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SLJ's 2024 best middle and high school nonfiction selections run the gamut from insightful memoir; thoughtful explorations of cultural, biological, and environmental phenomena; to unrelenting exposures of dark times in our world's sociopolitical history—and the crucial lessons we must learn from the past.
The blossoming ranks of stellar biographies for young readers continue to crowd the shelves. Japanese athletes hit their summits in two vastly different ways, an author attempts to right the record on Rosalind Franklin, and a forgotten sports hero at last gets his due. And that's just the start of the Best Books in the category of nonfiction for the elementary grades. Come have a look.
The best poems educate with their facts and inspire with their beautiful flow of words. These 11 titles contain poems that do both exceptionally for young readers of all ages.
SLJ will reveal the 193 titles selected for this year's Best Books list starting November 19 and culminating November 25 with a live webcast.
There is a joy to asking questions and learning new things. It’s fun to explore, and to find the answer to a question. It’s exciting to learn that the world works in ways we did or did not expect.
The detailed illustrations and the dual layers of text make this a versatile and informative addition to collections.
Despite the playful presentation and the problems inherent in a “tear-out” section in a library, this is polished nonfiction; irreverently fun and informative, it’s an excellent selection.
A wonderful volume that gives insight into the powerful source of joy and intention; Powder’s dedication to her teachings extends into the next generations with every turn of the page.
A “loud and proud” celebration of the roots and branches of a unique musical heritage.
Enticing glimpses of both a country’s troubled history and of a cultural icon who will be new to most young audiences.
This first children’s book about an important trailblazer “abzuglutely” belongs on the shelf of every library alongside other portraits of leading Jewish women, such as I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, Goldie Takes a Stand!: Golda Meir’s First Crusade by Barbara Krasner, and Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty by Linda Glaser.
An excellent resource for children who are experienced in the outdoors, those new to it, or teachers and classroom staff prepping students for an excursion.
With the wish for young cooks to “seek out global flavors,” this team has created a beautiful and informative cookbook that will inspire children to find connections with cuisines and cultures around the world.
This beautifully written homage to a great American writer is a must-purchase for picture book collections.
Tabei’s life and accomplishments are succinctly delivered with engaging text and brilliant illustrations to celebrate this trailblazing woman. Strong first buy.
PREMIUM
My First Book of Fancy Letters
An additional purchase for schools or libraries needing a read-aloud alphabet book, this is for children who already know their letters.
This example of science writing at its best is highly recommended for middle and high school library collections.
The technical information on parasites presented in this book is accessible through the use of humor and illustrations, making it a solid choice for libraries serving middle grade students.
A great resource for readers with enough background knowledge to truly understand the material.
A glorious and filling book that will leave readers well-satisfied.
PREMIUM
London: A History
Despite some missing elements, this book’s delightfully effective partnership of visual and textual storytelling makes it a solid choice for upper elementary and junior high school collections.
A fascinating and important tale of one scientist’s dedication to ocean conservation and community that will inspire many to follow in her footsteps.
While the soft yet dynamic and detailed illustrations are the stars of this book, the lyrical writing combined with solid scientific information make it a must-have for upper elementary and middle school library collections.
An excellent purchase for school and public library collections.
A professional purchase for most school libraries.
A good resource that offers detailed insights and practical examples on how to strengthen advocacy and collaboration through ecosystem thinking.
A scholarly work more at home in academic libraries for those studying the impact of classic children’s literature and for superfans of Montgomery’s work.
A necessary purchase for elementary professional collections; the read-aloud experiences included provide a wealth of ideas to utilize across content areas and grade levels.
PREMIUM
Tove Jansson: Life, Art, Words
The love of the work and artist is evident, but the magic is lost in translation.
School libraries will find this a helpful addition to a well-used professional collection.
A crucial title for all academic libraries; this should be required reading in graduate library science, education, and higher education programs across the U.S.
Highly recommended.
This roundup of 2024 books centering Native American stories offers something for every reader to enjoy this November and all year long.
PREMIUM
The Scroobious Pip
A great first buy. Lear’s poem and the illustrations that accompany it make for a whimsical and fascinating read with broad appeal.
PREMIUM
The Awesome Physics in Your Home
This is an excellent introduction to physics in a highly relatable format and a strong choice for libraries.
A strong first buy. Children will be captivated by Fox as they join him on a joyful romp through his world.
In these recent releases, text and visuals complement each other to explain complicated concepts such as historical battles and biological cycles.
As we gear up to a presidential election, these titles can help young readers to better understand the past, present, and future of the voting process.
PREMIUM
Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube
This insightful and inspiring look at the mind behind a puzzle that is now a familiar favorite is a worthwhile addition to library collections.
Given the educational purpose of this book, a parent or guardian’s guidance is strongly recommended in order to help readers make sense of and ask questions about the book’s key topics.
PREMIUM
All About Vulvas and Vaginas
Readers will require a counselor, parent, or guardian close by to make sense of the health- and body-related vocabulary and topics of this book that is designed to foster a private conversation for discussion.
A remarkable book suitable for all; it’s a valuable and thought-provoking read that provides a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in American history.
Denmead provides readers with a scope of Wilson’s early life and artistry; she promotes the value of his expressiveness as his achievements are still relevant and have an ongoing cultural impact on modern points of view.
An inspiring tale of passion, resilience, and innovation, covering a remarkable life and encouraging children to pursue their own interests and their dreams.
PREMIUM
Teachings of the Drum
An accessible short work with a blended color palette shares the great connection of a drum to an Indigenous boy’s heart.
