Keeping current with nonfiction doesn’t simply mean replacing weeded materials with more recently published titles; it means supplying students with resources that will help them develop the tools they need to flourish. With that in mind, my reviewers and I kept 21st-century students’ skills in mind, from emphasizing titles that teach the all-too-necessary media literacy and evaluation skills to highlighting dynamic sets that put new discoveries and endeavors into historical context, such as ABDO’s “History of Science.” Because holding students’ attention in today’s information-saturated landscape can be challenging, format was another consideration along with content. Many selections, such as 12-Story’s dazzling, magazinelike layouts and Capstone’s always gorgeous “Captured History,” rose to the top. Finally, providing our readers with diverse materials is an equally crucial part of meeting their learning needs, and considering inclusivity continues to be a strong criterion for our reviewers, such as in Carol Goldman’s “Timely Titles” piece on biographies. Arming ourselves with quality nonfiction, we can more than meet the task of ensuring that our students emerge as well-rounded, critical thinkers.

Mahnaz Dar (mdar@mediasourceinc.com), Editor of Series Made Simple Associate Editor for School Library Journal Twitter @DibblyFresh.