Take a look at these exciting nonfiction titles published in September. Enjoy and learn!
PRIMARY NONFICTION
3X4 (Toon) by Ivan Brunetti. 9781943145348. 2018. Gr K-2.
Annemarie and eleven of her classmates learn about multiplication by showing various ways of drawing sets of twelve in this graphic novel.
Bugs Don’t Hug : Six-Legged Parents and Their Kids by Heather L. Montgomery (ill. by Stephen Stone). 9781580898164. 2018. Gr PK-2.
How do bug parents take care of their offspring? Some don’t, but those that do have surprising ways of feeding, protecting, and raising their young.
A First Book of the Sea by Nicola Davies (ill. by Emily Sutton). 9780763698829. 2018. Gr PK-2.
Over fifty illustrated poems are divided into four sections that cover people, creatures, habitats and activities that are found in, under, or near the ocean.
Hungry for Science : Poems to Crunch On by Kari-Lynn Winters & Lori Sherritt Fleming (ill. by Peggy Collins). 9781554553969. 2018. Gr 1-3.
Perfect for young readers and the science curriculum, these short poems introduce basic science concepts.
I Will Eat You! by Giada Francia (ill. by Agnese Baruzzi). 9780823440313. 2018. Gr PK-2.
In the food chain, there is always something bigger that wants to eat you. The gatefolds in this eye-catching and easy-to-read book explain the food chains in different habitats around the world.
Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera (ill. by Lauren Castillo). 9780763690526. 2018. Gr 1-3.
Former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera provides an illustrated verse memoir that highlights the importance of hope by ending each stanza with the word “imagine.” He describes his childhood as a brown-skinned Spanish-speaking boy who valued the words of the English language, and the joy he felt as he discovered new, exciting ways of putting words together.
Kitten Construction Company : 1 : Meet the House Kittens by John Patrick Green. 9781626728301. 2018. Gr 1-4.
The kitten Marmalade is an architect and longs to build things but no one takes her seriously because she is so cute. She joins a group of aspiring kitten builders to form the Kitten Construction Company, and sets out to prove to the humans that the kittens can get the job done while still being feline.
Lovely Beasts : The Surprising Truth by Kate Gardner (ill. by Heidi Smith). 9780062741615. 2018. Gr PK-3.
This oversize picture book looks at different animals that readers my find scary, such as spiders, bats, sharks, or gorillas, and describes qualities of the animal that might make them less scary.
Now You Know How It Works by Valorie Fisher. 9781338215458. 2018. Gr PK-1.
Brightly colored illustrations and simple text show the mechanics behind a variety of everyday items such as kites, bicycles, toilets, thermometers, and zippers. With cutaways and step-by-step diagrams, the book shows how straws work, flashlights produce light, and boats float.
On the News : Our First Talk about Tragedy (World Around Us) by Jillian Roberts (ill. by Jane Heinrichs). 9781459817845. 2018. Gr 1-4.
Young children hear about tragedies from the news and overhearing adults. This book talks about natural disasters, terrorism, and more; what they are; and how to manage one’s feelings when faced with these events. It explains that people can be very brave and heroic, and that good may come out of the tragedy.
Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers : Celebrating Animal Underdogs by Melissa Stewart (ill. by Stephanie Laberis). 9781561459360. 2018. Gr PK-2.
The unsung underdogs of the animal kingdom are creatures that are small, slow, stinky, lazy, clumsy, chubby, ugly, and shy. These traits may seem like weaknesses, but actually are strengths that help the animals survive. Check out the Etruscan pygmy shrew, the Galapagos tortoise, the zorilla, the okapi, the armadillo, the western fence lizard, the walrus, and the naked mole rat.
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers & Shawn Harris. 9781452173139. 2018. Gr 1-3.
This picture book uses a bit of humor with a powerful message for children on how they can be a citizen.
Where in the Wild by Jonny Lambert. 9781680101041. 2018. Gr K-2.
This collection of poems celebrates the animals found in environments around the world, from the rain forest to the savanna to the desert.
PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHIES
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales. 9780823440559. 2018. Gr PK-3.
Morales tells her own story of immigrating from Mexico with her infant son in this picture book autobiography.
Hammering for Freedom : The William Lewis Story by Rita Lorraine Hubbard (ill. by John Holyfield). 9781600609695. 2018. Gr 3-6.
William “Bill” Lewis was born into slavery in Tennessee, and as soon as he was big enough, he learned the art of blacksmithing. He was so good that he was allowed to keep a little of the money he made, and he put a plan in motion to free his family from slavery.
An Inconvenient Alphabet : Ben Franklin & Noah Webster’s Spelling Revolution by Beth Anderson & Elizabeth Baddeley. 9781534405554. 2018. Gr 2-4.
