Nonfiction
Nonfiction for children has become a rich resource covering
every imaginable factual topic. Represented on this list are many
memorable nonfiction writers who have transformed the field. These
are exemplary titles, all dating back a decade or more, that cover
a wide range of subjects that fact-loving children will find
fascinating.
For more recent nonfiction titles, many of which are classics-in-the-making, check the nonfiction lists on READKIDDOREAD. Also peruse the list of winners of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award, established by the Association for Library Service to Children in 2001, which is awarded annually to “the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.” For the complete list, go to: www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/sibertmedal/sibertpast/sibertmedalpast.cfm.
Inevitably, in our fast-paced world where new discoveries and innovations abound, be aware that some nonfiction books can become outdated, outmoded, or downright inaccurate, sometimes overnight. I always loved the book Dinosaur Time by Peggy Parish, illustrated by Arnold Lobel, an easy reader about dinosaurs published in 1974. When scientists reported that Tyrannosaurus Rex did not walk with its long tail dragging on the ground, the book’s time was up. Nations, fossils, technology—every time a change or a new discovery is made (What? Pluto isn’t a planet anymore? There go the astronomy books . . .), titles become obsolete. Mind you, for this list, I’ve tried to pick riveting reads that are still relevant, still in print, and that kids won’t want to put down.
For more recent nonfiction titles, many of which are classics-in-the-making, check the nonfiction lists on READKIDDOREAD. Also peruse the list of winners of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award, established by the Association for Library Service to Children in 2001, which is awarded annually to “the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.” For the complete list, go to: www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/sibertmedal/sibertpast/sibertmedalpast.cfm.
Inevitably, in our fast-paced world where new discoveries and innovations abound, be aware that some nonfiction books can become outdated, outmoded, or downright inaccurate, sometimes overnight. I always loved the book Dinosaur Time by Peggy Parish, illustrated by Arnold Lobel, an easy reader about dinosaurs published in 1974. When scientists reported that Tyrannosaurus Rex did not walk with its long tail dragging on the ground, the book’s time was up. Nations, fossils, technology—every time a change or a new discovery is made (What? Pluto isn’t a planet anymore? There go the astronomy books . . .), titles become obsolete. Mind you, for this list, I’ve tried to pick riveting reads that are still relevant, still in print, and that kids won’t want to put down.
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