Nonfiction/Informational
Books that are based on facts
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A
Child’s Alaska
By: Claire Rudolf Murphey
Photos by: Charles Mason
This book gives a wide variety of information about Alaska. It discusses some places such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, while also talking about places where people live more in the wilderness. It also talks about Mount McKinley and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Many animals were featured in this book, such as moose, bears, and Caribou. It discusses the weather and some of the things that people like to do during these times.
This book would be good for children who want to learn about Alaska. It would also be good for children to understand that not every place in the world is like the one they live in. Different states have different norms and cultures.
By: Claire Rudolf Murphey
Photos by: Charles Mason
This book gives a wide variety of information about Alaska. It discusses some places such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, while also talking about places where people live more in the wilderness. It also talks about Mount McKinley and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Many animals were featured in this book, such as moose, bears, and Caribou. It discusses the weather and some of the things that people like to do during these times.
This book would be good for children who want to learn about Alaska. It would also be good for children to understand that not every place in the world is like the one they live in. Different states have different norms and cultures.
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Henry’s
Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
By: Ellen Levine
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Henry Brown was a little boy that was born into slavery. His master was sick, and Henry got excited that he and his family could become free people. This was not the case though as the master told the boy that he would become the property of his son. When he was given away, he ended up working at his former master’s son’s factory; his master was abusive if things were not done to his standards. He eventually met a slave girl named Nancy. Soon, they got married and had three children of their own. One day, James, Henry’s friend, found Henry at the factory and told him that his family had been sold. With this, Henry ran to the market to find his family. He couldn’t save them; they were taken away, so Henry decided to find a way to escape. Henry was going to put himself into a box and mail himself Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The journey was uncomfortable for Henry, being on both a steamboat and a train; his box was not handled cautious but roughly. He made it to PA. At the beginning of the story, it said that Henry didn’t have a birthday, so now he celebrated his freedom day (March 30, 1849). He also was called “Henry ‘BOX’ Brown.”
This story is beautifully illustrated, and the pictures portray the emotion that the characters felt throughout the story. This is full of information, yet also portrays the struggle of what it would have actually felt like to be a slave. It follows the story of a little boy born into a bad situation to a man who finds freedom and happiness, despite living a life of hardship.
By: Ellen Levine
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Henry Brown was a little boy that was born into slavery. His master was sick, and Henry got excited that he and his family could become free people. This was not the case though as the master told the boy that he would become the property of his son. When he was given away, he ended up working at his former master’s son’s factory; his master was abusive if things were not done to his standards. He eventually met a slave girl named Nancy. Soon, they got married and had three children of their own. One day, James, Henry’s friend, found Henry at the factory and told him that his family had been sold. With this, Henry ran to the market to find his family. He couldn’t save them; they were taken away, so Henry decided to find a way to escape. Henry was going to put himself into a box and mail himself Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The journey was uncomfortable for Henry, being on both a steamboat and a train; his box was not handled cautious but roughly. He made it to PA. At the beginning of the story, it said that Henry didn’t have a birthday, so now he celebrated his freedom day (March 30, 1849). He also was called “Henry ‘BOX’ Brown.”
This story is beautifully illustrated, and the pictures portray the emotion that the characters felt throughout the story. This is full of information, yet also portrays the struggle of what it would have actually felt like to be a slave. It follows the story of a little boy born into a bad situation to a man who finds freedom and happiness, despite living a life of hardship.
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John,
Paul, George, and Ben
By: Lane Smith
This story is about John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Each man is described as a child, and how what they did when they were younger had transcribed them into the person they became when they were older. One of the examples was George Washington chopping down a cherry tree. Some of the facts are true and some are false; at the very end of the book, it clarifies which facts are true and which ones aren’t. Extra history information is also given at the end of the story that discusses what these figures did when they were older.
This gives a look into the young lives of important figures, whether true or not. It shows their different personalities and how they all used that to get where they were in their adult life. This could be for children seeking information about these figures or for children who enjoy history.
By: Lane Smith
This story is about John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Each man is described as a child, and how what they did when they were younger had transcribed them into the person they became when they were older. One of the examples was George Washington chopping down a cherry tree. Some of the facts are true and some are false; at the very end of the book, it clarifies which facts are true and which ones aren’t. Extra history information is also given at the end of the story that discusses what these figures did when they were older.
This gives a look into the young lives of important figures, whether true or not. It shows their different personalities and how they all used that to get where they were in their adult life. This could be for children seeking information about these figures or for children who enjoy history.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/7488333.jpg?197)
Listen
to the Wind
By: Greg Mortensen
This story took place in Pakistan. A man named Greg Mortensen went to the village in bad shape because he was climbing mountains. Haji Ali told Dr. Greg to hear what the wind had to say. He did and decided to make a school for the children. Mortensen left and came back with supplies for the school. People helped him build a bridge to get the stuff over to the area where the school was to be built. Everyone came together to help with the various aspects of the project.
This book is based on a true story, and there are pictures in the back of the book that show some of the actual events that took place. This book is beautifully illustrated and may give children a small taste of what a part of Pakistan is like. One of the things that this book can teach children is that working together can help things get done.
