Book Lists

New Nonfiction for All Ages

Spring and Summer 2026

Spanning ages, formats, and topics, there’s something for every reader in the amazing selection of new nonfiction hitting shelves in spring and summer 2026.

Picture Books

Black Hands

Black Hands

Carole Boston Weatherford

Commemorate the innumerable ways the African American community has shaped the foundation of the United States in this stunning, poetic picture book from the Caldecott Honor-winning team behind Freedom in Congo Square.

Houdini's Library

Houdini's Library

Barb Rosenstock

A fresh and fascinating picture book biography about the iconic magician Harry Houdini, an avid book collector who lived and breathed the idea that books are magic, from the author of Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box.

How to Hatch

How to Hatch

Sara Holly Ackerman

Discover how a gosling hatches into the world, step by step, in this irresistibly cute and funny nonfiction picture book.

Sharks in Kansas

Sharks in Kansas

Melissa Stewart

Sharks in Kansas? Yes, it’s true! Take a fascinating journey back 85 million years to a time when Kansas was submerged under a vast ocean teeming with incredible prehistoric sharks.

Sing the 50 United States!

Sing the 50 United States!

Dr. Seuss

With this newly discovered and never-before-seen picture book by Dr. Seuss himself, celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America! From Alabama to Wyoming, learn the names of all 50 states with a little help from the Cat in the Hat.

We Are Mighty

We Are Mighty

Sharon McMahon

“America’s Government Teacher” and author of the New York Times bestselling The Small and the Mighty pens a hopeful picture book about twelve ordinary Americans who stood up to do the next needed thing.

What's Inside A Bird's Nest?

What's Inside A Bird's Nest?

Rachel Ignotofsky

New in paperback!

Learn all about eggs, nests, and birds with this nonfiction picture book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science!

Whose Nest Is Best?

Whose Nest Is Best?

Lyndsay Wasko

Fly alongside birds of the world in this stunning picture book that’s just right for children ages 3-7. Includes back matter on birds and their homes.

Step Into Reading

America: Our Country, Our Home

America: Our Country, Our Home

Courtney Carbone

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with this informative Step 2 Nonfiction Reader that honors the U.S.A. from its beginnings to the beautiful land it is today.

Middle Grade

Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers

Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers

Michelle Obama

New in paperback!

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Michelle Obama’s worldwide bestselling memoir, Becoming, has been adapted for young readers.

Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story

Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story

Ashley Fairbanks

Created in collaboration with Race2Dinner, here’s the harrowing true story of America’s history with boarding schools, and the forced assimilation of Indigenous kids and families.

History Smashers: The Space Race

History Smashers: The Space Race

Kate Messner

Myths! Lies! Failed satellite launches? Head to the launch pad, the History Smashers are busting the biggest misconceptions about the Space-Race, and the facts are blasting off in 10-9-8…

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic

Mary Pope Osborne

Learn about the Titanic with Jack and Annie from the Magic Tree House as they track the facts about what happened the night the ship sank—now in a non-fiction graphic novel format!

Oh Brother

Oh Brother

Georgina Chadderton

Every kid is shaped by their family—but not every kid has a brother like Rob. In this bright and thoughtful middle grade graphic memoir, debut cartoonist Gina Chadderton examines the fun and difficult parts of growing up alongside their autistic and nonverbal brother.

Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories About the Ocean

Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories About the Ocean

Mary Boone

Wrestle an octopus, swim through a sunken city, and discover 20 incredible-but-true stories from our unbelievable—and unpredictable—oceans. From acclaimed nonfiction writer Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the fascinating stories that take place under (and above) the sea.

Unstoppable Us, Volume 3: How Enemies Become Friends

Unstoppable Us, Volume 3: How Enemies Become Friends

Yuval Noah Harari

In the third book in the New York Times bestselling series from Yuval Noah Harariexplore how different ancient civilizations united and created countries and cultures we have today!

Young Adult

Coming Home (Adapted for Young Adults)

Coming Home (Adapted for Young Adults)

Brittney Griner, Michelle Burford

From basketball icon Brittney Griner comes a captivating memoir about her journey from early athletic stardom to her page-turning account of how she persevered in a Russian prison—now adapted for young adults

The Fight of Our Lives: AIDS in America

The Fight of Our Lives: AIDS in America

David Levithan, Gabriel Duckels

A thoughtful, poignant look at the AIDS crisis in the United States that includes primary source interviews, history, medical research, and cultural touchpoints.

