This season’s offerings balance high-interest topics with plenty of opportunities for critical thinking and cultural exploration. Publishers continue to lean into visual appeal, whether through bold photography, cartoon narrators, or magazine-style layouts, making challenging subjects feel approachable. Pop culture and consumer history are strong draws, with series on favorite brands and the history of food presenting lively behind-the-scenes details of items kids know and love. While gross-out nonfiction and visual encyclopedic formats keep reluctant readers engaged, weightier titles encourage reflection and deeper inquiry, tackling controversial topics or spotlighting Indigenous nations with cultural integrity. Holidays and traditions, from religious celebrations to seasonal festivities, invite readers to learn about global practices in a way that highlights both difference and commonality. Together, these series reveal the continued range and creativity in nonfiction publishing for youth.

Elementary

Gabor, Nicole. First Day of School with Ji-Young. ISBN 9798765661048.
––––. First Lost Tooth with Gabrielle. ISBN 9798765661062.
Murphy, Patricia J. First Visit to the Doctor with Elmo. ISBN 9798765661024.
Sanderson, Whitney. First Library Card with Big Bird. ISBN 9798765661079.
––––. First Ride on a School Bus with Tamir. ISBN 9798765661055.
––––. First Visit to the Dentist with Abby. ISBN 9798765661031.
ea vol: 24p. (Sesame Street ® Firsts). Lerner. Aug. 2025. T. $30.65.
PreS-Gr 2–Beloved Sesame Street characters guide young readers through some of life’s earliest milestones in this reassuring series. Ji-Young helps children prepare for their first day of school; Big Bird highlights the benefits of having a library card; and Abby explains what to expect at the dentist. Bright, engaging photographs of real children are interspersed with images of the familiar Sesame Street cast, creating a comforting bridge between the real and imaginary. Occasional speech bubbles allow the characters to share personal encouragement or practical advice, reinforcing the main text in a friendly voice. Each book concludes with an activity, a glossary, suggestions for further reading, and an index. VERDICT An excellent series that takes the unknown out of life’s sometimes-scary situations.

Ganeri, Anita. Vaisakhi. ISBN 9798875219979.
Golkar, Golriz. Hajj. ISBN 9798875219818.
Phillips, Katrina M. Powwows. ISBN 9798875220050.
Raij, Emily. Yom Kippur. ISBN 9798875219894.
ea vol: 32p. (Traditions & Celebrations). Capstone/Pebble. Aug. 2025. Tr $31.32.
Gr 1-3–Young readers are introduced to the details of major religious celebrations around the world. Each volume outlines where and when the events take place and their historical and cultural significance. For example, the rituals of Hajj are described as reenactments of stories from the Quran. Readers also learn how customs have developed over time, as well as the music, food, and dress traditionally associated with the celebrations. Photographs and artwork provide visual support, and while the images are engaging and help clarify the traditions being described, the prose itself is straightforward to the point of being dry. The text conveys information clearly, but it lacks the sense of awe, reverence, or wonder that similar series often capture when describing spiritual practices and festivals. As a result, while the set succeeds as a factual introduction, it may not fully capture the imagination of readers or inspire deeper curiosity about the religions represented. VERDICT An additional purchase for larger collections.

Grack, Rachel. Curious About Apple. ISBN 9798892005098.
––––. Curious About Barbie. ISBN 9798892005104.
––––. Curious About McDonald’s. ISBN 9798892005111.
––––. Curious About Netflix. ISBN 9798892005128.
––––. Curious About Nike. ISBN 9798892005135.
––––. Curious About Roblox. ISBN 9798892005142.
ea vol: 24p. (Curious About Favorite Brands). Amicus. Jul. 2025. Tr $24.95.
Gr 2-4–This series introduces readers to the history of popular brands they encounter in everyday life. Each book explores the origins of an iconic American brand, highlighting its founder and original product. A visual timeline of logo and product evolution illustrates how the brand has transformed over time, offering a clear snapshot of its growth and adaptation. Fun facts spotlight entertaining tidbits, such as the evolution of Barbie and Ken’s appearance, the story behind McDonald’s first drive-thru, and the origins of Roblox. Large images and straightforward language make the information accessible and engaging for young readers. Each book concludes with questions to encourage further investigation, a list of additional resources, search tips, and a hands-on activity. An index and glossary are also included. VERDICT A visually engaging introduction to the history of well-known American brands that encourages further exploration.

Murray, Julie. Gross Stuff at Home. ISBN 9781098288624.
––––. Gross Stuff in History. ISBN 9781098288631.
––––. Gross Stuff in Nature. ISBN 9781098288648.
––––. Gross Stuff in the Body. ISBN 9781098288655.
––––. Gross Stuff with Animals. ISBN 9781098288662.
––––. Gross Stuff with Food. ISBN 9781098288679.
ea vol: 24p. (Gross Stuff!). ABDO/Dash! Jul. 2025. Tr $32.79.
Gr 2-4–This series is not for the faint of heart. Brave readers will squirm through pages about nasty bugs, disgusting foods, and foul animals. Gross Stuff at Home highlights the many ways bacteria can spread throughout a house, though it stops short of discussing the health risks these germs pose. Gross Stuff in History will leave readers grateful to live in a time with modern sanitation. While the content may make some children overly cautious about invisible germs, it will certainly delight fans of all things gross. Large, stomach-turning photos accompany every page, amplifying the ick factor. Vocabulary words are bolded to support comprehension, and back matter includes additional facts and a glossary. The books are leveled, with longer sentences and more advanced vocabulary to challenge developing readers. Despite the stomach-churning subject matter, this series provides valuable reading practice and is sure to entertain kids who enjoy learning about the slimy, smelly, and downright disgusting. VERDICT Recommended for school and public library collections where high-interest, gross-out nonfiction circulates well.

