30+ Favorite Nonfiction Books for Grades 1–2

This stunningly illustrated series offers engaging introductions into a plethora of fascinating nature topics!

Based on the experiences of athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick, this book will inspire kids to stay true to their identities and advocate for change while celebrating self-discovery.

Illustrations of workers in a busy town help children understand the valuable role of each worker in the community!

After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate people doubting her abilities. After all, she's too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don't look like her... not yet at least! Follow Zahra's story as she glides across the floors of her house in her socks all the way to the ice rink and as she repeatedly says ''not yet'' to naysayers who try to convince her to stop pursuing her dream.

From the New York Time bestselling and award-winning author, Joanna Ho, comes an uplifting call to action that highlights Asian American history, paired with vibrant and colorful illustrations by artist and activist, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya.

Thelma loves to watch the Sunset Limited chug through her little town of Vacherie, Louisiana. And she dreams of one day riding a real train! For now, she has her beloved schooltrain. Every morning, she and her friends walk to school, single file. But lately, someone named Jim Crow has been making trouble for folks in Vacherie. Aunt Bea and Uncle Ed have already moved away. When Thelma's best friend also has to leave, Thelma wonders, who is Jim Crow and why does he have to be so mean? Will he make trouble for Pop, too?

Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time.

Dive in and learn all about Adélie penguins in the second book in the Could You Ever... series! From what they eat, to where they live, to how they interact with one another, this innovative book places kids right into the action as they learn all about these amazing creatures.

From New York Times bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Joanna Ho, and critically acclaimed illustrator, Cátia Chien comes a moving, powerful picture book about the life and work of activist and artist, Ai Weiwei.

Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an scientific trailblazer. The second book in an exciting new nonfiction series, You Are a Star, Jane Goodall focuses on Jane's lifelong mission to understand the chimpanzees and protect the planet. Hatem Aly's spot-on comic illustrations bring this icon to life, and engaging back matter instructs readers on how to be more like Jane!

Colorful photos, diagrams, and easy to comprehend fact-filled text reveal the secrets of water and how we can protect it as a life-giving resource.

What do you call a group of dogs? A pack! Discover why this interesting mammal lives in groups, where they live, and what they eat. With amazing photos and lively text, this book takes you inside a den, tells you the differences between wild dogs and pets, and teaches you what you can do to help and protect dogs. Get ready to learn all about packs of dogs!

What do you call a group of rabbits? A fluffle! Discover why this interesting mammal lives in groups, where they live, and what they eat. With amazing photos and lively text, this book takes you inside a burrow, tells you the differences between wild rabbits and pets, and teaches you what you can do to help conserve and protect rabbits. Get ready to learn all about fluffles of rabbits!

What do you call a group of butterflies? A kaleidoscope! Discover why this interesting insect lives in groups, where they live and what they eat. With amazing photos and lively text, this book takes you inside a chrysalis, tells you what a butterfly keeper does, and teaches you what you can do to help conserve and protect butterflies. Get ready to learn all about kaleidoscopes of butterflies!

An inspiring picture book authored by creator of the More Than Peach Project which aims to offer a wide array of skin-toned crayon colors with every kid in mind.

What do you call a group of bees? A swarm! Discover why this interesting insect lives in groups, where they live, and what they eat. With amazing photos and lively text, this book takes you inside a beehive, explains what a beekeeper does, and teaches you what you can do to help conserve and protect bees. Get ready to learn all about swarms of bees!

The extraordinary true story of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to integrate a New Orleans school—now with simple text for young readers.

On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place: More than 250,000 people gathered in the U.S. capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

This funny and factual picture book explains the science behind the ocean: its plant and animal life, its contribution to the world, and what we can do every day to protect it. Humans wouldn't be able to survive without a healthy ocean. That's kind of a big deal.

This book is a compilation of letters from concerned young students about today's issues, including bullying, climate change, gun violence, and racism. Reading Ruby's intuitive and inspirational responses, young readers will embrace the courage to be brave, bold, and confident.

Unearth the true story of green-thumbed pioneer and activist Kate Sessions, who helped San Diego grow from a dry desert town into a lush, leafy city known for its gorgeous parks and gardens.

A poetic reflection brimming with hope where Ruby Bridges tells her own story of that pivotal day in Civil Rights history.

It's time for a field trip! Fly Guy and Buzz are going to a weather station to learn all about weather. 

Hilarious and packed with information, these unique books give our solar system and planet the chance to tell their own stories.

Join Buzz and Fly Guy on this adventure as they explore a dog show and learn about man"s best friend!

From humble beginnings, George Washington Carver became one of the greatest scientists in the United States. His dedication to helping his people led him to find over three hundred uses for the peanut and over one hundred uses for the sweet potato.

This remarkable true story about a little-known maverick Mexican heroine is brought vividly to life by her great-niece and Américas Award winner Aida Salazar, and Eisner Award honoree Molly Mendoza.

Everyone's favorite animal doctor returns to help an all-new list of patients. A sloth with algae on her back, a sneezing iguana, a leaderless clownfish, and a lovesick egret are just a few of the creatures who call on Dr. Glider for advice.

Denise Lewis Patrick answers all these questions and more in this comprehensive guide to the sinking of the Titanic. A great choice for American history units, and for teaching children about this iconic moment in history.

No one expected this autistic girl to speak, but Temple did and demonstrated her talent for visual thinking that's made a lasting impact on farm management.

An illustrated rhyming biography of the African American woman and first Naval engineer to design a ship using a computer.