Interesting
Informational Books
Non-fiction can be fun! Learn about something new and stretch your mind. The following books on
this list are all owned by the Fair Lawn Public Library’s Children Department. Find the books on
the shelf by the call number listed after the title. Try other books in the same subject or by the same
author. The books are broken into a higher and lower interest level and guided reading letters are
added for your convenience when available. Feel free to try books at a different interest and /or
reading level. Can’t find a particular book or subject? Please ask a librarian. We love to help!
Grades K-2
Adler, David
A Picture Books of Abraham Lincoln
JBIO LIN
1989 M
Follows the life of the popular president, from his childhood on the frontier to his assassination after
the end of the Civil War. Other titles in this series include A Picture Book of Christopher Columbus
and A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman.
Arnosky, Jim
Crinkleroots Guide to Knowing AnimalHabitats
J591.564 ARN 1997 L
Introduces different wildlife habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, cornfields, and grasslands. Try
other Crinkleroot Guides, such as Knowing the Trees and Knowing Butterflies and Moths.
Bingham, Caroline
DK Big Book of Airplanes
J629.133 BIN 2001
Jumbo jets and seaplanes; the tiny "Gee Bee" and the space plane X-33--all are included in this
oversize, fact-packed picture book. Try other titles in the series, such as The Big Book of Bugs and
The Big Book of Transportation.
Bishop, Nic
Spiders
J595.44 BIS 2007 M
Much different from the usual sweet spider story, this photo-rich picture book is packed with
astonishing facts about these highly successful predators. Try also Marsupials and Lizards by the
same author.
Chrisp, Peter
Dinosaur Detectives
J567.9 CHR 2001
This introduction to paleontology weaves together facts about fossil hunting with fictionalized firstperson accounts from dinosaur detectives. Other titles in the “DK Readers” series include
FireFighters and The Bermuda Triangle.
Cleary, Brian
But and For, Yet and Nor: What is a Conjunction?
J425 CLE
2010
“Words are CATegorical” series. Brightly colored cartoon cats define and provide examples of
conjunctions and their role in language. Try also the “Math is CATegorical” series by the same
author.
P
Cole, Joanna
Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth
JE COL
1987
On a special field trip in the magic school bus, Ms Frizzle's class learns first-hand about different
kinds of rocks and the formation of the earth. Other great titles in the series include On the
OceanFloor and Inside the Human Body.
P
DePaola, Tomie
26 Fairmount Avenue
JBIO DEP 1999
N
Children's author-illustrator Tomie De Paola describes his experiences at home and in school when
he was a boy. Try other continuing titles, such as Here We All Are and On My Way.
Gibbons, Gail
Galaxies, Galaxies!
J523.112 GIB 2006
U
A topic-book veteran takes on the universe in this engagingly illustrated introduction to the collections
of stars, gas clouds and dust called galaxies. Try other selections from over 100 non-fiction offerings
by this author such as Wolves and The Vegetables We Eat.
Jenkins, Steve
Actual Size
JE JEN
2004
L
Discusses and gives examples of the size and weight of various animals and parts of animals. Try
other Titles by Steve Jenkins such as What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? and Biggest, Strongest,
Fastest.
Judge, Lita
Bird Talk: What Birds are Saying and Why
J598 JUD
2011
With humor and sensitivity, Judge translates the secret language of birds, both verbal and nonverbal,
that they use to attract mates, communicate with partners or offspring, and thwart predators. Try also
Born to be giants : how baby dinosaurs grew to rule the world by the same author.
Kamkwamba, William
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
JE KAM
2012
This junior version of the best-seller for adults describes how fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba
saves his drought-blighted Malawi village: after teaching himself English and reading science books
he creates a windmill from odd parts.
Macaulay, David
Jet Plane: How it Works
J629.133 MAC 2012
Introduces young readers to the mechanical science of jet planes that recreates an airplane ride while
explaining how powerful engines, specially designed wings, and cockpit controls work together to
enable a jet's flight. Try also Castle: How it Works by the same author.
