Many children love to read fiction or books created out of the imagination of an author.  However, nonfiction or informational books have an important role in developing proficient readers.  Often nonfiction books will help children develop a richer and larger vocabulary, help children read for information and generate a wonderment of topics often missed in fictional reading material.

One of the great things about reading nonfiction is that children don’t have to read the entire book cover to cover.  Sometimes, nonfiction books can be read in sections or children can chose to read just the parts that interest them.  For many reluctant readers, a fictional chapter book may be overwhelming in size and length or for the depth of the plot and character development.  Nonfiction material may be more accessible while providing high interest topics.  Nonfiction material is available and a wide variety of reading levels from the very beginning reader to the more advanced reader.  The topics can vary greatly, from strange animals to important historical events—there is a topic for everyone.  Some amazing nonfiction children’s books are great for adults, too.

During the summer months, it is important for children to read every day but most importantly the material they read should be based on their free choice.  Children may not think to look for nonfiction material or naturally choose informational texts but with a little encouragement from a caring adult most children will completely enjoying reading nonfiction.

Here are a few great nonfiction reads for summer that are new to the library.