Benjamin Franklin and Noah Webster were frustrated by the difficulty with English spelling, so they tried to change it and make it easier to write and read. And everyone was happy with the new alphabet—or not! Learn about the problems they faced and the complaints they heard.
Lights! Camera! Alice! : The Thrilling True Adventures of the First Woman Filmmaker by Mara Rockliff (ill. by Simona Ciraolo). 9781452141343. 2018. Gr K-3.
This picture book biography chronicles the life and legacy of Alice Guy-Blaché, the first woman filmmaker. She developed new narratives, camera angles, and techniques for moving pictures with sound and color.
Pope Francis : Builder of Bridges by Emma Otheguy (ill. by Oliver Dominguez). 9781681195605. 2018. Gr PK-3.
This picture book biography of Pope Francis narrates his life from his boyhood in Argentina, to his becoming a Jesuit priest to help others, and all the way to leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
So Tall Within : Sojourner Truth’s Long Walk Toward Freedom by Gary D. Schmidt (ill. by Daniel Minter). 9781626728721. 2018. Gr PK-3.
This poetic picture book biography of former slave and activist Sojourner Truth describes her birth into slavery, her painful childhood, and her journey to become a champion for the rights of both women and African Americans.
That’s Not Hockey! By Andree Poulin (ill. by Felix Girard). 9781773210513. 2018. Gr K-3.
Back when Jacques Plante was goalie, the game was played differently. There were no face masks or shin pads for protection. After several serious injuries, Plante gave an ultimatum: he would not play hockey unless he could wear a mask. His determination led to revolutionary changes to the sport.
Through the Window : Views of Marc Chagall’s Life and Art by Barb Rosenstock (ill. by Mary Grandpre). 9781524717513. 2018. Gr PK-3.
Artist Marc Chagall was best known for his paintings and stained-glass windows. The text and colorful illustrations in this biography show readers through many of the different windows—from his childhood, wartime experiences, Jewish faith, and love of color—that influenced his work.
Turning Pages : My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor (ill. by Lulu Delacre). 9780525514084. 2018. Gr PK-3.
The author shares the story of her life and the special role books played in leading her to become the first Latina Supreme Court Justice.
What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? : The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton (ill. by Ekua Holmes). 9781481465618. 2018. Gr PK-3.
This picture book biography describes the life and career of lawyer, educator, politician, and civil rights leader Barbara Jordan.
When Angels Sing : The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana by Michael Mahin (ill. by Jose Ramirez). 9781534404137. 2018. Gr PK-3.
Rock musician Carlos Santana grew up in Mexico listening to his father play the violin so well that it made angels seem real. Santana started playing music as well, but it wasn’t until he tried the guitar that he heard angels sing.
INTERMEDIATE NONFICTION
Countdown : 2979 Days to the Moon by Suzanne Slade (ill. by Thomas Gonzalez). 9781682630136. 2018. Gr 4-7.
Free verse and illustrations tell the story of the race to land the first man on the moon. It follows the 2,979 days from President Kennedy’s first speech on space travel through the day Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon.
Fantastic Failures : True Stories of People Who Changed the World by Falling Down First by Luke Reynolds. 9781582706641. 2018. Gr 4-6.
A number of famous individuals are profiled, noting the failures and challenges they had to overcome before they achieved success.
Food Fight! : A Mouthwatering History of Who Ate What and Why Through the Ages by Tanya Steel & Bob Steel. 9781426331626. 2018. Gr 4-6.
In addition to learning about the history of food and dietary habits, readers will find 30 recipes inside from this award-winning celebrity food author.
Herstory : 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World by Katherine Halligan (ill. by Sarah Walsh). 9781534436640. 2018. Gr 4-7.
History is often the story of men’s accomplishments, but this collective biography opens the door to outstanding women who actions made—and are making—a difference in the world.
Look at Me! : Wild Animal Show-offs by Jim Arnosky. 9781454928096. 2018. Gr 2-5.
Large fold-out pages with detailed color illustrations depict a variety of animals that use showy displays and bold markings to attract attention, confuse a predator, or fend off a rival. The book features animals that make noise, inflate body parts, and flash colors.
Loos Save Lives : How Sanitation and Clean Water Help Prevent Poverty, Disease and Death by Seren Boyd. 9781526303752. 2018. Gr 4-6.
Those of us fortunate enough to live where toilets are common—even required—have no idea how lucky we are. After reading about the people who live with poor sanitation—or no sanitation at all!—young readers will realize the importance of toilets and clean water. The book also describes the work of charities to fix this problem. This is one of my favorite types of science book, both serious and funny.
Never Too Young! : 50 Unstoppable Kids Who Made a Difference by Aileen Weintraub (ill. by Laura Horton). 9781454929178. 2018. Gr 4-6.
