Great non fiction for young people (James Madison awards)
Discover the best non-fiction books for young readers with the James Madison Awards. Explore award-winning titles that educate and inspire young minds.
Book
Maritcha
by Tonya Bolden
Based on an actual memoir written by Maritcha Rimond Lyons, who was born in New York City, this poignant story tells what it was like …
Book
The Forbidden Schoolhouse
by Suzanne Jurmain
Describes Prudence Crandall's violently-resisted attempts to educate African-American girls in Connecticut in the 1830's.
Book
George Washington, Spymaster
by Thomas B. Allen
A biography of Revolutionary War general and first President of the United States, George Washington, focusing on his use of spies to gather intelligence that …
Book
Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
This award-winning contemporary classic is the survival story with which all others are compared—and a page-turning, heart-stopping adventure, recipient of the Newbery Honor. Hatchet has …
Book
An American Plague
by Jim Murphy
Recreates the devastation rendered to the city of Philadelphia in 1793 by an incurable disease known as yellow fever, detailing the major social and political …
Book
First to Fly
by Peter Busby
A look at the lives of the Wright brothers, from their childhood interest in flight, through their study of successful gliders and other flying machines, …
Book
When Marian Sang
by Pam Muñoz Ryan
The inspiring story of Marian Anderson, best known for her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939.
Book
Old Hickory
by Albert Marrin
An exploration of America's complex and enigmatic seventh president examines not only his accomplishments for the good of the people, but his "progressive" controversy that …
Book
Shutting Out the Sky
by Deborah Hopkinson
In her nonfiction debut, the award-winning author recounts the lives of five young immigrants to New York's Lower East Side through oral histories and engaging …
Book
Mack Made Movies
by Don Brown
A simple biography of the director whose silent films immortalized such slapstick clowns as the Keystone Kops, Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle, Mabel Normand, and Ben …
Book
A Dangerous Engine
by Joan Dash
At the time of his famous kite experiment, Benjamin Franklin was unaware that his theories about electricity had already made him a celebrity all over …
Book
Built to Last
by George Sullivan
Profiles seventeen architectural and engineering achievements spanning over two centuries, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Transcontinental Railroad, and U.S. Interstate Highway System.
Book
Photo by Brady
by Jennifer Armstrong
Retells the Civil War through the eyes of photographer Mathew Brady and other field photographers as they record a brutal and deadly time.
Book
Inventing the Future
by Marfe Ferguson Delano
Presents a biography of the tireless Thomas Edison, illustrated with many photos of his life and inventions.
Book
Owen & Mzee
by Isabella Hatkoff
The true story of best friends Owen, a hippopotamus, and Mzee, a tortoise.
Book
Elephants Can Paint Too!
A story of how a teacher from Brooklyn tought her art students and a class of elephants to paint.
Book
Animals Nobody Loves
by Seymour Simon
From the black widow spider to the great white shark, a description of many animals who have fearsome reputations.
Book
Hero Dogs
Presents a variety of stories about working and rescue dogs who help humans in many ways, such as those involved in the work at the …
Book
Actual Size
by Steve Jenkins
Discusses and gives examples of the size and weight of various animals and parts of animals.
Book
You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer
by Shana Corey
Amelia Bloomer, who does not behave the way 19th-century society says a proper lady should, introduces pantaloons to American women. Full-color illustrations.
Book
Martin's Big Words
by Doreen Rappaport
This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther …
Book
Knucklehead
by Jon Scieszka
How did Jon Scieszka get so funny, anyway? Growing up as one of six brothers was a good start, but that was just the beginning. …
Book
Marshfield Dreams
by Ralph Fletcher
Ralph is content in his simple life in Marshfield, Massachusetts, but when his father tells him that the family must move to Chicago for his …
Book
The Chimpanzees I Love
by Jane Goodall
As a child, Jane Goodall dreamed of living with the wild animals of Africa. As a young woman, she amazed the world with her groundbreaking …
Book
We Are the Ship
by Kadir Nelson
“We are the ship; all else the sea.”—Rube Foster, founder of the Negro National League The story of Negro League baseball is the story of …
Book
Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow
by James Sturm
Baseball Hall of Famer Leroy "Satchel" Paige (1905? – 1982) changed the face of the game in a career that spanned five decades. Much has …
Book
An Egg Is Quiet
by Dianna Hutts Aston
Award-winning artist Sylvia Long has teamed with up-and-coming author Dianna Aston to create this gorgeous and informative introduction to eggs. From tiny hummingbird eggs to …
Book
Bat Loves the Night
by Nicola Davies
"A charming and informative story about a pipistrelle bat. . . . Offers vivid descriptions of the animal's flight, its navigational skills, and the hunt …
Book
Why Why Why Does the Earth Spin Round
by Belinda Gallagher
The fun questions in this book are clearly answered and fantastic illustrations help explain things further. Specially designed parent panels give tips on further learning, …
Book
All by Herself
by Ann Whitford Paul
Poems recount the stories of fourteen girls, some of whom later became famous, who performed acts of daring, determination, and heroic courage at a young …
Book
My America
by Lee Bennett Hopkins
In My America, Lee Bennett Hopkins weaves together fifty poems -- grouped by geographic region -- to create a remarkable portrait of the United States. …
Book
10 Things I Can Do to Help My World
by Melanie Walsh
Examines easy ways to reuse items and why it's important to do so.
Book
Looking Closely Along the Shore
by Frank Serafini
This book in the Looking Closely series will take children on a journey of discovery along the shore while inspiring them to ask questions and …
Book
The Many Rides of Paul Revere
by James Cross Giblin
Paul Revere is commonly remembered as the legendary hero of Longfellow's poem about his midnight ride. In this bright, informative biography, Giblin follows Paul Revere …