non fiction books for book report

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The Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers

No need to dread a book report! When kids find titles that are engaging, interesting, and thought-provoking, they're hooked. If it's fiction, students can dissect plot, theme, and characters. If it's nonfiction, they can plunge into a subject that fascinates them or learn a lot about something they've never heard of before. Here's a list of surefire selections for students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. For even more ideas, check out 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12 .

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Inspiring wartime journal reveals teen's inner life.

The Apothecary, Book 1

Cold War kids use magic to save world in brilliant novel.

Everything Sad Is Untrue: (A True Story)

Young refugee's story is told in memories, myths, fables.

Goodbye Stranger

Bittersweet, lovely story of friendship and social media.

Genesis Begins Again

Teen learns to love herself in uplifting tale of misfits.

Hold on tight for an intense tale of survival.

A Long Walk to Water

Touching take on Lost Boys of Sudan, based on true story.

One Crazy Summer

A gem, with strong girl characters, '60s black history.

Poverty, being unhoused explored in hopeful tale.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights

Little-known disaster gets overdue, in-depth treatment.

The Red Badge of Courage

Compelling Civil War novel questions morality of battle.

Uglies: Uglies Quartet, Book 1

Thoughtful sci-fi about the price of beauty.

Interned girl, Native boy find common ground in moving tale.

All-American Muslim Girl

Captivating coming-of-age tale explores identity, racism.

American Ace

Moving, fast-paced novel-in-verse; great for teen boys.

Bomb: The Race to Build -- and Steal -- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Complex, suspenseful story of developing The Bomb.

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

Thrilling true story of teenagers who stood up to the Nazis.

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings

Poignant memoir-in-verse recalls Cuban American's childhood.

Long Way Down

Gripping, unnerving story of teen boy contemplating revenge.

My Name Is Not Easy

Fascinating story of Alaskan kids growing up in the 1960s.

Other great lists from our editors

• Coming-of-Age Books
• Books to Help Your Kid Survive Middle School
• How to Raise a Reader
• Help Your Kids Find Books with Diverse Characters
• How Comics Helped My Kid Love Reading

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Raise the Bar Reading

A Reading Teacher's Blog

Nonfiction Book Report Templates and Ideas for 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Students

Generally, when we think of book reports, we think of fiction reading response. However, nonfiction book report templates serve equally as important of a purpose for digging deep into nonfiction texts.  

Book reports are such a great way to encourage the use of many different reading skills with the same text. With one nonfiction text, students can practice skills like identifying main idea and details, analyzing text structure, finding nonfiction text features, summarizing, quoting, paraphrasing, finding the author’s purpose, citing text evidence, etc. The list goes on and on! 

By allowing students to practice so many skills at once, they are able to deeply analyze the text and think critically about the topic. Students can then form their own opinions on the topic and the author’s writing style, and ask important questions for further investigation.   

1. BACKPACK BOOK REPORT:

Backpack Book Reports are an engaging, hands-on twist on a classic book report. They are very easy to prep and make a great bulletin board display when completed. 

Each page focuses on an important nonfiction reading skill. These include: 

• Main Idea & Supporting Details
• Summarizing
• Nonfiction Text Features
• Author’s Point of View & Text Evidence
• Text Structure
• Academic Vocabulary
• Interesting Facts
• Back Up Opinions
• Reflection (What I Learned, My Connection, Questions I Still Have)

2. BOOK REPORT TAB BOOKS:

These tab books really bring nonfiction texts to life! Students re-create the cover of their informational book on the front of their book report. Then, each of the 10 tabs represent an important nonfiction reading response skill.  The tabs include:

They also come in full page option to maximize student writing space, or half page size to maximize wall space for a display.  

3. INFORMATIONAL TEXT LAP BOOK REPORT:

These lap books are great in that you can have students 1.) completely design their own lap books, or 2.) provide them with more structured directions.  

• Lap Book Free-Writes: The teacher tells students what nonfiction elements they are responsible for reporting on, but does not tell them exactly how to present them. The teacher provides students tools like paper, envelopes, scissors, etc. and students can present the information however they would like.

• Structured Lab Book: With this option, the teacher can set clear expectations and provide a model for how to present each nonfiction element on their lap books.

4. NONFICTION BOOK REPORT TEMPLATES:

Students can fill in each template and staple them together with the included cover page. These 10 templates are versatile in that if there’s a skill you haven’t yet covered, you can easily leave that page out until later into the school year and it won’t affect the finished book report product.

5. DIGITAL NONFICTION BOOK REPORT TEMPLATES:

These digital slides are the same as the nonfiction book report templates above, just in a digital Google Slides format. With this format, teachers can just delete any of the slides that cover skills that their students are unfamiliar with before making them their own copy. 

6. CEREAL BOX BOOK REPORT IDEAS:

Cereal boxes are a popular 3D way to have students present their book report since cereal boxes are easily accessible for any student to get their hands on. Students cover their boxes with paper to create drawing and writing space.  

The front of the box is transformed into a type of cereal that is fitting for the text they read.  For example, a student reporting on owls might name their box “Hoot Loops”. Then, the back and sides of their box are filled with information on the text. 

Similar to the lap book options described above, it is up to the teacher in how much structure they want to provide in this activity. Students can follow a model of how to present each element of nonfiction, or come up with their own ways to present each element on their box.

7. ONE PAGE BOOK REPORT (One Pager) :

Not every single book report we assign needs to take up tons of class time. A one-page book report option is an essential resource as it can be used as a quick, zero prep assessment tool. Although short, this type of report can still have students dig deep into reading comprehension.  

On the one pager that is pictured, students still use many important nonfiction skills. These include writing a nonfiction summary, identifying text structure, finding facts, giving an overall opinion, writing a recommendation, reflection on what they learned, and providing a rating.

8. PARAGRAPH WRITING WITH GUIDELINES:

If you are looking for a way to provide a lot of structure and clear expectations, you can give students a nonfiction book report writing rubric for what their reports need to include from the very start.

Students can also use graphic organizers that break down necessary points to include according to their rubric. Using a graphic organizer for prewriting is a great support for students in organizing their ideas before jumping into their drafts. 

No matter what book report format you go with, it is important that students know and understand what is expected of their writing content. Displaying a Nonfiction Book Report Bulletin Board is such a helpful way to provide students with steps to writing a book report as well as terms they will come across in their templates.

All of the nonfiction book report templates from this blog post are included in the Nonfiction Book Reports Bundle as well as the Fiction & Nonfiction Book Reports Megabundle !

Next up: Fiction Book Report Writing Ideas

Teaching Book Report Writing: Book Report Ideas and Formats (Grades 3-5)

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Non Fiction Book Report: How to Write the Perfect Paper

The thought of a non fiction book report may bring to mind early school days. In fact, a parent could easily use this article to help their kids complete one of these report assignments. However, even college students may be asked to review or report on a nonfiction book. Thankfully, the standards for what makes a perfect analysis paper doesn’t change across grade levels. The content itself becomes more complicated but the principles stay the same.

There are two main principles to writing a perfect book report: describe and evaluate. Knowing how to perform each and how to balance them can help you, your students, or your kids write the best paper they can.

Describe: The Facts of the Non Fiction Book Report

Description in a book report includes names and major points in the book. This is not the time to state your analysis of the work but simply to list the relevant information so the reader knows where your analysis will go.

The information in the description portion of a nonfiction book report includes background on the author and relevant information on the creation of the book. State how the book has been assembled or organized, especially if it takes a unique genre form. This includes the author’s intention with the book as a thesis or a statement of purpose. Let the reader know that you have a big picture of the nonfiction book being discussed.

Finally, offer a summary of the nonfiction book to get your readers on the same “page” for your evaluation. By selectively summarizing information, the reader (or grader) knows what they should take from your analysis.

Evaluate: Make Your Points

When you begin evaluating, use the information you reviewed and summarized in the description section. Evaluation involves your opinion, but a supported opinion that includes relevant scholarship. This means that other writers’ reviews and journal articles that discuss the nonfiction book you’re studying can come in handy to back up your points.

You can observe the strengths and faults of the book based on your observations and experience. However, the more you can support your statements with the words of others and of the book itself, the better your report will be.

How to Start Writing a Book Report

As you read, you have to read the right way ! This means observing the author’s purpose quickly, learning the background information that will go into your report beforehand, and taking notes. As you read, note the author’s expertise and how they incorporate their thesis. When you see quotes that support the author’s ideas (or yours), take note of where they occur. This can only make writing the report easier in the long run.

The Takeaway

A non fiction book report sounds like a hefty obligation. However, whether it’s a college paper or a child’s school project, a book report doesn’t have to be a burden. Get the two qualities of description and evaluation clearly distinct in your head so that when you read, you can already sort and note the informtation that will make your paper work.

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35 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

From mint tins toward cereal boxes to T-shirts.

Responding to what yours take is an important literacy skill. Reading about other people’s experiences and perspectives helping kids learned about the around. And though students don’t need to dive deeply inside each single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, or related cans help you learn to look beyond the prose. Here are 35 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more useful.

1. Concreting Create Poem

Sourced: MiddleWeb

This clever activity is basically a shape poem make upside of words, phrases, also hole sentences found in the buch students get. The words come together up create into image that represents something from the story.

2. Vivid Novel

Have students rewrite to book they are reading, otherwise a chapter of their book, like a graphic novel. Determined parameters for the assignment such as including six scenes from of story, three characters, details about the setting, more. And, from course, enclose detailed illustrations to accompany the story. Gingerbread House Non-fiction Craftivity Book Account Project This is a book report project that reviews the characteristics of non-fiction: topic, text features and author’s purpose. Students also need till discuss facts they learned from the record and writes a short book review. Please note that these concepts will need to be taught before to project. […]

3. Book Snaps

Source: Easy and Writing Haven

Book Snaps are a path for pupils to optics show how they have reacting to, working, and/or connecting with ampere text. Firstly, students snap a picture the a page in one buy yours are reading. When, they attach comments, slide, highlights, and more.

4. Write an Diary Entry

Hold autochthonous students place themselves in the shoelaces from one of the characters from their book and write a first-person diary entry regarding a critical moment from the story. Ask them to prefer a moment in the story where and temperament has plenty of interaction and fear to sharing in a diary entry. 120 4 book report ideas | book report, teaching reading, instruct reading

5. Character To-Do List

Source: MiddleWeb

This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path how at dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the main character in ampere book and write ampere to-do list that they might write. Use actual informations from the text, but also make inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish. Find a fiction or nonfiction record yourself FONDNESS. ... beneath to complete the project. ... Create a collage on the themes/ideas presented in autochthonous book.

6. Mint Tin Book Report

Source: Teacher Thrive

There are so many super-creative, open-ended projects thou bucket use mint tins available. This teacher blogger describes the process in creating book reports real exploitation theirs. There’s even a loose template for cards that fit insides. Date 5, 2013 - Explore Majella Cahill's boardroom "Non literature book report" with Pinterest. See see theories about teaching write, teach reading, reading workshop.

