Five Reasons for Kids to Read Non-Fiction and Five Non-Fiction Books to Inspire and Enjoy

What a whirlwind it has been at the Thunder Bay Public Library this past week of March Break! Besides seeing the children enjoying wonderful programs, we have seen books figuratively “flying off the shelves.”  Often, the first picks for recreational reading were picture books for the young and paperback fiction for the older children. No pushing, promoting, talking-up is required. On the other hand, I’d like to make a case for trying some non-fiction next time. Reading non-fiction develops reading fluency as well, but also builds knowledge, introduces new vocabulary, develops analytical skills and leads children to explore their own interests in a deeper way or to discover new interests and passions. It is important for children to read both types of materials and the smart parent should occasionally turn their children loose in the non-fiction area to pick out a book on any topic that catches their eye. You might be surprised what they select and what they decide they want, need, no MUST read more about.

Here are five reasons why children will benefit from reading non-fiction

1. Built-in Interest Factor
   Whether it is dinosaurs, or coding, or LEGOs or the Titanic, you can find non-fiction books to match your child’s interest and reading level. Reading about what you love is a great motivator.
2. Great Text-to-Picture Ratio
   Current non-fiction books for children have a good balance of photographs and illustrations to text which can suit younger readers or readers who struggle more aptly than a novel with dense text. Also appeals to visual learners.
3. Broadening Their World
   Children begin to make connections to other topics and subjects when reading non-fiction, as when a book about frogs leads to wanting a book about the Amazon rain forest where the red-eyed tree frog lives.
4. Empowerment
   Watch what happens when you tell your child that they may select any non-fiction book to read. Children have few options for decision-making but love to feel the sense of autonomy a decision would give them. You really can’t lose with this one. Even if you don’t love the book, your child is extra-motivated to read it. And reading widely and with pleasure is the goal.
5. Some Children Prefer True Stories (Especially Boys)
   Just like adults, there are children who have preferences for reading about real life, and learning facts over reading a story. Many studies show this to be especially true for boys although it is something found in reluctant readers, good readers, girls and boys. Also, they can often read factual books by starting in the middle, the end or the beginning . Bonus for those who like to “read on the edge.”

Here are Five Children’s Non-Fiction Books Available at the Library With High Appeal

1. Malala’s Magic Pencil
   The girl who stood up to the Taliban has written a book based on her childhood dream of possessing a magic pencil with a magic eraser which could fix anything needing fixing. She shares how her thinking moved beyond wishes to working to make things better for herself and all girls.
2. Paleo-sharks: Survival of the Strangest
   Dinosaur-crazy? Shark-crazy? Interested in the unusual? This book has you covered.
3. Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas
   Non-fiction in comic book form (graphic novel) this highly illustrated story appeals to children who love animals, especially those fascinating gorillas, chimpanzees and other apes.
4. The Water Walker
   Sadly, Josephine Mandamin recently passed away but this picture book title tells her story – she is the Ojibway Nokomis who founded the Mother Earth Water Walkers. They walk around the Great Lakes and other waterways to call attention to the urgent need to protect and conserve the world’s water.
5. What’s the Difference: Ten Animal Look-Alikes
   Written with the assistance of the Canadian Museum of Nature, this book clearly illustrates and explains the difference between crows and ravens, tortoises and turtles and other animals that not everyone could tell apart. Wouldn’t your child’s grandparent or teacher be surprised to learn what they will know after reading this book?

Angela Meady – www.tbpl.ca. If you have a comment about today’s column, we would love to hear from you. Please comment below!