30 Nonfiction Titles Every Classroom Library Needs

Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts 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.

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.

If you could have any ocean animal's superpower, whose would you choose? Outrageous and ridiculous illustrations accompany photographs and informative text in this terrific introduction to animal traits.

With a highly visual approach that mixes kid-friendly cartoons and engaging photographs, this series packs in the facts and is sure to become a favorite with newly independent readers.

Poetic text and awe-inspiring illustrations guide readers on a journey explaining the causes of climate change and how people can make the world better.

Fly Guy and Buzz visit a natural history museum to learn all about dinosaurs. With straightforward text, humorous asides, and kid-friendly full-bleed photographs throughout, young readers will learn lots of fun facts about these prehistoric creatures.

This story of innocence and courage is brought to life by NAACP-nominated artist, Nikkolas Smith through stunning and breath-taking illustrations. Embracing the meaning of her name, Bridges reflects with poignancy and heart on the way one brave little girl stood proud to help build a bridge between all people and pave the path for future generations.

This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious animals: a coyote and a dingo! Readers will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more. Then compare and contrast the battling pair before finally discovering the winner!

If you could have any animal's hair, whose would you choose?

The team behind the acclaimed book Caves returns with an enticing exploration of one of the most explosive wonders on the planet.

Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning.

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 boy visits friends in 13 different countries spanning all six populated continents. Along the way, he introduces readers to each friend's environment and customs. Each country has a dedicated spread with a small map that shows geography, letting readers imagine they are traveling too. 

You had better not monkey around when it comes to place value. The monkeys in this book can tell you why!

In a colorful garden, Sonia Sotomayor draws upon her experiences as a child with juvenile diabetes to address kids' curiosity about disability and illness.

Have you ever wondered what happens to a fiery comet as it races around our solar system? This stunningly illustrated story offers a perfect introduction to a comet's amazing journey and learn a little bit about our planets along the way!

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.

Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an scientific trailblazer. 

An inclusive poem of self-acceptance is warmed by radiant portraits of young women of color.

Long before he became an All-Star professional basketball player, Michael Jordan imagined winning an Olympic gold medal, and with dedication and perseverance, that's exactly what he did. Written by Michael's mother and illustrated by Barry Root, this heartwarming picture book gives a rare glimpse into a sports hero's childhood. 

At a time when being a woman and an African American limited what a mathematician might achieve, meet women who helped NASA win the space race. 

 This is the amazing true story of four African-American female mathematicians at NASA who helped achieve some of the greatest moments in our space program.

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.

Packed with fin-tastic facts, the inspiring biography of a persistent scientist as unafraid of sharks as she was of defying norms.

Ever since the first youngster in history had a pet, cats versus dogs has been a hotly debated issue on playgrounds and at lunch tables worldwide. Before kids can choose which animal they prefer, though, they'll need to get the facts! This advanced reader presents information in an accessible, appealing way, with plenty of adorable photos and a helpful glossary. 

When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone's crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library...and figured out how to bring electricity to his village.

In retelling her migration story, the author-illustrator celebrates the gifts immigrants bring to America and the wonder of public libraries.

Malala Yousafzai always knew she wanted to become a doctor someday. But a new extremist group in her home country of Pakistan wanted to stop girls from going to school. Malala knew what was important, and so she spoke out. Even after she was attacked in the street for her views, she persisted. Learn about Malala's incredible recovery, and her journey to becoming a world-famous advocate of girls' rights and education, as well as the youngest-ever Nobel Prize winner.

Although he is shorter than most of his classmates and everyone discourages him from trying out for the basketball team, eight-year-old Chris just works harder than everyone else so his size will not matter.

A metaphor for empathy, Felix learns how his positive everyday interactions fill his bucket, leaving him and his friends feeling happy and fulfilled.