Truly Great Nonfiction for Kids

MBH no. 33

Nov 21, 2024

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve posted here! I do want to publish this free resource monthly—even as other writing projects ramp up. I’m making it my goal to do better in 2025 ;)

That said, I realized I’ve never shared much about the other work I do in the children’s book world, and it might be something you’d find helpful for yourself or the young readers in your life.

After stepping away from teaching and tutoring, I transitioned into freelance writing. It’s been a great fit—super flexible and perfect for working during school hours so I can be with my kids in the afternoons and on weekends. Most of my work involves creating educational content for various companies, but my favorite role is the one I wanted to discuss today.

For over a year now, I’ve been a children’s nonfiction reviewer at Reading Middle Grade. It’s a fantastic gig. Not only do I often collaborate with a great team, but I also get to read and recommend a ton of great nonfiction books for kids. I also contribute fiction recommendations for gift guides and read-alike posts.

Anyway, with the holiday season coming up, we’re busy putting together 2024 gift guides for a variety of ages. We’ve got several in the pipeline, but have already posted a few, including gifts for ages 6-8 , 9-11, and 12+.

Today, I wanted to share some of the nonfiction books I’ve recommended for Reading Middle Grade—ones that were a big hit with my own kids. There’s honestly no need for boring textbooks when you’ve got nonfiction that engages, entertains, and educates kids on so many interesting topics! The quality is honestly incredible, way better than I had in the ‘90s.

Enjoy, and head over to Reading Middle Grade to check out more of my nonfiction recs– you can also follow the founder, Afoma, on Instagram at @whatafomareads

The Mona Lisa Vanishes (2023)

This narrative nonfiction book details the Mona Lisa’s creation and, centuries later, the theft and recovery that made this previously insignificant painting the most famous artwork in the world.

In alternating sections, readers learn about Leonardo DiVinci’s interesting life and the 1911 theft, which is full of conspiracy theories and well-known suspects, including J.P. Morgan and Pablo Picasso. The author highlights how the public has always been drawn to scandal, even when the truth is evident. After all, he says, “We’re all suckers for a better story.”

Even though I’ve been to the Louvre and visited the Mona Lisa, I only (embarrassingly) had a vague understanding of its theft. I loved the audiobook, my 7th grader read the print version and especially enjoyed the parts about Leonardo DiVinci’s life, and now my husband (who does not usually read for fun) is totally into it.

The publisher suggested an age range of 10-14 but I’d say the interest level is more like 11/12+ The narrative jumps back and forth between the 1500s (DiVinci’s time) and 1911 (the year the Mona Lisa was stolen). There are a lot of names and situations to keep track of which might be a little frustrating for younger readers.

Yummy: A History of Desserts (2021)

Tasty: A History of Yummy Experiments (2023)

Guided by three food sprites named Fee, Fada, and Peri, Yummy explores the fascinating history of desserts, answering questions like “Who put the first chocolate chip in cookie dough?” This book is both lighthearted and informative, exploring the history and cultural influences on desserts and the science behind their creations.

Tasty is similar, except this time the sprites explore the origins of foods like cheese, pickles, soda, and pizza.

Kids will love the graphic novel format—I point parents toward these books when they tell me their kids are interested in food or history but don’t especially like traditional nonfiction.

Even if your readers aren’t especially clamoring to learn where gelatin comes from, they’ll love the illustrations and recipes to try at home.

My 10-year-old repeatedly checked these out from her school library until I bought her her own copies;).

Ages 8-12

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson (2020)

Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician who played an essential role in several missions during the Space Race, including calculating the trajectory Apollo 11 needed to get to the moon and back. Katherine’s accomplishments alone are incredibly impressive, but that she succeeded in a world rife with racism and sexism is what makes this autobiography truly inspiring.

Her narrative style is conversational and familiar, and she breaks down complex ideas and events in a way that young readers will understand.

I loved listening to this book on Audible and found myself taking extra-long walks with my dog, completely engrossed in the captivating narration and Katherine’s remarkable life story.

Ages 10+

Railway Jack (2020)

Jim was a train track operator in South Africa in the late 1800s. After he lost his legs in an accident, he was unable to perform all the tasks necessary to keep his job. Then Jim met a chacma baboon named Jack who began to help him at home and at work, and the two formed an incredible bond.

Railway Jack tells the story of their friendship and highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience despite unimaginable hardship.

We loved this one! The book is incredibly well-researched and includes historical photos, discussion questions, and a history of service animals. There’s a lot of information and resources packed into a relatively short book, but it never becomes dense or boring.

I was so impressed by the accessible, engaging writing and the inspiring story of a lesser-known individual who overcame tragedy and discovered a unique path to continue working and living a fulfilling life—gaining a true friend along the way.

Ages 7-10

✨Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,✨

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which (one day) will support my work on this newsletter.