We live in a weird, wild, and fascinating world. The challenge, however, is getting our kids to read about it.<\/p>\n
It’s a strange dilemma. While I completely understand why a young person might prefer to read about a rogue tween wizard as opposed to James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. President, there are just so many nonfiction books for kids that will make their developing jaws drop in awe.<\/p>\n
As the adults in their lives, it’s up to us to share with them the best works of nonfiction we can find and show them how a real<\/em> story will blow their minds. If your tween is only fond of fiction, here are some truly captivating books for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders that will make them fall in love with its counterpart.<\/p>\n no no 9780803740808 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind<\/i> by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer <\/p>\n Before they watch the movie adaptation on Netflix, you might want to have your kids read this young reader’s edition of Kamkwamba’s true story; it is so unbelievable that they might think it was all just a Hollywood invention. Adapted from the New York Times<\/i> bestseller, this middle school memoir introduces us to William Kamkwamba, who embarked on an improbable quest to bring electricity to his rural village in Malawi by building a homemade, fully functioning windmill. The book is equal parts haunting and uplifting, and will convince your kids that they can accomplish anything.<\/p>\n 9781426375873 Weirdest Animals on the Planet<\/i> by National Geographic Kids <\/p>\n The earth is home to many odd animals, and this book introduces tween readers to some of the most bizarre. From the bottom of the ocean to the polar ice caps, kids will learn about the weirdest and strangest animals from all corners of the earth.<\/p>\n 9780593707913 The Big Book of Barf<\/i> by Vicky Lorencen, illustrated by Remy Simard <\/p>\n Tweens will love diving into these weird and wonderful facts about their bodies. With stomach-churning history, tips, and humor, this fascinating book will keep kids coming back for more. They\u2019ll be an expert on barf before you know it!<\/p>\n 9780593847275 Mission to Mars<\/i> by DK <\/p>\n Send your aspiring astronaut on an interactive adventure with this \u201cyou choose\u201d style book! Readers set out on a mission to Mars, make choices along the way, and struggle to survive in the harsh environment of the red planet. This is the perfect nonfiction read for adventure-loving kids!<\/p>\n 9798889641414 Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls (New Edition)<\/i> by Rebel Girls <\/p>\n The new edition of this wildly popular book includes 12 all-new stories about real women who reached for the stars. Tween readers will love learning about these fearless women and their accomplishments, whether they were scientists, activists, or celebrities. With over 100 stories to read, your tween will have plenty of role models to look up to.<\/p>\n 9780525582168 It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime<\/i> by Trevor Noah <\/p>\n This funny, unforgettable memoir from the host of the Daily Show does an incredible job of explaining to young readers what it feels like to grow up torn between two cultures. Noah was born and raised in South Africa. He was a mixed-race child living in a country where it was literally illegal for mixed-race children to exist. Noah’s memoir is insightful, honest, and (against all odds) hysterical. <\/p>\n 9780593120316 History Smashers Series by Kate Messner, illustrated by various artists <\/p>\n Take a trip (or several) through history with this fascinating series that tackles everything from recycling scams to the Underground Railroad. Tween readers will uncover myths, lies, and secrets behind some of history\u2019s most important events.<\/p>\n 9780593385920 Who HQ Graphic Novels by Who HQ <\/p>\n Graphic novel lovers will enjoy reading the Who HQ Graphic Novels series. These full-color, nonfiction books cover events and people from history, such as the American Civil War, the 14th Dalai Lama, Bruce Lee, and Marie Antoinette. Whether your tween is interested in California\u2019s gold rush or Neil Armstrong\u2019s trip to the moon, they\u2019ll find fascinating and informative graphic novels to feed their obsession.<\/p>\n 9781782692737 Bandit\u2019s Daughter<\/i> by Simon Mason, illustrated by Amerigo Pinelli <\/p>\n The True Adventures series<\/a> features stories about real people who defied the odds, risked everything, and accomplished great things. Bandit\u2019s Daughter<\/i> is about the teenage daughter of a legendary outlaw who challenges his would-be assassin to one-on-one combat. The kingdom\u2019s fate lies in the balance as the kung fu prodigy fights for her father\u2019s life.<\/p>\n 9780593754948 TIME for Kids: Amazing Athletes<\/i> by James Buckley, Jr. <\/p>\n Sports enthusiasts will love this book featuring 101 of today\u2019s greatest athletes from prolific nonfiction author James Buckley, Jr. Tween readers can learn about the careers of athletes like Travis Kelce, Simone Biles, and Caitlin Clark. It\u2019s an excellent addition to any young athlete\u2019s reading stack.<\/p>\n 9781683693918 Kid Musicians<\/i> by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Allison Steinfeld <\/p>\n Young musicians will love reading about the childhoods of their favorite singers. From Stevie Wonder to Taylor Swift, readers will learn about their idols\u2019 upbringing, inspirations, and how they rose to fame. These entertaining stories balance humor with facts and inspiration \u2014 the perfect combination for young readers! <\/p>\n 9780593888995 96 Facts About Mr. Beast<\/i> by Arie Kaplan, illustrated by Risa Rodil <\/p>\n Activate your tween\u2019s inner beast with this book of facts about YouTuber, businessman, and media personality Mr. Beast. Readers will find interesting facts, quizzes, and activities featuring their favorite viral YouTube star in this book. <\/p>\n 9781984812759 Disaster Strikes!<\/i> by Jeffrey Kluger <\/p>\n There are so many books that teach kids about the expansive majesty of outer space, but there aren’t nearly as many that make it clear that space can also be dangerous. This is a terrific look at some of the most harrowing stories of the American and Russian space programs’ early days. Kluger expertly educates his readers about the science behind the missions, while making them feel like a fly on the wall as everything goes wrong.<\/p>\n 9780525518402 My Corner of the Ring<\/i> by Jesselyn Silva <\/p>\n Jesselyn Silva has one of those remarkable life stories that will make kids say, “Wait, she’s my age<\/i>?!” In her inspiring memoir, this 12 year old recounts her struggle to break into the world of boxing while battling centuries of gender stereotypes about “hitting a girl.” Throughout it all, Silva stays upbeat and focused-making it clear that if she can strive to become an Olympian, anyone in middle school can face their own problems, too. Any kid, regardless of gender, will love this ode to girl power.<\/p>\n 9780451480286 The Thrifty Guide to Medieval Times<\/i> by Jonathan W. Stokes, illustrated by Xavier Bonet <\/p>\n How can a kid not love a book with the subtitle “A Handbook for Time Travelers”? This ingenious history book parodies the structure of modern travel guides, giving kids clever insights into medieval life in the form of travel advice. How do you avoid the plague? Why are people so into jousting? Part of The Thrifty Guides<\/i> series<\/a>, this book brings the past to life by presenting it in a hilariously contemporary fashion. It’s a fantastic reminder that knights and serfs were people just like us.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2025.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If your tween is only fond of fiction, here are a few truly captivating books that will make them fall in love with its counterpart.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":113548,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[88],"coauthors":[12],"class_list":["post-14603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-nonfiction","ages_stages-tween"],"yoast_head":"\nYou might also like:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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