Mack, Laurie
Ancient Rome
J937 MAC 2009
The history, wars, society, and political life of ancient Rome and its vast empire and how it remains
with us today. Try other great titles in the “DK Eye Wonder” series, such as Human Body and Plant.
Marsh, Laura F.
National Geographic Readers. Tigers
J599 Tiger 2012
Find out great information about tigers in an easy to read format. Try other great titles in the “National
Geographic Readers’ series such as Volcanoes! And Frogs!
Osborne, Mary Pope
Ancient Greece and the Olympics : a nonfiction companion to Hour of the
Olympics.
J796.48 OSB 2004
Magic Tree House research Guide series.Annie and Jack present information about ancient Greece
and the athletic events known as the Olympic games that were held there. Try also Dolphins and
sharks : a nonfiction companion to Dolphins at daybreak or Sabertooths and the ice age : a nonfiction
companion to Sunset of the sabertooth, both from the same series and by the same author.
McCarthy, Meghan
Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum
J664.6 MCC 2010
With appropriately simple but engaging prose, McCarthy relates how accountant Walter Diemer
began "playing with different mixtures" in the late 1920s at the candy factory where he worked and
eventually discovered a gum that bubbled.
McKendry, Joe
One Times Square: a Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World
J917.471 MCK
2011
In this spectacular album of crisp sketches and meticulous paintings styled after archival and current
photographs, McKendry serves up a fascinating history of One Times Square, the longstanding
building at the heart of Manhattan.
Nelson, Kadir
Nelson Mandela
JBIO MAN 2012
Clear free verse and handsome, unframed paintings follow the iconic leader from his tribal childhood
and his work as a young city lawyer through his political leadership against the brutality of apartheid,
his long imprisonment, and then the triumph of his election as president of his country. Try also I
Have a Dream, a stunningly illustrated rendition of King’s famous speech.
Pringle, Laurence P.
Frogs!: Strange and Wonderful
J597.8 PRI 2012
An introduction to frogs including their life cycle. Try also Bats!: Strange and Wonderful and
Dinosaurs!: Strange and wonderful and even more titles in the “Strange and Wonderful” series by
Pringle.
Rappaport, Doreen
Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller
JBIO KEL
2012
Rappaport recounts the well-known events of Helen's childhood, the illness that left her blind and deaf
as a toddler, her wild willfulness and the advent of Annie Sullivan's companionship and tutelage with
liberating results. Other Biographies by this author include Martin’s Big Words: The Life of
MartinLuther King, Jr. and Lady Liberty: a Biography.
Sidman, Joyce.
Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature
JE SID
2011
This unique picture book explores spirals in nature. Each new section of the precisely worded, freeverse text begins with the word“a spiral” and succinctly considers one facet of the shape as it is
expressed in the natural world. Try also Song of the water boatman:& other pond poems and
Ubiquitous : celebrating nature's survivorsby the same author.
Simon, Seymour
Killer Whales
J599 Whales 2002 K
An introduction to the physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycle of the killer whale in an easy
reading format. Try other titles in Simon’s “SeeMore Readers” series, such as Wild Bears or
CoolCars. Also, read his “Let’s Try It Out” series for some simple science principals with
experiments.
Singer, Marilyn
Mirror, Mirror: a Book of Reversible Verse
J811 SIN
2010
A collection of short poems which, when reversed, provide new perspectives on the fairy tale
characters they feature. Try other poetry collections by Singer, such as Sky Words or
CreatureCarnival.
Smith, Lane
John, Paul, George and Ben
A humorous look at five of our country's founding fathers.
JE SMI
2006
P
Sweeney, Joan
Me and My Amazing Body
J611 SWE 1999 M
A girl describes how her skin, bones, muscles, brain, blood, heart, lungs, and stomach receive
energy and function as parts of her body. Try also Me and My Place in Spaceand Me and My
FamilyTree by the same author.