Readers will be inspired by children and teens from around the world who have a positive impact on their communities.
Out of the Ice : How Climate Change Is Revealing the Past by Claire Eamer & Drew Shannon. 9781771387316. 2018. Gr 4-6.
As the climate changes and the earth’s surface warms, the covering of ice and snow is melting. An unexpected benefit of this is the unearthing of ancient artifacts hidden in the melting ice and permafrost, including tools, clothing, and human bodies. A new science called glacial archaeology is studying these new discoveries.
A Pandemonium of Parrots and Other Animals by Kate Baker (ill. by Hui Skipp). 9781536202793. 2018. Gr 2-4.
Celebrate these resplendent animals and learn what their (sometimes) crazy collective names say about them. Readers will learn about their environments and are invited to take part in search-and-find activities.
The Poo That Animals Do by Paul Mason & Tony De Saulles. 9781526303943. 2018. Gr 2-5.
Hilarious illustrations and en-gross-ing facts combine to explain everything you want to know about animal poop, including whose is the smelliest and how animals use their poo.
The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk. 9781338166972. 2018. Gr 2-4.
Learn what the sun does and why it is important through bite-size text, humorous graphic art, and comments from the planets themselves—even Pluto has something to say about the sun.
The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Greece : A Handbook for Time Travelers by Jonathan W. Stokes (ill. by Xavier Bonet). 9780451480279. 2018. Gr 4-7.
Just what you need if you are a modern-day time traveler: a tourist’s guide to ancient Greece that provides instructions for time travel, and recommendations for visiting local people, wars, events, and establishments. You’ll find maps, biographical sketches, humorous checklists, and more.
When You Grow Up to Vote : How Our Government Works for You by Eleanor Roosevelt with Michelle Markel (ill. by Grace Lin). 9781626728790. 2018. Gr 3-6.
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a book on citizenship for young people that describes how types of government employees—from local firefighters to the President of the United States—work for the voter, giving readers a simple look at how the U.S. government functions. This is an updated version.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NONFICTION
1968 : Today’s Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution & Change edited by Marc Aronson & Susan Campbell Bartoletti. 9780763689933. 2018. Gr 6-9.
Writings from fourteen authors offer insight in the tumultuous year of 1968, which saw the bodies of American soldiers return from Vietnam, assassins murder prominent political and civil rights figures, and anti-establishment protests occur all over the world.
Above and Beyond : NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow by Olugbemisola Rhyday-Perkovich. 9781250308467. 2018. Gr 4-7.
Explore the history of NASA from its founding in 1958 up through its modern initiatives and programs. The author argues that NASA’s continuation is key to the future of the United States and the world.
After Life : Ways We Think about Death by Merrie-Ellen WIlcox. 9781459813885. 2018. Gr 4-8.
Explore questions and myths about death from a variety of cultures. This book highlight the science behind dead bodies as well as death rituals around the world from the past and present.
Art in Action : Make a Statement, Change Your World by Matthew “Levee” Chavez. 9781681197562. 2018. Gr 5-7.
After the 2016 election, the author handed out black sticky notes at Union Station in New York, encouraging people to express their thoughts and feelings and post them to the wall, combining art and activism. In this book, he shows young people how they can share their viewpoints in their own art projects—and maybe make a difference.
The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor by Sonia Sotomayor. 9781524771140. 2018. Gr 7-10.
In Sonia Sotomayor’s memoir, she reflects on her childhood and her motivations to become a lawyer and judge. She discusses her time on the Supreme Court of the United States as the first Hispanic and third woman to ever hold the post, and the responsibility inherit in decisions that grossly affect the lives of Americans.
Cyrus Field’s Big Dream : The Daring Effort to Lay the First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable by Mary Morton Cowan. 9781629795560. 2018. Gr 6-9.
One of the greatest feats of the 19th century was the laying of a cable across the Atlantic Ocean so that the United Kingdom and the United States could communicate—instantly. Cyrus Field did not know if it would even be possible, but he was determined to try. Despite many setbacks causing years of delay, the cable was completed in 1866.
The Faithful Spy : Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix. 9781419732652. 2018. Gr 6-10.
This graphic novel documents the life of German Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who fought back against Hitler and the Nazi’s racist and nationalist beliefs during World War II. He struggled morally, intellectually, and spiritually with Hitler’s actions, and was eventually captured and martyred for his beliefs.
First Generation : 36 Trailblazing Immigrants and Refugees Who Make America Great by Sandra Neil Wallace & Rich Wallace. 9780316515245. 2018. Gr 4-7.
This book highlights the contributions of immigrants and refugees to America and the value of diversity. Readers will learn about thirty-six people who made a significant impact in American government, science, sports, and more, including Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, basketball star Dikembe Mutombo, and physicist Albert Einstein.
