Nonfiction books for kids are a terrific way for children to explore the world and build real-life knowledge. From fascinating facts about animals and insects to inspiring true stories about real people, nonfiction books are both exciting and educational.
To help you find great nonfiction books for your child, we’ve put together this guide. Below, you’ll discover the best nonfiction books for kids—plus tips for choosing nonfiction stories your child will love!
Table of Contents:
Why Nonfiction Stories Are Great for Kids
Best Nonfiction Books for Kids
What to Look for in a Good Nonfiction Book for Kids
What are nonfiction books for kids?
Nonfiction books are books based on real events, information, or people. Therefore, nonfiction books for kids are age-appropriate stories about real-world events, facts, or people. These books are designed to help young readers learn about real things.
Types of Nonfiction Books for Kids
There are five different types of nonfiction books for kids. As a parent or caregiver, understanding these different types of nonfiction stories for kids can help you assist your child in finding nonfiction books they’ll love!
Below are the five different types of nonfiction books for kids, including a brief explanation of each.
1. Browseable - browseable nonfiction books include short, easy-to-browse blocks of text that convey accurate facts and explanations. These stories can be read from front to back or by skipping around and are great for fact-loving kids.
2. Active - active nonfiction books are highly interactive stories that often teach skills. Like browseable nonfiction books, active nonfiction books can be read from cover to cover or by skipping around. Common examples include how-to books, cookbooks, craft books, field guides, and scientific experiment books.
3. Traditional - traditional nonfiction books for kids (sometimes called “all about” books) are survey books that provide an overview of a topic using clear, easy-to-understand language.
4. Expository Literature - expository literature is a type of nonfiction that presents information on a specific topic using a clear voice and engaging, descriptive language. For example, a children’s book about stars would be considered expository literature.
5. Narrative - narrative nonfiction books for kids tell true stories about people, events, or processes using elements of fiction—like characters, settings, and a story arc. For example, biographies, books that recount historical events, and books that describe life cycles, journeys of discovery, or natural processes are narrative nonfiction.
Now that you know all about the different types of nonfiction stories, you might wonder - what is the difference between fiction and nonfiction books? Let’s take a look.
Fiction vs Nonfiction Books for Children
Fiction and nonfiction books for kids differ in one significant way - fiction books are entirely made-up, while nonfiction books include true and accurate information based on real facts, events, or people.
Both types of stories offer benefits for young readers. Therefore, we encourage parents and caregivers to help their children read a mix of both fiction and nonfiction books to ensure the development of well-rounded cognitive and literacy skills.
Why should kids read non-fiction?
There are endless reasons why kids should read non-fiction! First and foremost, good nonfiction books for kids help children expand their real-world knowledge and encourage curiosity and a love of learning. These stories also promote critical thinking skills, self-awareness, and research abilities and help build vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.
Working on reading comprehension with your child? Here are some reading comprehension activities to try at home.
SIDE NOTE: What about fictional stories? Fiction books are great for kids too! They help foster imagination, creativity, empathy, and social-emotional skills. Fictional stories also help children improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and overall literacy skills. Therefore, we recommend that your child read both types of stories (i.e., fiction and nonfiction).
Now that you know what nonfiction books are, how they compare to fiction, and why children should read nonfiction stories, here’s a list of nonfiction books your child will love!
12 Best Nonfiction Books for Kids (By Topic)
Looking for nonfiction stories that will keep your child engaged for hours? These great nonfiction books for kids include stories about animals and insects, dinosaurs, how-to books, history, biographies, and more.
Here are 12 books your child will love (organized by topic)!
Nonfiction Books About Animals & Insects
1. Guess the Dog
By Kari Noel
Guess the Dog is a nonfiction book for kids that highlights facts and features about the ten most popular dog breeds. The story unveils each dog, feature by feature, encouraging children to guess the breed!
This fun guessing game-type story is part of a series of “Guess The Animal” books. The series includes:
- Guess the Insect
- Guess the Shark
- Guess the Fish
- Guess the Cat
- Guess the Lizard
- Guess the Snake
- Guess the Bird
- Guess the Primate
- Guess the Wild Cat
- Guess the Bear
- Guess the Dinosaur
- Guess the Horse
- Guess the Marsupial
The entire “Guess The Animal” collection is available on the Booka reading app for kids.
Type of nonfiction books for kids: browseable
Suitable for ages: 8+
2. Mighty Ants. Exploring an Ant Colony
By Alice Boynton and Wiley Blevins
Mighty Ants. Exploring an Ant Colony is a fun and educational nonfiction book that will teach your child all about ants!
The story follows a young girl named Soñia who shrinks to the size of an ant! Soon, she finds herself surrounded by ants and, through first-hand experience, learns about how they live and work together.
Type of nonfiction book: narrative
Suitable for ages: 7 - 10+
3. Sea Stars (The World of Ocean Animals)
By Adeline J. Zimmerman
Sea Stars is a fascinating nonfiction book for kids that explores the world of sea stars. With the help of vibrant photos, the book examines a sea star’s appearance, anatomy, habitat, diet, life cycle, and behaviors.