Balloons over Broadway: the True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s
Parade
J Thanksgiving
2011
Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer responsible for the creation of those now-famous gigantic
balloons that are emblematic of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Sweet, Melissa
Truss, Lynne
Eats Shoots & Leaves: Why Commas really do make a Difference
J428.2 TRU 2006
Truss's picture-book version of her adult bestseller tackles the topic of commas and what can go
wrong when they are misused. Try also, The Girl's Like Spaghetti: Why, You Can't Manage without
Apostrophes! And Twenty-odd Ducks: Why, Every Punctuation Mark Counts!
Wick, Walter
A Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder
J546.22 WICK
1997
Describes the origins, characteristics, and uses of water. Try also Walter Wick’s Optical Tricks.
Winter, Jeanette
The Watcher: The Story of Jane Goodall
JBIO GOD 2011
Winter adds to her growing shelf of exemplary picture-book biographies with this stirring introduction
to Jane Goodall's life and work. Try other biographies by this author, such as My Name is Georgia: a
Portrait and Sebastian: a Book about Bach.
Yezerski, Thomas
Meadowlands: a Wetlands Survival Story
J577.368 YEZ
2011
Judicious ink and watercolor illustrations pair with tender prose to tell the story of the Meadowlands
estuary in New Jersey, which bounced back from being "one of the worst places in America."
Grades 3-6
Aronson, Marc
If Stones Could Speak: Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge
J936.2 ARO 2010
Illustrated with full-color photos, this informative and perceptive book focuses on the Riverside
Project's archeological expedition to Stonehenge. Aronson has a wide variety of wonderful nonfiction offerings, such as Trapped: How the World Rescued 33 Miners from 2,000 Feet Below the
Chilean Desert and Up Close: Bill Gates.
Biesty, Stephen
Stephen Biesty’s Incredible Cross-Sections
J690 BIE
1992
Cross-sectional illustrations present an inside view of such structures as a medieval castle, factory,
and subway station. Other Biesty selections include Castle and Incredible Body.
Brown, Don
America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell
J973.931 BRO
2011
Specifically addressing young readers with no memory of that tragic day, Brown combines news
reports with published eyewitness accounts.
Burns, Loree Griffin
Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own
Backyard
J574 BUR 2012
Defining citizen science as the study of the world by the people who live in it, Burns encourages
children to try four activities, one for each season.
Byam, Michele
Arms and Armor
J355.8 BYA 2011
DK Eyewitness series. A photo essay examining the design, construction, and uses of hand
weapons and armor from a Stone Age axe to the revolvers and rifles of the Wild West. Try other titles
in the Eyewitness series, all by different authors.
Carlson, Laurie
Thomas Edison for Kids: His Life and Ideas
JBIO EDI
2006
Presented chronologically and always in a positive light, the inventor's life and work is described in
considerable detail. Science experiments and activities are included. Try other titles published for
kids by Chicago Review Press, such as World War II for Kids and Shakespeare for Kids.
Chin, Jason
Island: a Story of the Galápagos
J508.86 CHI 2012
Beginning six million years ago, Chin takes readers back in time to witness the development of that
classic example of island biogeography, the Galapagos.
Close, Chuck
Face Book
JBIO CLO 2012
In text based on informal interviews with a class of students, acclaimed artist Chuck Close talks about
his groundbreaking paintings and his life story, including how he has overcome severe disability, from
lifelong dyslexia to the repercussions of a stroke that left him wheelchair-bound.
You Wouldn’t Want to Sail on the Mayflower: a Trip that Took Entirely Too
Long
J973.2 COO 2005 R
Told in a conversational tone, the narrative draws readers into the realities of the Pilgrims' arduous
but monumental voyage. Other Titles in the series include You Wouldn’t Want to be a Victorian Mill
Worker and You Wouldn’t Want to Live in Pompeii.
Cook, Peter
Dahl, Roald
Boy: Tales of Childhood
JBIO DAH 1984 T
Presents humorous anecdotes from the author's childhood which includes summer vacations in
Norway and an English boarding school.
D'Aulaire, Ingri
D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths
J292 DAU 1962 X
Classic mythology from ancient Greece. Try other anthologies of mythology by checking under the
same call number.
Denenberg, Barry
Titanic Sinks!