7. Invented Annual Entries

Asks your students to create adenine yearbook grounded on one characters and situation in the book. About do they look like? Cut outbound magazine pictures on gift a good visual image for their school picture. Whichever kind of superlative might they procure? Best looking? Class clown? What clubs would they may in or lead? Worked they win each awards? It should is obvious from their small yearbooks whether your students dug deep into and characters in their books. Their could also learned is who we are as individuals is reflected in what we choose to do with our lives. SELF-SUFFICIENT READING PROJECT OPTIONS METAL Find a ...

8. Book Report Pastry

Source: Mrs. Beattie’s Schulraum

All create would be complete for a book food in autochthonous education! Each student gifted their book reports in an shape von raw. See and sandwich and pizza options above and check out this blog for more delicious ideas.

9. Current Events Reference

Have students locate triplet to five current current articles ampere character in their book might be interested in. After they’ve found the news, have them explain why the character intend search them interesting and how they relate for the book. Knowledge about how current events affect timing, place, and people has critical to helping develop views about what our read and experience in life.

10. Muffin Record Show

Source: 123Homeschool4Me

Yum! You’ll message a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this project, each layer of this book report sandwich covers an different element off the book—characters, setting, conflict, et. A fun adaptation of this project is the book get cheeseburger.

11. Book Print

Choose 15 to 20 rudiments books until help offer your students examples in how the work around themes. Then please your students to create their own Book Alphabet founded on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary terms, or names reflect the important parts of the book? Nach they find a word to represent jeder letter, have themselves write on sentence this explains where the word fits in.

12. Peekaboo Book Report

Source: Runde’s Room

Using cardboard lap books (or small academics report boards), our include details about to book’s main characters, plot, surroundings, disagreement, resolution, more. Then they draw a head and heere on card stock and attach them to the house of behind until making itp look like the main character is watch across the report.

13. T-Shirt Book Report

Source: Pinterest/T-Shirt Book How

Another fun furthermore create idea: Make a wearable publication report with a plain white tee. Come up because your own using Sharpie cages and acrylic paint. Get step-by-step directions .

14. Reserve Case

Have students create a new book jacket for their story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, a summary, a short biography to the author, and a few reviews from readers.

15. Watercolor Rainbow Book Report

Source: Let’s Explore

These is great for biography research projects. Pupils cut out a photocopied image of her subject or glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines away who image to the edged of the paper, like jets of sunshine, and full in each section with information about the human. As a book report master, the center image could be ampere copy of the book cover, and either section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, ect.

16. Act the Part

Have students dress up as their favorite character from the book and present to pointed book report. If their my chars is not the main character, retell the legend starting the point of click. Schwimmen 25, 2017 - Students LOVE this Shoebox Diorama Book Review templates! Students pick a fiction or non-fiction book and ornament a shoe text grounded on it! Students justly love this creative book report! Our been answerable for decorating all sides is the box according to directions and putting a innovative scenic i...

17. Hot Field Book Reporting

Source: Education World

If you’re looking for creative book reporting ideas that use upcycled supported, try this one using a pizza box. Information works well for both nonfiction furthermore books book reports. Each wedge of the pizza pie told single of the past.

18. Bookmark

Must students create a custom illustrated save comprising drawings and words away get their favor chapter or this entire how.

19. Book Reports in a Bag

Source: Sunday Sending

This project really promote creative thinking. Students read a book and write a summarized. Then, they decorate a paper grocery bag with a scene since aforementioned book, place five items that represent object von the show inside the bag, and present the bag to the class. Results 1 - 24 of 2100+ ... This fun book write project can be completed with nonfiction also ... shared reading activities, guided reading activities or even a ...

20. Reading Lists since Characters

Asked your students to think about a character in their book. What kinds of related might that character like to read? Take they to the library to choose five books the character might have on their to-be-read list. Had them list the buch and explain what each book energy mean to the character. Post the to-be-read lists for others to see the select from—there’s nothing like trying out a book character’s style whenever evolving your owned identity. Non fiction book report

21. File Folder Show Report

Product: Appletastic Learned

Also called a lap read, that easy-to-make book report hits on all the major item the a booking study and gives students a chance to show what they know in a colorful way.

22. Collage

Create a collage using pictures and words that represent different spare of the book. Use ancient magazines or print pictures from who internet.

23. Books Report Triorama

Source: Swarthmore Education

Who doesn’t loving one multidimensional book report? Such image shows a 3D model, but the link provides a lesson up show students how to glue four triangles united to take adenine 4D model.

24. Timeline

Have students create a timeline of the main events starting ihr book. Be security to include feature your additionally details for any event. Use 8 scratch 11 sheets of paper taped collective or an long portion of bulletin board paper.

25. Attire Hanger Book Report Mobile

Reference: Anjanette Young

This creative project doesn’t require a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need on ordinary attire hanger, stringed, additionally paper. The group of that hanger is used to identify the book, and that cards on the strings dangling below are filled to key elements of the book, like characters, setting, and a summary.

26. Open Service Announcement

If an apprentice has read a book about a cause the affected people, animals, either the environment, teach them nearly public service announcements . Once they understand what a PSA is, have them research the issue or cause this stood out into the book. Then gives them adenine template for adenine storyboard so they can creating her admit PSA. Some students might want to takes it a step further and create a tape grounded on their storyboard. Considering sharing their storyboard or record with an company that supports the occasion alternatively issue.

27. Dodecahedron Book Reports

Source: Educator’s Vitality

Artists book story notions think outward the box. In this case, it’s a ball! CONSEQUENTLY much information can be covered on the 12 panes, press it allows students until takes a deep dive in a creator way. Nonfiction Book Projects Teacher Resources | TPT

28. Character Cards

Make trading show (like baseball cards) for ampere very characters from the how. On the head side, draw the character. On an go next, make a list of their character traits and include a quote or two. 35 Amazingly Creative Book Berichterstattung

29. Paper Bag Book Account Books

Sources: Bright Concepts 4 Teachers

This clever book report can made from ordinary paper bags. Stack the paper bags on top out each other, fold them in half, and staple to closed-off ended of that bags together. Learners can write, draw, and decorate on who paper bag pages. They capacity moreover record information on writing or drawing paper and glue this paper onto the pages. The open ends by the bags can be used how pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that search them tell their story. Results 1 - 24 of 500+ ... This fun book report project can be completed with nonfiction and educational test. Students canister complete which project using their own ...

30. Letter to the Authors

Compose a letter to who your of and order. Tell them three things you seriously liked learn one story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anything not you’re curious about. Footwear Box Diorama Book Report Template: Perfect for Fiction or Non-Fiction Books | Book report, Book report templates, School ready

31. Book Report Charm Bracelet

Source: Crayola

From the author of this lesson: “What a charming way to write ampere read report! Each illustrated bracelet charm captures a character, an event in the chart, setting, alternatively other detail.” 4 book report theories

32. Fact Sheet

Make a list of 10 facts that you learned von book the book. Script your facts in complete sentences, plus be sure that each fact is something that i didn’t know before yours how the book.

33. Corn Box TV Book Report

Source: The Cheese Theft

Here book report request is a low-tech version of a television made from a cereal box also two paper drying rolls. Students create of viewing monitor cut-out toward the apex, then insert a scroll away paper with writing plus illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard rollers is rotated, the story unfolds. Gingerbread House Non-fiction Craftivity Book Report Project - Use With Any Book - Teaching Resources and Lesson Plans - Teaching Ideas 4U by Amy Mezni

34. Be a Symbol Therapist

Therapists work to uncover their clients’ fears based on their words and actions. Although we read books, us must learn to use a character’s daily and dialogue the infer their afraid. Many plots revolve near adenine character’s fear and the work it takes at overcome that apprehension. Ask students to identify a character’s fear and find 8 to 10 scenes that prove this fear exists. Next have them indite about ways the character overcame the fear (or didn’t) in the story. What might the char have complete differently? Non Fantasy Book Report Projects Teaching Resources | TPT

35. Mind Maps

Mind charts sack be a great fashion to synthesize what students have learned with reading adenine book. Plus, there will accordingly many roads for approach yours. Begin on writing a central idea in the centered of the page. For example, general information, characters, plot, eat. Then create out from who center with ideas, thoughts, and connections to material after the books.

What creative reserve report ideas did we miss? Come share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Get.

Besides, restrain outward the most popular kids’ books in every grade..

Elizabeth Mulvahill is a Contributing Editor with WeAreTeachers. She has taught elementary, literacy and small group intervention. She currently resides outside of Rock, Colorado and loves learning new things, audio people's stories and traveler the ball. Not Your. Grandma's. Book Report: 30 Creative Ways to ... Respondent Projects and Requirements ... Nonfiction/Informational; Biography & Autobiography.

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How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting. 

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom,  you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider  incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film  Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource  Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot  blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This   printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom,  Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's  English Journal,  Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 Fact Checked

• Researching
• Drafting the Report
• Reviewing & Revising

Sample Book Reports & Summaries

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,410,972 times.

A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.

Things You Should Know

• Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
• Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
• Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.

Researching Your Book Report

• For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
• Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.

• Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.

• Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
• Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
• Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
• Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
• Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?

• Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
• Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
• Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.

• For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”

Outlining Your Book Report

• Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
• Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
• Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
• Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
• Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
• Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
• Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
• Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
• Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.

• Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.

• For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
• When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
• Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.

Writing Your Book Report

• For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
• Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.

• Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”

• For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.

• For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
• Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.

• You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
• For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.

• For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.

• Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
• When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.

Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report

• Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
• Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.

• If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
• Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.

• For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
• Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!

• Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
• Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
• Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!

• Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
• ↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
• ↑ https://library.valleycollege.edu/elements_of_book_report.pdf
• ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
• ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
• ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
• ↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2022

These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.

A good nonfiction book doesn’t just tell you something new about the world, it pulls you out of your place in it and dares you to reconsider what you thought you knew, maybe even who you are. The best nonfiction books that arrived this year vary in scope—some are highly specific, some broad and searching—but they all ask giant questions about loss, strength, and survival. In The Escape Artist , Jonathan Freedland underlines the power of the truth through the journey of one of the first Jews to escape Auschwitz . In How Far the Light Reaches , Sabrina Imbler reveals the ways marine biology can teach us about the deepest, most human parts of ourselves. From Stacy Schiff’s brilliant chronicle of Samuel Adams’ role in the American Revolution to Imani Perry’s illuminating tour of the American South, here are the 10 best nonfiction books of 2022.

10. The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams, Stacy Schiff

Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff revisits the American Revolution in her engrossing biography of founding father Samuel Adams. The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams centers on the years leading up to 1776 when Adams helped fan the earliest flames of the independence movement. Though he drove the anti-British rebellion in Massachusetts and had an outsized role in the Revolution, Adams’ story has been told far less than those of other founders like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton . Schiff details his clandestine work and his growing radicalization to show how vital he was to American independence, crafting an intricate portrait of a man long overshadowed by his contemporaries.

Buy Now : The Revolutionary on Bookshop | Amazon

9. The Invisible Kingdom, Meghan O’Rourke

Beginning in the late 1990s, Meghan O’Rourke was tormented by mysterious symptoms that would consume her life for years to follow. She describes her wrenching experience searching for a diagnosis in The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness , a 2022 National Book Award finalist. O’Rourke’s reported memoir is an indictment of the U.S. health care system and its approach—or lack thereof—to identifying and treating chronic illnesses, which take a grave toll on millions of Americans. Moving between her own medical journey, the history of illness in the U.S., and the crisis faced by millions currently suffering from long COVID , O’Rourke writes with an empathetic hand to argue why and how we need to change our systems to better support patients. The book is a bold and brave exploration into a much-overlooked topic, one that she punctuates with candor and urgency.

