Non-Fiction for Young Readers

I'm a HUGE fan of non-fiction for young readers. In fact, as an adult I often start with a Middle Grade non-fiction before moving on to the more complex adult books on any new subject. 

I find NF for young readers has better timelines, cuts clutter, and more clearly highlights major points and important info. 

This New York Times article discusses the idea of non-fiction for the young, and lists some interesting titles. 

For some young readers, particularly boys, NF is the only way to go. Forcing someone to read Anne of Green Gables when he or she would rather read a harrowing but true account of the Donner Party is a violation of one of the Five Laws of Library Science: "Every reader his or her book." 

Let young readers pursue their interests! There's a wealth of knowledge and books written just for them. 

 

Glassbourg, Michael. Learn to Speak Film. Illustrated by Jeff Kulak. Owlkids Books, 2013. ISBN:  978-1926973852

I’ve talked to parents who desire to promote a love of reading in their children, but some of the best-loved fiction titles don’t hold their child’s interest. This is when we start to explore individual interests, and non-fiction options.

Part of the Learn to Speak series, this title would appeal to any middle-grade or tween reader who loves film, directing, acting, art and set design, or dreams of writing a screenplay.

The layout and design of the book is appealing, with block color contrast and lots of bold silhouettes and lines. Displaying a “hipster cool” visual vibe, it does not feel like an educational read, although it is filled to the brim with advice, step-by-step procedure, and appreciation for the artistic and creative elements of the craft.

Everything from the format and look of a screenplay, to organizing a shoot, to storyboarding, film festivals, musings from current filmmakers and lists of jobs in the industry are found in this title. This book is not overwhelming, and gives just the right amount of information about each subject.

Mysterious Encounters: Bigfoot

Woog, Adam. Mysterious Encounters: Bigfoot. Kidhaven Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-7377-3473-7

Perhaps it is because I live in California where over 300 Bigfoot sightings have been recorded. Perhaps it is because I am fascinated that the creature has different names all over the world: Sasquatch, Swamp Goblin, Mapinguari, Am Fear Liath Mor, Kikomba, Abominable Snowman, Yowie, Nguoi Rung, Hibagon, Yeti, etc. Or perhaps it is simply that I am fascinated by the fact that a mythical creature is "protected" from poaching (fines up to $1000 or five years in jail for killing a Bigfoot in Washington).

Or, perhaps, I am just as intrigued by the fact that a properly-sized picture of cover art for this book was just as elusive to me on the Web as the creature himself is to hunters. Whatever the reason, I felt compelled to include this title in my collection for tweens. It is quite an entertaining read, indeed.

Mysterious Encounters: The Bermuda Triangle

Duffield, Katy S. Mysterious Encounters: The Bermuda Triangle. Kidhaven Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-7377-4046-2

Ships and planes disappearing without a trace. Ships being found, adrift, with partially eaten food on the table and toys on the ground but the entire captain, crew and passengers missing. A strange fog that suddenly overtakes pilots and captains, messing with their electronic devices and compasses so that they are left completely without navigation...these are ALL mysterious encounters people reported having while inside the infamous Bermuda Triangle. Duffield discusses theories, reprints stories and includes ample photographs for this exciting, somewhat scientific look at a modern-day mystery.