No historical events.
No biographies.
Today we’ve got some here-and-now, science-y nonfiction selections. Wild Maps for Curious Minds is a great option for readers who don’t feel the need (or want) to start on page 1. Odds are readers will take a similar approach to How It Happened! Sneakers. They’ll look for their favorite brand of shoe first, then settle into the science and find themselves engaged by fashion history. With both of these books, be prepared for “hey, look” and the sharing of lots of fun facts.
Where to Start is a bit “quieter” compared to those books, but it is powerful and important and will engage readers in more personal ways. Readers will gravitate toward topics that affect them and/or maybe friends or family. This is a resource that can be helpful and reassuring.
Book summaries come from Goodreads. Click the book cover image to add it to your own TBR.
ELEMENTARY NONFICTION
This info-graphic atlas of nature’s most impressive wonders and eye-popping oddities is bursting with discovery, whimsical insight, and startling revelations that will change the way you see the natural world.
Rachael @ Goodreads – Love love love this series! Full of such interesting maps and details that I always have to share what I learn with basically every one I come across for a month! Did you know that every planet in our solar system can fit between Earth and its Moon?!?!
Tiffany @ Goodreads – ** spoiler alert ** While this book isn’t one I would usually pick up to read, I can see how many children would find the information in it fascinating.
MIDDLE-GRADE NONFICTION
From going to school to shopping at the mall, sneakers are one of the most comfortable ways to get around. But how did these rubbery soles become everyone’s favorite shoe to stomp in? Readers will love learning about the story behind sneakers, from the world’s oldest shoe to the latest designer sneaker drop . . . and everything in between!
Cindy @ Kiss the Book – Drimmer and Sipple give us a look at sneakers – from the oldest known shoe, thorough the discovery of rubber, and on to our favorite brands and styles now. Succinct and fun – not your typical boring non-fiction title. I’m not even a sneakerhead, but I enjoyed reading all about them.
Tiffany @ Goodreads – A book about the past, present and future of sneakers. An interesting study for curious minds. I could see this book being used in classrooms and would be engaging for middle school students.
HIGH SCHOOL/YA NONFICTION
(Illustrator)
A comforting and useful resource for anyone who’s struggling emotionally and looking for help―from the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit that addresses the needs of those living with mental illness. This book is a perfect first step, with clear, honest, and reassuring information about the most common mental illnesses and what you can do to find help and to practice self-care.
Karen @ Goodreads – Being in middle school and high school is challenging enough without the added challenge of living with an exceptionality such as depression or ADHD. Throughout the book, there are pages that allow readers to fill out surveys and worksheets to help them apply the concepts to themselves. This is a good book to help readers name and label what is going on and how to find way to address mental health challenges.