Way to Make Bread
This lively celebration of bread offers a welcome emphasis on diversity and collaboration. A warm and engaging read-aloud, it is also an excellent resource for caregivers and teachers.
PREMIUM
Listen to the Birds
An interesting introduction to identifying birds by their songs that will be most useful when used with a personal device, like a phone or a tablet.
PREMIUM
Ice Bears at Ice Edge
The polar bears’ fight for survival is dramatic and touching, and indirectly highlights with the impact of the climate change on wildlife. First purchase.
An outstanding biography of an important artist whose work challenges us to change the way we look at other human beings. This will guide deep discussions on borders and the plight of so many people around the world.
This story of a woman bold enough to run with lions, and break barriers in the process, will appeal to animal lovers and social crusaders. Recommended for general purchase.
A great introduction to Capoeira and the persistence of Bimba to move this street performance into the mainstream. This masterpiece of illustration and narrative will appeal to readers across categories of martial arts, dance, and more.
PREMIUM
Freddie the Flyer
With few autobiographies for children about Indigenous “firsts,” this fills a niche. It is otherwise mostly of local interest or for adults already familiar with Carmichael’s story.
Cuteness abounds as children get to know this adorable creature and make it dynamic.
PREMIUM
How It Works: Digger
Thorough, engaging, and sturdy enough for the rereadings it’s sure to inspire.
Perfect for a winter day before going out on a walk in the woods or for learning more about animals. Excellent for early language lessons.
Charming illustrations along with a helpful warning to young readers about mushroom safety make a fun book with a friendly and useful message.
Stunning illustrations will hold children captivated and motivated to help protect this vital resource.
PREMIUM
Look: A Tummy Time Book
Young children will be captivated by the faces and objects illustrated in bold colors.
PREMIUM
Time to Go Potty!
Supportive of both child and caregiver during the journey away from diapers, this is a very easy title to love.
PREMIUM
We, the Curious Ones
A book of poems that asks philosophical questions to provoke thought, encourage curiosity, and inspire young readers with a new appreciation and understanding about the world around them.
A wonderful addition to any collection, particularly for classrooms or libraries where a focus on social-emotional well-being and community are topics of focus.
A great introduction to dinosaurs for young children. The lively text and colorful illustrations make it a wonderful read-aloud that will engage young readers and ignite their curiosity about these prehistoric creatures. A welcome addition for homes, schools, and libraries.
PREMIUM
The Animals Come Out
Simple, inviting town visits by “wild” animals offer pleasant read-aloud and conversation possibilities.
Engle’s thoughtful, lovely collection is a gift to anyone who has an interest in the breadth of women’s artistic achievements. Much to savor. Highly recommended.
A poetic gem for oversized collections that circulate well. Purchase this title to share daily poems at the reference desk or other display areas.
This collection will resonate with readers who enjoy the poems of Naomi Shihab Nye and the works of Elizabeth Acevedo and will appeal to the poet’s many social media followers.
This unique and accessible volume deserves a place in religious sections or collections with a demonstrated demand for Biblical stories.
A comprehensive and engaging addition to nonfiction sections, where subjects like exploration, engineering, and oceans are popular.
Kassis’s love and care for the Palestinian culture are made clear through this lovely and accessible educational tool; a valuable purchase for libraries.
Full of adventure and numerous explorations of the value of perseverance, this title will capture the attention of readers through a wealth of scientific and historical details.
Ideal for classroom use, this title provides an essential and frequently omitted voice to recent history.
A noteworthy addition to all collections and a book that is sure to enthrall young biologists.
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