A list of MPL Youth Services Librarians' recent favorites in nonfiction for younger readers.
Told through lyrical language, this book describes how Aida de Acosta became the first women to fly a powered aircraft. And it happened six months before the famous Wright Brothers took their first flight!
Otsaliheliga is a Cherokee word that is used to describe gratitude. Through vibrant pictures and text, this book illustrates a year with one Cherokee family – as they express thanks for many different life events. The story is told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
An inspiring story of a girl who loved math and went on to do great things as a NASA mathematician. Her contributions were enormous! She helped calculate the course of moon landings and also saved many lives.
When he was a boy, Chester Nez was told that his native Navajo language and culture had no value. But his Navajo language was called into service when he helped create an unbreakable military code during World War II.
Young people all around the world go to school. But the way they get to school varies hugely! This book charts the many diverse, unusual – and sometimes dangerous - ways children get to school in the morning. (From trekking three hours on foot – to walking across a wire bridge – to taking a bus.)
Illustrator Helen Ahpornsiri uses leaves, petals, and seeds – to create intricate and absolutely stunning artwork of plants and animals throughout the four seasons. This book will intrigue readers on its page-by-age nature adventure.
An exploration of coral reefs – and the many ways we are trying to save and rebuild these amazing and incredibly diverse ecosystems (with hammer and glue, and grafts of newly grown coral). This is the legacy of Ken Nedimyer and the Coral Restoration Foundation.
With vibrant, swooping illustrations, this book emphasizes the important message to young and old alike: you are loved! It includes a mirrored page for readers to see themselves reflected in the book.
Photo-collage artwork by Nina Crews is paired with haiku by Richard Wright – focusing in on every day moments and celebrates the lives of contemporary African American boys. The words and art are contemplative, thoughtful – and perfectly paired. d
A first storybook about the process of nest-building – from pulling a worm out of the ground, to lifting some twigs, to piecing them all together. Readers will feel proud and satisfied watching the process from start to finish – and see the bird’s completed nest at the end of the day.