Oct 27, 2012 4 min read

Nonfiction books don’t have to be dull and uninviting, although many fit this bill. There are countless nonfiction books that are fascinating and provide readers with loads of information, presented in a fast-paced, lively fashion, and that’s the key to getting kids interested in nonfiction. Think of it. As an adult, you might be more inclined than a child to plod through some pages of boring material because you’ve learned that some of that is necessary to develop a firmer grasp of the whole picture. Unfortunately, authors sometimes can get so wrapped up in their own fascination and presumed authority of the subject matter that they go overboard, and that’s when their audience slowly begins to nod off. That’s precisely what you want to avoid when introducing children to nonfiction books. Whet a child’s appetite for nonfiction with well-written books that captivate their interest by providing information in an exciting, quick way, such as the books reviewed today. If a genuine interest takes root, there will be a greater willingness to read more (and yes, even the tedious sections) because there is a desire to know more.

The following book is available at many public libraries: Children of the Great Depression by Russell Freedman, with photos by various photographers (Clarion Books, 118 pages) Read aloud: age 9 to 10 and older Read yourself: age 10 to 11 and older What was the Great Depression, and what was it like being a child during that time? Drawing on firsthand accounts, letters, diaries and memoirs, Russell Freedman takes this complex and devastating time in American history and recreates it in an accessible, fast-paced way for older children. During the Great Depression, people all over the country suffered. Countless families didn’t have adequate food or shelter, and many children didn’t attend school because they had to work. The list of what children and adults did without during this dark time goes on and on. Masterfully written and supported by extraordinary photographs by the nation’s most accomplished photographers of that time, this book sensitively depicts this chapter in our nation’s history.

Library: Flenniken Public Library, 102 E. George St., Carmichaels Library director: Linda Orsted Children’s librarian: Tina Gresko Choices this week: “Actual Size” by Steve Jenkins; “Into the Ice: The Story of Arctic Exploration” by Lynn Curlee; “Mummies and Their Mysteries” by Charlotte Wilcox

The following books are available at bookstores: Nic Bishop Snakes, written and photographed by Nic Bishop (Scholastic Nonfiction, 2012, 48 pages, $17.99 hardcover) Read aloud: age 6 to 7 and older Read yourself: age 8 to 9 and older Prepare to be amazed by both the fascinating information and stunning photographs that Nic Bishop has created in this incredible book on snakes. Providing facts galore, “Nic Bishop Snakes” explores the life of snakes from the biggest to the smallest to how different snakes find their prey and swallows its victim whole. From the first page to the last, kids will be entranced by this masterful offering on the amazing predators. Scholastic discover more: bugs by Penelope Arlon and Tony Gordon-Harris, with photos various credits (Scholastic, 2012, 80 pages, $12.99) Read aloud: age 4 to 5 and older Read yourself: age 8 and older Enter the world of bugs with this new addition to Scholastic’s “discover more” series. This book is certain to entertain while it educates readers and listeners on the awesome, sometimes creepy kinds of bugs, their behaviors and the vast number of bugs that inhabit our planet. Fantastic, super-magnified photos show hundreds of bugs extra close-up, and the crazy bug information is guaranteed to astound. As a bonus feature, you can download the digital companion book where you can discover even more.