10 Nonfiction Award Winning Books For Middle-Graders

Nonfiction books for middle-grader readers provide real world information, inspire curiosity, and encourage a lifelong love of learning. Below, I've listed a selection of prize-winning titles that have received recognition from prominent literary organizations for exemplary content, writing, and presentation. All good choices for holiday gifts, by the way.

The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus
Author: Jen Bryant
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
Literary Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal

This biography of Peter Roget, the creator of the thesaurus, won the Sibert Medal. It offers an insightful look into the life and work of a man whose passion for words changed the way we communicate.

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
Author: Kadir Nelson
Literary Award: Sibert Medal

Another Sibert Medal winner, this book provides a fascinating historical perspective celebrating the achievements and struggles of black athletes during a segregated era.

Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact
Author: Jennifer Swanson
Literary Award: NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book

With a focus on both space and the deep sea, this book explores the adventures and challenges faced by scientists who study these extreme environments.

 

Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Concentration Camp Survivor
Author: Michael Bornstein and Debbie Bornstein Holinstat
Literary Award: Sibert Informational Book Honor 

This gripping memoir recounts the experiences of a Holocaust survivor who, as a young child, was one of the youngest to be liberated from Auschwitz. It is the unforgettable story of a boy who dodged death many times during his harrowing journey of survival.

How We Got to the Moon: The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of Science Behind Humanity's Greatest Adventure
Author: John Rocco
Literary Award: NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book

Combining stunning illustrations with comprehensive information about the Apollo missions, this easy-to-read book is a top choice for young readers interested in space exploration.
 

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
Author: Miranda Paul
Illustrated by: Elizabeth Zunon
Literary Award: ALA Notable Children's Book

The inspiring story of Isatou Ceesay and the women of the Gambia who transformed plastic waste into a thriving enterprise is recounted in this informative read.

Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science
Author: Jeannine Atkins
Literary Award: Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction

This illustrated book introduces readers to three remarkable young women living in three different time periods who made significant contributions to the field of science. It is a celebration of nature and the joy of exploring and discovering more about our world.
 

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons
Author: Natascha Biebow
Illustrated by: Steven Salerno
Literary Award: Cybils Award

This Cybils Award-winning book offers a colorful exploration of the history of Crayola crayons and their inventor, Edwin Binney. He was a curious inventor who found a way to pack a rainbow of colors within a small blue box which has delighted people of all ages around the world.
 

Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White

Author: Melissa Sweet
Literary Award: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature

A compelling biography of the beloved author of "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little," this title won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. It not only celebrates White's life and work but also provides insight into his creative process.

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science
Author: Joyce Sidman
Literary Award: NCTE Orbis Pictus Award

This Orbis Pictus Award-winning biography celebrates the life and work of Maria Merian, a pioneering entomologist and scientific illustrator. She celebrated caterpillars when the whole world considered them a bad omen. Maria discovered the process of metamorphosis through her observations and drew beautiful illustrations to reveal the journey of a caterpillar to butterfly for the world.

These wonderful middle-grade nonfiction titles exemplify the genre's ability to educate, inspire, and captivate young readers. They cover a wide range of subjects, from history, science, biography and memoir, offering a rich tapestry of knowledge and stories for children to explore and learn from.

Middle Grade Best Sellers Snapshot -- October, 2023 (Novels, Graphic Novels, and Book Series)

 

This blog post contains information from the best seller lists of Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the New York Times for novels, graphic novels, and book series for middle-grade readers for the month of October, 2023. 

Notably, Amazon accounts for some 60%-70% of US book sales, and dominates the marketplace. Therefore, books trending on other best seller lists could theoretically also show up somewhere on the Amazon Most Sold listings.