J363.123 DEN 2011
An account of Titanic, Queen of the Ocean, which sank in April 1912 Visually dramatic pages are
filled with photos and memorabilia as well as eyewitness accounts that add to the "You are there"
effect. Try also All Shook Up: The life and death of Elvis Presley by the same author.
Dougal Dixon’s Amazing Dinosaurs: The Fiercest, The Tallest, The
Toughest, The Smallest
J567.9 DIX 2000
Dixon has compiled an impressive amount of information and organized it into an eye-catching,
manageable format. Love Dinosaurs? Check out other amazing titles under the same call number!
Dixon, Dougal
Everett, J.H.
Haunted Histories: Creepy Castles, Dark
Dungeons, and Powerful Palaces
J133.1 EVE 2012 R
What's more fun than learning history through ghost stories? "Ghostorian" Virgil Dante introduces
readers to locations that ghosts typically frequent, including castles, dungeons, jails, workhouses, and
famous graveyards. Within the context of hauntings, Everett discusses topics like the Japanese class
system of the 17th century and the grim legacy of England's Newgate prison
Fleischman, John
Phineas Gage: a Gruesome but True Story about Brain Science
J612.82 FLE 2002
Science writer John Fleischman uses a clipped, engaging expository style to tell the incredible story
of the railroad worker who, in 1848, survived the piercing blast of a 13-pound iron rod as it entered
below his cheekbone and exited the front of his skull.
Fleming, Candace
Amelia lost: the life and disappearanceofAmelia Earhart
JBIO EAR 2011
In a stirring account of an American icon, Fleming seeks to portray the Amelia behind the mythologysome of which, she explains, was perpetuated by Earhart herself. Chapters alternate between the
tense search for the pilot's missing plane and a chronological progression through her life. Try also
The One and Only Barnum and The Lincolns: a scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary.
Frank, Anne
The Diary of a Young Girl
JBIO FRA 1952 Y
The journal of a Jewish girl in her early teens describes both the joys and torments of daily life, as
well as typical adolescent thoughts, throughout two years spent in hiding with her family during the
Nazi occupation of Holland.
Freedman, Russell
Immigrant Kids
J325 FRE
1980 Q
Text and contemporary photographs chronicle the life of immigrant children at home, school, work,
and play during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Other wonderful non-fiction titles from Freedman
include: Lincoln: a Photobiography and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane.
Hearst, Michael
Unusual Creatures: a Mostly Accurate Account of Some of the Earth's
Strangest Animals
J591 HEA 2012
Hugely entertaining and just as informative, this guide to "unusual creatures" proves that truth can be
stranger than fiction. Hearst introduces species like the echidna, flying snake, and narwhal,
describing their physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviors, with tidbits, quizzes, and even
poems neatly tucked into the crisp, guidebook-like aesthetic.
Krull, Kathleen
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times, (And What the Neighbors
Thought)
J780.92 KRU 1993
Bravo! A collective biography that is informative and fun to read. Krull has compiled an enjoyable
assortment of sketches on 16 famous musical giants that will have readers rushing to the stereo. Try
Also, Lives of the Presidents and Lives of the Writers, among others.
Macaulay, David
The New Way Things Work
J600 MAC 1998
Text and numerous detailed illustrations introduce and explain the scientific principles and workings
of hundreds of machines. Try also Macaulay’s classic architectural books Castle, Pyramid, and
others.
Murphy, Jim
The Giant and How He Humbugged America J974.765 MUR 2012
Murphy investigates a clever and successful scheme during the 1800s, sharing with readers how
several men in upstate New York were able to fool the public and make thousands of dollars. Did they
really uncover a Cardiff giant? Try other great non-fiction selections by Murphy such as An
American plague: the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 or The Great Fire.
O’Connell, Caitlin
The Elephant Scientist
J599 Elephant
2011
O'Connell traveled to Africa in 1992 to observe wild animals; the trip turned into a job offer to study
elephants at Etosha National Park; the text focuses on the scientists' work, findings, and problems
encountered. Try other titles in the “Scientists in the Field” series, such as The Polar Bear Scientists
and The Tarantula Scientist.