The Grand Escape : The Greatest Prison Breakout of the 20th Century by Neal Bascomb. 9781338140347. 2018. Gr 6-8.
In World War I, twenty-nine Allied soldiers pulled off a daring escape from Germany’s most notorious prison camp, Holzminden. This book includes historic photographs, diagrams of the escape, and maps.
Path to the Stars : My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo. 9781328809568. 2018. Gr 5-8.
After tragedy strikes during a meningitis outbreak in her underprivileged neighborhood, Sylvia Acevedo turns to the Girl Scouts, which gave her the fortitude to become a rocket scientist and eventually CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA.
Resist : 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by Veronica Chambers. 9780062796257. 2018. Gr 4-8.
The thirty-five activists profiled in this collective biography resisted tyranny and stood up to bullies that threatened to harm their communities, including Malala Yousafzai, Frederick Douglass, and Joan of Arc.
Science Comics : Solar System : Our Place in Space by Rosemary Mosco & Jon Chad. 9781626721425. 2018. Gr 4-8.
In this new addition to the Science Comics series, scientists Sara, Jill, and their pets go on an adventure and learn about the solar system.
Ski Soldier : A World War II Biography by Louise Borden. 9781629796741. 2018. Gr 6-8.
Peter W. Seibert, a World War II soldier, was part of 10th Mountain, a ski soldier unit. His love for skiing saw him through the war and led him to found a now-famous ski resort in Vail, Colorado.
HIGH SCHOOL & ADULT CROSSOVER NONFICTION
Check Please! : 1 : #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu. 9781250177957. 2018. Gr 9-12.
Eric Bittle, a former junior figure skating champion, joins the Samwell University hockey team, which turns out to be nothing like his co-ed club in Georgia. He finds he is unused to so much physical contact, and, if that wasn’t bad enough, he has to contend with Jack, the attractive but moody captain of the team.
Grand Theft Horse by G. Neri (ill. by Corgan Wilkin). 9781620148556. 2018. Gr 7-12.
Gail Ruffu was a respected racehorse trainer and owner. But when her co-owners wanted her to push her horse, Urgent Envoy, too fast and hard, she stole him. While moving from place to place to evade authorities, she also fought for the humane treatment of racehorses. This graphic novel beautifully tells the story of a women who challenged the racing industry for the love of her horse.
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young People) : A True Story of the Fight for Justice by Bryan Stevenson. 9780525580034. 2018. Gr 7-12.
Stevenson was a young lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice committed to defending the poor, women and children, and the wrongly condemned, and the ways in which he was transformed by his first case, that of a man sentenced to die for a murder he claimed he didn’t commit.
Mary Shelley : The Strange True Tale of Frankenstein’ s Creator by Catherine Reef. 9781328740052. 2018. Gr 7-12.
During a visit to Switzerland with her step-sister, Mary Shelley met the poet Lord Byron, and on a dare, wrote what would become one of the more iconic characters in the horror canon. This geography follows Shelley’s life before she wrote Frankenstein and tracks the remaining years of her life.
Nevertheless, We Persisted : 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage with foreword by Amy Klobuchar. 9781524771966. 2018. Gr 9-12.
Forty-eight notable individuals provide essays that address a time they were held back or discriminated against because of their race, gender, or sexual identity, but went on succeed anyway.
The Power of Protest : A Visual History of the Moments That Changed the World by Brenda Griffing. 9781492660347. 2018. Gr 7-Adult.
American history is full of protests that made sweeping changes to the nation. The examples in The Power of Protest are meant to encourage young people who want to make changes in their society.
Steal This Country : A Handbook for Resistance, Persistence, and Fixing Almost Everything by Alexandra Styron. 9780451479372. 2018. Gr 7-12.
This practical guide to standing up and being seen and heard is for young people who are advocating for change. It covers the issues of climate change, immigration, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and religious tolerance. Suggestions include sit-ins, boycotting products, talking and writing to one’s representatives, and blogging.
The Unwanted : Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown. 9781328810151. 2018. Gr 9-12.
This full-color nonfiction graphic novel explores the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis. It describes how refugees fled war-torn Syria in 2011, overwhelming neighboring countries and causing widespread chaos. As costs and resentment in countries grew, the refugees became unwanted. It presents the stories of those who survived, and those who did not, as well as a call for help.
We Are Not Yet Equal : Understanding Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson with Tonya Bolden. 9781547600762. 2018. Gr 7-12.
This book examines historic events that brought backlash against gains made for racial equality, such as Jim Crow laws after the Civil War; shutting down schools after Brown v. Board of Education; the disenfranchised voters after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965; the War on Drugs that seemed to disproportionally target blacks; and the violence after President Obama was elected.
