Michelle's Real Reads: Children's Nonfiction Book Recommendations

New Nonfiction Books 

EJ Nonfiction

Little People, BIG DREAMS: John Lennon by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Illustrated by Octavia Bromwell 

From the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of John Lennon, the boy from Liverpool who dreamed of peace. When John Lennon formed a band while still in school, he couldn't have known they were about to change music forever. With their exciting new sounds, rebel attitudes and gift for songwriting, everyone went crazy for The Beatles. Today, John is remembered not just as a musical icon, but as a champion of world peace. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the legendary Beatle's life. 

Wilbur Wright Meets Lady Liberty by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Wendell Minor 

Two American icons meet in this nonfiction picture book that tells the dramatic true tale of Wilbur Wright's flight circling the Statue of Liberty. 

 

 

 

Classified: The Secret Career of MARY GOLDA ROSS, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Natasha Donovan 

Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross's journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. In addition, the narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all. 

The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field by Scott Riley, Illustrated by Nguyen Quang and Kim Lien 

On the island of Koh Panyee, in a village built on stilts, there is no open space. How will a group of Thai boys play soccer? After watching the World Cup on television, a group of Thai boys is inspired to form their own team. But on the island of Koh Panyee, in a village built on stilts, there is no open space. The boys can play only twice a month on a sandbar when the tide is low enough. Everything changes when the teens join together to build their very own floating soccer field. This inspiring true story by debut author Scott Riley is gorgeously illustrated by Nguyen Quang and Kim Lien. Perfect for fans of stories about sports, beating seemingly impossible odds, and places and cultures not often shown in picture books. 

An Equal Shot: How the Law Title IX Changed America by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk  

Helaine Becker's An Equal Shot is a nonfiction picture book introduction to the history and importance of Title IX as civil rights legislature, featuring illustrations by Dow Phumiruk. You've likely heard of the law Title IX. It protects the equal rights of students, athletes, and professionals in America regardless of gender. But do you know about the women who fought to enact this new law? Here is the rousing account of how Title IX was shaped at the hands of brave politicians who took risks to secure women's dreams and their futures under the Constitution. 

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J Nonfiction

Climate Emergency Atlas: What’s Happening – What Can We Do by Dan Hooke 

This unique graphic atlas tells you everything you need to know about climate change and what we can do to turn things around. Which countries generate the highest CO2 emissions? Which coastal cities are most vulnerable to rising sea levels? What will the polar ice caps look like in 10 years' time? Which countries have successfully harnessed renewable energy sources? Packed with facts and figures and more than 30 dynamic maps, Climate Emergency Atlas is clear and easy to understand, making it the perfect reference guide for all young climate activists.

The Highlights Book of Things to Do  

The Highlights Book of Things to Do is the essential book of pure creativity and inspiration. Kids ages seven and up will find hundreds of ways to build, play, experiment, craft, cook, dream, think, and become outstanding citizens of the world.

This highly visual, hands-on activity book shows kids some of the best ways to do great things--from practicing the lost arts of knot-tying, building campfires, connecting circuits, playing jump rope, drawing maps, and writing letters, to learning how to empower themselves socially, emotionally, and in their communities. The final chapter, Do Great Things, inspires kids become caring individuals, confident problem solvers, and thoughtful people who can change the world.

The Book of Tiny Creatures by Nathalie Tordjam, illustrated by Emmanuelle Tchoukriel and Julien Norwood 

In the air, on the ground, and in the water, incredible tiny creatures are all around us! They may be small, but they live remarkable lives. The Book of Tiny Creatures introduces young learners to spiders, butterflies, worms, snails, and even the world's heaviest insect, the Little Barrier Island giant weta. This fun-filled book teaches children fascinating facts through interactive quizzes, detailed seek-and-find scenes, and hands-on activities, like how to make a snail terrarium. A great first STEM read, The Book of Tiny Creatures reveals the wonder of how these creatures grow, reproduce, form communities, and more.

The World’s Most Magnificent Machines by David Long, illustrated by Simon Tyler 

The longest ship ever built, the heaviest digger and the largest aeroplane, the world's first working motorcar, and its most expensive one. What machines like these have in common is that they all say a lot about the inventiveness and imagination of the people who conceived and created them. Some of them are useful, others are just a bit of fun, but the best ones are truly magnificent, and fascinating to discover. Designed to drive faster, fly higher, carry more cargo or - in the case of space rockets - travel hundreds of thousands of miles to places no-one has ever been before, not every idea has worked but the best have been inspired and inspirational, and in a few cases they have gone on to change the world.

Wonder Women of Science: 12 Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue 

There's so much amazing science happening right now, and the brilliant scientists and engineers profiled in the pages of this book are tackling these problems-and more-head on. Meet Tiera Fletcher and twelve other outstanding women in STEM and hear in their own words not only about their current groundbreaking work but also about the paths they traveled to get to where they are now. With a wide range of careers, from veterinarian to computer scientist to paleo climatologist to microbiologist, and an even wider range of personal journeys, this book will surprise even the most die-hard science fans-and inspire even those who have yet to hold their first test tube. Discover what it really takes to be a wonder woman of science, catch a glimpse of possibilities you never knew existed, and get ready to dream big!

The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm 

Transport yourself to a world of fantasy and magic, villainy and heroism, and stories that will enchant children and adults alike. This collection of includes popular classics like "Hansel and Gretel," "The Elves and the Shoemaker," "Twelve Dancing Princesses," "The Frog-Prince," "Rapunzel," and "Little Red Riding Hood," as well as many more timeless stories of fantasy and adventure.

The Age of Dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte 

Even though dinosaurs roamed the Earth millions of years ago, we're still piecing together new information about these ancient animals. Did you know that, on average, a new species of dinosaur is discovered every single week? Or that many dinosaurs had feathers? Or that there are even modern-day dinosaurs walking around right now?

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