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The accolades keep coming for nonfiction picture books that dare to offer facts and true stories to elementary-aged readers. We cannot wait for autumn, when it's time for a whole other harvest of titles that keep children reading and learning.
Our starred middle and high school nonfiction offerings for the first half of 2025 are sure to keep readers engaged and informed.
More filler than essential, unless collections are in dire need of funny poetry volumes for reluctant readers.
Though the lives of both Attenboroughs are incredibly compelling material, this is not recommended for purchase.
This story of one of the most pivotal engineering accomplishments in U.S. history, told from diverse perspectives, is highly recommended for middle and high school collections.
This engaging biography contains detailed descriptions of setting and cultural context that convey a clear time line and sense of causation, as well as peeks into the artist’s intimate life.
An important and compelling work that belongs in all high school and public libraries.
More concept than direct instruction, this humorous art book takes readers on a journey of imagination and embracing imperfection.
PREMIUM
How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers): Remembering Slavery and How it Shaped America
While this book addresses an important topic and will have niche readers, the lack of establishing shared context for a younger audience and the uneven approach make this a secondary pick.
PREMIUM
Vehicles: Touch and Feel
An upbeat, hands-on choice for transportation lovers and early concept shelves.
PREMIUM
A Is for Apple Wipe-Clean
A hands-on alphabet primer that balances educational value with playful engagement, ideal for individual use.
PREMIUM
ABC Animals in the Wild
A lively and refreshing pick for alphabet shelves and animal-themed collections.
A powerful, conversation-starting tool for building empathy and equity from the earliest years.
PREMIUM
A Sense of Red
A visually striking and meditative concept book, well-suited for sensory exploration and early mindfulness collections.
PREMIUM
Dinosaurs: My First Carry Book
An engaging introduction to dinosaurs, offering portability and bright visuals, though some choices may confuse budding enthusiasts.
An essential, empowering addition to early literacy, SEL, and identity collections.
A high-interest, fact-packed pick for libraries growing their STEM board book choices.
A smart and accessible pick for early concept shelves, especially where vocabulary-building books are in demand.
PREMIUM
Whose Egg Is That?
A smart and inviting pick for those growing the early nonfiction shelves.
PREMIUM
7 Best Things About Friends
A bright and friendly choice for libraries building social-emotional learning shelves for little ones.
PREMIUM
Noisy Animal World
A sensory-rich introduction to animal sounds that may delight little listeners despite some logical inconsistencies and structural quirks.
A visually striking and conscientiously crafted counting book that elevates early concept shelves.
A playful, music-themed addition that will hit the right note for pop-loving caregivers and library collections.
An excellent purchase for library collections where poetry and nature books are popular.
PREMIUM
Nightmare Jones: poems
A great book for readers who like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, fans of Mary Downing Hahn, and anyone looking to darken their reads a little bit.
A strong first buy. This stellar combination of poetry and art draws readers into the wide experiences of being Black.
An excellent purchase for elementary library collections where poetry and texts that encourage physical activity are needed.
An uplifting collection of Latinx heroes united by their tenacity, ideal for those in need of inspiration.
Recommended for elementary collections where mindfulness-based stress reduction and social-emotional learning through yoga and meditation are popular.
A well-illustrated collection of nursery rhymes that would make an excellent addition to a library or classroom.
A solid addition to every collection, expanding on texts by Indigenous authors.
A first choice for most libraries; come for the poems about familiar bugs, stay for the mind-blowing facts.
A great resource for educators exploring the unconventional world of Modernist poetry, this is a recommended addition to libraries.
A vibrant, affirming addition to picture book collections that centers cultural pride, self-love, and intergenerational wisdom. Highly recommended for libraries looking to support diverse and inclusive storytelling.
PREMIUM
If You Like Butterflies
A sweet book about butterflies that is sure to interest and captivate young readers; a good choice for libraries needing new books on the topic.
PREMIUM
I SPY a Soccer Ball
This is likely a must for collections where these books are popular; children will discover new details every time they open the book.
An entertaining introduction to geology and the rocks that surround us and a strong addition to elementary science and nature collections.
PREMIUM
It’s Corn Picking Time!
K-Gr 2–Readers tumble into a day-long journey at the farm that begins at the dawn, following the farmer as she drives the corn combine, and then following the corn as it whooshes into the massive grain dryer...
In another untold story of a girl smashing the patriarchy, add this to larger collections where picture book biographies are popular.
Fans will enjoy direct messages from Copeland, but those seeking a full biographical picture should look to her other books. This is to inspire readers looking for advice and encouragement during tween years.
Aptly released during Pride Month, librarians should boldly go and purchase this starred book for collections.
A tour-de-force of powerful illustrations combined with accessible scientific information; a title for all library collections. The amazing scientists that endeavor to understand climate change and help to keep civilians safe are given the proper acknowledgement they richly deserve.
A wonderful tribute to the creator of characters and stories that are still loved today. The format will be useful for modeling classroom activities when children face the task of writing a biography or autobiography.
While honestly reflecting a difficult past, this title is full of hope and the promise of a future where change will come; an essential title for all libraries.
Recommended purchase for public and school library collections.
With themes of making a difference, taking care of others, and the inclusion of African American innovators, this is an excellent addition to nonfiction collections for elementary students.
This book is a rich resource for STEM learning and will inspire young readers to investigate and even engage in conservation activities.
PREMIUM
America ABC
For libraries that need board books to develop vocabulary, there are better books.
Margarita Engle’s collection of poetry heralds Latinx heroes and Juana Martinez-Neal’s latest celebrates a Peruvian scientist. A sprinkling of self-help titles round out the list.