By: Greg Mortensen
This story took place in Pakistan. A man named Greg Mortensen went to the village in bad shape because he was climbing mountains. Haji Ali told Dr. Greg to hear what the wind had to say. He did and decided to make a school for the children. Mortensen left and came back with supplies for the school. People helped him build a bridge to get the stuff over to the area where the school was to be built. Everyone came together to help with the various aspects of the project.
This book is based on a true story, and there are pictures in the back of the book that show some of the actual events that took place. This book is beautifully illustrated and may give children a small taste of what a part of Pakistan is like. One of the things that this book can teach children is that working together can help things get done.
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Looking
Closely Around the Pond
By: Frank Serafini
This book can be described as a discovery book because it questions the readers about what they're seeing in the pictures, which are just small snapshots of what the real picture is of. It engages the reader by asking what the picture is and then gives some suggestions itself in a rhyme. Then, it reveals what the picture really is and provides facts about it. An example of this is when they show a part of a fish; the reader then gets to learn the name of it (Shubunkin), what it really looks like, and what it eats, among other things.
This book would be great for children who are interested in the environment, and especially for those children who have never been able to be in this sort of environment. It's something that can be read with parents, or older children can read it themselves. The snapshots give the book some mystery, and the pictures used are photographs. This book will also reinforce rhyming.
By: Frank Serafini
This book can be described as a discovery book because it questions the readers about what they're seeing in the pictures, which are just small snapshots of what the real picture is of. It engages the reader by asking what the picture is and then gives some suggestions itself in a rhyme. Then, it reveals what the picture really is and provides facts about it. An example of this is when they show a part of a fish; the reader then gets to learn the name of it (Shubunkin), what it really looks like, and what it eats, among other things.
This book would be great for children who are interested in the environment, and especially for those children who have never been able to be in this sort of environment. It's something that can be read with parents, or older children can read it themselves. The snapshots give the book some mystery, and the pictures used are photographs. This book will also reinforce rhyming.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/6176121.png?171)
Looks Like Cotton Candy: A
Story About Clouds
By: Kristen Bazley
In this story, a cat named Dreamer wonders about clouds. Her mother, Custard tells her all about them, including what clouds are and what kind of clouds exist. Types of clouds are bolded and explained, even giving indications of what they can mean. On the last page, Custard gives her daughter a meaningful word of advice.
By: Kristen Bazley
In this story, a cat named Dreamer wonders about clouds. Her mother, Custard tells her all about them, including what clouds are and what kind of clouds exist. Types of clouds are bolded and explained, even giving indications of what they can mean. On the last page, Custard gives her daughter a meaningful word of advice.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/8634643.png)
Sadako
and the Thousand Paper Cranes
By: Eleanor Coerr
Sadako lived in Japan with her family. Every year, there was a day called “Peace Day,” where the people would remember Hiroshima, which had occurred nine years before. Leukemia was a common disease that people had gotten after the bombing. Sadako came home one day and said she’d be on the relay team; she ended up winning with her team but got dizzy. Her dizziness occurred more and more often, but she didn’t tell anyone about it. Eventually, she was sent to the hospital where she found out that she had leukemia. Chizuko, her friend, came to the hospital to make a golden paper crane with the intent to make Sadako feel better. Chizuko told her of the crane story and that she needed to fold 1,000 paper cranes, so she’d get well. Sadako listened to her and started making cranes, but it eventually got very difficult for her. She got fatigued and ended up in a wheelchair. She met a boy named Kenji, who also had leukemia and later died. Sadako had points where she was feeling better, but in the end, the last crane she was able to make was number 644. When Sadako died, the children in her class at school made the remaining cranes. Sadako also got a statue in her memory.
This is a story of hope, even in a bad situation. A key theme is sickness and death, which may be hard for children to understand at times; this may help them through any of these situations. It’s an inspiration to keep pushing as hard as possible. On the last few pages of the book, there are instructions on how to make a paper crane.
By: Eleanor Coerr
Sadako lived in Japan with her family. Every year, there was a day called “Peace Day,” where the people would remember Hiroshima, which had occurred nine years before. Leukemia was a common disease that people had gotten after the bombing. Sadako came home one day and said she’d be on the relay team; she ended up winning with her team but got dizzy. Her dizziness occurred more and more often, but she didn’t tell anyone about it. Eventually, she was sent to the hospital where she found out that she had leukemia. Chizuko, her friend, came to the hospital to make a golden paper crane with the intent to make Sadako feel better. Chizuko told her of the crane story and that she needed to fold 1,000 paper cranes, so she’d get well. Sadako listened to her and started making cranes, but it eventually got very difficult for her. She got fatigued and ended up in a wheelchair. She met a boy named Kenji, who also had leukemia and later died. Sadako had points where she was feeling better, but in the end, the last crane she was able to make was number 644. When Sadako died, the children in her class at school made the remaining cranes. Sadako also got a statue in her memory.