Below are the lists with titles appearing on multiple lists highlighted:

Amazon's Best Children's Books of 2023 So Far: Ages 9 to 12

1) The Eyes and the Impossible
Dave Eggers, Shawn Harris
Hardcover

2) Greenwild: The World Behind the Door
Pari Thomson
Hardcover

3) The Labors of Hercules Beal
Gary D. Schmidt
Hardcover

4) The One and Only Ruby
Katherine Applegate
Hardcover

5) Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel (Four Eyes #1)
Rex Ogle, Dave Valeza
Paperback

6) The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels
Beth Lincoln, Claire Powell
Hardcover

7) My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement
Willie Mae Brown
Hardcover

8) From the World of Percy Jackson: The Sun and the Star (Nico Di Angelo Adventures)
Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
Hardcover

9)  The Superteacher Project
Gordon Korman
Hardcover

10)  Finally Seen
Kelly Yang
Hardcover

Reference Link

Amazon Charts
The Top 20 Most Sold & Most Read Books of the Week 
of October 29, 2023

7) Diary Of A Wimpy Kid
No Brainer
By Jeff Kinney
MG 8-12

Reference link

The New York Times(R) Middle Grade Hardcover Best Seller List
Week of October 29, 2023

1) THE HARRY POTTER WIZARDING ALMANAC
by J.K. Rowling.

2) THE PUPPETS OF SPELHORST
by Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Julie Morstad

3) WINGS OF FIRE: A GUIDE TO THE DRAGON WORLD
by Tui T. Sutherland. Illustrated by Joy Ang

4) THE SUN AND THE STAR
by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

5) THE OFFICIAL HARRY POTTER COOKBOOK
by Joanna Farrow

6) WONDER
by R.J. Palacio

7) REFUGEE
by Alan Gratz

8) WRECKER
by Carl Hiaasen

9) A HORSE NAMED SKY
by Rosanne Parry. Illustrated by Kirbi Fagan

10) ODDER
by Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Charles Santoso

Reference link

The New York Times(R) Middle Grade Paperback Best Seller List
October 2023

1) A LONG WALK TO WATER
by Linda Sue Park

2) WISH
by Barbara O'Connor

3) RESTART
by Gordon Korman

4) FISH IN A TREE
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

5) OUT OF MY MIND
by Sharon M. Draper

6) PONY
by R.J. Palacio

7) A WOLF CALLED WANDER
by Rosanne Parry. Illustrated by Mónica Armiño

8) BROWN GIRL DREAMING
by Jacqueline Woodson

9) PAX
Sara Pennypacker. Illustrated by Jon Klassen

10) WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER
by Tae Keller

Reference link

From Barnes and Noble's Top 20 Bestselling Books

There are no middle-grade bestsellers on this list.

Reference link

 
Summary 

--Rick Riordan's The Sun and the Star continues to have strong month-to-month sales.

--Jeff Kinney's latest Wimpy Kid book makes a top ten appearance on Amazon Charts.  

--Many new titles have appeared on the best seller lists within the last week of October. Lets see how they pan out for the remainder of  2023.

Video Games for Middle-Graders: Educational and Entertaining Picks

Parents have legitimate concerns about video games eating into their kid's daily routines, to the point of them becoming a distraction or counter-productive to learning.

As many of us will reluctantly admit, we often give our children permission to play games as a reward and/or as motivation to improve our child's behavior, like keeping them quiet or occupied while at a restaurant or when traveling.

This parenting technique has a greater payoff and creates less apprehension for the parent if the games we allow our kids to spend time with are both educational and entertaining at the same time.

Just in time for the holiday season, let's explore some of the best titles around that will likely please parents and middle graders alike.

1. "Minecraft": Building Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

"Minecraft" is a sandbox game that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Middle-graders can craft their own worlds, build structures, and even collaborate with friends in a shared virtual space. It's a game that promotes critical thinking, resource management, and teamwork, all while having a blast.

2. "Kerbal Space Program": Learning Physics Through Space Exploration

"Kerbal Space Program" is a space simulation game that allows players to design and launch spacecraft into orbit and beyond. While it's highly entertaining, it also provides a hands-on way for middle-graders to learn about physics, engineering, and orbital mechanics. It encourages experimentation and problem-solving in a fun and engaging manner.