Partridge, Elizabeth
Marching for freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don't You Grow
Weary
J323 PAR 2011
Partridge tells the unsettling but uplifting story of the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, using the
voices of men and women who participated as children and teenagers. Try other titles by Partridge,
including This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie and Restless
Spirit : the Life and Work of Dorothea Lange
Pascal, Janet
Who Was Dr. Seuss?
JBIO SEU 2011 P
Highlights the life and accomplishments of the children's author and illustrator Theodor Geisel, better
known as Dr. Seuss. Try other titles in this series, such as Who Was Harry Houdini? And Who Was
Helen Keller?
Peot, Margaret
Inkblot : Drip, Splat, and Squish Your Way to Creativity
J745.5 PEO 2011
Teaches kids how to change inkblots into works of art and to use them as keys to creativity.
Prelutsky, Jack
Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face and Other Poems: Some of the Best
of Jack Prelutsky
J811 PRE
2008
This fat, sunny volume brings together 112 of Prelutsky's poems. Most are old favorites from the past
four decades, but 15 of them have never been published before. For more poetry fun try Prelutsky’s
Classic The Pizza the Size of the Sun or become a poet yourself with Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to
Write a Poem.
Scieszka, Jon
Knucklehead : Tall Tales and Mostly True Stories of Growing Up Scieszka
JBIO SCI
2008
Discusses how factors such as growing up as one of six brothers, a Catholic education, comic books,
summers at the lake with time to kill, babysitting misadventures, TV shows, and jokes told at family
dinner all contributed toward making the author a comic writer.
Sheinkin, Steve
Bomb : the Race to Build and Steal the World's Most Dangerous Weapon
J355.825 SHE 2012
In his highly readable storytelling style, Sheinkin weaves together tales of scientific and technological
discovery, back-alley espionage, and wartime sabotage in a riveting account of the race to build the
first atomic weapon.
Silverstein, Shel
Where the Sidewalk Ends
J811 SIL
1974
Poetry was never this much fun! Giggle your way through this Silverstein’s classic. For more poetry
fun try A Light in the Attic or Everything on It.
Simon, Seymour
The Moon
J523.3 SIM 2003P
Non-fiction guru, Simon, offers a revision of his 1984 classic in full color and with updated information.
Try some of his other titles, such as Spiders and Hurricanes.
Stewart, Melissa
Inside Earthquakes
J551.22 STE 2011
From the eye-catching jacket photos to the clearly written explanations of natural phenomena,
volumes in the “Inside” series have much to offer. Try other titles in the series, such as
InsideWeather and Inside the Human Body.
Walker, Richard
Dr. Frankenstein's Human Body Book: the Monstrous Truth about How
Your Body Works
J612 WAL 2008
Talk about mad genius—from conception to execution, padded red cover with 3-D effect to the
up-close-and-personal images inside, this anatomy book is as engrossing as any science fiction.
Walker, Sally
Secrets of a Civil War submarine : solving the mysteries of the H.L.
Hunley
J973.7 WAL 2005 Y
This well-researched, attractively designed book tells the story of the first Confederate submarine to
sink a ship. Walker discusses modern archaeological methods used to learn about the Hunley and its
crew. Try other great non-fiction offerings from Walker, including Rocks and Investigating Light.
Witherspoon, Jack
Twist It Up: More Than 60 Delicious Recipes from an Inspiring Young
Chef
J641.5 WIT 2011
Features over sixty recipes from eleven-year-old chef, Jack Witherspoon. Try other great cookbooks
for kids located in the same call number, such as Kids Cook 1, 2, 3 (Gold) and Pretend Soup and
Other Real Recipes (Katzen).
Ziller, Amanda
Steve Jobs: American Genius
JBIO JOB
2012
Drawing on the posthumous "authorized" biography of Jobs as well as an array of older print and
online publications, Ziller presents a glowing portrait of the late great entrepreneur as a technological
visionary who stood and directed traffic "at the intersection of science and art."
Revised 5/13