Kids Nonfiction

Chef Edna Lewis has been a hero of mine for many, many years, so imagining young readers meeting her through this beautiful picture book delights me. Noel’s words tell her story, from her youth in Freetown, Virginia, where she learned to cook from her Mama Daisy, to her life in New York City, where she became a celebrated seamstress and restaurateur. Cabrera’s vibrant pictures capture the warmth, compassion, elegance, and care that Miss Lewis was renowned for.  —S.B.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Golden Rule is found in all cultures and all religions. A boy asks his grandfather, “What does it mean? And why is it golden?” I love this book because it’s one of the most important lessons we can teach our children and one another as we choose love and understanding over greed and war.-Noreen

Moses is the name Harriet Tubman was known for by leading her people to freedom. Kadir Nelson’s illustrations help us appreciate Harriet’s escape, her dramatic move through the dark woods with her “passengers,” and her constant dialogue with God. It’s God’s voice that supports her spiritual journey and the nineteen journeys that followed. Harriet Tubman is one of my favorite heroines, and this book is a visual and poetic testimony to her strength and courage. -Noreen

This soothing story conveys the dynamic world in a tide pool as the resident critters respond to the ebb and flow of the ocean. Pages alternate between the waves of the ocean and the different creatures residing in the tidepools. The illustrations by Amy Hevron show a gentle and calm approach to the tide pool through the use of her color palette and simple illustrations. This is a must read for locals, fans of tidepooling, and lovers of the ocean. 

—Andrea C.

My kid wants to be a marine scientist and also loves goofy, fantastical creatures. This book—filled with amazing scientific illustrations that are tweaked just enough to make them hilarious—might be the most perfect combination of things to inspire her. The rhyming, playful text expertly supports the illustrations with fun facts about these strange sea animals. It’s a wonderful menagerie of funky aquatic creatures for the curious kid and future marine scientist.

— Ed

Beyond our solar neighborhood exist glittering nebulae, tantalizing exoplanets, and ominous black holes. This book takes us on a journey to see these amazing phenomena through the great beyond with poetic verse and fantastic imagery that made me feel smaller than a fraction of a pixel! I especially appreciate the scientific explanations and definitions in the endnotes to support reading comprehension. — Eli

This is not an easy subject, but it is vital. A century ago, something unspeakable occured. Tulsa was prosperous for its Black citizens. The white population stewed in resentments that finally boiled over when a white lady screamed. Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper are the perfect pair to take on this important, suppressed piece of history. Handled with delicacy and love, I urge everyone to pick this book and learn from the past. 

—Ivy

Gary Paulsen, the author of Hatchet, recounts his childhood memories in this powerful and moving memoir. Paulsen traverses his troubled childhood, from finding joy and safety living in the Wisconsin woods with his aunt and uncle, to navigating a bombed-out Manila with his drunken parents, to meeting a kind librarian who shows him the magic of books and encourages him to write. This book deserves a place on the shelves of those who fondly remember Paulsen’s novels, as well anyone who loves great storytelling. —Kathy

Naomi Klein and Rebecca Stefoff’s new book is absolutely engrossing and informative. Inspired by stories of activists around the globe (especially from the Southern hemisphere and Indigenous communities), and galvanized by tales of corporate greed and historical analysis, I closed How to Change Everything and started immediately brainstorming what to do next. For any human (young or otherwise) who cares about climate change, the environment, and social justice, and wants to know more, this is a great place to start. —Jocelyn

Poetic and informative, Above the Rim tells the story of Elgin Baylor, a basketball icon and civil rights advocate. Its illustrations are rendered in exquisite oil by artist Frank Morrison. A particularly striking moment of a one-man courtside protest that demonstrated his dignity and courage had me awestruck. There is so much to love in this wonderful book—an inspiring sports tale, political history made personal, and a moving lesson in standing up for what is right. — Tori