Buy Now : The Invisible Kingdom on Bookshop | Amazon

8. How Far the Light Reaches, Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler thoughtfully examines connections between science and humanity, tying together what should be very loose threads in 10 dazzling essays, each a study of a different sea creature. In one piece from their debut collection, Imbler explores their mother’s tumultuous relationship with eating while simultaneously looking at how female octopi starve themselves to death to protect their young. In another, they relate the morphing nature of cuttlefish with their own experiences navigating their gender identity. Throughout, Imbler reveals the surprising ways that sea creatures can teach us about family, sexuality, and survival.

Buy Now : How Far the Light Reaches on Bookshop | Amazon

7. His Name Is George Floyd, Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa

In their engaging book, Washington Post journalists Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnpia expand on their reporting of the 2020 murder of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin. His Name Is George Floyd: One Man’s Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice centers on the life Floyd led before he was killed, captured through hundreds of interviews and richly textured research. The biography explores how Floyd’s experiences were shaped by systemic racism, from the over-policed communities where he was raised to the segregated schools he attended. Samuels and Olorunnipa illustrate, in compassionate terms, the father and friend who wanted more for his life, and how his death became a global symbol for change .

Buy Now : His Name Is George Floyd on Bookshop | Amazon

6. Constructing a Nervous System, Margo Jefferson

In her second memoir, Pulitzer Prize winner Margo Jefferson brilliantly interrogates and expands the form. Constructing a Nervous System finds the author reflecting on her life, the lives of her family, and those of her literary and artistic heroes. Jefferson oscillates between criticism and personal narrative, engaging with ideas about performance, artistry, and the act of writing through a plethora of lively threads. She considers everything: her parents, Bing Crosby and Ike Turner, the way a ballerina moves on stage. What emerges is a carefully woven tapestry of American life, brought together by Jefferson’s lyrical and electric prose.

Buy Now : Constructing a Nervous System on Bookshop | Amazon

5. An Immense World, Ed Yong

Journalist Ed Yong reminds readers that the world is very large and full of incredible things. An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us is a celebration of sights and sounds, smells and tastes, and the unique ways different animals exist on the planet we all share. Yong’s absorbing book is a joyful blend of scientific study and elegant prose that transforms textbook fodder into something much more exciting and accessible. From dissecting why dogs love to sniff around so much to detailing how fish move in rivers, Yong underlines why it’s so important to take the time to stop and appreciate the perspectives of all the living things that surround us.

Buy Now : An Immense World on Bookshop | Amazon

4. The Escape Artist, Jonathan Freedland

When he was just 19 years old, Rudolf Vrba became one of the first Jews to break out of Auschwitz. It was April 1944, and Vrba had spent the last two years enduring horror after horror at the concentration camp, determined to make it out alive. As Jonathan Freedland captures in his harrowing biography, Vrba was fixated on remembering every atrocity because he knew that one day his story could save lives. The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World is heavy reading that spares no detail of the brutalities perpetrated by the Nazis during the Holocaust . It’s also a crucial, skillfully rendered look inside the journey of a teenager who risked his life to warn Jews, and the rest of the world, about what was happening in Auschwitz.

Buy Now : The Escape Artist on Bookshop | Amazon

3. Ducks, Kate Beaton

In 2005, Kate Beaton had just graduated from college and was yearning to start her career as an artist. But she had student loans to pay off and the oil boom meant that it was easy to get a job out in the sands, so she did. In her first full-length graphic memoir, Beaton reflects on her time working with a primarily male labor force in harsh conditions where trauma lingered and loneliness prevailed. Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands is a bruising and intimate account of survival and exploitation—of both the land and the people who worked on it—and is brought to life by Beaton’s immersive illustrations. In unveiling her plight, Beaton makes stunning observations about the intersections of class, gender, and capitalism.

Buy Now : Ducks on Bookshop | Amazon

2. South to America, Imani Perry

For her striking work of nonfiction, Imani Perry takes a tour of the American South , visiting more than 10 states, including her native Alabama. Perry argues that the associations and assumptions made about the South—with racism at their core—are essential to understanding the United States as a whole. While there is plenty of history embedded throughout South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation , the winner of the 2022 National Book Award for nonfiction, it is no history book. Instead, it’s an impressive mix of deftly compiled research and memoir, with Perry making poignant reflections on the lives of her own ancestors. The result is a revelatory account of the South’s ugly past—the Civil War, slavery, and Jim Crow Laws—and how that history still reverberates today.

Buy Now : South to America on Bookshop | Amazon

1. In Love, Amy Bloom

After Amy Bloom’s husband Brian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she supported him through the impossibly difficult decision to end his life, on his terms, with the aid of an organization based in Switzerland. Bloom’s memoir begins with their last flight together—on the way to Zurich—as she reflects on the reality that she will be flying home alone. But in these moments of despair, and the enormous grief that follows their trip, she finds tenderness and hope in remembering all that came before it. In writing about their marriage, Bloom unveils a powerful truth about the slippery nature of time. The book is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to her husband, and a crucial reminder that what drives grief is often the most profound kind of love.

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Books for Kids and Grown Ups

The Best 6th Grade Nonfiction Books

If you’re searching for engaging non-fiction books for 6th graders, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve curated a list of 20 of our favorite nonfiction titles covering various topics, including history, science, and sports. 

Because my 6th-grade son or I (or often both of us) have read each book on this list, I’ve provided brief, personal reviews of each book. You’ll not only be able to get a comprehensive list but also gain insight into why each title is so great. I’m so happy to be here at Reading Middle Grade, and I hope you enjoy this list of nonfiction books for 6th graders!

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20 Best Nonfiction Books for 6th Graders

Here are 20 of the best nonfiction books for 6th graders:

For Advanced Readers

If your 6th grader reads more mature content or is willing to tackle longer nonfiction books, here are some titles to consider.

Published September 10, 2019

Free Lunch chronicles author Rex Ogle’s experiences during his sixth-grade year:  feeling constantly hungry, being uncomfortable in ill-fitting second-hand clothing, and dealing with dissolving friendships. The memoir’s title comes from Rex’s dependence on the free lunch program at school and the shame he feels when he has to explain to the cashier that he’s on the program. While some of the language and content might be more suitable for mature 6th-grade readers, this memoir provides a wealth of teachable moments and discussion. Free Lunch is heart-wrenching, beautifully written, and a significant contribution to children’s literature.

Quiet Power: The Secret Strength of Introverted Kids

Published May 2, 2017

Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking was a New York Times Best Seller and focused on how dramatically society undervalues introverted adults. Quiet Power is geared specifically for older tweens and teens and focuses on the attributes of being an introvert. I especially appreciate how Cain concludes each section with actionable tips to help young introverts thrive, pointing out that the world has space for introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts (those who fall in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum) and that having friends who are different from you can enrich your life.

For Reluctant Readers

Try these short, high-interest titles for 6th graders who aren’t usually interested in reading or are intimidated by longer books.

You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen

Published July 4, 2017

You Can Fly tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, from the early days into World War II combat, through second-person poems that address the reader directly. This perspective personalizes the story, making the reader feel like they are part of the action. The author weaves in poems about Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, and Lena Horne–highlighting the simultaneous fight against racism in the United States. Reluctant readers will appreciate how much is conveyed through these short poems, which read more like a novel in verse–they build upon one another and are best enjoyed in sequential order.

How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous

Published: July 3, 2012

While How They Croaked might make some adults cringe, this book will fascinate middle schoolers, especially reluctant readers. It provides all the gruesome details of the deaths of 19 very famous people, including King Tut, Cleopatra, Marie Curie, Edgar Allen Poe, Ludwig Van Beethoven, George Washington, and Albert Einstein.  Each story is only about 5-7 pages long, which will seem manageable for many reluctant readers. This book isn’t all shock factor and includes lots of lesser-known facts about these 19 historical figures. It’s such a creative (and disgusting) way to share history. We listened to the audio version, and L.J. Ganser’s narration made our whole family laugh out loud.

Lebron James vs. Michael Jordan: Who Would Win?

Published: August 1, 2023

Michael Jordan and LeBron James have both won numerous championships, awards, and Olympic medals. But who is the best basketball player of all time? The latest in the All-Star Smackdown series hooks even the most reluctant readers with tons of statistics and photographs of the two stars. Being from Chicago, I went in a bit biased toward Michael Jordan, but was so impressed with the new facts I learned about both players and their achievements. After my son shared this with his friends, it spurred lively debate about which player was truly the basketball G.O.A.T. The book includes a glossary to help define more difficult terms, and the “Learn More” section encourages readers to continue researching and reading about these players.

Graphic Nonfiction 

Graphic novels are highly visual, which makes them especially appealing to many young readers. The combination of words and pictures in nonfiction graphic novels can help students develop a deeper understanding of the topic or event.

Yummy: A History of Desserts

Published: November 30, 2021

Guided by three food sprites named Peri, Fee, and Fada, this graphic novel explores the fascinating history of desserts, answering questions like “Who put the first chocolate chip in cookie dough?” This book manages to be both lighthearted and informative, exploring the history and cultural influences on desserts and the science behind their creations. Along the way, the sprites share yummy-looking recipes for readers to try at home. Elliott’s illustrations are fun, unique, and vibrant, and the book’s content and complexity are perfect for 6th graders. We initially checked this one out from the library but liked it so much I purchased a copy for our home and have bought some as birthday gifts!

When Stars Are Scattered

Published: April 14, 2020

Omar and Hassan (who is non-verbal) live in a refugee camp in Kenya after fleeing war in Somalia. Despite unimaginable living conditions and constant disappointments, they find a loving community of people. However, when Omar is offered the opportunity to attend school, he’s torn. If he goes to school, who will protect Hassan? The interdependent text and illustrations in the graphic novel form allow the reader to experience Omar’s reality- a reality unfathomable to most people, regardless of age. An afterword and authors’ notes (with photographs!) offer further closure to Omar’s story and connect readers to the real people behind the characters.

Nonfiction Rescue Stories

6th graders who love adventure stories will marvel at the heroism displayed in these real-life rescues.

The Finest Hours: The True Story of a Heroic Sea Rescue

Published: December 8, 2015

On the night of February 18, 1952, during a brutal storm, two oil tankers just off the shore of Cape Cod were torn in half. The only hope for the sailors on board was a group of four coast guardsmen who braved 70-foot waves in a tiny lifeboat to attempt a rescue. This riveting young reader’s adaptation tells the incredible story of how these four men overcame impossible conditions to rescue over 30 stranded sailors. This is a great pick for 6th graders drawn to adventure stories or who like to read about military rescues.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team

Published: October 13, 2020

In June 2018, twelve youth soccer players and their coach entered a cave for a few hours of exploration and fun. Suddenly, the cave began to flood, blocking their exit. News of the team’s plight prompted a complex rescue mission that lasted seventeen days and involved rescue workers from across the globe. Using firsthand interviews, photographs, diagrams, cultural information, and details of the region’s landscape, Soontornvat crafts a clear, compelling narrative that highlights both the efforts of the above-ground operation and the mental strength of the boys and their coach.

