Guest post by Sally Isaacs, co-founder and co-chair of the 21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference
There are some new nonfiction titles that bring intrigue, adventure, and jaw-dropping facts from the real world. Here’s a roundup of nonfiction books that are sure to captivate children’s attention. They are all written by faculty members at this year’s 21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference.
Just a Lucky So and So: The Story of Louis Armstrong
Written by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James Ransome
Published by Holiday House
A joyful tribute to the virtuoso musician and buoyant personality who introduced much of the world to jazz. Although the New Orleans neighborhood where Louis Armstrong grew up was poor in nearly everything else, it was rich in extraordinary music. But no matter what his circumstances Louis always focused on ways in which he was lucky.
Science Experiments You Can Eat, Revised and Updated
Written by Vicki Cobb, illustrated by David Cain
Published by HarperCollins
Dig into a feast of fun–where you're the scientist and the kitchen is your laboratory. Discover how playing with food reveals basic principles of science. This classic book has been filling the minds and stomachs of kids for more than forty years with updated material and clever new procedures.
The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia
Written by Candace Fleming
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books
Using captivating photographs and compelling first person accounts, Fleming deftly maneuvers between the extravagant lives of Tsar Nicholas II and this royal family and the plight of Russia's poor masses — the starving peasant farmers, the factory workers toiling long hours for little pay, and the disillusioned soldiers fighting in the trenches of World War I.
Extraordinary People
Written by Michael Hearst, illustrated by Aaron Scamihorn
Published by Chronicle Books
Inside this book, you'll find stories of 50 extraordinary people such as: Evel Knievel, who jumped his motorcycle over 14 Greyhound buses; the Iceman, the most well-preserved human, found in the ice after 5,300 years; Sam Patch, who jumped Niagara Falls for $75; Helen Thayer, who walked to the North Pole alone; and Roy Sullivan, who was struck by lightning 7 times.
Helen Thayer's Arctic Adventure
Written by Sally Isaacs, illustrated by Iva Sasheva
Published by Capstone Young Readers
This nonfiction picture book is about Helen Thayer, the first woman to walk solo to the magnetic North Pole. Helen faces a polar bear attack and violent ice storms that blow away her food and supplies. Readers will be inspired by this character role model as Helen faces her fears and pursues her goal. The victory is especially sweet because of the companionship of Charlie, the Arctic dog who walked by her side.
How Rude: Real Bugs Who Won’t Mind Their Manners
Written by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Howard McWilliam
Published by Scholastic
Some bugs litter. Some pass gas. Others throw their poop! Discover ten of the rudest, crudest bugs around. Full of scientific facts, humor and just the right amount of yuck appeal, How Rude! is one part illustration and one part photography. Hilarious, informative, and seriously gross!
The Prairie That Nature Built
Written by Marybeth Lorbiecki, illustrated by Cathy Morrison
Published by Dawn Publications
A wild prairie is a lively place in this rhythmic romp with munchers and crunchers above and below the grasses so thick, and fires that flare, and rains that quench—and always the prairie grows green. Back matter offers information and activities for a fuller appreciation of this marvelous, disappearing habitat.
Market Maze
Written and illustrated by Roxie Munro
Published by Holiday House
Market Maze uses “gamification” (eleven individual mazes, a page-to-page continuous maze, a finding-and-counting game) to teach children about where food comes from before it arrives at the Farmer’s Market. Back matter includes answer keys and facts about various products (fish, apples, corn, dairy, plant nursery, eggs, vegetables, bakery, more).
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
Written by Steve Sheinkin
Published by Roaring Brook Press
A non-fiction thriller about one man who risked everything to expose years of government lies about America's war in Vietnam.
Super Gear: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up
Written by Jennifer Swanson
Published by Charlesbridge Publishing
Cutting-edge science; high-performance sports.How are the sports played by Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Michelle Wie, and Usain Bolt related? Nanotechnology! Take a close-up look at sports and nanotechnology, the cutting-edge science that manipulates objects at the atomic level. Nanotechnology is changing the face of sports as we know it.
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
And here’s a title that will be helpful for those who are writing these great books.
You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers
Written by Chris Eboch
Published by Pig River Press
When you write for children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world. But to reach that audience, you need to write fresh, dynamic stories. Learn how to find ideas and develop those ideas into stories, articles, and books that kids will love.
ABOUT THE 21st CENTURY CHILDREN’S NONFICTION CONFERENCE
Lionel Bender, Initiator of the 21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference hopes to raise the profile of nonfiction: “to show it can be as creative as Fiction; to highlight changes in the industry; and to help agents and freelance writers and illustrators make connections with commissioning editors and art directors.”
The 21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference provides a space for publishers, book packagers, development houses, and digital developers to exchange ideas. Also, it is a space for educators, librarians, publishers, and authors to explore how nonfiction products are created and can be used in creative ways that respond to Common Core standards.
CONNECT WITH THE 21st CENTURY CHILDREN’S NONFICTION CONFERENCE
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KidLit TV is a sponsor of the 21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference; founder Julie Gribble is a faculty member.
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