Category: Kids Nonfiction

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Today’s book recommendation: SOMETHING ROTTEN: A FRESH LOOK AT ROADKILL by Heather L. Montgomery | Illustrated by Kevin O’Malley

– Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

– Middle Grade Nonfiction

If you’re super squeamish, this might not be the book for you. But if you can handle descriptions of dead animals, it’s definitely worth a read. I found it fascinating and my boys could NOT get enough of it! We read it together before school, and each day they rushed to get ready so we would have more time to read. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is! 🙂

📚 Here’s the official book promo:

*****
When Heather L. Montgomery sees a rattlesnake flattened on the side of the road, her first instinct is to pick it up and dissect it–she’s always wanted to see how a snake’s fangs retract when they close their mouths, and it’s not exactly safe to poke around in a live reptile’s mouth.

A wildlife researcher with a special penchant for the animals that litter the roadways, Heather isn’t satisfied with dissecting just one snake. Her fascination with roadkill sets her off on a journey from her own backyard and the roadways of the American South to scientists and kids in labs and homes across the globe. From biologists who use the corpses of Tasmanian devils to investigate cures for a contagious cancer, to a scientist who discovered a whole new species of bird from a single wing left behind, to a boy rebuilding animal bodies from the bones up, to a restaurant that serves up animal remnants, Heather discovers that death is just the beginning for these creatures.

Dig into this eye-opening and irreverent look at the dead and dying animals that we pass by without a second thought.
*****

Montgomery’s passionate curiosity is contagious, and I just love how she takes readers along with her on this bizarre, but interesting, learning journey. Her prose is full of good humor, and I found myself laughing out loud so many times reading this book.

SOMETHING ROTTEN has won a ton of awards, including a JLG Gold Standard, an ALA Notable Book, and the Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, so be brave and give this book a try!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation:🔥THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of by Kirsten W. Larson

Illustrated by Katherine Roy

Published by Chronicle Books

📚 Nonfiction Picture Book Biography

The Fire of Stars by Kirsten W. Larson

This STEM biography is a major award winner! It is exceptionally crafted and beautifully illustrated! I absolutely love how author Kirsten W. Larson manages to tell two stories at once with her lovely, poetic text.

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. But she didn’t start out as the groundbreaking scientist she would eventually become. She started out as a girl full of curiosity, hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe.

With lyrical, evocative text by Kirsten W. Larson and extraordinary illustrations by award-winning illustrator Katherine Roy, this moving biography powerfully parallels the kindling of Cecilia Payne’s own curiosity and her scientific career with the process of a star’s birth, from mere possibility in an expanse of space to an eventual, breathtaking explosion of light.
*****

This book encourages curiosity and a love of science on every page, along with gorgeous swirls of stardust, sparks of color, and heartfelt moments in Cecilia’s journey through life.

⭐ Perfect for kids who love space, science, and stories of trailblazing women.
⭐ A beautiful blend of STEM and storytelling.
⭐ Inspiring for classroom use or bedtime brilliance.

Have you read this starry gem yet? 💫 Drop a 🌟 in the comments if you love space books!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: MOLES: The Superpower Field Guide by Rachel Poliquin

– Nonfiction Middle Grade

No matter what age you are, learning about animals is super duper fun, especially when you have Author Rachel Poliquin @rachelpoliquin framing their abilities as sensational superpowers!

I first came across MOLES: The Superpower Field Guide a few years ago, and we loved it so much, I promptly bought the whole series.

I mean, who doesn’t want to know how this “humble hero” of the animal kingdom has the “Blood of Gods,” the “Saliva of Death,” and “Indefatigable Paws of Power.”

*****
💥 Here’s the official book summary of MOLES:
Meet Rosalie, a common mole. The first thing you need to know about Rosalie is that she is shaped like a potato. Not a new potato, all cute and round, but a plain old lumpy potato. She may be small. She may be spongy. But never underestimate a mole.

I know what you’re thinking: moles are just squinty-eyed beasts that wreck your lawn.

You’re right! Those squinty eyes and mounds of dirt are proof that moles have superpowers. There is absolutely nothing common about the common mole.
*****

The simple cartoon-y illustrations are perfect for the witty narration and there are quizzes and even a mole maze to get kids engaging with what they are learning.