Science Nonfiction for 6th Graders

These books are perfect for inquisitive students who want to dive deeper into STEM.

Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements

Published: March 14, 2023

The entire Science Comics series is gorgeously illustrated, both inside and out – young readers quickly grab these off the library shelves at my children’s school. This latest volume explains the periodic table through the dream adventures of Mel, a girl who must overcome her fear of making mistakes as she travels through each elemental group. Such a fun, clever, and engaging introduction to the periodic table for middle grade readers!  My 11-year-old son loves all the Science Comics, but he really tore through this one.

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson

Published: July 2, 2019

Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician who played an essential role in several missions during the Space Race, including calculating the trajectory Apollo 11 needed to get to the moon and back. Katherine’s accomplishments alone are incredibly impressive, but that she succeeded in a world rife with racism and sexism is what makes this autobiography truly inspiring. Her narrative style is conversational and familiar, and she breaks down complex ideas and events in a way that young readers will understand. We loved listening to this one on audiobook, as award-winning narrator Heather Alicia Simms draws readers deeper into Katherine’s remarkable life.

Prescriptive Nonfiction (Guides)

No doubt about it, 6th graders want more independence! These guides will help them navigate friendships, personal growth, and more.

A Smart Girl’s Guide: Middle School

Published: May 27, 2014

This is an excellent resource to help girls feel more confident when starting middle school. The guide is packed with tips, quizzes, and first-hand accounts from girls who were just as worried about starting middle school. The content is perfect for 6th graders–or any middle school student– teaching girls how to make new friends, handle more homework, and build healthy routines.

365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts

Published: August 30, 2016

In the popular middle-grade novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio, we meet an unforgettable English teacher named Mr. Browne, who is passionate about precepts—which he explains are “principles to live by.” This companion book compiles 365 precepts from writers, artists, philosophers, and entertainers from different points in history. Several of the most touching quotes were created and sent to Palacio by children. Although Mr. Browne is a fictional character, each of the precepts is an encouraging quote from a real person. With its overarching message of kindness, this is a “wonder”ful book that deserves a place on any sixth grader’s bedside table.

Big Life Journal for Tweens and Teens

Published: November 5, 2018

Big Life Journal is a research-based, guided journal that encourages tweens and teens to develop a growth mindset to improve resiliency and increase happiness. This journal has been a huge help for my son as he navigates the start of middle school. It allows him to work independently to learn how to set goals and understand how positive self-talk can help him through challenges and setbacks. The Big Life Journal is beautifully designed and thoughtfully organized, with writing prompts, interest maps, personal stories, and quizzes that make it way more interesting and impactful than a traditional journal.

Historical Nonfiction Books for 6th Graders

Who said history was boring? These exciting historical nonfiction books for 6th graders bring the past to life.

Five Epic Disasters (I Survived True Stories #1)

Published: September 30, 2013

The I Survived series is a popular historical fiction series depicting fictional children living through actual historical events. I Survived True Stories compiles third-person accounts from real kids who survived five historical disasters, including the Children’s Blizzard of 1888, the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, and the Japanese tsunami in 2011. Readers will especially like the illustrations and historical photos in each story. My 6th grader found the factual experiences in I Survived True Stories just as interesting as their historical fiction counterparts.

Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win

Published: July 18, 2017

This inspiring book tells the stories of female athletes who excelled in their sport and often broke barriers, changing the world by paving the way for gender equality. The book is organized by birthdate, beginning with Madge Syers, a figure skater born in 1881, and ending with Simone Biles, born in 1997. Each page-long biography is accompanied by beautifully drawn portraits of the athlete. Women in Sports also highlights the inequalities between men’s and women’s media coverage and pay using engaging visuals. This is a great book for any 6th grader–regardless of gender–who loves history, sports, or inspirational stories.

Suspenseful Narrative Nonfiction

Our suspenseful narrative picks include thrilling accounts of important historical events.

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer

Published February 1, 2009

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is a thrilling narrative non-fiction that engages young readers from the first page. Swanson gives a detailed account of Lincoln’s assassination by John Wilkes Booth and the subsequent manhunt for the killer and his accomplices. Alternating third-person perspectives, haunting period photographs, diagrams, and newspaper clippings help the reader understand the hours and days surrounding this tragedy on a deeper, more immediate level.

Bomb: The Race to Build–and Steal–the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon

Published: September 4, 2012

Author Steve Shenkein tells the story of the “plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius” that created the atomic bomb. Shenkien masterfully creates scenes from primary and secondary sources that make Bomb read like a suspenseful thriller, not a nonfiction text. He introduces readers to the various plots and many characters involved in top-secret operations: scientists, politicians, military leaders, spies, informants, and civilians. This lens enables the reader to see how the slightest difference in a person’s actions could have altered the course of history. Sheinkin covers a great deal in just under 300 pages, and the narrative voice seamlessly moves between people and events. This book is truly remarkable. (Also available as a graphic novel adaptation ).

Informational Nonfiction Books for 6th Graders

Informational nonfiction, sometimes called browsable nonfiction, is perfect for kids who want information in small, easy-to-read sections. Browsable nonfiction is also great for reluctant readers–they can read bits at a time without losing comprehension.

Steven Biesty’s Incredible Cross-Sections of Everything

Published: May 26, 2020

How can a steel wire no thicker than a pencil hold up the longest bridge in the world? Who reassembles dinosaur skeletons? How do cacao beans become a chocolate bar? Incredible Cross-Sections of Everything answers these questions and countless more! Cross-section drawings, accompanied by fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) facts, reveal the inner workings of extraordinary machines, buildings, and processes. Although this series was initially published over 25 years ago, the books have been updated for a new generation of readers to enjoy. These are the perfect non-fiction books for kids who love to see the way things work.

National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia: 2,500 Animals with Photos, Maps, and More!

Published: October 23, 2012

National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia is a 300-page reference book that features over 2,500 animal species, a perfect addition to any young animal lover’s library. The information in this encyclopedia is incredibly well-organized, featuring a mix of fact boxes, range maps, diagrams, and vibrant photographs. “Did You Know” boxes provide fun animal facts, and color-coded tabs on every page help readers navigate the book. Kids can also explore topics like animal conservation, animal life cycles, adaptations, and habitats. A glossary explains some of the more challenging vocabulary. Both entertaining and educational, this is one of the most-read books in our home.

6th graders are at an amazing age to appreciate many different types of nonfiction literature. This diverse selection of nonfiction books –some old, some new—will keep your 6th graders occupied for hours!

Which of these books do you have in your library? Which ones have you read, and what did I miss?

More Nonfiction and 6th Grade Books

• The best middle grade nonfiction books
• Great books for 6th graders
• Realistic fiction for 6th graders

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About Katie Wickliff

Katie is a writer and educator who fell in love with books after reading Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars. She shares her lifelong passion for children’s literature through her newsletter, The Magic Book House . Katie is the mother of two little bookworms, ages 9 and 11, who still allow her to read to them every evening. She’s keeping her fingers crossed that this habit (somehow) lasts forever.

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Free Book Report Templates: Printables for Grades 3-5 for Fiction or Nonfiction Books

Take a new spin on your book report assignment. 📚😍

The Nocturnals are fun-filled animal adventure books with companion nonfiction for elementary school classrooms. Check out The Nocturnals World , a resource hub with free turnkey printable activities and educator guides, and browse The Nocturnals bookstore!

Building lifelong readers is one of the most important things we can do in our classrooms. The benefits of reading are wide-ranging, from improving vocabulary skills to boosting cognitive development, concentration skills, and curiosity for learning. So, how do we get young learners excited about reading and sharing what they’ve learned? Check out our free book report template printables .

Four different activities are ready to print to help you take a new spin on your next book report assignment for fiction or nonfiction books. Students will love filling in their mini book report one-pagers or making their selections from the choice board to share details about what they read.

Worksheets Included:

My mini book report—fiction and nonfiction.

These book report one-pagers are a great way for students to reflect on their readings as they complete different sections of the worksheet. There’s a version for both fiction and nonfiction.

Book Report Choice Board

Give students choices on how they want to complete their book report assignment. This choice board offers eight fun options, from designing a comic to creating a playlist or writing interview questions, so students can let their creativity guide them.

Designing Water Bottle Stickers

Students are obsessed with stickers. In this unique activity, students will design water bottle stickers that the main character of the book would love to have, along with a short description of their choices.

Give students fun-filled books to choose from

Animal adventure books from The Nocturnals are the perfect way to get your upper elementary students excited about reading. Paired with nonfiction companion texts that explore nocturnal animal facts, this series is great for hi-lo readers. Visit The Nocturnals World for more free printable activities and educator guides.

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Excellent Nonfiction Books for 4th Graders

This post may contain affiliate links.

Use this list of good  nonfiction books  for 4th graders (9-year-olds in fourth grade) as a resource for finding the best nonfiction books that your kids will enjoy reading.

It’s important for children to practice reading both fiction and nonfiction. It’s also a great motivator if kids are reading something they are interested in.

See the nonfiction book lists for ALL AGES here.

Go  here for FICTION 4th grade books for 9-year-olds .

Nonfiction Books for 4th Graders

The Hidden Life of a Toad  by Doug Wechsler There is so much to love about this nonfiction picture book! The text is really basic —  not to hard for  early elementary  grades. The book sequentially shows in text and photos the development of a toad — which is fascinating! It’s longer than I would prefer but I think kids will stay engaged since the changes in the toad are quite profound.

The Biggest Stuff in the Universe  by Mr. DeMaio, illustrated by Saxton Moore Get ready to learn cool facts about BIG things — with photographs, cartoons, and illustrations!  From the largest tree to the largest exoplanet to the biggest thing in the known universe (the Hercules Corona Borealis Great Wall), Mr. DeMaio makes learning about science on earth and in space FUN!

The Story of Movie Star Anna May Wong  written by Paula Yoo, illustrated by Lin Wang I really love how The Story of series introduces us to people that haven’t typically been the subjects of biographies and are unfamiliar. I developed so much respect for Anna May Wong because she found her passion in life, acting, and pursued it. Despite the blatant stereotyping and poor pay, Anna supported herself as an actress, moving to Europe for a time and then China. When she returned, she refused parts that showed Chinese in an unsympathetic light. Talk about perseverance!

From an Idea to Disney How Imagination Built a World of Magic  written by Lowey Bundy Sichol, illustrated by C.S. Jennings I’ve read many other biographies about Walt Disney, but this one stands out for its writing, pertinent information, and appeal. It shares about the business that continued on even after Walt’s death and his brother’s death including the merger with Pixar and the successful but controversial CEO, Michael Eisner. Fascinating!

From an Idea to Nike: How Marketing Made Nike a Global Success   written by Lowey Bundy Sichol, illustrated by C. S. Jennings Kids will see that it’s not enough to have a good idea and great product but you also must figure out how to sell your product — and Nike did this by sponsoring elite athletes like Michael Jordan to wear their shoes. The company’s journey shows kids that businesses go through ups and downs. However, continued  innovative thinking  combined with hard work and determination leads to success.

