This is going to be the first of a series of weekly posts until I am done with the Cybils reading: Cybils Nonfiction Roundup Post One.
I have been reading a whole lot of nonfiction this year, and I surprised myself when I looked back and discovered this fact! And to top it off, I am now reading nonfiction almost exclusively; granted, it is children’s and YA nonfiction, but still. Of course it is for the Cybils Awards. Like I have mentioned a few times already, I am a round 1 judge for the Cybils Nonfiction category; and this is actually three categories and a whole lot of reading. The best part – I am discovering wonderful books, and learning so much in the process.
Nonfiction Roundup Post One
The list so far is of the books I have read and reviewed here on the blog. There are a few more I have read and am yet to review, and others I am currently reading (this number is over 20 currently)!
Biographies
- The Fabled Life of Aesop: Part picture book biography and part concise retelling of Aesop’s most child-friendly fables, this book reaffirms the power of words and wisdom.
- Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers: A picture book biography about the very likeable host of the TV show, Mr.Roger’s Neighborhood.
- Immigrant Architect: This is the story of Rafael Guastavino Sr, and his son, as well the company they founded after immigrating to America in the 1880s.
- Nacho’s Nachos: The Story Behind the World’s Favorite Snack: Necessity is definitely the mother of invention! Ignacio Anaya, nicknamed Nacho, was born in 1895 in Mexico.
- Girl on a Motorcycle : About a women who dared to ride across the world on a motorcycle; when it was unheard of.
- Madame Saqui: A charmingly illustrated biography of a daredevil on a tightrope!
- Lizzie Demands a Seat!: About Lizzie Elizabeth Jennings journey to justice as she sued, and won against, the 3rd avenue streetcar company for discrimination.
- Ocean Speaks: Marie Tharp and the Map That Moved the Earth: About the first person to map the Earth’s underwater mountain ridge.
- The Only Woman in the Photo refers to Frances Perkin. The first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, Perkin’s story is powerfully inspiring.
- Unbeatable Betty: About Betty Robinson, who became the first female gold medalist in track and field in the 1928 Olympics.
Science, Nature, etc
- Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera: A book about the life cycle of the seemingly ubiquitous honeybee; but a book is a rather tame word for this.
- How to Find a Bird: A delightful guide to birdwatching wherever you are; by observing and using your senses.
- Wildlife on Paper: Magnificent crumpled paper art brings to life animal species at risk from all around the world.
- Your Place in the Universe: A wonderful way to introduce young readers to those fascinating subjects of astronomy and astrophysics.
Other
- The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America’s Presidents: An inspiring and informative book for kids about the past and future of America’s presidents.
- On the Horizon: Lois Lowry draws upon personal experiences, as well as those of others whose lives were lost or forever altered by the tragedies of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima.
- This is Your Brain on Stereotypes: An overview of the science behind stereotypes; from why our brains form them to how recognizing them can help us be less biased.
- The Old Man and the Penguin: Totally adorable true story of the friendship between an old man and a penguin.
- Love Your Body: With uplifting messaging and quirky beautiful images, this showcases the importance of self-love and positive body image
- The Cat Man of Aleppo: This is sure to make your heart warm; as inspire you as well.
- Women Win the Vote: This highlights 19 women who were part of the suffrage movement.
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And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, feel free to check out the links above for my detailed review of the book. And if you had ended up reading any of them based on reading my previous posts, do let me know!
How exciting to be a round one judge of the Cybil Awards! Such a great list of books today.
They all look like an afternoon of adventure. Love the covers.
These books all look so interesting. I love children’s nonfiction!
Are you reading more because of the pandemic, or have you always been an avid reader? Blessings on your tasks as a Cybils Award judge. Sounds like a wonderful contribution towards helping young adults develop the joy of reading!
Thank you, and I try to make sure my teens read at least some of these with me (as much as their school work permits)….
As for the answer to your q, I have always been an avid reader (of multiple books at a time)!! But this focused reading of nonfiction titles for young readers currently is new certainly and for the Cybils Awards.
Interesting choices- are they yours or dedicated by the program?
Thanks Roy; they are all current nominations for the awards that came from various sources (including readers like me as well as authors, publishers)