Children's and YA titles are vital resources in public health education.
The winners of the 2025 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards are I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely, illus. by Matt James; Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay; and Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown by Candace Fleming.
Recommended as a purchase for history-minded students or those interested in the auto industry in its early days.
PREMIUM
Bob Marley
A recommended purchase for collections that want to enhance their biography collection or where this series is popular.
A joyful celebration of travel and bilingual learning for globe-trotting collections.
Whether for browsing, reading, and sharing, or as a good complement to more serious books on anatomy, this book offers new information written by a friendly doctor with a sense of humor and illustrated by an artist who supplies a colorful, informative, and friendly setting.
A wonderfully detailed yet succinct biography focusing on Sheinbaum’s impact on the world, this is a great first purchase.
This is a great pick for classrooms, libraries, and any home collection.
These standout entries in the “A Kids Book About” series offer clear, compassionate introductions to ADHD and OCD for young readers, pairing educational value with emotional resonance. Both titles beg...
PREMIUM
Snow Babies: Touch and Feel
A cozy, hands-on pick for baby shelves and touch-and-feel collections.
PREMIUM
The Secret Powers of Animals
A standout addition to nonfiction collections, this pairs learning with delightful design.
PREMIUM
The Raven: The Classic Poem
Though not for everyone, this elegant treatment of Poe’s work will find a place on the shelves of erudite readers with an appetite for sophisticated language and Gothic atmosphere.
Despite some flaws, a worthy purchase for elementary and middle schools where hockey is popular.
An engaging purchase sure to fill collection gaps and for readers looking for stories of folks finding themselves.
This book will inspire young athletes to break barriers, such as gender and age, to charter their own course and pursue excellence. Highly recommended.
By presenting an important example of a caring and concerned community effort based on Indigenous traditions along with vibrant, detailed, and interesting illustrations, this book offers young readers insight into a positive way to sustain the environment, and is highly recommended.
Books are crucial tools in understanding the lives of those who may look or sound a little different from the majority.
An intriguing offering that shines a light into a lesser-known aspect of the American abolitionist movement. Highly recommended.
A powerful testament to the strength and potential of individuals with Down syndrome, and an essential read for anyone seeking representation or to broaden their understanding of intellectual disabilities.
An inclusive must-buy for all upper elementar collections and for any institution serving an Indigenous community.
This enlightening title encourages curiosity about real-world scientific work and highlights the important bond between humans and animals; a strong purchase for juvenile nonfiction collections, particularly where there is interest in animals, environmental science, or conservation careers.
Long’s empathetic yet powerful writing beautifully portrays the awe-inspiring tenacity of the activists. Recommended for all libraries.
The introduction of kawaii food designs and manga references helps acquaint young eaters with new flavors and dishes, while the chopstick games and crafts add to the fun of cooking while learning about Japanese culture. Douzo meshiagare!–Laura Dooley-Taylor
This collection of recipes is a treasure; visually stunning, seasoned with quotes from famous female chefs, and a great addition to the “Rebel Girls” series.–Laura Dooley-Taylor
Foodies and history buffs will enjoy this attractive cookbook filled with both recipes and facts about favorite foods and notable Black icons in history.–Lois Young
Perfect nostalgia fodder for parents who loved Friends, offering a way to bond with kids over cooking and pups.
An additional purchase for elementary library collections where cookbooks and unique cooking guides are popular.
PREMIUM
PAC-MAN: The Official Cookbook
Parents, caregivers, and teachers will enjoy a scrumptious trip down memory lane while showing younger generations the fun and joy of Pac-Man.–Michele Shaw
This book challenges teens to step out of their comfort zone with diverse spices, working with seafood, and tricky recipes, simplified but not condescending.–Laura Dooley-Taylor
One of the best how-to books for young cooks, or for anyone who is learning. Every library should order at least one copy of this cookbook.–Lois Young
PREMIUM
World Kitchen: Celebrations
Younger tweens will be immersed in annual global celebrations and relish this cookbook’s vibrant graphic novel feel.
An attractive addition to collections serving youth prepared for a baking and decorating challenge
Creatively rendered fake-out cakes and cupcakes will delight bakers and eaters alike. Purchase is recommended for libraries that want to inspire creative bakers.–Tracy Cronce
A wonderful way to discuss behavior and personality traits with younger readers, this informative Spanish title is an excellent addition to school and public libraries.
A good choice for Spanish-language children’s nonfiction collections where there is a demand for astrology, self-help, and metaphysical titles.
Beautiful in both text and artwork, this incredible title by a powerhouse team belongs on all nonfiction shelves.
A must for Spanish-language picture book biography shelves. This valuable addition will inspire Latinx children to follow their dreams and appreciate their communities.
A visually stellar, engaging book of quirky facts and creatures, this will draw in readers across grade levels and is a first purchase for all libraries.
A heartfelt tribute to a master musician whose life has lessons for all of us.
A gorgeously illustrated celebration that is a must-purchase.
PREMIUM
Ray: How Light Works
This is a serviceable overview of a complex topic; perhaps pair with Susan Hughes’s Lights Day and Night or David A. Adler’s Light Waves for its excellent STEM focus.
This inspiring story of Christina Figueres should appeal to young environmentalists and civic-minded kids and belongs on the climate change shelves.
Part of the “Our Universe” series of books that inform and entertain readers, this compelling title is a great choice for budding astronomers and science enthusiasts.
In a season with a lot of rock books, this is a must-purchase for nonfiction collections as rockhounds will delight in finding out how rocks are born.
Inspiring and uplifting, this is a particularly excellent selection for multicultural families to enjoy together and works in library collections as well.
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