Hooray for Non-fiction

I must confess that I do not usually choose to read nonfiction books.  Even the word nonfiction makes me think of school and dreary hours spent studying dry, stodgy textbooks.

That being said, I have read several nonfiction books this year that are entertaining, interesting, and educational too (just don't let your kids hear that "E" word).

1. Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles, America's First Black Paratroopers by Tanya Lee Stone   Book Trailer

In my opinion, history is the easiest form of nonfiction to read. Books about history are more likely to contain narrative and this makes them easier to relate to and immerse yourself in. The history of the little-known Triple Nickles is recounted in personal stories that are compelling, appalling, and inspiring. Stone begins Courage Has No Color with a stirring quote from WWII historian, Stephen Ambrose: "Soldiers were fighting the world's worst racist, Adolph Hitler, in the world's most segregated army." Courage Has No Color is a fascinating tribute to brave Americans that had to fight a war within their own army before being allowed to fight for their country.


2. The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson
I know that I already wrote in  length about this book in my previous post. Let me just reiterate, though, that this book is Breathtaking and I think that everyone (adults and children) should read it! Please do not be deterred by the wonky cover!
 

3.  The Great American Dust Bowl written and illustrated by Don Brown
This is a historically accurate account of the "Dirty Thirties" written in a format that is sure to engage those reluctant readers. I know that not everyone is a fan of graphic novels, but The Great American Dust Bowl contains gripping facts and quotes from survivors of the dust bowl. Also, Don Brown's illustrations will help kids visualize the massive scope of the dust storms and the havoc that they reaped during the thirties.  

If you enjoy The Great American Dust Bowl, Don Brown has several nonfiction picture books and graphic novels that are a great way to kids kids interested in history.

4. The Animal Book by Steve Jenkins

Let me start off by saying: STEVE JENKINS IS AWESOME!!!!! Like all of his books, The Animal Book contains spectacular artwork and fascinating facts about animals. Many of his previous books like Actual Size or What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? are more picture books for younger kids. In The Animal Book Jenkins draws from his previous books, but really beefs up the text and information for older readers. The book is arranged by chapters on topics such as senses, family, predators, etc. that are further broken down into subtopics like eggs, born live, and attracting a mate (in the family chapter). Each chapter includes Jenkins' amazing illustrations and also graphs and charts that contain tons of interesting information in an easy to understand format.
Jenkins also includes a wonderful section about the process he goes through writing and publishing his books that is sure to intrigue would be authors and artists. You can watch a video in which Steve Jenkins talks about his book making process here. 
If you have a child that loves nature and animal science The Animal Book would be an excellent gift. Learn more about Steve Jenkins and his other books on his website.

Wow! Stubby was an UGLY dog, but brave and loyal which is much more important.

Nemo was one of the only dogs to return to the states after the Vietnam War.

5. Dogs on Duty by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent This book was the winner of the 2013 Mitten Award (WooHoo!) and it is way more than a cute book about dogs. Kids can learn about dogs that have served soldiers in the military throughout history. Like Stubby who served 18 months during World War I  and Nemo who saved his handler after being shot during Vietnam. Patent also explains how dogs currently serving in the military are chosen and trained. Combining dogs with the military is sure to make Dogs on Duty a huge hit with boys. I enjoyed this one, but I must admit that I cried when I read the part about how the majority of dogs that served in Vietnam were just left there instead of being brought back with the American soldiers. Be aware that more sensitive children might be upset about this too.