Our Favourite Non-Fiction Books
Non-Fiction November
One of the first things we recommend when children don’t like reading, is trying more non-fiction. Lots of us just prefer facts to fiction, true stories to made-up ones.
Non-fiction children’s books can help explain the world and satisfy curious minds. There is plenty of choice for young readers, from fascinating true stories to practical guides and reference books. Whatever your child is into – science, animals, football, space, cooking, coding – there are plenty of fantastic books to support their interests.
From non-fiction books for young school children through to inspirational non-fiction books for teens, check out our recommendations for every age and stage. All these books have 5 stars from the most important critics of all – children!
1 | One Little Bug by Becky Davies
This fact-packed lift-the-flap book encourages young children to head out into nature and explore! Little ones will love learning what makes each insect unique, where to find them, and even how to make a bug hotel of their very own.
2 | Transported: 50 Vehicles that Changed the World by Matt Ralphs
A fascinating book about the vehicles that have shaped our world, written by narrowboat captain and children’s author Matt Ralphs, with stunning colour illustrations on every page by Rui Ricardo. From ancient chariots and Viking longships to racing cars, rockets and solar-powered aeroplanes, our world has been changed by the pioneering development of many incredible vehicles.
3 | The Cosmic Diary of our Incredible Universe by Tim Peake
A book filled with stars, black holes and antimatter. Your guide to space is Tim Peake, adventuring through space and the known universe.
4 | What Do You Think?: How To Agree To Disagree and Still Be Friends by Matthew Syed
What do YOU think? will help young readers to discover what is influencing their ideas, from peer pressure to fake news. They’ll learn how to form and change opinions, and how to debate their views with empathy. Readers will see how debates and disagreements can give you new ideas, stronger friendships, and help change the world for the better.
5 | You don’t Know What War Is: The Diary Of A Young Girl From Ukraine by Yeva Skalietska
This is the gripping and moving diary of young Ukrainian refugee Yeva Skalietska. It follows twelve days in Ukraine that changed 12-year-old Yeva’s life forever. She was woken in the early hours to the terrifying sounds of shelling. Russia had invaded Ukraine, and her beloved Kharkiv home was no longer the safe haven it should have been. It was while she was forced to seek shelter in a damp, cramped basement that Yeva decided to write down her story.