One of Our Giant Robots Is Missing: A Solve-the-Story Puzzle Adventure  written by Russel Ginns and Jonathan Maier, illustrated by Andy Norman At Roboland, Alicia gets separated from her classmates. She wanders into the employee’s only area and overhears them talking about dismantling her favorite robot, MegaTom. She knows it’s up to her to save him. Help her save MegaTom by solving the puzzles and mazes before the employees find out and catch up to them.  You’ll love this exciting, interactive puzzle adventure from Puzzlooies!

Search for a Giant Squid: Pick Your Path  by Amy Seto Forrester & Andy Chou Musser This is an informational fiction  choose your own adventure  book where readers join an expedition on a dive to the deepest ocean depths to search for a giant squid. Choose which pilot to be, the submersible you’ll use, and the dive site, and then start your adventure. What will you discover? What will you do with mechanical problems or bad weather?

GUM How it Happened The Cool Stories and Facts Behind Every Chew  written by Page Towler, illustrated by Dan Sipple Did you know that gum has been around since the Neolithic era? Learn about the history of gum, the types of gum from different cultures, more recent gum iterations, and modern gum. The authors will hook readers with the writing and design, but readers will stay for the information. It’s fascinating!

Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures!   by Mike Lowery The Everything Awesome  book series  continues with SHARKS! Handwriting and kid-like fonts plus lots of comic illustrations and colors make this a visual feast for the eyes. (Or distracting, it can go either way.) But, it’s filled with a wealth of facts about the ocean, underwater creatures, and of course, sharks. From information about ocean zones to prehistoric sharks and kelp forests, this book covers ocean information in a fun, often hilarious, way.

Where’s the Llama?  written by Paul Moran, illustrated by Gergely Forizs A group of ten llamas in the Andes in Peru decide to see the world. Can you spot them in each of the world locations like Miami Beach, New York City’s modern art gallery, a fairground in Canada, a Cambodian jungle, an ice park in China, and more? Answers are in the back plus more things to spot. We really like the artwork in this book!

Bei Bei Goes Home A Panda Story  by Cheryl Bardoe This is an excellent book for children to learn about pandas, starting with the birth of baby Bei Bei and following her as she grows up.  Full-color photographs, sequential writing, factual information, and more — this will make a great addition to school libraries.

Anglerfish The Seadevil of the Deep  written by Elaine M. Alexander, illustrated by Fiona Fogg Follow the anglerfish’s birth to growth and life deep down in the dark ocean depths.  Find out more about this weird-looking toothy fish with bioluminescence.

What Breathes Through Its Butt? Mind-Blowing Science Questions Answered  by Dr. Emily Grossman If you’re looking for an informative  nonfiction book  with voice (HUMOR) and pizazz, this book hits all the right spots.  You can’t help but love the appeal of the book which is a mixture of goofy cartoons, information in a handwritten typeface with bolded and bigger words, and funny quizzes. (What can you do to make a pineapple taste riper? a. stand it upside down b. place it in the fridge c. cut it open d. sit on it) The quizzes introduce the topic, engaging a reader’s natural curiosity. You’ll learn about eggs, muscles, escaping a crocodile’s jaw, and other much weirder topics.

Courageous Creatures and the Humans Who Help Them I Survived True Stories  by Lauren Tarshis Superb!  Four compelling stories of animals and humans will keep readers engaged.  From carrier pigeon hero of WW I to cheetah cubs adopted by a human, these will share  true stories  for any animal lover. Filled with lots of black and white photographs and factual information that supports each story. For example, read about echolocation related to the dolphin story and general information about marine animals. Highly recommended.

Sleuth and Solve: 20+ Mind-Twisting Mysteries  by Victor Escandell As a teacher, I used these kinds of mind-bending puzzles in my classroom frequently. Why? Because the solutions take  out-of-the-box thinking.  Which is SO GOOD FOR KIDS! I love the design and format of this book… Pen and ink illustrations accompany a short mystery puzzle. Kids will love the challenge of trying to figure out the solutions– then getting to check to see if they got it right by lifting the flap.

Strange Nature: The Insect Port r aits of Levon Biss  written by Gregory Mone, photographs by Levon Biss Stunning photographs labeled with information about cool  insects  like the tiger beetle, mantis-fly, and the Orchid Cuckoo Bee accompany kid-friendly informational writing with the perfect amount of text to keep readers learning and engaged. Read where each insect lives, its size, and the most important information about the insect. You’ll love this beautiful  bug book  because both the photos and the writing are AMAZING.

What If You Could Sniff Like a Shark?  written by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Howard McWilliam Despite the busy layout, this is an engaging, informative, and relatable  book of facts about ocean animals  filled with photos, illustrations, and graphic designs. On the Australian Box Jellyfish page, it explains where they live and how they use their tentacles to sting, and other fascinating facts. Then it suggests that if you could sting, too, you’d be a crime-fighting superhero.

A Brief History of Underpants   written by Christine Van Zandt, illustrated by Harry Briggs Even people in ancient times wore  underwear ! Whether it was an Inuit in caribou skin underwear or Egyptian loincloths or quilted, padded underpants of European knights, kids will read all about the history of  underwear , inventions like the sewing machine that changed the world of underwear, and plenty of fun facts about underpants!  Well-written with punny humor, facts, and comic illustrations, this little nonfiction book for young readers is a delight!  

Kwame Alexander’s Free Write: A Poetry Notebook (Ghostwriter)   by Kwame Alexander This fun-to-read workbook for ages 8 to 12 introduces writers to poetry, literary devices like metaphors, as well as other poetic techniques.  Written in Alexander’s signature voice and style,  kids will get hooked as they dive into poetry . Alexander provides example poems with fill-in-the-blanks and lots of spaces for free writes.

The Story of Tennis Champion Arthur Ashe  written by Crystal Hubbard, illustrated by Kevin Belford In this book, you’ll learn about Arthur Ashe, a famous tennis player who eventually died from AIDS-related complications after a blood transfusion. Not only did this quiet, kind man work hard in tennis but you’ll learn that he also worked hard for equal rights and research funding for HIV/AIDS.

Killer Underwear Invasion! How to Spot Fake News, Disinformation, and Conspiracy Theories  by Elise Gravel This is a clearly organized informational book that will  teach kids about fake news — and how to find reliable sources of information . (In a nutshell.) Comic panels filled with humor and facts will make the information digestible and easy to understand.

Little Guides to Great Lives Nelson Mandela   written by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Hannah Warren This is another new biography series that I highly recommend for elementary-age readers. Written like a narrative story, these little books are fast-paced and informative. This particular title is about one of the world’s most admired activists and leaders, Nelson Mandela.  Little Guides to Great Lives series  contain perfect text to picture ratio, captivating illustrations, informative content, and just-right pacing. Plus, they’re very well-written.

Copycat Science  by Mike Barfield Part biographies and part experiments, this nonfiction book narrated in cartoon format makes science fun!  Learn about each scientist in their short biography, then apply and learn more about their area of study by doing the related experiment. Read about James Audubon then make a bird feeder. Then read about Rosalind Franklin and do an experiment about strawberry’s DNA. Topics include living things, human biology, materials, air, electricity and magnetism, forces and physics, astronomy, math, and more.

Beavers: The Superpower Field Guides  written by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Nicholas John Frith In this fact-filled, funny, and illustrated book, you’ll meet Elmer who, like other beavers, has superpowers like Chainsaw Teeth and an Ever-Toiling Tail. Wow, right!? After you zip through this engaging nonfiction book, I predict Elmer will be your new favorite kind of animal — and you’ll be a beaver expert, too. Excellent, engaging writing!

Wild Outside Around the World with Survivorman  writing by Les Stroud with illustrations by Andres P. Barr Les Stroud recounts exciting personal adventure stories of exploration and survival in all sorts of places around the world.  Fascinating stories are accompanied by photos, illustrations, maps, and informational insets.  I couldn’t put this book down and HIGHLY recommend it.

So You Want to Be a Ninja?  written by Bruno Vincent, illustrated by Takayo Akiyama Engaging and entertaining, full of facts, trivia, quizzes, and fun , this is the essential illustrated guide for ninjas-in-training. Three friends travel back in time to 1789 Japan where they’re taught by famous ninjas.

Do You Know Where the Animals Live?  by Peter Wohlleben This book is organized around questions about animals .  For every question, find the answers in a two-page spread of photographs and text. Lovely layouts with full-color photographs, quizzes, at-home applications, and interesting and informative information make this is a unique but worthy animal tome that will appeal to most readers. Questions include: Can animals survive on plants alone? Do animals dream? Why do elephants stomp their feet?

Animal BFFs   by Sophie Corrigan I’ve poured over this book because the writing is engaging and  the information about unusual animals who live together is interesting.  I particularly love the funny dialogue bubbles of conversation between animal duos that you haven’t ever heard about — like warthogs and banded mongooses or ruby-throated hummingbirds and spiders– and why they’re paired up.

How to Go Anywhere (And Not Get Lost): A Guide to Navigation for Young Adventurers  written by Hans Aschim, illustrated by Andres Lozano Engaging informational writing guides readers through the history of navigation to the development of more precision, new technology, and better maps . Illustrated activities throughout the book will help readers apply their new knowledge. for example, “Make Your Own Stick Chart” helps you make an ancient system of mapping the ocean and “Visualizing Declination” shows you the difference magnetic declination can make. Use this all year long in your homeschool or science classroom.

Rocket to the Moon: Big Ideas That Changed the World  by Don Brown Instead of reading a narrative nonfiction book, get your fact-filled history about the first moon landing in an exciting, well-written, black-and-white   graphic novel.  Reading this book will help you understand our country’s competitiveness with Russia, the many attempts to launch rockets, and the eventual success of sending astronauts into space. I’m happy to see this new “Big Ideas”  graphic novel series  with a home-run first book.

What Makes a Monster? Discovering the World’s Scariest Creatures   written by Jess Keating, illustrations by David DeGrand Monsters  — real animal monsters — is a topic that kids love reading about. Keating writes in a way that gives kids lots of information in a readable, engaging way. I love the design, too –it’s a mix of photographs, illustrations, cool fonts, and bright colors.  What Makes a Monster  is a must-read filled with unexpected information about fascinating, dangerous animals.

Pencils, Pens   and   Brushes: A Great Girls’ Guide to Disney Animation  written by Mindy Johnson, illustrated by Lorelay Bovi Learn about some of the incredible women who worked at Disney’s animation from writers to artists to animators to researchers.  My daughter read this and thinks that artsy girls especially (like my daughter) will love these biographies. Each one skillfully captures the woman’s story, where she started, her passions, her education, and how she came to work for Disney as well as what she worked on while at Disney. As you might expect, the illustrations and design of this book are both eye-catching and exquisite.

When Green Becomes Tomatoes Poems for All Seasons  written by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Julie Morstad Beautifully written and illustrated, these poems capture the beauty of each season in relatable verses that seem like magic just like the poem below describes the first snow.

december 29 and i woke to a morning that was quiet and white the first snow (just like magic) came on tip toes overnight

Glow: Animals with Their Own Night-Lights  by W.H. Beck Brightly colored (glowing) plants and animals with bioluminescence pop out of the pages on black backgrounds. Each two-page spread page has both large and medium-sized text with the perfect amount of text — not too much! Read to find out why these creatures glow. You’ll learn how they use this adaptation for a purpose such as hunting, hiding, and tricking. Impressive.