 

 

 

 

 

3. "Undertale": Teaching Empathy and Decision-Making

"Undertale" is an indie RPG that explores themes of empathy and choice. Players navigate a world inhabited by monsters and can choose to befriend or fight them. The game challenges middle-graders to think about the consequences of their actions and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in decision-making.

 

 

 

 

4. "Zoombinis": Logical Puzzles for Critical Thinking

"Zoombinis" is a puzzle game designed to boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Players guide small creatures through a series of logical challenges, encouraging them to use deductive reasoning and pattern recognition. It's an excellent choice for middle-graders looking to exercise their brains while having fun.

5. "Scribblenauts": Expanding Vocabulary and Creativity

"Scribblenauts" is a puzzle game that encourages creativity and expands vocabulary. Players can summon objects by typing their names, allowing them to solve puzzles in imaginative ways. The game is not only entertaining but also an excellent tool for language development and creative thinking.

6. "Spore": Evolution and Biology Exploration

"Spore" is a simulation game that takes players on an evolutionary journey, starting as a single-celled organism and progressing through various stages of evolution. It introduces middle-graders to concepts of biology, adaptation, and evolution in a visually engaging and interactive manner.

7. "The Oregon Trail": Historical Learning Through Simulation

"The Oregon Trail" is a classic educational game that simulates the journey of pioneers in the 19th century. It offers middle-graders a glimpse into history as they make decisions about supplies, navigate challenges, and learn about life on the Oregon Trail. It combines history education with gaming fun.

8. "Civilization VI": Strategy and World History

"Civilization VI" is a strategy game that lets players build and manage their own civilization. It introduces middle-graders to world history, diplomacy, and critical decision-making as they guide their civilization from ancient times to the modern era. It's a game that fosters strategic thinking and historical awareness.

 

 

 

 

9. "LittleBigPlanet": Creativity and Game Design

"LittleBigPlanet" is a platformer that not only lets players explore imaginative worlds but also create their own levels and games. It encourages middle-graders to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and share their creations with others, fostering an interest in game design and development.

 

 

 

 

10. "Oxenfree": A Supernatural Adventure with Narrative Depth

"Oxenfree" is an adventure game that blends supernatural elements with a gripping narrative. Players take on the role of a teenager named Alex, and as they make choices in the game, they shape the story's outcome. This game not only engages middle-graders with its intriguing plot but also challenges them to think critically about their choices and their consequences.

In conclusion, video games for middle-graders have come a long way in offering both entertainment and educational value. These games engage young minds, promote critical thinking, and even teach valuable life skills—all while providing hours of enjoyment. Parents and educators can confidently explore these educational and entertaining video game options, knowing that they can have a positive impact on a middle-grader's cognitive development and entertainment experience.

Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer: Middle Grade Reviews from a Parent and Writer’s Perspective

 

This review of the first book in the beloved Artemis Fowl fantasy / sci-fi / humor / adventure series was inspired by the hope that Disney Plus will one day give the middle grade franchise another chance after its disappointing adaptation into a single, poorly-reviewed movie.

In fact, the Artemis Fowl movie was probably the worst reviewed Disney flop ever on Rotten Tomatoes. I'm hoping the studio's next attempt at filming the book series will more closely follow the story lines of the original source material. Even better, they could turn the series into a multi-season TV series.

Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, the son of a criminal mastermind, who, in the absence of his father, and, while enduring the depressed
comatose state of his mother over the disappearance of her husband, turns to the family's roots in crime to keep their financial empire afloat.

Artemis' first major criminal caper is no ordinary heist; he wants to cheat the fabled Little People of a ton (literally) of their treasured gold. It it is a feat that has never been accomplished before and we soon learn why, and why Artemis may be the first to achieve it.

 

Author: Eoin Colfer
Published: 2001
Age Range: 10-13+

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

 --The extraordinary writing of Eion Colfer carries the reader past some of the more unbelievable tall tales the writer spins in his
re-imagining of the lore of the Little People. The author's writing carries the show.

--The primary, secondary and even tertiary characters within the world of Artemis Fowl are well sketched and immediately endearing.

--The book employs a fast-flowing plot with cleverly interwoven story lines.

