Choosing nonfiction for tweens and teens can be challenging. Their reading levels are generally high enough at this point that they might be able to start handling some adult nonfiction books, but you may have some concerns about the content. We have compiled a list of nonfiction books suitable for tweens and young teens, challenging enough to develop their reading skills, without straying into adult content. Read more about how to determine if a book is age-appropriate for your child here. Or you can just choose one of these books for a nonfiction read your tween will love.
Nonfiction Books About People
Girls Who Code
Written and Illustrated by Reshma Saujani
Ages 10-15
Celebrate diversity, inclusion and women in STEM by reading this book. The text is written in a variety of formats including a narrative, instructions, text conversations and more. The illustrations are simple and fun, enough to get the point across. Saujani covers what coding is, why it is important, the kinds of jobs you could get if you learn coding as well as technical information like what specific terms mean. For anyone who has been interested in coding, this is an excellent place to start. The concepts are challenging for beginners, introducing both new ideas and new vocabulary. Even if your child has never thought about coding, this could be the way to spark an interest in STEM careers.
Chasing Space (Young Reader’s Edition)
Written by Leland Melvin
Ages 8-12
This is the story of Leland Melvin, a football player turned NASA astronaut, and is adapted from the full length adult memoir. The story covers Melvin’s life on the Detroit Lions, his experience on the International Space Station as well as working with other sports stars, musicians and starring in various television shows. It also comes with pages of experiments and photos to spark your child’s interest in space and STEM projects. The novel-style structure of this story will help improve vocabulary and reading fluency.
Fly Girls: The Daring American Women Pilots who Helped Win WWII
Written by P. O’Connell Pearson
Ages 10+
If your child is looking to find an underdog in American history, this might just be the book to start with. At the time of World War II women were not allowed to participate in the war effort in the same capacity as men, but the 1,100 women who fought to become female pilots made a difference for their country all while facing discrimination, unfair wages and missing out on the benefits male pilots received. The story is written in a narrative format to keep the reader engaged in this story of patriotism, bravery and positivity.
Resist
Written by Veronica Chambers | Illustrated by Paul Ryding
Ages 8-12
Whether your child is a history buff looking for someone to write a report about or is a reluctant reader, they will find something interesting in this book. Each chapter is a profile of a different historical figure who resisted the tyranny of their time to create a change in their society. Because each chapter features a new person, the book can be started at any place to focus on a specific person or read cover to cover. This allows reluctant readers to easily change who they are reading about to find someone who sparks an interest, and avid history readers to learn about many people. There is something for everyone here.
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court
Written by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Ages 10+
Basketball loving tweens, high-schoolers and adults alike will find this the enthralling story of a seven foot tall black man discovering himself as a child, teen and adult when all around him he struggled to fit in. Abdul-Jabbar’s life has included more than basket ball; he has also been an activist for social justice, a best selling author, a cultural ambassador and more. The book is an autobiography written in narrative format, keeping the story both accurate and engaging. This gives your student the opportunity to learn about a unique person while keeping their attention and developing their reading skills.
Fun Nonfiction Books About Science for Tweens
National Geographic Kids Why Not?: 1,111 Answers to Everything
Written by Crispin Boyer | Illustrated by NatGeo Kids
Ages 8-12
Ever wondered why not? This book has the answers. With sections on the human body, animals, nature, the environment, weather and more, just about any question can be answered here. The books in this series are all written in a question/answer format giving small chunks of information and text at a time, making it easy to pick up and read on any subject or start and stop at any time. Like all NatGeo books, this is full of bright photos to help break up the text and illustrate the facts. Read this together to tackle hard words or let older readers explore on their own.
Human Body Theater
Written and Illustrated by Maris Wicks
Ages 10-14
This book is an excellent introduction to studying the human body. It is written and illustrated in a comic book style format, making it intriguing and engaging to read. The illustrations are tastefully done and serve to both illustrate the point of the text as well as add a little humor into what might be uncomfortable subjects. If your tween is looking to learn about the human body, or you need a way to talk about sensitive biological subjects, this might just be the book for you!
Nonfiction Books About Animals for Tweens
The Tapir Scientists Saving South America’s Largest Mammal
Written by Sy Montgomery | Photography by Nic Bishop
Ages 10-12
Tapirs are an endangered species living in the wetlands of Brazil. They are also a very unique looking creature, appearing to be something of a cross between an elephant, a pig and a hippopotamus, but they are actually most closely related to the rhinoceros and the horse. The tapir is also a crucial part of the wetland ecosystem. Learn about how scientists are working to protect these creatures, what roles they fill in their ecosystem and so much more. This book features a variety of text forms, photos and links to look up YouTube videos and other information about the tapir and other endangered wetland species.
Something Rotten
Written by Heather L. Mongomery | Illustrated by Kevin O’Malley
Ages 9-11
This book is not for the squeamish. It says it right in the introduction. If you’ve got the stomach for it this book can answer questions about what happens to the roadkill you’ve seen on the highway and so much more. This is unique among nonfiction as it is written in narrative format, so there is more continuous text and fewer images, but the tone and style of the narration will keep your child’s interest engaged with every gory detail!