10+ Best Nonfiction Books for 9-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for engaging and educational reads for your young ones? Look no further! Our curated guide on nonfiction books for 9-12-year-olds is packed with captivating picks that are perfect for curious minds. Whether your child is a budding scientist or a history enthusiast, these books promise to enrich their knowledge and ignite their passion for learning. Keep reading to discover our top recommendations that are sure to be a hit with your tweens!

Fun Nonfiction Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Science, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to create electricity for his village.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of innovation and determination that shows how creativity can literally change the world.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and anyone interested in renewable energy and DIY projects.

• Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book highlights the contributions of fifty notable women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a celebration of achievements and a great way to inspire young girls and boys to pursue their interests in science while learning about history.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and young readers who appreciate strong role models.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Reference, Science, Curiosities & Wonders
  • Synopsis: This book provides clear answers to a wide array of questions about science, nature, people, and much more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It feeds curiosity with fascinating facts and engaging explanations, perfect for keeping the reading experience fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love to ask "Why?" and enjoy learning about the world around them.

• I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Social Issues, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This is the memoir of a young girl from Pakistan who fought for her right to education and became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful story of courage and persistence that highlights the importance of education and standing up for what you believe in.
  • Perfect for: Young activists and readers interested in social justice and education rights.

• The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers by Jonathan W. Stokes
  • Illustrator: David Sossella
  • Genre(s): History, Travel, Humor
  • Synopsis: Presented as a travel guide for time travelers, this book offers a humorous yet informative look at life in ancient Rome.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun facts with a unique format to make history incredibly engaging and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and anyone who enjoys a good laugh while learning.

Educational Nonfiction Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• Time for Kids: Big Book of Science Experiments by Editors of Time for Kids Magazine
  • Genre(s): Science, Experiments, Educational
  • Synopsis: A step-by-step guide that offers a variety of science experiments covering topics like physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific reasoning, experimental skills, understanding of basic scientific principles
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides hands-on learning experiences that are both fun and educational, fostering a love for science through active participation.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and anyone interested in conducting real experiments at home.

• Guts & Glory: The Vikings by Ben Thompson
  • Genre(s): History, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the thrilling and often brutal world of the Vikings, exploring their culture, conquests, and legacy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural understanding, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It brings history to life with exciting stories and vivid descriptions that capture the imagination of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love exploring different times and cultures.

• The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle: And Other Surprising Stories about Inventions by Don L. Wulffson
  • Genre(s): History, Science, Inventions
  • Synopsis: This book explores the interesting and unexpected stories behind everyday inventions and the kids who created them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, innovation, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of youthful imagination and ingenuity, encouraging readers to think differently and creatively.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and anyone curious about how things came to be.

• How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World by Steven Johnson
  • Genre(s): Technology, History, Science
  • Synopsis: The book examines six essential innovations that shaped the modern world and the stories of the people behind them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of technological impact, historical analysis, interdisciplinary learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects past innovations to present technologies, illustrating the interconnectedness of various scientific and historical developments.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids and young historians interested in the evolution of technology.

• The Elements Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table by DK
  • Genre(s): Science, Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: This visual encyclopedia presents detailed information on each element in the periodic table, including its discovery, properties, and uses.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Chemistry knowledge, data interpretation, scientific literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms the periodic table into a colorful and engaging learning tool that enhances understanding through visuals.
  • Perfect for: Budding chemists and students who thrive with visual learning tools.

Challenging Nonfiction Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The Disappearing Spoon: Young Readers Edition by Sam Kean
  • Genre(s): Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book explores the fascinating tales behind the elements of the periodic table, including the history, science, and oddities of the elements.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex scientific concepts and historical contexts that require critical thinking and a good understanding of basic chemistry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about chemistry fun and relatable through engaging stories and bizarre facts about the elements.
  • Perfect for: Young science enthusiasts who enjoy quirky stories and want to deepen their understanding of chemistry.

• Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
  • Genre(s): History, Science, War
  • Synopsis: This book details the gripping history of the atomic bomb, focusing on the scientific discoveries, the espionage, and the key figures involved in its creation during World War II.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers advanced scientific principles and ethical questions in a historical context, which requires mature thinking and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling historical narrative that also educates about the profound scientific and ethical issues surrounding nuclear weapons.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and science, particularly those fascinated by military history and technology.

• Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This biography focuses on Charles Darwin's relationship with his wife Emma and how her religious beliefs influenced his scientific work and the development of his theory of evolution.
  • Why this book is challenging: It intertwines complex scientific ideas with personal and religious themes, requiring readers to think about how different viewpoints affect scientific exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on Darwin's life and work, emphasizing the personal and emotional aspects of his scientific discoveries.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy biographies and are curious about the intersection of science and personal beliefs.

• The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List by Leon Leyson
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, History, War
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the extraordinary story of one of the youngest children on Schindler's List and his survival during the Holocaust.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with heavy historical events and themes of survival under extreme circumstances, requiring emotional maturity and historical understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful, personal perspective on the Holocaust, emphasizing resilience and the human capacity to hope and survive.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of survival against the odds.

• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring true story of four African American women who played a crucial role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex issues of racism and sexism, intertwined with advanced scientific and mathematical concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the significant contributions of these often-overlooked pioneers, inspiring readers with powerful examples of perseverance and intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and historians, especially those interested in space exploration and civil rights.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're between 9 and 12 years old and love diving into nonfiction books, you're in for a treat! Developing good reading habits now can make your reading journey even more exciting and enriching. Here are some fun exercises to help you get the most out of your nonfiction reads:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and build a steady reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked most and what you learned.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up new words you come across in your reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Write down the new words and their meanings in a notebook.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Helps reinforce what you’ve read and remember the main points.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down questions that come to mind while reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the material.
  • Tips: Try to answer your questions through further reading or research.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you process the information better.
  • Tips: Try different tones and voices for different types of information.

• Link Reading to Real Life
  • What it is: Connect concepts or facts in the book to real-life situations or experiences.
  • How it helps: Makes the information more relatable and easier to remember.
  • Tips: Discuss these connections with others to enhance understanding.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your nonfiction books more, but you'll also boost your reading skills significantly. So, grab that book, find your cozy spot, and let’s get reading!