--Laugh out loud funny. Irish humor at its best.

--The author's use of alternating character POVs that challenge but don't confuse the reader are highly effective and enjoyable to read.

Cons:

--Over-usage of a mild curse word, mostly for comedic effect. Still, it seems unnecessary.

--The ending of the book was anti-climatic for me, especially given the build-up and relative importance placed on Artemis' ability to
out-think his adversaries. The logic that ties the story's plot threads together is lacking, and the book is saved only by the humorous tone
established by the author during the earlier chapters. We can forgive the author one more time for his outlandishness and
inventive tomfoolery.

--Contains some violent scenes that could scare younger, and impressionable readers. Particularly, Butler's fight with the Troll.
However, the descriptions are more akin to comic violence than the realistic variety.

A Worthwhile Read?

Absolutely! IMO, the Artemis Fowl series is among the best middle grade fiction around, and kids shouldn't be put off by the made-for-streaming movie that Disney released in 2020. The series certainly deserves another adaptation to attempt to capture the literary brilliance of the books.

Reviewed by:

Christopher Sartorius

 

 

For Writers & Screenwriters: 5 Secrets To Writing A Marketable Screenplay On The First Draft by Kathy Berardi (Guest Screenwriter)

Last night's presentation by Kathy Berardi, 5 Secrets To Writing A Marketable Screenplay On The First Draft, to my meetup.com group, Atlanta Screenwriters Anonymous, was highly informative. 

 

Kathy offers 5 easily actionable ideas that make a lot of sense from a commercial perspective. I'll be personally putting them into practice in my current and future scripts.

As promised during her talk, I've included a link to the presentation pdf file that gives an overview of her discussion points. Enjoy!

PDF file link

My meetup  group can be reached at:

Atlanta Screenwriters Anonymous link

Events are held online and also in person within the Atlanta metro area.

Trending Middle Grade Best Sellers Snapshot -- August 2023 (Novels, Graphic Novels, and Book Series)

Included in this post are lists from different sources to provide a snapshot of the most popular trending middle grade fiction (novels, graphic novels and book series) for August 2023.

Notably, Amazon accounts for some 60%-70% of US book sales, and dominates the marketplace. Therefore, books trending on other best seller lists should theoretically also show up somewhere on the various Amazon Most Sold listings.

Here are the lists below with the titles appearing on multiple lists highlighted:


Amazon's Best Children's Books of 2023 So Far: Ages 9 to 12

1) The Eyes and the Impossible
Dave Eggers, Shawn Harris Dave Eggers, Shawn Harris
Hardcover

2) Greenwild: The World Behind the Door (Greenwild, 1)
Pari Thomson
Hardcover

3) The Labors of Hercules Beal
Gary D. Schmidt
Hardcover

4) The One and Only Ruby
Katherine Applegate
Hardcover

5) Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel (Four Eyes #1)
Rex Ogle, Dave Valeza
Paperback

6) The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels
Beth Lincoln, Claire Powell
Hardcover

7) My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement
Willie Mae Brown
Hardcover

8) From the World of Percy Jackson: The Sun and the Star (Nico Di Angelo Adventures)
Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
Hardcover

9)  The Superteacher Project
Gordon Korman
Hardcover

10)  Finally Seen
Kelly Yang
Hardcover 

 Reference link

Amazon Charts
The Top 20 Most Sold & Most Read Books of the Week
Week of August 27, 2023

9)  We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Kindle Unlimited
Ages: 12+

10)  The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Kindle Unlimited
Ages" 12+

 Reference link

 
The New York Times(R) Middle Grade Hardcover Best Seller List
Week of August 27, 2023

1) THE SUN AND THE STAR
by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

2) REFUGEE
by Alan Gratz

3) WONDER
by R.J. Palacio

4) ODDER
by Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Charles Santoso

5) THE SWIFTS
by Beth Lincoln. Illustrated by Claire Powell

6) TWO DEGREES
by Alan Gratz

7) SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF
by A.F. Steadman

8) WORST BROOMMATE EVER!
by Wanda Coven. Illustrated by Anna Abramskaya

9) GROUND ZERO (Historical Fiction)
by Alan Gratz

10) THE COMPLETE COOKBOOK FOR YOUNG CHEFS
(Non-Fiction)
by America's Test Kitchen Kids

