Something For Everyone: New Non-Fiction Books

Just like adults, kids have natural preferences (and phases) toward fiction or non-fiction books. For those kids who love non-fiction, here are some new goodies. But for those kids who prefer fiction, help them expand their reading horizons. Because it’s important that readers practice reading and comprehending both fiction and non-fiction.

Non-Fiction Books

How do you get your kids reading non-fiction?

1. Go with their interests.
2. Find a book with great photographs or illustrations.
3. Let your child pick. (As always.)
4. Read the book together.
5. Think outside the box — who is your child? what works for him or her?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art a 3D expanding pocket guide illustrated by Sarah McMenemy
Oooooh this is so fun – it makes us want to fly to New York immediately and tour the Museum!

National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas
Another great, eye-catching book from the beloved National Geographic! Each state includes a map, slogan, roadside attractions and lots of impressive attractions and facts. This could inspire your family’s next road trip or trips.

LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World by DK Publishing
My kids fight over this book — it’s that cool. All the characters get a page describing that minifigure such as when they were created, by what artist, and the thinking behind the face and outfit. Pretty fascinating stuff to my Harry Potter addicted kids.

The Scary Places Map Book Seven Terrifying Tours by B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Erwin Madrid
Kids will read, think, view, and do in this super-cool book of maps. The seven terrifying tours include Captain Davy Jones’ Ghostly Galleon, Land of Mythical Monsters, Transylvania, Nightmare House, and more. Each tour includes background about the horrifying horrors, the dangers, a map on a grid, and directions. For example, in the Western Terror-tories, the directions start,”Hop off the stagecoach in Tombstone J1. Gruesome Gus will meet you at the Depot. Before you head out, Gust will take you on a tour of Bone Orchard. I1.” The back of the book contains more details to spot.

Through Time The Olympics From Ancient Greece to the Present Day by Richard Platt, illustrated by Manuela Cappon
This book gives our kids the background information that no one else in your family will know. It’s fascinating stuff — I just learned from my daughter all about the number of swimming pools needed in an Olympic Games. From Paris, 1900 to London 2012, we get a glimpse of each host city as well as information about the Games.

Living with Mom and Living with Dad by Melanie Walsh
I think kids who have divorced or separated parents could really use this book. It’s simple text with lift-the-flaps make it appropriate for even young children. They’ll read about what the house, bedroom, toys, and activities on the weekend with either parent. The child says that whenever she misses one, she’ll call on the phone.

Seed by Seed The Legend and Legacy of John “Appleseed” Chapman by Esme Raji Codell, illustrated Lynn Rae Perkins
I’ve read a lot of books about Johnny Appleseed and this now my favorite. The illustrations are gorgeous – some textile stitching, some drawings. I love the emphasis of his philosophy which is below:

Use what you have
Share what you have
Respect Nature
Try to make peace where there is war
You can reach your destination by taking small steps

A Strange Place to Call Home: The World’s Most Dangerous Habitats & the Animals That Call them Home by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Ed Young

You got to love a poetry book about ice worms, spadefoot toads, limpets, and other animals who live in dangerous habitats. Here’s an example:

Well-Oiled 
petroleum flies

Thousands
of them are born
in carrion, water,
or soil. But not this crew. They hatch
in oil.

The mixed media collage illustrations will blow you away. Fabulous.

Global Game Changers by Jan Helson and Rachel Annette Helson
Here’s a new book with an Ignite Good! positive message – to motivate kids to change the world. The superheroes in this story, Global Girl and Little Big-Heart, inspire kids to do good without expecting anything in return and to fight Krumi, the villain of apathy. The cool thing is that the kids in the book are real: Phoebe from California helps Feeding America Food Bank, Jaylen from Florida started Jaylen’s Challenge to fight bullying, and Hannah from Ohio who started Hannah’s Socks to give socks to the poor.

I’m hoping you’ll find something perfect for your child here.

Which ones do you think your child will enjoy?

P.S. I do not have an Amazon affiliate because I live in Colorado. The links are for your convenience only.

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