Nelson, Louise. Ancient Egypt. ISBN 9798894710013.
––––. Castles. ISBN 9798894710020.
––––. Dinosaurs. ISBN 9798894710037.
––––. Festivals. ISBN 9798894710044.
––––. Healthy Eating. ISBN 9798894710051.
––––. Life Cycles. ISBN 9798894710068.
––––. Plants. ISBN 9798894710075.
––––. The Solar System. ISBN 9798894710082.
ea vol: 40p. (Know It All). North Star. Aug. 2025. Tr $34.21.
Gr 3-5–This series presents information in a highly visual format, making it well-suited for visual learners. Large images and illustrations dominate each page, accompanied by brief explanatory text. Key concepts and timelines are included, giving structure to the broad range of topics covered. Subjects span from castle defenses and medieval sanitation to the Egyptian pantheon and burial customs, as well as dinosaurs from each prehistoric period. Facts are presented in a fun, accessible manner, with enough variety to spark curiosity and keep readers turning the pages. The back matter includes quizzes, an activity, a glossary, and an index, reinforcing learning and encouraging interaction. While the text does not provide in-depth analysis, the high-interest presentation makes the series appealing for browsing and as an engaging supplement to classroom materials. VERDICT Purchase where DK’s “Eyewitness” books are popular.

Phillips-Bartlett, Rebecca. Chinese New Year. ISBN 9781534549982.
––––. Christmas. ISBN 9781534550018.
––––. Day of the Dead. ISBN 9781534550049.
––––. Easter. ISBN 9781534550070.
––––. Halloween. ISBN 9781534550100.
––––. Hanukkah. ISBN 9781534550131.
ea vol: 24p. (It’s Time to Celebrate). Greenhaven/KidHaven. Aug. 2025. Tr $26.23.
Gr 1-3–Young readers are introduced to special holidays in this cheerful and accessible series. Each book features a cartoon narrator who guides readers through the origins of the holiday and the traditions that have developed over time. Early chapters focus on the historical or cultural story behind the celebration, while later sections highlight common customs, foods, and activities. Celebrations from around the world are highlighted, offering a global perspective on each holiday. Interactive elements are woven throughout, with themed sections such as “Art Corner,” “Creativity Corner,” and “Cooking Corner” that encourage hands-on engagement and foster cultural appreciation. Vocabulary words are highlighted, and the books conclude with a glossary and index. VERDICT Bright illustrations and engaging photos make this series an appealing introduction to seasonal traditions.

spanier, Kristine. Breakfast Foods. ISBN 9798892138970.
––––. Candy. ISBN 9798892139007.
––––. Condiments. ISBN 9798892139038.
––––. Desserts. ISBN 9798892139069.
––––. Drinks. ISBN 9798892139090.
––––. Fast Food. ISBN 9798892139120.
––––. Frozen Treats. ISBN 9798892139151.
––––. Salty Snacks. ISBN 9798892139182.
ea vol: 24p. (The History of Foods). Jump!/Pogo. Aug. 2025. Tr $29.99.
Gr 3-5–This appetizing series serves up bite-sized information about familiar household brands. Readers will discover the history of major food companies such as Kellogg, Hershey, and Hostess, exploring how their iconic products were first invented and how they have evolved over time. Changes in packaging, flavors, and consumer tastes are highlighted, making this a lively blend of food history and pop culture. Fascinating details include how the invention of the household freezer led to the rise of Eggos and how pharmacists helped create America’s sweet tooth. Textboxes share additional fun facts, while “What Do You Think?” sections invite readers to reflect and respond. Each book concludes with a timeline, glossary, and index. This fun and informative series is sure to appeal to young readers curious about the history behind their favorite snacks. VERDICT Recommended for all libraries.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Green, Sara. The 1920s. ISBN 9798893045420.
––––. The 1930s. ISBN 9798893045437.
––––. The 1940s. ISBN 9798893045444.
––––. The 1950s. ISBN 9798893045451.
––––. The 1960s. ISBN 9798893045468.
Klepeis, Alicia Z. The 1970s. ISBN 9798893045475.
––––. The 1980s. ISBN 9798893045482.
Leaf, Christina. The 1990s. ISBN 9798893045499.
––––. The 2010s. ISBN 9798893045512.
Rathbun, Betsy. The 2000s. ISBN 9798893045505.
ea vol: 48p. (Through the Decades). Bellwether/Eureka! Aug. 2025. Tr $31.95.
Gr 6-9–This “blast from the past” series takes readers on a nostalgic trip through the decades. Presented in a colorful, magazine-style format, each volume highlights major scientific and technological advancements, significant historical events and figures, and key social changes. Popular culture is woven throughout, with the inclusion of Billboard hits, box office leaders, fashion trends, bestselling books, toys, and sports icons. Abundant images support comprehension and add visual appeal. Contemporary newspaper headlines accompany spotlighted topics, such as the AIDS crisis and the moon landing, while price comparisons from the beginning and end of each decade provide historical context. Fact-filled and visually engaging, these titles will appeal to students seeking an accessible overview of 20th-century history. Back matter includes a timeline, a glossary, writing prompts, and an index. VERDICT A fun and informative choice.

