Nonfiction Books

365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts is a beautiful companion to the beloved bestseller Wonder. This book brings back the wisdom of Mr. Browne, the memorable English teacher who taught Auggie Pullman about the power of "precepts"—words to live by. It features a unique collection of 365 quotes, one for every day of the year, ranging from famous historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank to contributions from real-life readers. This is the perfect choice for children who love Wonder and want to dive deeper into the world of Beecher Prep while learning valuable life lessons about kindness and character.

Beyond the daily inspiration, readers get a special look at the lives of their favorite characters through new essays and correspondence from Auggie, Julian, Summer, and Jack Will. It is an ideal book for readers interested in personal growth, empathy, and the "Choose Kind" movement. Whether read daily or all at once, this book serves as a powerful reminder of the goodness in people and the strength of the human heart. It is a great choice for families to read together or for young readers looking for a daily dose of positivity and reflection.

Highlights:

• Features 365 daily precepts to inspire kindness and resilience.
• Includes exclusive new content and letters from the characters of Wonder.
• Perfect for fans of R.J. Palacio's "Choose Kind" movement.
• Encourages daily reflection and emotional intelligence in middle-grade readers.

Brown Girl Dreaming is a breathtaking memoir written in mesmerizing verse that captures the heart of Jacqueline Woodson’s childhood. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, Jacqueline navigates life between the bustling streets of New York and the quiet, river-filled landscapes of South Carolina. This National Book Award winner offers a deeply personal look at what it was like to grow up as an African American during the Civil Rights movement, dealing with the lingering shadows of Jim Crow while searching for a sense of belonging.

This book is ideal for readers interested in history, poetry, and stories of self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and accessible language, Woodson shares her journey of finding her voice as a writer despite struggling with reading as a child. It is a perfect choice for children who love emotional, character-driven stories and parents looking for books that tackle complex social issues with grace and sensitivity. Readers will be inspired by Jacqueline’s perseverance and her beautiful portrayal of family bonds and spiritual growth.

Highlights:

• Written in beautiful, accessible free-verse poetry that is perfect for reluctant readers.
• Explores important historical themes like the Civil Rights movement and Jim Crow laws through a child's eyes.
• A powerful story about overcoming learning struggles and finding one's passion for storytelling.
• Winner of the National Book Award, Newbery Honor, and Coretta Scott King Award.

Diary by Svetlana Chmakova is a unique and interactive addition to the beloved Berrybrook Middle School series. This special volume blends the charm of a graphic novel with the creativity of an activity book, making it the perfect companion for fans of Awkward, Brave, and Crush. It offers readers a chance to dive deeper into the lives of Peppi, Jaime, and Jensen through brand-new short stories while encouraging them to document their own middle school journeys.

Ideal for readers interested in art and storytelling, this book features "one sketch a day" pages, sticker sheets, and guided journal entries. It is a great choice for children who love expressing themselves through drawing and writing. Parents will appreciate how it fosters creativity and provides a safe space for kids to reflect on their daily experiences, friendships, and personal growth. Whether your child is a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking for an engaging creative outlet, this book offers a delightful mix of fiction and interactive fun.

Highlights:

• Includes exclusive new stories set in the Berrybrook Middle School universe.
• Features interactive "one sketch a day" pages and sticker sheets to encourage artistic expression.
• Perfect for fans of contemporary graphic novels who want to engage more deeply with their favorite characters.
• Provides a relatable and supportive framework for kids to start their own journaling habit.

Shannon Hale returns with the third installment of her best-selling graphic memoir series, Friends Forever. Now in the eighth grade, Shannon finds that life is becoming more complicated than ever before. As her classmates begin dating and social circles shift in unpredictable ways, Shannon struggles to find her place. Despite her best efforts to be happy, she faces the weight of insecurities and undiagnosed depression, leading her to wonder if she can ever live up to the expectations of those around her.

This poignant graphic novel is a perfect choice for children who love relatable stories about the challenges of middle school. It is ideal for readers interested in honest portrayals of mental health and self-discovery. Shannon’s journey is a powerful reminder that everyone’s path is unique and that learning to love yourself is the most important achievement of all. Parents will find this a great choice for sparking meaningful discussions about emotional well-being and the pressures of growing up.

Highlights:

• Relatable and honest portrayal of eighth-grade social dynamics and dating.
• Sensitive exploration of mental health and undiagnosed depression in young teens.
• Stunning and expressive illustrations by LeUyen Pham that bring the story to life.
• A powerful message about self-acceptance and the importance of being yourself.

Guts is a powerful and deeply relatable graphic memoir from the beloved author Raina Telgemeier. The story follows young Raina, who wakes up one night with a terrible stomach bug. While she initially thinks it is just a passing illness, she soon realizes that her tummy troubles are tied to something deeper: her anxieties about school, food, and shifting friendships. As she navigates the ups and downs of fifth grade, Raina must learn to understand her body and find the courage to face her fears head-on.

This book is perfect for children who love graphic novels that feel like a conversation with a best friend. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in mental health, emotional well-being, and stories about growing up. Parents will appreciate how Telgemeier handles the topic of anxiety with humor and sensitivity, making it a great choice for starting conversations about stress and physical health. It is a must-read for fans of Smile and Sisters, or anyone looking for a story that proves it is okay to not be okay sometimes.