Lovely One (Adapted for Young Adults)

Lovely One (Adapted for Young Adults)

Ketanji Brown Jackson

The New York Times bestselling memoir now adapted for young adults! Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to ever be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, chronicles her life story and her extraordinary path to becoming a jurist on America’s highest court in this inspiring, intimate memoir.

New From National Geographic Kids

The Chick-o-saurus

The Chick-o-saurus

Kelly Crull

Look out! A prehistoric adventure awaits in this humorous, action-packed exploration of dinosaurs from the past (and the present!) in this picture book from National Geographic Kids.

George vs. George

George vs. George

Rosalyn Schanzer

There are two sides to every story. Rosalyn Schanzer’s engaging and wonderfully illustrated book brings to life both sides of the American Revolution.

How to Survive in the Age of Knights

How to Survive in the Age of Knights

Jaime Joyce

You’ve been transported back in time to an age of formidable fortresses, epic sieges, and deadly diseases! How will you survive?

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2027

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2027

National Geographic Kids

This New York Times bestselling, kid-favorite, parent-approved almanac is National Geographic in a book!

Kids who want to know it all need the National Geographic Kids Almanac! The latest edition of this internationally best-selling almanac is brand-new and updated for 2027.

National Geographic Kids Science Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition

National Geographic Kids Science Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition

National Geographic Kids

Fully updated and featuring a brand-new look, this second edition of National Geographic’s bestselling Science Encyclopedia explains everything you need to know about our world and beyond, from atoms to zero gravity!

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space, 2nd Edition

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space, 2nd Edition

Catherine D. Hughes, National Geographic Kids

Blast off on an outer-space adventure with this colorful interactive guide to our universe! Featuring awe-inspiring illustrations and astonishing facts, this 2nd edition of the classic beginner’s reference book introduces young readers to the wonders of our solar system and beyond.

The Official National Geographic Kids Survival Guide

The Official National Geographic Kids Survival Guide

Julie Beer

From the experts of exploration at National Geographic, this practical, wide-ranging wilderness survival guide gives kids the know-how to start a fire, build a shelter, escape an avalanche, and so much more!

Soccer (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)

Soccer (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)

Melissa Santoyo, National Geographic Kids

Learn all about one of the most popular sports in the world—soccer!—in this fun Level 2 Reader from National Geographic Kids!

Statue of Liberty (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3)

Statue of Liberty (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3)

Laura Marsh, National Geographic Kids

Learn all about the Statue of Liberty and its surprising history in this fun Level 3 Reader from National Geographic Kids!

Terrifying True Tales

Terrifying True Tales

Paige Towler

Some scary stories are more than just tall tales. This spine-tingling collection of TRUE terrors and haunting legends is perfect for Halloween—and thrills and chills all year long.

Treasury of Greek Mythology

Treasury of Greek Mythology

Donna Jo Napoli, National Geographic Kids

Now with a stunning metallic cover! This timeless collection of Greek myths from National Geographic introduces classic tales to a new generation through lyrical storytelling and luminous artwork.

Weird But True! Know-It-All U.S. Presidents, Updated & Expanded

Weird But True! Know-It-All U.S. Presidents, Updated & Expanded

National Geographic Kids

What’s weird about U.S. presidents? Plenty! From Abraham Lincoln’s knack for gross pranks to Benjamin Harrison’s fear of electricity, you’ll discover weird but true facts about our nation’s leaders—updated to include our most recent presidents and a special feature on presidential pets!

Weird But True! USA: Expanded Edition

Weird But True! USA: Expanded Edition

National Geographic Kids

It’s weird. It’s true. And now, it’s red, white, and blue! Explore the wonderfully wacky side of the United States of America in Weird But True! style—updated with 50 new facts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence!

More National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids Books help children find whatever excites them about our planet and encourages them to explore it: eye-popping facts, fun photos, fascinating history, stimulating science and technology, amazing animals, or just a brilliant story.

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