This is a story of hope, even in a bad situation. A key theme is sickness and death, which may be hard for children to understand at times; this may help them through any of these situations. It’s an inspiration to keep pushing as hard as possible. On the last few pages of the book, there are instructions on how to make a paper crane.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/3019194.png)
The
Big Snow
By: Berta and Elmer Hader
Winter was on its way, and the animals in the forest needed to either leave or prepare for the cold. This story informs the reader about what different animals choose to do. It also talks about how it wasn’t always easy for the animals who stayed during the winter because they would get hungry, and it can be hard to find food with all of the snow. In this story, an old woman spread food around, so the animals would have something to eat. A groundhog determined that more winter was to come for the animals.
By: Berta and Elmer Hader
Winter was on its way, and the animals in the forest needed to either leave or prepare for the cold. This story informs the reader about what different animals choose to do. It also talks about how it wasn’t always easy for the animals who stayed during the winter because they would get hungry, and it can be hard to find food with all of the snow. In this story, an old woman spread food around, so the animals would have something to eat. A groundhog determined that more winter was to come for the animals.
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Tornadoes
By: Seymour Simon
The main focus of this book is to provide information about tornadoes. It states that there has been a tornado in all of the states across the U.S. Some contents that can be found in them are water and clouds. It discusses how tornadoes form. The book also gives some definitions related to tornadoes. Real disaster accounts are given to the reader, such as the Tri-State Tornado. Myths about tornadoes are debunked in this book, and warning signs and safety tips can be found near the end of the book.
The information found in this book is plentiful. It would be great for students who are interested in weather and tornadoes or for children who may be concerned about them and would like to know more. This may also be a good teaching tool for safety precautions that should be taken during an event like a tornado.
By: Seymour Simon
The main focus of this book is to provide information about tornadoes. It states that there has been a tornado in all of the states across the U.S. Some contents that can be found in them are water and clouds. It discusses how tornadoes form. The book also gives some definitions related to tornadoes. Real disaster accounts are given to the reader, such as the Tri-State Tornado. Myths about tornadoes are debunked in this book, and warning signs and safety tips can be found near the end of the book.
The information found in this book is plentiful. It would be great for students who are interested in weather and tornadoes or for children who may be concerned about them and would like to know more. This may also be a good teaching tool for safety precautions that should be taken during an event like a tornado.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/4715540.png?183)
Under the Snow
By: Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by: Constance R. Bergum
The author discusses how many animals hibernate or burrow under the ground when it's cold outside. Not only does she discuss animals that burrow under the ground and find warmer homes, but that there are also different types of fish that live below the ice in the water. Most of the animals in the book are more
docile during the cold month, but not the red-spotted newts; they function normally and enthusiastically. At the end, spring comes and the book addresses the reader.
By: Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by: Constance R. Bergum
The author discusses how many animals hibernate or burrow under the ground when it's cold outside. Not only does she discuss animals that burrow under the ground and find warmer homes, but that there are also different types of fish that live below the ice in the water. Most of the animals in the book are more
docile during the cold month, but not the red-spotted newts; they function normally and enthusiastically. At the end, spring comes and the book addresses the reader.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/7478710.png?181)
Weather
By: Gallmiard Jeunesse and Pascale de Bourgoing
Illustrated by: Sophie Kniffke
In this book for young children, the various seasons are described with vibrant pictures and short captions. It orders the seasons and explains some aspects of the weather such as fog and rainbows. In between the pages,
transparent pages show changes in the weather and scenery.
By: Gallmiard Jeunesse and Pascale de Bourgoing
Illustrated by: Sophie Kniffke
In this book for young children, the various seasons are described with vibrant pictures and short captions. It orders the seasons and explains some aspects of the weather such as fog and rainbows. In between the pages,
transparent pages show changes in the weather and scenery.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/2003054.png?171)
Where do Puddles Go?
By: Fay Robinson
This book starts out by asking the reader some questions. Then, it goes into what happens to puddles when they start to dry up and through the process of the water cycle. It shows simple diagrams and connections. Then, it tells the reader why the water cycle is so important. On the last few pages, the book
shows the pictures with words underneath as vocabulary.
By: Fay Robinson
This book starts out by asking the reader some questions. Then, it goes into what happens to puddles when they start to dry up and through the process of the water cycle. It shows simple diagrams and connections. Then, it tells the reader why the water cycle is so important. On the last few pages, the book
shows the pictures with words underneath as vocabulary.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/1728282.png?195)
White Rabbit’s Color Book
By: Alan Baker
The white rabbit found three colors: blue, red, and yellow. Throughout the book, the rabbit keeps jumping in different colors, mixing them, and making new colors like green and purple. At the end, the rabbit turns brown because it jumped in all of the colors. Although this book has a fictional storyline, it can be informative for young children, as they can learn how colors are made.
By: Alan Baker
The white rabbit found three colors: blue, red, and yellow. Throughout the book, the rabbit keeps jumping in different colors, mixing them, and making new colors like green and purple. At the end, the rabbit turns brown because it jumped in all of the colors. Although this book has a fictional storyline, it can be informative for young children, as they can learn how colors are made.