16 of the Best Kids’ Non-Fiction Books of 2024

16 of the Best Non-Fiction Books of 2024 Book List
The Children’s Book Review

2024 boasts an exceptional crop of non-fiction books for young readers celebrating diversity, scientific discovery, and untold stories.

From picture book biographies of groundbreaking figures to engaging explorations of natural wonders and cultural heritage, these sixteen selections invite readers ages 4-18 to discover the fascinating world around them. Whether diving into the depths of whale fall ecosystems, learning about the science of color, or exploring the vibrant history of the Harlem Renaissance, each book combines compelling storytelling with gorgeous illustrations to make learning an adventure.

Here are sixteen of the best non-fiction books of 2024:

This poetic picture book celebration of Asian American identity, history, and strength pairs Ho’s lyrical anthem with Phingbodhipakkiya’s vibrant illustrations to remind readers of their power to transform struggle into joy and create lasting change.

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Follow a blue whale’s 90-year life and the century-long process after her death as her body creates a deep-sea ecosystem, providing food and shelter to countless organisms as it transforms from floating giant to clean-picked skeleton.

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After winning Olympic gold in 1960, track star Wilma Rudolph refuses to attend a segregated celebration in her hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee, leading to the city’s first integrated event and launching her lifelong commitment to fighting for equality in sports and beyond.

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This picture book biography follows John Lewis’s journey from Alabama cotton farmer to teenage civil rights activist and beyond, chronicling how he worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to create lasting change through peaceful action and the fight for voting rights.

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This picture book biography follows Augusta Baker’s journey from story listener to pioneering librarian at the New York Public Library, where she championed Black representation in children’s literature and inspired generations of readers and writers through her storytelling.

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The first Black Grandmaster shares his journey from Jamaica to chess champion, along with illustrated beginner-friendly instructions for chess moves, strategies, and techniques to help young players discover their own magic in the game.

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Through vibrant illustrations and humorous storytelling, this engaging non-fiction book takes young readers on a global journey through the science, history, and art of color. It reveals the surprising (and sometimes gross!) origins of pigments while introducing famous artists and offering hands-on activities to explore the colorful world around us.

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This energetic picture book biography celebrates Viola Smith, the pioneering female drummer who defied gender barriers in the early twentieth century, from her start as the youngest member of the Smith Sisters Orchestra to becoming a legendary musician who continued performing well into her hundredth year.

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This engaging picture book reveals how Thomas Jefferson used scientific methods and inquiry to challenge European naturalist Count Buffon’s biased claims about American wildlife, showcasing Jefferson’s lesser-known passion for science and his determination to prove the natural wonders of his young nation.

Beth Anderson discusses Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science on The Growing Readers Podcast.

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This picture book biography follows photographer Roy DeCarava through 1940s Harlem as he captures everyday moments of Black life through his lens, celebrating and documenting the beauty he sees in his community.

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This picture book traces how scientists and artists have repeatedly reimagined what the Iguanodon looked like since its bones were first discovered in 1822, showing how new discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of dinosaurs and the scientific process.

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Through playful rhymes and quirky illustrations, this collection introduces young readers to 75 challenging vocabulary words from “Ambiguous” to “Zealous,” making their meanings memorable through rhythm, humor, and engaging visuals.

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New York Times bestselling author Priya Krishna invites young readers on a delicious global adventure through this vibrant cookbook that combines her childhood travel stories with kid-tested recipes from twelve different countries, showing how cooking can be a passport to exploring world cultures and cuisines right from your own kitchen.

Listen to Priya Krishna talk about Priya’s Kitchen on The Growing Readers Podcast.

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From TikTok sensation Geo Rutherford comes this fascinating illustrated guide to twenty-five of Earth’s most mysterious lakes. It combines stunning watercolor artwork with scientific research to explore natural phenomena like Tanzania’s mummifying Lake Natron and Venezuela’s lightning-struck Lake Maracaibo while emphasizing the importance of protecting these unique aquatic wonders.

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Through poetry and vignettes set in New York City, this creative nonfiction collection explores Black girlhood, examining how society both nurtures and exploits young Black girls while incorporating cultural footnotes to deepen understanding.

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In this powerful collection of essays, New York Times bestselling author George M. Johnson celebrates fourteen Black LGBTQ+ icons of the Harlem Renaissance, weaving together personal narratives, poetry, and stunning illustrations to illuminate the often-overlooked queer history that has profoundly shaped American culture.

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