Weird but True 8 Do your kids love the Weird But True! books as much as mine do? This new edition contains 300 all-new wild and wacky facts and pictures. Want to hear a few?

• The 1904 World’s Fair featured a life-sized elephant made of almonds.
• moonbow = a nighttime rainbow
• Scientists found sharks living in an underwater volcano.
• Octopuses have blue blood and nine brains.

Worlds Strangest Creepy-Crawlies Top 40 Weird and Wonderful Hair-Raising Bugs Big, bold text and huge color photographs catch your attention immediately, starting with #40, the elephant beetle and ending with #1, the exploding ant. Huh!? Yes, this ant from Malaysia explodes and dies — yikes! Each bug featured gets a 1- or 2-page spread including important facts, a habitat map, photographs, and ratings on the “strangeometer” for creepiness, superpowers, bug beauty, and fight factor. Irresistible!

Rosie Revere’s Big Project Book for Bold Engineers 40+ Things to Invent, Draw, and Make  by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts ages (ages 5 – 10) This is an excellent, engaging activity book based on the fantastic STEM  Rosie Revere, Engineer  picture book. Colorful illustrations and a cool layout will entice readers to try, fail, and learn. Discover more about simple machines, build a marble run, solve engineering challenges, design a  stuffed animal  carrier for your bike, learn about inventors who failed a lot, and so much more.

How to Draw a Unicorn and Other Cute Animals (With Simple Shapes in 5 Steps)   by Lulu Mayo ages 6 – 16 My oldest daughter, AJ, really likes the step-by-step directions in this book. You’ll find directions for 30 animals including a llama, sloth, beaver, panda, tiger, and much more. AJ likes that she can easily draw these on her new iPad with the  Pencil . (One of the best investments I’ve made last summer when JJ was so sick. If the  kids are on screen time , I feel like drawing and being creative are good choices.)

Tear Up This Book!  by Keri Smith A very popular  American Girl book for  fun, creativity, and crafts.

The Disney Book: A Celebration of the World of Disney  (DK) My oldest daughter loves anything Disney and proclaimed that this is the best book ever written . 🙂 While I’m not sure about that, it is a dense fact-filled tome from the early years to the present day.

Genius! The Most Astonishing Inventions of All Time  by Deborah Kespert A visually appealing graphic layout makes it easy to access the invention information — in fact, it’s downright enticing! Who knows I’d care about the Archimedes Screw and want to read all about it. Or the Elephant Clock — yes, that was a real thing which was super cool. You’ll learn about these early inventions and more modern inventions such as the space rocket. This is a well-done, readable nonfiction book.

Sports Illustrated Kids Football Then to Wow! This amazing nonfiction book makes ME, a non-sports fan, interested in football. The layout and design, plus the photographs, make me want to devour all the football facts and info. I highly recommend this for any football fan – it’s packed full of information about football back in the day (1930s) and nowadays. Excellent!

The Navajo Code Talkers  by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Gary Kelley This picture book shares the difficult history of the Navajo people and focuses on how the Navajo men used their unique language to help win WWI. The information is factual in its presentation (it could have been more emotionally charged but isn’t) which lets the readers draw their own conclusions. The illustrations perfectly depict the tone of this historical story. Very well done!

The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids  by Tammy Gagne (ages 9+) This book rocks! It’s one that any dog-lover would want on their bookshelf. The layout is appealing and the information organized and written with kids in mind, meaning it’s not too wordy while being factual and interesting with each breed gets 1 or 2 pages devoted to it and accompanying colorful photos. Great for  4th graders !

Strange But True! Our Weird, Wild, Wonderful World  DK This is a favorite book on the list today — I literally couldn’t help but read so many of the pages out loud to my kids, they were just so interesting. First, the photographs grab your attention — then the headlines — and then the text. This is a GREAT  book for your reluctant readers  because it’s practically irresistible to read through it. Love it for a  gift idea !

LEGO Awesome Ideas What Will You Build? Awesome barely begins to describe this LEGO book — it’s jam-packed with so many ideas from different themes like Outer Space, Modern Metropolis, the Wild West, Fantasy Land, and The Real World. I just love browsing through the ideas. Be warned: Your kids will want you to order A LOT more Legos for these new projects.

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Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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33 Free Book Report Forms and Templates for Kids

Published: April 11, 2019

Contributor: Annette Breedlove

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

I loved writing book reports growing up. My kids, however, do not share the same sentiment. They love to read books and retell the stories to me, but they have a disconnect when it comes to putting it down on paper. That’s why I love using a free book report template to give them a little extra help. 

Fun Book Report Ideas

There are many different ways children can share about a book they read other than writing about it. Check out all of these fun ideas:

• Act it out. Young students and even older students may enjoy acting out a story that they read in lieu of writing about it. 
• Make a 3D diorama . This is a great way for students who like to work with their hands and create visuals.
• Draw it out on a poster . For young kids who don’t have strong writing skills yet, drawing out what they read is a great option.
• Make a comic book with a free comic book template we have included below. 
• Oral narration . Narrating back a brief summary of the book  they read is another alternative to writing a book report. You can see if your children comprehended what they read or at least got the main points of the story by asking them basic questions about the book.

Types of Book Reports

If you prefer using book reports, they come in a variety of types and styles. You can write plain-Jane ones or get a little more creative, like the comic strip option below for a different way to format a book report. Whichever you choose, having the option to use a book report template can be helpful for kids. 

While I enjoy book reports and see their value, I much prefer my kids enjoy reading a lot of books and sharing, over the finer points of proper form. So if we can use a simple book report template to keep them excited about reading and not dread the reports, I call that a win-win.

Mix it up with the different types of book reports that you assign to your children. Keep it fun and engaging and they will want to read more books and tell everyone about what they have read. 

Using Book Report Templates

As with anything we print out for school, I like to find cute printables with book report designs and age-appropriate graphics. This is especially for my middle school-aged daughter, who thinks some of the free worksheets I find are too childish.

Using a book report template for 3rd grade might look a little different than what I’d want to use for 7th grade. A pdf book report template for high school students definitely needs to be less kid-friendly and more informative.

There are simple book report templates for beginning writers and more advanced ones. The options are endless when it comes to choosing a book report template for your homeschool children.

Printable Book Report Forms

Whether you are looking for a short book report template or one for high school, book report templates will help students get their thoughts on paper. They will learn to organize their thoughts so that their finished book report project is a success!

Book report templates can encourage all the readers in your homeschool to crank out an organized, thorough book report that they are proud of! Once you select a free template, you can get started. Let your children choose one of their favorite books for their first report as it will help to keep them engaged.

How to Use a Book Report Template

When you are looking for the perfect book report template, keep in mind the age of your child. Some one-page forms are perfect for young children and beginning readers with boxes to draw, lines to write down main characters, setting, the plot, etc.

When you have a high school student needing to write a paper or a book report, you obviously need something more in-depth. A book report template can help them get their ideas on paper well enough to organize thoughts and personal opinions for an essay, or even a research paper. 

The key point of using worksheets for book reports is to have an easy way to get thoughts on paper. A book report template can help your student stay organized so they are able to draft a well-written paper. These types of graphic organizers make book reports a breeze!

What’s included in a book report?

• A good book report will consist of the book title, author’s name, main idea, main theme, plot points and important details.
• It will explain the narrative and setting, and cover the main elements of the story as well as describe important characters of the book.
• You’ll also want to include details on the time period, major conflicts and the book details, or rather a plot summary of the book.
• Don’t forget to include unusual facts and key elements that stand out. 

Character Description

Besides adding basic details about the key characters in the book, it’s a good idea to include character details. You will want to include details such as; appearance, interests, and list out some adjectives that describe characters on the book report form . 

Analyze what your character looks like so the reader of the book report gets a vivid description of the character. What color is their hair and skin? What is their clothing style like? Do they have a best friend or an animal that is constantly with them?

Is the character an animal? If so, what type of animal are they and what do they look like?

Character Development

Characters develop on in the story as you read about them. Make sure to make note of positive and negative character traits and how those change throughout the plot. Is there a hidden message or reason why the character is behaving the way that they are?

Make notes of how your character has changed and why you think they changed and the reasons for the actions that they took. You can take it a step further and explain how their actions either harmed or helped the story to move along.

Printable Book Report Templates and Forms

If you want a book report template quickly, simply scroll to the bottom of this post to download ours FREE.

DIY Book Report Kit {works with ANY book} This printable book report template is more like a graphic organizer , in my opinion. You can print several different template pages to organize different aspects of the book so you can create a great book report. 

Free Book Report Template for Elementary Students Get your 1st -4th graders writing book reports with ease with these pdf book report pages.

Book Review Templates This cute pack of 5 different book report template pages would be perfect for early learners who know how to write . 

Printable Book Report Form I like this simple book report template that’s perfect for a new reader. The free printable book report template is organized and will prompt your kids to be creative. 

Elementary Book Reports Made Easy An easy one-page pdf download of a book report worksheet that would be good for elementary students.

Printable Book Report Forms (Non-Fiction, Fiction, Biography, Mystery & Fable) You have lots of different options for book report templates. Whether or not you need a book report form for a biography, non-fiction resource , or even a fable, there are several  different pdf templates to choose from. There are also multiple book report poster forms for those kids who prefer to draw.

7 Different Versions of Book Report – If you are looking for different versions for different age levels or grades then these reports are worth reviewing.

Easy Book Report – This features an easy form for younger students as well as outline form for older students.

Book Report Templates for Younger Students

There are different styles of book report templates that you will want to focus on for younger students. A book report template that you use with your middle school aged child will be too difficult for beginning writers.

You will want to look for a book report format with dashed lines, boxes to draw a picture in, and more. 

My Book Report Worksheets These book report worksheets are suitable for children in kindergarten or first grade. 

Comic Strip Book Reports If you have a reluctant writer , or a comic book lover, these free printable comic strip book report templates will likely make a book report less dreaded!

Reading Logs and Bookmarks

Reading Log and Book Report Templates If you are on the hunt for cute reading log printables, these are perfect for elementary students. There are a few different templates that offer options to rate the book and write a review. Using a creative book report template like this might take the sting out of writing book reports for reluctant writers. 

Free Reading Log and Book Report Forms   My Joy-Filled Life has a 2-page book report template and a printable reading log that you can slip into your homeschool binder . 

Free Reading Logs, Bookmarks and Charts – Encourage your readers with fun and colorful bookmarks and charts that they can use to track their reading time as well as the books they have read. Free Instant Download included!

Book Report Template

Book reports don’t have to be boring or something that your children dread. They may be overwhelmed because it is a new thing that they have never done before and may need just a little guidance to get started.

Our FREE DIY Book Report template pack includes four pages of graphic organizers, question prompts, illustration boxes, and more. It is a great start to guiding your children on how to write a book report in a non-threatening way. 

You can download it for free in our subscriber library . 

In Conclusion

The body of the book report should include the title, the author of the book, characters, setting, major conflicts, direct quotes, and plot. The conclusion can include a personal opinion. Book reports are a fun way to develop critical thinking skills and teach students how to gather information to format into a writing assignment.