This story is also an excellent resource for introducing your child to nonfictional literature features, such as headings, labels, sidebars, maps, diagrams, table of contents, glossaries, and indexes.
Bonus: Sea Stars features tips for parents, caregivers, and teachers, including pre-reading activities and other ideas to incorporate during and after your child reads the story.
Type of nonfiction book: expository literature, browseable
Suitable for ages: 6 - 9+
Nonfiction Books About Dinosaurs
4. Meet the Giant Dinosaurs
By Rebecca Donnelly
Meet the Giant Dinosaurs is the perfect nonfiction book for kids who love dinosaurs—especially T. rex! The book explores nine different dinos, including their diets, hunting techniques, and behaviors.
Similar to Sea Stars, this book will introduce your child to nonfictional features like headings, labels, sidebars, maps, diagrams, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index. It also includes tips for caregivers, parents, and teachers.
Meet the Giant Dinosaurs is part of a series called “Meet the Dinosaurs!: When Reptiles Ruled.” The collection includes the following titles, all available on the Booka reading app for kids.
- Meet the Small Dinosaurs
- Meet the Meat-Eating Dinosaurs
- Meet the Plant-Eating Dinosaurs
- Meet the Swimming Reptiles
- Meet the Flying Reptiles
Type of nonfiction books for kids: narrative nonfiction
Suitable for ages: 7 - 10+
The Meet the Dinosaurs!: When Reptiles Ruled books are available as read along books on the Booka reading app.
5. A Little Bit of Dinosaur
By Elleen Hutcheson and Darcy Pattison
A Little Bit of Dinosaur is a nonfiction book for kids that follows a calcium atom as it makes its way from a Tyrannosaurus rex bone to a cheese sandwich and finally into a young boy’s bones. Through this adventure, your child will learn how humans, nature, and dinosaurs are interconnected!
This book is part of a series that includes the following titles.
These nonfiction books about dinosaurs (and more!) are available on the Booka reading app for kids.
Type of nonfiction books: narrative nonfiction
Suitable for ages: 7 - 9+
A Little Bit of Dinosaur is available as a read aloud story on Booka.
Narrative Nonfiction Books for Kids
6. Singing the Truth. The Story of Miriam Makeba
By Jade Mathieson
Singing the Truth. The Story of Miriam Makeba is a narrative nonfiction book for kids that explores the life of world-renowned South African singer, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist Miriam Makeba. Reading this story, your child will learn about Miriam, her childhood, and how she used her music to help bring freedom to South Africa.
Type of nonfiction book: narrative nonfiction
Suitable for ages: 3 - 12+
7. Graça’s Dream - The Story of Graça Machel
By Melissa Fagan
Graça's Dream is a narrative nonfiction book for kids that explores the inspiring story of Graça Machel. Through this historical narrative, your child will learn how Graça became a teacher and brought change to Mozambique and the rest of Africa with the help of her friends.
Type of nonfiction book: narrative nonfiction
Suitable for ages: 5 - 9+
Nonfiction How To Books for Kids
8. How to Brush Your Teeth Properly?
By Julia Verde
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly? is a simple nonfiction how to book for kids that will teach your child about their teeth and how to take care of them!
Type of nonfiction book: active
Suitable for ages: 3+
This nonfiction story is available exclusively on the Booka reading app.
Historical Nonfiction Books for Kids
9. 50 Things You Didn’t Know About Ancient Greece
By Sean O’Neill
50 Things You Didn't Know about Ancient Greece is a traditional nonfiction book for kids that explores the world of ancient Greece. In this story, your child will learn all about ancient Greece and the fantastic things this ancient civilization gave us, including vending machines, flush toilets, geometry, democracy, traditions, and more!
This book is part of a “50 Things You Didn’t Know About” series. The collection includes:
50 Things You Didn’t Know About the Middle Ages
50 Things You Didn’t Know About Ancient Rome
50 Things You Didn’t Know About Ancient Egypt
50 Things You Didn’t Know About Colonial America
50 Things You Didn’t Know About the Old West
All of these historical nonfiction books for kids are available on the Booka reading app.
Type of nonfiction books: traditional, browseable
Suitable for ages: 7 - 11+
10. Know-It-Alls Mummies!
By Kenn Goin
Know-It-Alls Mummies! is a historical nonfiction book all about the mummies of ancient Egypt. Reading this book, your child will discover the fascinating history of mummies and even learn how mummies were made!
Know-It-Alls Mummies! is part of an extensive series of nonfiction “Know-It-Alls” books. The collection includes:
- Know-It-Alls Bats!
- Know-It-Alls Birds of Prey!
- Know-It-Alls Farm Animals!
- Know-It-Alls Snakes!
- Know-It-Alls Spiders!
- Know-It-Alls Kittens!
- Know-It-Alls Whales!
- Know-It-Alls Horses!
- Know-It-Alls Seals!
- Know-It-Alls Safari Babies!
- Know-It-Alls Bears!
- Know-It-Alls Lizards!
- Know-It-Alls Wolves!