World Book. Indigenous People of Hawai’i. ISBN 9780716658696.
––––. Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic and Subarctic. ISBN 9780716658665.
––––. Indigenous Peoples of the Great Basin and Plateau. ISBN 9780716658672.
––––. Indigenous Peoples of the Northeast. ISBN 9780716658627.
––––. Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Coast. ISBN 9780716658689.
––––. Indigenous Peoples of the Plains. ISBN 9780716658641.
––––. Indigenous Peoples of the Southeast. ISBN 9780716658634.
––––. Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest. ISBN 9780716658658.
ea vol: 112p. (Indigenous Peoples of North America). World Book. Jun. 2025. Tr $42.
Gr 5-8–This engaging series introduces readers to Indigenous nations, organized by the regions they call home. Each volume reveals how the local landscape has shaped cultural traditions, daily life, and survival practices over generations. Readers explore the nations’ social structures, languages, and subsistence skills, including hunting, fishing, and gathering, while also gaining perspective on their historical interactions and conflicts with colonists. The books also highlight life as a modern-day member of these nations, showing how ancient traditions continue to inform contemporary living. Authored with cultural integrity, the series draws on the expertise of consultants and reviewers who are themselves members of Indigenous nations. Each book includes an index, glossary, discussion questions, and a link to an online resource guide with knowledge organizers to deepen learning. VERDICT An insightful and impactful series.

Upper Middle School to High School

Kallen, Stuart A. Thinking Critically: Electric Vehicles. ISBN 9781678210502.
Mooney, Carla. Thinking Critically: Immigration and Border Control. ISBN 9781678210526.
Stephan, Jennifer. Thinking Critically: Cyberbullying. ISBN 9781678210489.
ea vol: 64p. (Thinking Critically). ReferencePoint. Aug. 2025. Tr $45.26.
Gr 7 Up–New titles in this ongoing series invite students to examine controversial topics from multiple perspectives. Each volume begins with an overview of the subject before breaking it down into chapters, each centered on a focused question. Arguments from opposing sides are presented, with guiding questions at the start of each section to encourage deeper analysis. The clean, accessible layout directs readers to key facts, while charts and graphs provide visual support, and text boxes highlight notable quotes. Extensive back matter includes source notes, additional facts, related organizations and websites, resources for further research, and an index, making these titles useful for both individual study and group projects. VERDICT A strong choice for research support and classroom discussion.

Mooney, Carla. The Facts About Gun Violence. ISBN 9781678210380.
––––. The Facts About Vaping. ISBN 9781678210465.
Mount, Sara Rowe. The Facts About Mental Illness. ISBN 9781678210427.
Nakaya, Andrea C. The Facts About Vaccines. ISBN 9781678210441.
ea vol: 64p. (Know the Facts). ReferencePoint. Aug. 2025. Tr $45.26.
Gr 7 Up–This series tackles complicated, often controversial topics with clarity and balance. Stripping away anger, bias, and misinformation, each book places the facts front and center. Chapters open with powerful firsthand accounts that ground each subject in lived experience, then move into clear, straightforward explanations. Each chapter explores a specific aspect of the issue, such as vaccine safety, mental health treatment, or gun control laws, presenting evidence that challenges widely held beliefs and encourages readers to think critically. Expert quotes appear throughout the text, while textboxes take a closer look at key subtopics like the impact of gun violence on survivors and the stigmas surrounding mental health. Each volume concludes with extensive source notes, resources for further research, and a detailed index. VERDICT A reliable and accessible guide to some of today’s most pressing debates.

Across grade levels, this season’s strongest series combine accessibility with substance. The “Curious About Favorite Brands” (Amicus) and “The History of Foods” (Jump!) titles stand out for their lively approach to cultural history, while “Gross Stuff!” (ABDO/Dash!) delivers irresistible appeal for readers who relish the yuck factor. For classrooms and research support, “Thinking Critically” and “Know the Facts” (both ReferencePoint) offer balanced, fact-driven perspectives on complex topics, making them particularly valuable for secondary collections. Younger readers will appreciate the gentle reassurance of “Sesame Street ® Firsts” (Lerner), while middle grade audiences will find “Through the Decades” (Bellwether/Eureka!) informative. “Indigenous People of North America” (WorldBook) is an especially impactful set, combining careful scholarship with authentic voices. These titles provide a robust season of nonfiction, with something to engage the curious browser, the reluctant reader, and the student researcher.

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS