Nonfiction November: Book Recommendations for Kids

by Quinn M. Arnold
Ages 5–6
Recommended by Srabonti D., Harlem Library 

Do you know we live on a planet called Earth? What does our planet look like? Explore Earth through this picture-filled book by Quinn Arnold! There’s a lot to learn about our planet, and the best part is, you can celebrate Earth every year on Earth Day in April. Earth is our planet, and this is also your home. 

written by Ruby Bridges; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Nafatouma K., Harlem Library

I Am Ruby Bridges takes you on a journey through Ruby Bridges’s life, told from her own voice with accompanying illustrations by Nikkolas Smith. In the 1960s, Ruby was the only Black student in an all-white elementary school. Can you imagine how she might have felt? Ruby's story isn't just about her experience as a civil rights activist; it’s also about how you can be a hero, too!

I Am Ruby Bridges encourages you to be brave, kind, and stand up for what's right. If you want to learn to be a hero, this book is your first-class ticket to a world of inspiration and wonder. Join Ruby on her incredible journey and discover the amazing things one young person like you can achieve!

written by Sarah Glenn Marsh; illustrated by Maris Wicks
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Gabriela B., Woodstock Library

Dragon Bones, written by Sarah Glenn Marsh and illustrated by Maris Wicks, is a picture book about Mary Anning, the mother of paleontology! Paleontology is the study of plants and animals that existed a very long time ago, like dinosaurs. Mary Anning had been searching for a grand new discovery ever since she was a child. Are you curious to know what she found? Pick up Dragon Bones to discover for yourself!

written by Bolden Tonya; illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Deanna T., Tompkins Square Library

Going Places by Bolden Tonya and Eric Velasquez is about a mail carrier named Victor Hugo Green. The story takes place in the 1930s when segregation, or Jim Crow laws, still existed. Green was a mail carrier and traveled from New York to New Jersey every day. It was very stressful for Black people to travel during the Jim Crow era. To help with this problem, Victor Hugo Green created a book for Black travelers that showed which places along their routes were safe. This “Green Book” started as something small, and it grew into something much bigger. It became an important resource for Black people who wanted to travel safely. Green created his book with the hope that someday in the future it wouldn’t be needed anymore!

by Greg Pizzoli
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Srabonti D., Harlem Library 

Get ready to learn the history of my favorite food… pizza! Did you know that almost 350 slices of pizza are eaten every second in America? Follow a pizza rat to learn about where pizza came from, how much it changed over the years, and the creative ways people all around the world make delicious pizza. You can even make your own pizza with the help of a pizza rat. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings to make it tasty!

by Yuval Zommer
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Damaris-Hyda A., Kingsbridge Library

Did you know that over 71% of the Earth's surface is covered in ocean, but we’ve only explored about 5% of it? In The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer, you get to dive into the wide world of the ocean and learn various facts about marine life, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. For example, you can learn all about the special fish that live within the coral reefs, such as clownfish, boxfish, or even surgeonfish. And if you're wondering how these fish got their silly names, this book will tell you! Zommer also describes how dangerous materials like plastic harm sea animals, and ways we can help keep them safe.

written by Kyo Maclear; illustrated by Julie Morstad
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Ninel M., Morris Park Library

Books have always been a way of learning about the world. In It Began With a Page, we follow the life of a hero advocating for racial diversity in books. Fujikawa had a passion for art ever since she was a young child; it made her world bright. Seeing the diversity around her and the struggles her community faced, she decided to write a book. She believed there was a world in which everyone could see themselves represented in the books they read.

written by Jordan Sonnenblick; illustrated by Marta Kissi
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Bryan Z., Seward Park Library

Have you ever wondered, “What is middle school like? And is it really as scary as everybody says it is?” In The Boy Who Failed Dodgeball, Jordan Sonnenblick writes about his own experience in 6th grade. So, who is Jordan? To start, Jordan shares his birthday with America: July 4th. As a kid, Jordan believed that the Fourth of July fireworks and cheers were all for him; however, he soon realized that nobody was actually celebrating him. The truth is, being a middle schooler is difficult. The story of Jordan Sonnenblick gives insight into becoming a successful middle schooler, despite all the challenges.

written by Joan Holub; illustrated by John O’Brien
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Aryel P., Kingsbridge Library

Who Was Marco Polo? is an illustrated biography of Marco Polo, a famous explorer. This book talks about Polo’s childhood and the skills he had to learn in order to become the pioneer we know him as today. The book also depicts Ancient China, one of the many places Polo explored.  It shows the beautiful palaces and gardens, as well as the Emperor’s ten thousand horses! This book is very exciting to read, and it’s even cooler that it happened in real life!

written by John Farndon; illustrated by Shiho Pate
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Antonasia T., 115th Street Library

Rocks and Minerals by John Farndon is an engaging book filled with amazing animation and art. This book gives an in-depth look at rocks, minerals, and earth science. You can use this book to gain new information and refresh your knowledge of rocks and minerals. This book is a great fit for everyone: from young readers who want a general knowledge of minerals and rocks, to older readers who simply want to refresh what they already know. Walk into your library and pick up this book if you’re keen on learning about rocks!

written by Pamela S. Turner; illustrated by John Gurche
Ages 10–14
Recommended by Oneil R., Morris Park Library

Are you curious about where humans came from and how we became who we are today? How to Build a Human is an exciting and informative book that invites you to travel back in time and discover the history of our species, all the way back to when we were entirely different creatures. Pamela S. Turner uses easy-to-understand language to share the most recent discoveries in paleoarchaeology and evolution. This nonfiction book is filled with awesome facts, jaw-dropping discoveries, and fascinating stories about our ancestors. Plus, it's written in a fun and engaging way that will make you want to keep turning the pages!