Highlights:

• A brave and honest look at childhood anxiety and panic attacks.
• Relatable middle school dynamics involving friends and classmates.
• Engaging, expressive illustrations that bring Raina's internal world to life.
• Encouraging message about seeking help and practicing self-care.

In Too Deep by Gordon Korman is a moving and insightful memoir that takes readers on a journey through a lifetime of personal struggles, unwavering faith, and ultimate triumph. This book is perfect for children and young teens who are interested in real-life stories of resilience and the power of belief. By blending historical context with deeply personal anecdotes, the author provides a unique perspective on how individual lives are shaped by the world around them.

Ideal for readers interested in history and personal growth, this book offers a contemplative look at what it means to overcome challenges. Parents looking for inspiring nonfiction for their middle schoolers or young teens will find this to be a great choice for encouraging empathy and understanding. It is a compelling read for those who enjoy learning about the past through the lens of someone who lived through it, making history feel personal and accessible.

Highlights:

• An inspiring look at a life shaped by faith and perseverance.
• Rich historical context that brings the past to life for young readers.
• Encourages reflection on personal growth and overcoming life's obstacles.
• Perfect for fans of memoirs and true stories of resilience.

Maus I: A Survivor's Tale is a groundbreaking graphic novel that redefined the medium of visual storytelling. This Pulitzer Prize-winning work tells the harrowing story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler’s Europe, and his son, Art, a cartoonist trying to come to terms with his father’s past and their own strained relationship. By depicting Jews as mice and Nazis as cats, Art Spiegelman creates a powerful allegory that makes the unspeakable history of the Holocaust accessible yet profoundly moving.

This book is an essential choice for mature readers and students interested in history, memoir, and the art of visual storytelling. It offers a unique perspective on the legacy of trauma and the complex bonds between parents and children. Parents looking for a serious, educational, and emotionally resonant work will find Maus to be an unforgettable reading experience that encourages deep discussion about history, prejudice, and humanity. It is a perfect choice for readers who appreciate complex narratives and historical depth.

Highlights:

• A unique and powerful visual allegory using animals to represent historical groups.
• A deeply personal dual narrative exploring both the Holocaust and modern family dynamics.
• Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and widely considered a masterpiece of the graphic novel form.
• Ideal for readers interested in historical nonfiction and complex biographical stories.

Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began is the powerful conclusion to Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel. This masterpiece continues the harrowing story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, as he navigates the horrors of Auschwitz. By depicting different ethnic groups as animals—Jews as mice and Nazis as cats—Spiegelman creates a profound and accessible way to engage with one of history’s darkest chapters. This book is an essential read for older teens and adults looking to understand the human cost of war and the enduring legacy of trauma.

Beyond the historical narrative, Maus II explores the complex, often strained relationship between Art and his aging father in 1970s New York. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in memoirs, historical nonfiction, and the unique storytelling power of graphic novels. Parents and educators will find it a perfect tool for discussing difficult history and the psychological impact of survival. It is widely considered one of the most important works of the 20th century, blending personal biography with global tragedy in a way that is both deeply moving and intellectually challenging.

Highlights:

• Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative that redefined the graphic novel genre.
• A poignant exploration of the intergenerational effects of trauma and memory.
• Compelling historical account of survival during the Holocaust.
• Unique artistic style that uses animal allegory to convey complex human emotions.
• Essential reading for students of history, literature, and art.

Persepolis is a powerful and deeply moving graphic memoir that offers a unique perspective on history through the eyes of a young girl. Set against the backdrop of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Marjane Satrapi shares her story of growing up in a world of political turmoil, war, and social change. This beautifully illustrated book balances moments of humor and childhood innocence with the harsh realities of life under a fundamentalist regime, making it an essential read for understanding global history and the human spirit.

Ideal for readers interested in world history, social justice, and personal memoirs, this book provides a poignant look at how national events shape individual lives. It is perfect for teenagers and young adults who are ready to engage with complex themes of identity, rebellion, and the search for freedom. Satrapi’s stark black-and-white artwork adds a layer of emotional depth that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Highlights:

• A compelling first-person account of the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War.
• Explores universal themes of growing up, family bonds, and staying true to oneself.
• Stunning graphic novel format that makes complex history accessible and engaging.
• A critically acclaimed masterpiece that encourages empathy and global awareness.

Smile is a charming and relatable graphic memoir that captures the ups and downs of middle school life with humor and heart. The story follows Raina, a sixth-grader who just wants to fit in, until a trip and fall results in a major dental emergency. What follows is a long and frustrating journey of braces, surgery, and embarrassing headgear, all while navigating the typical challenges of growing up, from boy troubles to shifting friendships and even a major earthquake.

This New York Times bestseller is perfect for children who love graphic novels and stories about real-life experiences. Raina Telgemeier’s expressive illustrations and honest storytelling make this an ideal choice for readers interested in coming-of-age tales that tackle self-consciousness and resilience. It is a great choice for middle-grade readers who are navigating their own social hurdles or dental adventures, providing a sense of comfort and shared experience.

Highlights:

• Relatable portrayal of middle school social dynamics and friendship struggles.
• Engaging graphic novel format that appeals to both avid and reluctant readers.
• An honest, funny, and heart-wrenching look at dental trauma and self-image.