Annette Breedlove

Annette has been married to her husband and best friend since 2003. Together they are raising their six children to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what. Annette longs for the day when she will meet her angel babies who have entered heaven before her. She enjoys creating UNIT STUDIES and FREE PRINTABLES for homeschool families. You can follow her crazy life at In All You Do where she blogs about homeschooling, homemaking and marriage while trying to maintain her sanity. She is also the owner of Thrifty Homeschoolers where she shares her tips on homeschooling without breaking the bank.

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Make writing a book report on a work of non-fiction a little easier with this template.

Click here: bookreport_nonfiction-download.doc to download the document.

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Non-Fiction Book Report Template

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Streamline your book report writing with our pre-made template! Cover all the crucial aspects of the book including plot summary, character analysis, and personal opinions. A must-have resource for efficient and effective reporting.

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10 of the Best New Nonfiction Books To Read in March 2024

Kendra Winchester

Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia , which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women , a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave , and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.

View All posts by Kendra Winchester

As a mood reader, I’m always flitting from one type of story to another, never sure of where to go next. But in the spring, I’m almost always looking for personal narratives. Whether it’s a memoir of an author investigating their mysterious family history or the story of a disability rights advocate sticking it to hateful trolls, I love a person-driven narrative. This is the power of books, to give us a glimpse into someone else’s life.

In celebration of true stories, I’ve collected ten of some of the hottest nonfiction titles hitting shelves in March. You might be new to nonfiction or a true stories pro, but whatever the case, there’s sure to be something on this list that catches your eye.

All publication dates are subject to change.

Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths About Disability by Melissa Blake (March 5)

When an ableist troll said that Melissa Blake should be banned from posting photos of herself, Blake posted three photos of herself smiling. In her new memoir, Blake writes about her life as a disability rights activist and social media influencer, calling for the nondisabled to take action and become better disability allies.

Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls (March 5)

Feeding Ghosts is a memoir that follows three generations of women, beginning with Hulls’s grandmother, Sun Yi, who flees China with her young daughter, Rose. Sun Yi experiences a mental breakdown, and when Rose moves to the U.S., she eventually brings Sun Yi to live with her.

The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir by RuPaul (March 5)

RuPaul is one of pop culture’s biggest icons. Supermodel, mogul, television producer — RuPaul has done it all. But with his new memoir, he peels back the layers of his life, revealing the experiences from his early life that made him who he is today.

Devout: A Memoir of Doubt by Anna Gazmarian (March 12)

When Anna Gazmarian is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she realizes that her conservative evangelical community will not accept it. She spends the next decade reframing what her community calls a “heart problem” to better understand mental illness and how it impacts her life.

You Get What You Pay For: Essays by Morgan Parker (March 12)

Literary powerhouse Morgan Parker is out with a new collection of essays that examine Parker’s feelings of alienation in just about every part of her life. She describes living with depression and a deep sense of loneliness. She expands from ideas of the personal, giving her readers a bigger picture of Black life in America.

Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson (March 12)

Literary icon Marilynne Robinson is blessing us with a new work of nonfiction where she examines the creation story in Genesis. Robinson walks us through the creation story, including the original King James Version in her text. Robinson emphasizes God’s never-ending love for humanity and His eternal faith in Creation.

How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone: A Memoir by Cameron Russell (March 19)

Cameron Russell shares her life as a model, a job she didn’t necessarily even want in the first place. It was an opportunity, and she took it. But it led to years of surviving a sexist, image-obsessed industry that forever warped how she saw her body and understood her sense of self. How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone begs us to examine the question, what does it mean to be seen as an object of beauty meant to be enjoyed by others?

The Observable Universe: An Investigation by Heather McCalden (March 19)

When she was a young girl, McCalden lost both her parents to AIDS. She was raised by her grandmother in Los Angeles, a city particularly ravaged by the disease. Later in life, McCalden begins researching HIV/AIDS and realizes that the internet and AIDS developed at the same time in history. The Observable Universe braids together ideas around the internet and HIV/AIDS, giving readers a unique portrait of late 20th-century America.

There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib (March 26)

Poet and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib grew up in Columbus, Ohio, during the 1990s. He watches basketball stars like LeBron James rise from places he could recognize. In There’s Always This Year , he discusses ideas around who we think deserves success and what society decides is exceptional.

dear elia: Letters from the Asian American Abyss by Mimi Khúc (March 26)

In this series of letters, Mimi Khúc examines ideas around mental health and wellness. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, society’s understanding of illness has changed. Khúc argues that we can no longer have Asian American studies without an intersectional understanding of Asian American wellness.

There are so many good books — I don’t know where to start! If you’re looking for even more nonfiction book recommendations, check out 10 New Nonfiction Book Releases of February and 9 New Nonfiction Releases to Read in January .

As always, you can find a full list of new releases in the magical New Release Index , carefully curated by your favorite Book Riot editors, organized by genre and release date.

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Men's Health

25 Non-Fiction Books We’re Excited to Read in 2024

Posted: February 22, 2024 | Last updated: February 22, 2024

WAS ONE OF your 2024 goals to read more? Or maybe learn something new? Non-fiction is the perfect book genre to open your mind and ease yourself back into reading. And with such a broad category of books, there's something for everyone. Historical deep-dives (perfect for someone who gets lost down Wikipedia rabbit holes), self-help books (expert-driven reads when you need advice), and everything in between all fall under this wide umbrella.

Reading books doesn't just give you a new hobby, it's also a way to become more mentally fit . Real Simple reports reading can help you relax, make you more empathetic, and may even decrease your risk of Alzheimer's disease. In a world where we're all tied to screens, there's no doubt it's great to take a break every once in a while and enjoy the tactile feel of turning the pages of a great read. And once you get into non-fiction, who knows? You may even take the next step and jump into a fun genre read like fantasy or sci-fi (we've got great 2024 picks for those too, if you're interested).

2024 is another great year for non-fiction books. We've got science-based explorations of memory, various books on how to inject more positivity into your life, and even meditations on deer (yes, deer ) to help you feel more in touch with the outdoors . And if you're a big pop culture nerd, there's also exciting books on music, movies, and sports that'll teach you the ins and outs of those exciting industries that fans (us included!) can't get enough of.

1) The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship with our Wild Neighbors

Those interested in nature writing, or at least how humans connect to the world around them, will enjoy The Age of Deer . Erika Howsare explores the constant presence of deer, interviewing animal control officers, a museum interpreter examining the history of deers, and even a woman who raises orphaned fawns.

Release Date: January 2

2) Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet

If climate change has you worried about the future of the planet, check out Not the End of the World . This 2024 read will not only provide some uplifting news about the state of the world, but also offers guidance on how to create a more sustainable lifestyle and contribute to a better planet.

Release Date: January 9

3) Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age

Rather than looking at aging as an emotional obstacle, what if you could avoid a midlife crisis altogether? Learning to Love Midlife wants to help readers see getting older as an exciting new chapter in life.

Release Date: January 16

4) Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading

Chris Anderson, the head of TED (as in the viral TED Talks), wants to help the world become more optimistic. His advice? Be more generous. In providing various anecdotes, including his personal narrative of TED's increasing popularity, Anderson wants to prove that kindness and charity can lead to a better society.

Release Date: January 23

5) Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections

We at Men's Health are all about helping readers improve their sex lives. So of course we're excited about Come Together , which seeks to dispel myths people have about sex in relationships (sexual satisfaction doesn't have to wane over time ) and examines the common obstacles that stops couples from having great sex lives, along with how to get over them.

Release Date: January 30

6) Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict into Connection

While Come Together will help you fix your sex life, Fight Right wants to help you fix how you approach conflict. When tension arises in your relationship, Drs. John and Julie Gottman want to ensure you stay calm and work to find understanding when you and your partner are at odds.

7) Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business--and How to Fix It

If you've ever been called a "workaholic," this book is for you. Whether you're a manager or just a very stressed employee, Malissa Clark breaks down why constantly working is bad for both individuals and for businesses.

Release Date: February 6

8) The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center

While you may think your partner is the only friend you need, this book is set out to prove you wrong. Rhaina Cohen argues that not only are friendships important, but they should be considered just as important, if not more, than romantic relationships.

Release Date: February 13

9) Cocktails with George and Martha: Movies, Marriage, and the Making of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Deep dive into Hollywood history with this look at Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?–starting with the original 1962 play, then the 1966 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and the story's lasting impact today.

10) The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without

Fasting is a fascinating part of our social, religious, and political history. John Oakes looks to examine how the idea of fasting (both in terms of food and in terms of more spiritual ideas of "fasting") have impacted humans over time, and how the idea of doing less overall can improve our lives.

11) Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being

It's easy to fall into pessimism and obsess over the worst. That's why Practical Optimism looks to give readers a way to cope during hardship, while maintaining an overall bright outlook on life. No matter what's getting you down, Practical Optimism wants to show you there's still things worth looking forward to.

Release Date: February 20

12) Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters

Take a deep dive into the latest research on memory with Why We Remember . In addition to teaching you how to recall things better, the book explores the power of memory in our lives, and how we can, through memory, improve our brain's relationship to trauma, healing, and more.

13) Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

Imagine yourself at work, stumbling through a presentation, frustrated you can't get your point across. Charles Duhigg's Supercommunicators wants to ensure nothing ever gets lost in translation for you again with this book on how storytelling skills can improve how you have conversations.

14) Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down

When your mental health takes a dip, Languishing is here for you. Corey Keyes' new book aims to reconstruct how we see self-help and mental wellness, while building up readers' resilience to get through hardships.

15) Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout

Avoid burnout with Slow Productivity , a book that looks to teach employees everywhere that the key to doing your best isn't in working to your limit, but slowing down and changing your expectations. If work overwhelms you and you're eager for a change, you might want to check out this upcoming read.

Release Date: March 5

16) 3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and the Lost Empire of Cool

If you're a fan of music history, 3 Shades of Blue dives into the creation of the jazz album Kind of Blue , made by three of the genre's greats–Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans, along with many, many others involved in the project. Get an inside look into how great music is made, and explore the moment jazz reached its popularity peak.

17) The Heart and the Chip: Our Bright Future with Robots

Daniela Rus, a computer scientist, answers all the questions you may have about the future of robotics and how it's intertwined with the future of humanity. This optimistic look at our technological future is great for anyone who loves deep dives into science.

18) Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball

Baseball fans will love this biography of Pete Rose, who became one of the sport's great players and managers before becoming embroiled in a major betting scandal in the 1980s. O'Brien's book details Rose's career and his downfall from interviews with Rose, his associates, and archival records.

Release Date: March 26

19) Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing

Want to improve your work-life balance and learn how to use your time wisely? Google's Executive Productivity Advisor (yes, that's a real title) provides actionable steps and advice for how to become the best version of you both at work and in your personal life

Release Date: April 2

20) Somehow: Thoughts on Love

Somehow is a meditative look at how love impacts our lives. With anecdotes from her own life, Lamott offers a warming dive into how we all share affection, and provides lessons for anyone who needs to appreciate the love in their life more.

Release Date: April 9

21) The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality

If you've ever wondered how social media has changed how you see the rest of the world, The Age of Magical Overthinking is exactly the book for you. Montell explores how the Internet and constantly being online has made us chronic overthinkers and anxious, irrational beings. And, of course, she offers a reprieve from the chaos of the modern age.