I highly recommend these books! Pick one up today and give it a try!

And, as always,
happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendations:

BUTT OR FACE? CAN YOU TELL WHICH END YOU’RE LOOKING AT?
by Kari Lavelle

-and-

BATTLE OF THE BUTTS: THE SCIENCE BEHIND ANIMAL BEHINDS
by Jocelyn Rish

– Nonfiction Picture Books

If you have kids who enjoy potty humor, then have I got the books for you! We picked these up at the same time and it made for a combination that had the whole family dying with laughter.

Did you know that some animals disguise their rumps? Or that manatees control their buoyancy with flatulence? If they want to move up in the water, they hold it in, and if they want to sink, they let it rip!

Here are snippets of the official BOOK PROMOs:

*****
✒ Butt or Face? offers kids a delightfully cheeky challenge: examine a close-up photo of an animal, and then guess whether you’re looking at the top or the…um…bottom. The answer is revealed on the next page with a complete photo of the animal! Readers will discover animals like the Cuyaba dwarf frog whose backside looks like a pair of eyes, the Mary River turtle that breathes through its butt, and many more!

✒ Battle of the Butts
Butts are used for breathing, eating, swimming, talking, and even killing in the animal kingdom. Focusing on ten different animals and their derrières, and offering fun facts about their origin, habitat, and “posterior power,” this hilarious book captures the wonder of our ecosystem. Which animal has the coolest butt power? That’s up to you to decide!
*****
Humorous nonfiction like this is the perfect way to learn about the amazing world around us. And there’s nothing like unique animals and their surprising abilities to give a book instant kid appeal!

Snuggle up with these books and prepare to giggle. 🤣

Happy reading! 📚

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Today’s book recommendation: THE DOUBLE V CAMPAIGN by Lea Lyon

-YA Nonfiction

This book is a must-read for teenagers and adults, alike! It’s the chapter of World War II history that you don’t get in school!

When America entered WWII, many African Americans wondered how they could go to war for a country that still didn’t treat them as full and equal citizens. The Double V campaign was the answer.

A man named James Thompson came up with it and the black-owned newspaper, the Philadelphia Courier spread the word.

The double “V” stood for a double victory—abroad in the war and at home for civil rights. This was huge because it allowed African Americans to feel patriotic about serving in the war, while also being true to their fight for equal rights.

My favorite part was when author Lea Lyon shows how by organizing a potential march on Washington, activists were able to force President Roosevelt’s hand, getting him to sign an executive order to desegregate the defense industry.

Then, five years later, right after the war, their efforts culminated in another executive order, this time with President Truman desegregating the military. This act was so important because it led the way for other industries to do the same.

All of these events were the beginning of America’s decades long civil rights movement, and I honestly had no idea about any of it! Really, I hope educators will pick up this book and incorporate it into their curriculum. It’s a quick read and so inspiring! I really couldn’t put it down.

Highly recommend and happy reading! 🙂

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Today’s book recommendation: BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD-AND STEAL-THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin -Young Adult Nonfiction

Okay, I already admitted that I love spy stories, but this one is a MUST READ! Sheinkin is a genius at making this true story from the past read like an international espionage thriller novel. Even if you know your history, you can’t help but turn the page to see what happens next.

Also, one thing I love is the amount of detailed research Sheinkin puts into his books. It’s absolutely astonishing! If he says it was raining, it was actually raining on that day in history, and if there are tulips blooming, then there were tulips blooming!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.

In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. 

This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world’s most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.
*****

There is a reason this book has won all kinds of awards, including National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor Book, and Cybils Winner for Nonfiction. It’s really that good!

Sheinkin beautifully weaves the American, Russian, and German parts of the story together, and you come away from the book with a healthy fear of the power of the atom bomb and an appreciation for the individuals involved in making it. 

True stories are sometimes the most unbelievable, and this is one you don’t want to miss.

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: FLOWER TALK: HOW PLANTS USE COLOR TO COMMUNICATE by Sara Levine – Nonfiction Picture Book

This is one of my all-time favorite picture books! While you will find it shelved with nonfiction, technically, it’s “informational fiction” because it is narrated by an adorable little cactus with a prickly attitude!