Reference link

The New York Times(R) Middle Grade Paperback Best Seller List
July 2023 (Trailing one month)

1) A LONG WALK TO WATER
by Linda Sue Park

2) THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN
by Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Patricia Castelao

3) RESTART
by Gordon Korman

4) OUT OF MY MIND
by Sharon M. Draper

5) FISH IN A TREE
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

6) BROWN GIRL DREAMING
by Jacqueline Woodson

7) WISH
by Barbara O'Connor

8) THE CROSSOVER
by Kwame Alexander

9) A WOLF CALLED WANDER
by Rosanne Parry. Illustrated by Mónica Armiño

10) THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON
by Kelly Barnhill

Reference link

From Barnes and Noble's Top 20 Bestselling Books

6) The Chalice of the Gods (B&N Exclusive Edition) (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)
by Rick Riordan

16) Hooky Volume 3 (Signed Book)
by Míriam Bonastre Tur, Míriam Bonastre Tur (Illustrator)

 Reference link

 

Summary 

-Two of the 12+ age intended Summer Series novels by Jenny Han made it on to Amazon's Most Sold and Read list (although not fully MG titles).

-Special edition middle grade books exclusive to Barnes and Noble appear to sell well on their platform as two middle grade series books made Barnes and Noble's Top 20 Bestsellers List.

 -Percy Jackson series books are reliably trending popular.

 

Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood: Middle Grade Reviews from a Parent and Writer’s Perspective

 

Synopsis:

Ken Sparks, a thirteen-year-old English boy is selected to be evacuated from London to Canada during the Nazi’s horrific bombing campaign in the summer of 1940. He is among the ninety evacuee boys and girls considered “the lucky ones” by their parents and neighbors. During their fifth day at sea, the officers of their ship, The City of Benares, tell the children they have been saved. But events prove them wrong. Will Ken and his friends survive after a U-boat attack sets them adrift on a crowded lifeboat?

 

Author: Susan Hood
Published: 2019
Age Range: 10-13+

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Evocative, figurative language is effectively used by author Susan Hood in the telling of the story and in the characterization of Ken, the thirteen-year-old protagonist.

The type setting of the text is laid out like a poetry book. The positioning, size and shape of the text changes to reflect the book’s mood and action. The effects are not as radical as you might imagine. Rather, the technique is used judiciously and to good effect, helping the story flow and adding a dynamic, active element to the words on the page.

A less poetic example of this would be “The Wimpy Kid Font” that is used in “The Wimpy Kid” series where the text looks like handwriting and reflects the attitude of the storyteller, and along with the cartoons, is a visual reflection of the action described on the page.

It’s a good introduction to poetic and figurative language for young readers. The writing is at an incrementally higher reading level than “gateway” books for reluctant readers.

This story is historical fiction with interesting background facts woven into the tale. We learn about a time period that contrasts sharply with the lifestyle and societal demands of today.

Strong emotional payoff and sentimental nostalgia from the true story and fictional elements in the book.

Cons:

Perhaps too much poetic language and war time conflict for readers just interested in enjoying an adventure sea story.

The emotional and dramatic ending may be too much for some younger readers and might be better handled when they are more emotionally mature.

Potentially Offensive Content:
Wartime WWII bombing is described. A sailor dies from drowning after jumping off Lifeboat 12, driven to madness after drinking too much saltwater. We learn in the historical background information that other passengers and crew were killed during the ship’s sinking or died in the hospital after being rescued.

A Worthwhile Read?

Absolutely! Lifeboat 12 is a highly engaging, emotionally evocative book by renowned author Susan Hood that will thrill and entertain young readers interested in fact-based adventure stories.

Also, I think Ken Spark’s story could be made into a worthwhile and entertaining movie for both children and adults.

 Reviewed by:

Christopher Sartorius