PREMIUM
Urban Coyotes
An informative and engaging photo-illustrated book on research into the lives of urban coyotes that would support ecological research.
An informative read full of compelling stories, this is a good choice for most nonfiction shelves.
With accessible language and inspiring message, this book is an excellent addition to any library.
PREMIUM
Not Just the Driver!
This charming book is an excellent addition to any library, encouraging young readers to appreciate the collective effort that keeps the world moving.
A meaningful and moving story, albeit with some narrative flaws. Recommended for older elementary students, this would benefit anyone looking to spark important discussions about immigration, equality, and the right to an education.
An in-depth look that is thought-provoking and comprehensive on a complex and timely topic.
A somewhat flat but thorough, rigorously researched and reported first-person nonfiction text; it should be considered for school libraries only to support curriculum or student interests.
Recommended for readers who favor record books and other browsable texts.
A fantastic book makes a complex subject relatable and engaging for tweens of all reading levels.
An important addition to all library shelves to demonstrate how one person’s actions can change a nation and change the world.
For all collections, this is a worthwhile biography about a WWII hero for history buffs and puzzle masters alike.
This book is a vital addition to any nonfiction collection, for anyone seeking inspiration to dream bigger than they thought possible.
These guides compassionately provide support, resources, and coaching for young people navigating death and loss.
PREMIUM
What Jewish Looks Like
In a world where anti-Semitic violence has steadily risen since 2016, this book delivers a reminder that Jewish people are musicians, athletes, activists, religious leaders, and just like everyone else
Guaranteed to inspire young scientists and environmentalists eager to learn how the past can guide us to a sustainable future. Highly recommended for the middle school library and classroom.
A great resource for research projects and nature enthusiasts, recommended for middle grade science collections. Finally, some good news about the future of honey bees!
A worthy addition for collections looking to broaden coverage in their religions representation.
With its unique blend of science, humor, and visual appeal, this is a must-read for anyone curious about the natural world.
PREMIUM
Chomp! The Truth About Sharks
A delightful first buy, full of fun and interesting facts and photos that will appeal to shark fanatics and the merely curious.
PREMIUM
Hello, I’m a Pangolin
Warm presentations of vulnerable species will appeal to young animal lovers in these read alouds.
PREMIUM
Hello, I’m a Quokka
Warm presentations of vulnerable species will appeal to young animal lovers in these read alouds.
PREMIUM
Hello, I’m a Sloth
Warm presentations of vulnerable species will appeal to young animal lovers in these read alouds.
A very successful biography that portrays a purpose-driven life fueled from Obama’s early years to the White House; the text captures the energy and passion of a man who broke barriers and changed history.
This well-written and well-illustrated book introduces young readers to an important writer, and is an excellent choice for discussing the significance of writers finding their own voices.
PREMIUM
The Pharaoh vs. the Felines
Entertaining and funny, this title is incomplete as nonfiction but makes for a good story.
A wonderful addition to library collections or for use in music classrooms to introduce this early childhood icon.
An accessible nonfiction book, perfect for children and read-alouds.
Despite that one caveat, this is a useful resource for introducing physical activity and breaks, making it a solid addition to collections seeking new ideas.
PREMIUM
The Wolfpack Way
The illustrations carry this book; readers will enjoy seeing recognizable characters who express their individuality, which may be enough to offset the unwieldy text.
With the stated shortcomings, this title will be of interest to collections where tales of animal heroics are popular.
This accessible, well-tuned collection of poetry will reassure and delight young readers in equal measure.
An excellent purchase for elementary nonfiction collections where animal facts and poetry can enhance readers’ experiences when they’re engaged with both.
A fun purchase for elementary graphic novel and poetry collections due to the exciting nature of the poems and the self-contained stories.
A short, simple, witty group of poems about the ups and downs of being a dog that would make a nice addition to a larger library collection.
A playful addition to larger poetry collections.
A beautiful collection of poems that is sure to be a sweet naptime and bedtime companion.
This artistic picture book is best suited to bedtime reads between children and treasured caregivers.
A worthwhile addition to libraries looking to add accessible poetry for young readers.
A visually stunning and narratively powerful book that gives a voice to the often-silenced women of Greek mythology. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in mythology or feminism, or simply in search of a beautifully crafted book.
Complete with scientific sources and interactive activities, this title is great for middle grade and early high school readers.
An excellent purchase for elementary and middle school nonfiction collections where dinosaurs and prehistoric beasts are always of interest.
PREMIUM
A Guide to Grief
Recommended. This is an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive introduction to grief and loss that gives some scientifically backed strategies to support young people, their friends, and families.
An interesting look at some famous musicians when they were “just kids.”
Readers will enjoy examining the pictures in this innovative approach to the subject of patience; it’s a book most collections will want to find room for.
A well-researched and excellent addition to STEM classes and library collections.
A beautiful and endearing introduction to Dickinson, her poetic inspirations, and her special bond with her dog. Perfect for a poetry unit or a shelf on women writers.
This insightful and gentle introduction to Pakistani culture, authored by individuals with firsthand experience in the country, is a valuable addition to any collection.
This collection is a worthwhile addition for libraries aiming to enhance their language sections.
This title will be enjoyed by many and could be a first purchase for libraries.
Sure to fascinate toddlers through very early elementary children, this title a must-have for most libraries.
For collections low on board book counting titles, this suits, otherwise it’s a supplemental purchase for most libraries.
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