No matter how you categorize it, FLOWER TALK is both informational and highly entertaining!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Pssssst! Did you know plants can talk?

It’s true! Plants use the colors of their flowers to communicate with animals. But why animals? Because they help plants make seeds by moving pollen from one flower to another. Learn the secrets of flower talk from a narrator with an inside scoop!

This new book from Sara Levine features a cantankerous talking cactus as a narrator, revealing to readers the significance of different colors of flowers in terms of which pollinators (bees, bats, birds, etc.) different colors “talk” to. A fun nonfiction presentation of science info that may be new to many kids―and adults!
*****

The voice in this book is brilliant and makes for SUCH a fun read-aloud! And the illustrations! I can’t tell you how much I love them!! Masha D’yans manages to make the little cactus guy so adorable and so cranky, all at the same time. I love her gorgeous, whimsical style.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book today!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: HERO DOGS! True Stories of Amazing Animal Heroes! by Mary Quattlebaum – Nonfiction Chapter Book

I admit it. I was one of those kids poring over all the gorgeous photos in National Geographic magazines–that distinctive yellow border always caught my eye, and then I was hooked!

I recently discovered that National Geographic Kids has a whole series of chapter books that feature true stories about animals and outdoor adventures. And they have the traditional yellow border, as well, so yay! 😊

🐶 Here’s the official book summary of HERO DOGS!:
Calling all dog lovers! Join the adventure as National Geographic Kids Chapters presents a trio of true stories about incredible acts of canine heroism. From Glory the bloodhound, who saves lost pets, to terriers who help raise orphaned hippos, these brave pups are sure to inspire young animal lovers.

The photos are super fun and high-quality (of course!) and the author, Mary Quattlebaum, has done her research well. The three main dog stories she found for this book are amazing and she knows how to keep it clear and engaging for young readers.

The simple fact that these are TRUE stories is awesome. This book is primarily for the upper elementary grades, ages 7-10. At this age, many kids love to learn about the world around them–things that have really happened have more meaning for them, so really, it’s perfect!

Check out this book series if you have a child that age. It would make a fantastic stocking-stuffer!🎄

And, as always,
happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: SECRETS OF THE SEA: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith – Nonfiction Picture Book Biography

I absolutely LOVE picture book biographies. There have been so many amazing people in the world and well-done picture book biographies capture the essence of their lives and achievements so beautifully!

Secrets of the Sea is no exception! Jeanne Power was a courageous and creative woman from the 19th century who went from being a respected Parisian dressmaker to a famous marine scientist.

At this time, pretty much everything scientists knew about sea creatures was from studying dead specimens. Jeanne came up with the idea of building her own aquarium to study marine life while they were alive, and she made many exciting discoveries!

Evan Griffith made impressive discoveries of his own during his thorough research for this book, and Joanie Stone’s illustrations really made it all come to life. I’d never heard of a paper nautilus before, but my boys and I went on a little research binge about them after reading this book.

It’s the perfect book to read to be inspired by creative problem solving and overcoming trials. Pick it up today and give it a try!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: SPI-KU: A CLUTTER OF SHORT VERSE ON EIGHT LEGS by Leslie Bulion – Middle Grade Literary Nonfiction

My boys spent hours pouring over this beautiful book of science poetry! The illustrations by @r2meganck are detailed and fun, and the verses by @lesliebulion are super playful and informative.

I’ll be the first to admit that I do NOT like spiders, at least, not in my home. 😂 But, that doesn’t mean I don’t like learning about them from a safe distance!

Reading this book, I was struck by the sheer variety of spiders around the world, and all the cool things they can do. Did you know that some spiders can make a snake-like hiss by rubbing their legs together or build a booby-trapped door to catch prey, rather than a web?

Or that some male spiders strum a special mating “song” on a female’s web to let her know he’s interested? But that after he’s done, he better clear off quick if he doesn’t want to be her lunch!

I also really loved the sizing chart in the backmatter. Some spiders are REALLY big and some are REALLY small–either way, it’s extra creepy!

Besides being a super fun book to explore, SPI-KU is also the perfect complement to a poetry unit, or to bring poetry into a biology unit. Spiders are fascinating creatures, and this is a fun format to learn all about them.

Happy reading!