Nonfiction: “prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people, such as biography or history”. Many people find nonfiction to be boring, uninteresting or stuffy. But nonfiction doesn’t deserve this label by any means, and it certainly doesn’t deserve that label in the YA sphere either. Each one of these books are great for teens, and demonstrate that non fiction is something to be excited about reading – from finding inspiration to helping folks understand themselves and their own journey.
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5. Flowers in the Gutter by K.R. Gaddy
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Who doesn’t love a story about crime fighting pirates? This nonfiction story follows the true story of the Edelweiss Pirates. This group consisted of people who did not want to conform to Hitler’s regime, and those who in turn saw their family taken away from them for not conforming to societal expectations. When they fought back and refused to be a part of the war machine, they were arrested by the hundreds. Always hiding, always rebelling, and always fighting against Hitler’s regime – this is the story of the Edelweiss Pirates and their fight for freedom.
4. The Borden Murders by Sarah Miller
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This novel will take you through the twists and turns of the infamous Borden Murders. In August of 1892, Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother were brutally murdered in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. What followed was the trial of the century, when Lizzie herself be came the prime suspect in the crime. Utilizing legal documentation and the newspapers of the time, this 1892 case is a fascinating glimpse into how the judicial system worked over a century ago. The novel features in depth analysis, pictures, articles and case files. If nonfiction books with lingering questions are your thing, this is the story for you!
3. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by Bryan Mealer
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Not everyone is privileged enough to be able to attend school all the way to university. William Kamkwamba, who was born in Malawi, was a young man who had everything against him. His village believed more in magic than science, and his family could not keep in him university studying. His village was starving and going through a drought. But he did not let this stop him from wanting more for his life. Using discarded science books, his own wit, and any scraps he could find, William started his journey towards bringing modern science into his village to help them succeed-his story is a powerful one that should be read by all ages.
2. Mind Your Head by Juno Dawson
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Everyone has a mind – so why isn’t everyone taking care of it? Juno Dawson opens up a conversation to help teens talk about their mental health. From anxiety to depression to self harm, many topics are covered in this book. Written to help break down stereotypes and understanding the stigmas around these issues, Mind Your Head is informative as well as witty and funny. Normalizing mental health will help people to recognize certain symptoms and hopefully in turn assist them.
1. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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Straightforward and to the point, this book is about how everyone should be feminists. Breaking down the definition of a feminist, and showing the roots of the word as well as its true meaning. Pushing past the societal labels that have been thrust upon the word feminism and shaped the association with it, Adichie provides the many reasons that feminism is for everyone.
Nonfiction books are truly fascinating for any generation, and these choices do not disappoint. Pick them up on your next trip to the bookstore, and enjoy the knowledge they bring your teen, or yourself.
