Greenburgh Public Library Blog

New Nonfiction: Reasons to encourage your child to read nonfiction

History, science, animals and space are popular book requests in the library's Children's Room.  Children of all ages truly enjoy reading nonfiction or informational text and many even prefer it over fiction.  Here is a not-so-secret secret—educators believe reading nonfiction is important for our children's academic success.  In the article, Nonfiction in the Early Grades: A Key to Reading Success, author Emily Miksic gives multiple reasons why we should encourage children to read nonfiction. 

Here are the highlights:

1. Nonfiction motivates reading with high interest books especially for those reluctant readers. 
2. Nonfiction prepares kids for later grades when the majority of their reading will be informational text. 
3. Nonfiction helps improve kids’ vocabulary which in turn helps with reading comprehension.
4. Reading nonfiction is an important resource for children of lesser economic means by building background knowledge, an important tool in learning to read.
5. Reading nonfiction benefits English Language Learners by connecting concepts in their native language to the new language.  

Read the full article for more details and reasons to encourage children to read nonfiction. 

Check out a few of the Greenburgh Public Library's NEW nonfiction books on dinosaurs, rocket science, famous people, far away countries and more!  

Life in a Frozen World by Mary Batten; Thomas Gonzalez (Illustrator)

From talented and experienced nature writer Mary Batten, this amazing nonfiction picture book provides valuable information about one of the most hostile environments on the planet. It is an ideal resource for young science lovers and educators looking to discuss the effects of climate change.

 

 

Swish! by Suzanne Slade; Don Tate (Illustrator)

The true story of the high-flying Harlem Globetrotters -- the team that changed basketball forever. In this book you will find one-finger ball-spinning, rapid-fire mini-dribbling, and a ricochet head shot!  You will find The Harlem Globetrotters, who played the most groundbreaking, breathtaking ball the world had ever seen. 

 

 

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Science by Kathleen Zoehfeld

This lively introduction to the fascinating world of science explores the different kinds of science, what scientists do, and the amazing things that scientists study: animals and plants; oceans and space; earthquakes and volcanoes; sound and light; inventions and more! 

 

 

Into the Forest by Christiane Dorion; Jane McGuinness (Illustrator)

The world is rich with marvelous forests and amazing communities of plants, animals, fungi, and minute creatures that populate them. Into the Forest is a celebration of trees and wildlife all around the world. Children will find out how trees change color through seasons, how to plant their own trees, and the importance of protecting our forests through sustainability.

 

Dinosaurs: Fact and Fable by Seymour Simon

Join award-winning science writer, Seymour Simon, as he separates fact from fiction in a brilliant exploration of some of the most fascinating creatures to ever roam the planet— dinosaurs! This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice for both shared and independent reading during homeschooling and classroom learning, in particular for children ages 6 to 8.

 

 

Rocket Science: a Beginner's Guide to the Fundamentals of Spaceflight by Andrew Rader; Galen Frazer (Illustrator)

Sometimes it takes a rocket scientist to offer young readers the most engaging introduction to space travel, the solar system, and the universe. Earth's gravity keeps our feet on the ground, and also prevents us from soaring into space. So how do we explore that vast frontier? We use rockets!

 

 

Countries of the World by Dorling Kindersley, Inc

Discover the countries of the world - explore their geography, wildlife, traditions, and arts in this picture-packed children's book. Every country profile is packed with photos, and each nation has a full-color map detailing its main cities, landscape features— and borders, and exactly where in the world it is. 

 

 

Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson; Kwame Alexander; Dawud Anyabwile (Illustrator)

From two heavy hitters in children's literature comes a critically acclaimed biographical novel of cultural icon Muhammad Ali. *"This utterly delightful story about Ali's childhood is a smash hit." --School Library Journal (starred review) Five starred reviews! 

 

 

 

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, Oscar! by Mary Lindeen; Children's Television Workshop Staff (Contribution by)

Oscar the Grouch knows a lot about trash, including how to reuse it! Read along as Oscar and friends show young readers that reducing, reusing, and recycling lessens their impact on the planet. We can help Earth! 

 

 

 

How Women Won the Vote by Susan Campbell Bartoletti; Ziyue Chen (Illustrator)

This is how history should be told to kids--with photos, illustrations, and captivating storytelling. From Newbery Honor medalist Susan Campbell Bartoletti and in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in America comes the page-turning, stunningly illustrated, and tirelessly researched story of the little-known DC Women's March of 1913.

 

 

Anne Frank: the Girl Heard Around the World by Linda Elovitz Marshall; Aura Lewis (Illustrator)

An evocative and accessible picture book about Anne Frank and how she found her voice in a world determined to silence her.  All her life Anne Frank wanted to be heard—really, truly heard. Linda Elovitz Marshall introduces readers to the story of Anne Frank in this powerful book about family, war, and the importance of finding your voice.

 

 

She Persisted in Sports by Chelsea Clinton; Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)
From Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, the #1 New York Times bestselling team behind She Persisted, comes a new book featuring women athletes who overcame and inspired--just in time for the Olympics! Women athletes have faced their own unique set of challenges, across countless sports and levels of play.

 

Octopuses by Mara Grunbaum

Did you know that octopuses are among the most intelligent creatures on earth? Nature's Children series provides young readers (Ages 8-10) with fascinating information about the planet's most incredible wildlife species. 

 

 

 

Sun! One in a Billion by Stacy McAnulty; Stevie Lewis (Illustrator)

From the author of, Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, comes a new picture book about space--this time starring our Sun! Meet Sun: He's a star! And not just any star--he's one in a billion. He lights up our solar system and makes life possible. 
 

 

 

Interested in borrowing some new nonfiction?  The Greenburgh Library is currently offering these options: 

• Book Bundles: The Children’s room offers “Book Bundles” where you can request a selection of books based on your child’s interest (just indicate nonfiction topics you think your child would enjoy).
• Place A Hold:  Go to the catalog or call us at 914-721-8227 to request a hold on an item.