Nonfiction for Older Readers
Each year Evanston Public Library decides on the 101 Great Books for Kids. There are exploding volcanos, mummified seals, trips through history, and even the disgusting origins of some of your favorite colors on this list!
94. Born Naughty: My Childhood in China by Jin Wang with Tony Johnston, ill. Anisi Baigude
The antics of a mischievous 8-year-old living in Nan Ba Zi, China in 1982 are recounted in this endearing memoir. Joyful stories full of wonder and optimism. Call Number: x951.7 Wang.J
95. The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II by Candace Fleming
Imagine you’re just a teen and you’ve been recruited to monitor, break codes, and catalog German intelligence information. The thrilling story of the young women who helped break the German ciphers! Call Number: x940.5486 Flemi.C
96. Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens by Rebecca E.F. Barone
When the earthquakes started, it looked like Mount St. Helens would blow. But when would it happen? A gripping and terrifying recounting of the people who survived (and the ones that didn’t). Call Number: x551.21 Baron.R
97. My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More by G. Neri, ill. Corban Wilkin
Take a trip with G. Neri as your guide to the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest place in the world. Ideal for budding scientists of all stripes! Call Number: x998 Neri.G
98. The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix
If you love the Narnia and Lord of the Rings books and want to know the story behind them, look no further! A fascinating dual biography of the best friends who wrote the titles together. Call Number: JGraphic x820.9 Hendr.J
99. The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson
You don’t have to be an adult scientist to explore the world. Become an observologist and use this highly hilarious and factually accurate book to explore nature in your own backyard. Call Number: x508 Clark.G
100. Outspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford, ill. Eric Velasquez
From the moment he was born to the day he died, this book chronicles the remarkable life of one of America’s great heroes. Activist, actor, athlete, and scholar, there never was, nor will there ever be, anyone quite like Paul Robeson. Call Number: xBiog Robes.P Weath.C
101. What Is Color? The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art by Steven Weinberg
We use colors all the time but what are they exactly? Join this wacky look at all your favorites and their murky, dangerous, and often gross beginnings. This is color like you’ve never seen it before! Call Number: x535.6 Weinb.S
Find the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.
Committee Members: Patrizia Alm, Karina Andrus, Stephen Barnes, Betsy Bird, Lisa Dallas, Kyria Dickerson, Betsy Haberl, Jessica Iverson, Kennedy Joseph, Taylor Keahey, Leigh Kennelly, Martha Meyer, Jeny Mills, Olivia Mo, Katrina Moravec, Bill Ohms, Bridget Petrites, Julie Rand, Jennifer Shreve, Robin Sindelar, Elizabeth English Steimle, Kasandra Trejo, Lulu Tripp, Michael Warren, and Brian Wilson