Engaging Nonfiction Books for 8 to 12 Year Olds: Choices and Resources
Finding the perfect nonfiction books for 8 to 12 year olds isn't as daunting as it may seem. The key is to blend education with entertainment, sparking their natural curiosity about the world around them through vivid storytelling and visual aids. This guide aims to provide you with a selection of recommended nonfiction books and resources, along with popular card games that engage children in learning.
Top Recommended Nonfiction Books for 8 to 12 Year Olds
Our eldest son, aged 7, has a particular passion for nonfiction books. However, he can get bored with those that merely offer facts. After much trial and error, we stumbled upon the T-Bot and Peabody Explore series, which perfectly balances education and engagement.
The T-Bot and Peabody Explore series is a hit with kids who enjoy nonfiction but prefer it over encyclopedias. Each book in this series is filled with real photos, charts, and graphs, complemented by a fun story that captures the reader's interest. For a more interactive experience, the T-Bot and Peabody card game is also available. This card game is similar to YuGiOh and Magic: The Gathering but uses real animals and facts, encouraging players to build the perfect habitat for their animals.
Resources for Choosing Nonfiction Books
There are numerous resources available that can provide recommendations for nonfiction books suitable for 8 to 12-year-olds. These resources can be categorized into three groups: book award resources, reviewed and popular nonfiction resources, and print resources.
Book Award Resources
The Young Adult Library Services Association YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Awards: YALSA provides awards for excellence in nonfiction for young adults. The website features recent winners and previous recipients. YALSA is a national association of librarians and information professionals dedicated to serving teens in library settings. Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards: This annual award recognizes outstanding nonfiction children's books. You can see last year's winners and honor nominees, as well as previous recipients. The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award is considered highly prestigious in the field of children's literature, sponsored by the esteemed Horn Book publication. Cybils Awards: This annual award is selected and presented by a community of book bloggers. The link includes the 2011 finalists for nonfiction books for tweens and teens. The Cybils has been running for seven years and is supported by bloggers who cover children's and teen literature.Reviewed and Popular Non-Fiction Resources
Wiki of Reviews for Middle Grades Nonfiction and Biographies: This online resource provides reviews of nonfiction titles. While the reviews come from various sources, many are from reputable children's review publications or library blogs. GoodReads Popular Nonfiction for Middle Grades: GoodReads offers user-generated reviews and opinions, helping readers find books that resonate with them. The information on this site should be verified using other more reliable sources. Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book: This Horn Book resource focuses solely on nonfiction and includes publication information and age recommendations.Print Resources
Horn Book Magazine: This monthly publication reviews children's literature and has a dedicated nonfiction section. While the full magazine requires access to the print version, which may be available at your local library, the online version offers some insights. School Library Journal: Specifically aimed at librarians, this publication also provides valuable insights for those interested in book recommendations. The online version, while not fully accessible, can still be a useful reference.Conclusion
By combining a selection of engaging nonfiction books and utilizing the resources provided here, you can ensure that your 8 to 12-year-olds maintain their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. The T-Bot and Peabody card game is a fantastic way to make learning an interactive and fun experience. Happy reading!