My class recently did a Mock Caldecott project, and I was surprised by how much I had been missing in the book publishing world. I discovered new authors and illustrators. I realized that because I have so many books, I haven’t been taking the time to discover new ones. As much fun as it was to be reminded of the joy of discovering new books, most of them were fiction. I tend to gravitate toward nonfiction for read aloud books for content learning, so I decided to take some time and discover new nonfiction books that would be great to have on hand for impromptu moments.
I wanted to find books with characters that would offer us inspiration, compassion, and heart. I wanted to find books that might encourage or spark nonfiction reading for my students. A surprising discovery was being reminded that nonfiction books don’t have to be read in one sitting, and many of the books in this booklist offer opportunities for quick nonfiction reading moments in our day.
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series
by Traci Sorell
John Meyer and Charles Bender were the first two citizens of the Native Nations to play professional baseball. John and Charles faced discrimination separately as their careers grew and then together as they faced each other in the 1911 World Series. Readers walk away with an example of sticking with what you love and being resilient.
No Voice Too Small
by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley
This book is a perfect collection for impromptu moments. Readers learn about 14 children who have had a positive impact; changing laws for more inclusivity, creating environmental awareness, and defying stigmas. The stories are told through poetry.
The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just
by Melina Mangal
Ernest models for readers how an interest in childhood can bloom to work later in life. He overcomes illness, family death, and changing his plans all while striving toward his ultimate goal. One of his contributions was the importance of studying things in their natural environment.
Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J. McDaniel
Augusta Baker grew up learning the importance of oral storytelling from her grandma and takes this passion with her on her journey as a librarian. She advocated for and curated her library collection to include books with Black people in positive roles. In the end, she returns to her oral storytelling heritage as a professor.
World More Beautiful: The Life and Art of Barbara Cooney
by Angela Burke Kunkel
As a child Barbara loved to make art and pursued a career in illustrating books. Her publisher wanted her to use only black ink. She advocated for more realism and color, getting approval to use just five colors. Her illustrations expanded to include more than those five colors and remind us to ask and nudge for the things we believe in—and to see more than black and white.
Human Kindness: True Stories of Compassion and Generosity that Changed the World
by John “the Planetwalker” Francis
A book filled with not just interesting characters, but also interesting facts and information about kindness. There’s a history of kindness, the science of kindness, and kindness in different areas of our lives. One two-page spread that shifted my thinking was about kindness inventions.
What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting Our Planet
by Jess French
This book does not have characters to inspire us, but it does have beautiful infographic pages filled with ideas to help us think about our planet. The book starts with understanding the need, encourages readers to get outside, and shows how small acts can make a difference for everyone.
I Am Not a Label
by Cerrie Burnell
A beautiful collection of biographies highlighting stories of people with disabilities and how they succeeded, and how they worked through difficulties and the perceptions of others. The book balances people from history and people currently living. A great book for thinking about labels for anyone.
These books are an excellent way to update your read aloud collection and include nonfiction books.