- Know-It-Alls Puppies!
- Know-It-Alls Butterflies!
- Know-It-Alls Bugs!
- Know-It-Alls Predators!
- Know-It-Alls Fish!
- Know-It-Alls Apes!
- Know-It-Alls Sharks!
- Know-It-Alls Volcanoes!
- Know-It-Alls Crocodiles!
- Know-It-Alls Wild Cats!
- Know-It-Alls Frogs!
- Know-It-Alls Dinosaurs!
You can find all these great nonfiction books for kids (and more!) on Booka.
Type of nonfiction books: traditional, expository literature
Suitable for ages: 4 - 10+
Biography Nonfiction Books for Kids
11. Maria Tallchief: Native America’s Prima Ballerina
By Jennifer Marino Walters
Maria Tallchief: Native America’s Prima Ballerina is a biography nonfiction book for kids that explores the life of Maria Tallchief, an Osage and American ballerina. The book explores Maria’s childhood in Oklahoma and how she became America’s first major prima ballerina and the first Native American prima ballerina.
Type of nonfiction book: traditional
Suitable for ages: 5 - 8+
12. Sojourner Truth: Fighting for Freedom
By Jeri Cipriano
Sojourner Truth: Fighting for Freedom is a children’s nonfiction book that explores the life of Sojourner Truth, an American women's rights and African-American civil rights activist and abolitionist. Reading this story, your child will learn about Sojourner Truth’s life as an enslaved person and how she became free and used her voice to fight for the freedom of others.
Type of nonfiction book: traditional
Suitable for ages: 5 - 8+
With this list of the best nonfiction books, you’re ready to help your child explore real-world facts and stories! Below, we’ve included a few more tips for finding additional nonfiction books once your child has read the titles above.
What to Look for in a Good Nonfiction Book for Children
What makes a good nonfiction book for kids? Here are some qualities you should look for when helping your child pick nonfiction books to read at home.
- Age-appropriate language
- Clear, concise, and informative explanations
- Accurate information
- Engaging and informative visuals and features (e.g., pictures, illustrations, diagrams, captions, fun facts, Q&A, maps, table of contents, index, glossary, etc.)
- Topics your child finds interesting
- Relatable characters
- Diverse representation
Want to know more about how to choose the best literature for your child? Here’s what makes a good children's book.
Popular Nonfiction Categories Kids Love
Looking for nonfiction books your child will love? Try these popular categories to help spark your child’s interest in reading.
- Animals and nature
- Space
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
- History
- Biographies
- True stories (inspirational, real-life adventures)
- How things work
- How to books (cookbooks, crafts, etc.)
- Geography
- Cultures
- Travel
Where to Find Good Nonfiction Books for Kids
Not sure where to get nonfiction stories for kids? Don’t worry; finding nonfiction books is easy—if you know where to look! Here are the best places to get nonfiction books for children.
Reading Apps for Kids (Like Booka!)
Reading apps like Booka are a great place to find high-quality nonfiction books for kids!
Pros:
- Instant access to a wide range of nonfiction books anywhere, anytime
- Affordable monthly subscriptions
- Interactive features that can enhance engagement and learning
- Booka-Specific Features: Read To Me (professionally narrated stories for read-aloud sessions), Booka Reads (a personalized book feed based on your child's interests)
Cons:
- Internet connection required in some cases (i.e., to access books that aren’t downloaded)
- Paid option
Public Library
Your local library is another great place to find nonfiction books.
Pros:
- Free access to a wide variety of nonfiction books
- Librarians can recommend age-appropriate titles
- Special programs may be available that feature nonfiction topics (e.g., storytime, reading challenges, etc.)
Cons:
- Limited loan periods
- Some nonfiction stories may not be available (e.g., popular nonfiction books for kids may be checked out or have waitlists)
- Requires a visit to the library every time your child wants more/new books
Local Bookstores
You can also find nonfiction stories for kids at your local bookstore.
Pros:
- Great place to find new releases and award-winning nonfiction
- Staff can offer personalized recommendations
- Supports local businesses
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to downloading a reading app or borrowing from a library
- Limited selection depending on the store size
- Requires a visit to the bookstore every time your child wants more/new books
Online Retailers
Another option is to order nonfiction books from an online retailer like Amazon, Flipkart, Librerías Gandhi, Waterstones, Indigo, etc.
Pros:
- Huge selection of nonfiction books for every age and interest
- Easy to find customer reviews and recommendations
- Convenient delivery worldwide
Cons:
- No chance to flip through the book before buying
- Shipping costs or delays in some regions
- More expensive than the library or a reading app for kids
- Waiting period (your child will have to wait for the order to be processed and the book(s) to be delivered)
- Requires you to order more books every time your child wants to read something new
Get Instant Access to Great Nonfiction Books for Kids with Booka
With access to Booka’s vast library of kids’ books, your child can explore endless nonfiction stories at the touch of a button. No trips to the library. No waiting for deliveries. Just stories ready to read anytime, anywhere!
Explore Booka’s Collection of Nonfiction Books for Kids Today!