22) Everest, Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World

Whether you want to climb Mount Everest or are terrified of heights, you'll find an interesting read in Everest, Inc., which charts the history of the Himalayan guiding industry, the sole reason so many people have been able to achieve the major fear of climbing Everest each year. It's an exploration of the unsung heroes of mountain climbing.

Release Date: April 16

23) The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

The Devil in the White City author Erik Larson is back with another historical retelling, this one detailing one of America's most pivotal moments: starting with Abraham Lincoln's election and going all the way to the start of the Civil War. History buffs and readers looking to dip their toes into a nonfiction story for the first time alike will enjoy Larson's newest book.

Release Date: April 30

24) Feel It All: A Therapist's Guide to Reimagining Your Relationship with Sex

Casey Tanner is a therapist who's ready to hep readers reclaim their sex lives and relationships. In Feel It All, Tanner breaks down mythos about sex and relationships that have plagued us for far too long, and reveals how you can heal past trauma, redefine sex in your life, and find your way to deeper intimacy.

Release Date: May 14

25) Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius

This biography explores the largely unexamined life of Elaine May, the multihyphenate Hollywood star who is known for her reclusive lifestyle and impressive (but limited) resume as a director. Courogen pulls back the curtain on May's life and mystery, seeking to give the director, actor, writer, and comedian her long-delayed due.

Release Date: June 4

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March 21, 2024

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” This saying, attributed to motivational speaker William Arthur Ward, also describes the attitude of many characters in our 10 best books for this month. 

Individuals sowing the seeds for change include Franklin D. Roosevelt’s secretary of labor, Frances Perkins, in the historical novel “Becoming Madame Secretary,” and George C. Marshall, in the biography “The Making of a Leader,” whose design for post-World War II Europe became known as the Marshall Plan.   

Among the authors of nonfiction books, Marilynne Robinson draws on her love of Scripture in “Reading Genesis,” Elizabeth Kolbert offers an antidote to climate despair in “H Is for Hope,” and Nancy A. Nichols explores the social impact of driving in “Women Behind the Wheel.” 

Why We Wrote This

Books we love this month include a legendary romance between two poets, a thrilling mystery set in Ireland, and a compelling biography of George C. Marshall, architect of the Marshall Plan.

The Swan’s Nest,  by Laura McNeal

Laura McNeal’s historical novel “The Swan’s Nest” captures the great love between poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning. McNeal dramatizes the challenges the two Romantics overcame to forge a life together.

Becoming Madam Secretary,  by Stephanie Dray

Frances Perkins, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s secretary of labor, steps crisply and convincingly from the pages of Stephanie Dray’s novel. As events unfold – including the Great Depression – Perkins practices an ethos of “investigate, agitate, legislate” to effect change. 

Help Wanted,  by Adelle Waldman

Adelle Waldman’s novel looks at the hardships faced by part-time workers at a big-box store. Her characters, who long for the stability, benefits, and job security of full-time work, cook up a plan that sparks their hopes and dreams.

The Hunter,  by Tana French

Tana French stretches the tension – and the mystery genre – like taffy in her return to the ethically murky Irish village of Ardnakelty. Retired Chicago cop Cal Hooper has crafted a life with veterinarian Lena and Trey, the teen he teaches carpentry and ethics. Then Trey’s father returns, claiming, “There’s gold in them hills.” Only those who have read “The Searcher” first will fully appreciate the stakes as Cal and Lena work to save Trey.

James,  by Percival Everett

Huck Finn’s sidekick Jim earns pride of place in Percival Everett’s retelling of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Here, he becomes James, a smart, self-educated man confronting a vivid cast of ne’er-do-wells, enslavers, and fellow escapees as he wends north hoping to buy his family’s freedom. 

The Far Side of the Desert,  by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman

Alliances – familial, situational, political – gird this engrossing thriller from novelist Joanne Leedom-Ackerman. U.S. foreign service officer Monte disappears during a visit to Spain; the search to find her, spearheaded by older sister Samantha, ricochets from Morocco and Egypt to Washington. Monte’s captivity is brutal, but there’s resilience, too, as both sisters slay old demons and chart new paths.

Reading Genesis,  by Marilynne Robinson

Marilynne Robinson, author of the 2005 Pulitzer-winning novel “Gilead,” offers her idiosyncratic reading of the Book of Genesis. By not taking any of the familiar Bible stories at face value, she makes a case for God’s enduring covenant with creation.

The Making of a Leader,  by Josiah Bunting III

Rather than focusing on George C. Marshall’s military accomplishments during World War II and, later, his role in rebuilding postwar Europe, historian Josiah Bunting III examines Marshall’s early years. His insightful, admiring biography illuminates Marshall’s leadership qualities.

Women Behind the Wheel,  by Nancy A. Nichols

Journalist Nancy A. Nichols offers a spirited exploration of the effects of the automobile on American women. She documents the ways driving has both expanded women’s freedoms and, citing midcentury isolation in the suburbs, limited their opportunities.

H Is for Hope,  by Elizabeth Kolbert 

New Yorker science writer Elizabeth Kolbert’s trenchant essays on climate change are combined with haunting illustrations by Wesley Allsbrook into a graphic nonfiction alphabet. It’s an urgent, innovative book.  

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Lorrie Moore Is Among National Book Critics Circle Award Winners

The awards included a lifetime achievement honor given to Judy Blume.

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By Alexandra Alter and Elizabeth A. Harris

The novelist Lorrie Moore on Thursday won a National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction for “I Am Homeless if This Is Not My Home,” her novel that follows a devastated high school teacher who goes on a road trip with the animated corpse of his ex-girlfriend, who has died by suicide.

In a citation, one of the judges, David Varno, praised the novel as “a heartbreaking and hilarious ghost story” and “an unforgettable achievement from a landmark American author.”

The awards, which were announced at a ceremony at the New School in New York City, are among the most prestigious literary prizes in the United States. Unlike other major awards, the recipients are chosen by book critics instead of committees made up of authors or academics.

The critics organization, which was founded in 1974, is made up of more than 700 critics and review editors. Thursday’s awards recognized works published last year and were open to authors of books published in English in the United States.

In addition to giving prizes in literary categories like biography, criticism, autobiography, fiction and poetry, the group also recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to literary culture.

This year, Becca Rothfeld, the nonfiction book critic for The Washington Post and the author of a forthcoming debut essay collection, “All Things Are Too Small,” received the Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing. The award, named after a former New York Times Book Review editor, is given to an N.B.C.C. member for criticism.

The organization’s service award was given to the author and critic Marion Winik, a former treasurer for the group who helped to steer it through the pandemic.

The lifetime achievement award was given to Judy Blume, a novelist beloved for classics like “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.”

In a recorded speech to accept the honor, the Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the organization’s first president, Blume acknowledged librarians for their work promoting intellectual freedom. She also thanked her parents for giving her “the freedom to choose my own books.”

Librarians, who have come under pressure from some parents and lawmakers as book bans have surged across the country, were also honored when the American Library Association received the Toni Morrison Achievement Award. “At a time when our nation’s libraries remain under relentless assault from both political and economic forces, the A.L.A. towers over the literary landscape as a beacon for our most vulnerable voices,” the award chair, Jacob M. Appel, said in a citation.

Below is a complete list of this year’s winners.

“ I Am Homeless if This Is Not My Home ” by Lorrie Moore

A young man goes on a road trip with the animated corpse of his ex-girlfriend, who died by suicide, in a ghost story and zombie romance that takes place in both the 19th and 21st centuries. In a Times review of the novel, Moore’s first in 14 years, Dwight Garner praised Moore as “a consummate user of the English language; her moisture-wicking sentences confirm and reconfirm your sanity.”

Autobiography

“ How to Say Babylon: A Memoir ” by Safiya Sinclair

A memoir about growing up in a strict Rastafarian household and trying to break away from her father and the obedience he required. The Times review of the memoir said: “For its sheer lusciousness of prose, the book’s a banquet. Sinclair’s Montego Bay drips with tender sensuality and complexity that seduces you like a fresh wound to slow pokes and feels.”

“ Winnie and Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage ” by Jonny Steinberg

This biography chronicles the marriage of the South African leader Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, including their decades apart while Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island and Madikizela-Mandela became a major figure in the resistance to apartheid.

“ We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America ,” by Roxanna Asgarian

Asgarian, a journalist who has written about legal issues for The Texas Tribune, investigates a shocking tragedy that occurred in 2018, when an S.U.V. plunged off a cliff along a coastal highway, killing a family of eight. She recounts the horrifying details of what investigators concluded was not an accident, but a murder-suicide, and also reveals the ways in which systemic failures in the foster care system may have contributed to the children’s deaths.

“ Phantom Pain Wings ” by Kim Hyesoon

Translated from Korean by Don Mee Choi, this poetry collection “reads like a variety of horror — haunted, grotesque, futureless,” Elisa Gabbert wrote in a review in The Times.

The Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize

“ Cold Nights of Childhood ” by Tezer Özlü , translated by Maureen Freely

The translation prize, awarded jointly to authors and translators, was given to a novel by Özlü, a Turkish writer who died in 1986. Originally published in 1980 and released in English in the United States last year by Transit Books, the narrative follows a woman who is battling mental illness and exploring her sexuality. The prize is named for Barrios, a poet, playwright and critic who died in 2021.

John Leonard Prize

“ Waiting to Be Arrested at Night: A Uyghur Poet’s Memoir of China’s Genocide ” by Tahir Hamut Izgil, translated by Joshua L. Freeman

In this memoir, which won the prize for best debut book, Izgil, a poet, recounts the persecution and terror he faced as a member of China’s Muslim Uyghur minority when he was living in Urumqi, a city in China’s western Xinjiang region. “This is in effect a psychological thriller, although the narrative unfolds like a classic horror movie as relative normalcy dissolves into a nightmare,” Barbara Demick wrote in a review in The Times. The prize is named for Leonard, a literary critic and co-founder of the critics organization who died in 2008.

“ Deadpan: The Aesthetics of Black Inexpression ” by Tina Post

Post, an assistant professor of English at the University of Chicago, explores purposeful withholding as a tool used by makers of Black culture.

Alexandra Alter writes about books, publishing and the literary world for The Times. More about Alexandra Alter

  More about Elizabeth A. Harris

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

James McBride’s novel sold a million copies, and he isn’t sure how he feels about that, as he considers the critical and commercial success  of “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.”

How did gender become a scary word? Judith Butler, the theorist who got us talking about the subject , has answers.

You never know what’s going to go wrong in these graphic novels, where Circus tigers, giant spiders, shifting borders and motherhood all threaten to end life as we know it .

When the author Tommy Orange received an impassioned email from a teacher in the Bronx, he dropped everything to visit the students  who inspired it.

Do you want to be a better reader?   Here’s some helpful advice to show you how to get the most out of your literary endeavor .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

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March 19, 2024

Winners and finalists of the 2024 j. anthony lukas prize project awards announced, ned blackhawk, dashka slater, lorraine boissoneault and alice driver are winners of the 2024 lukas prizes, tagged with.

Columbia Journalism School and the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard are pleased to announce the four winners and two finalists of the 2024 J. Anthony Lukas Prize Project Awards. The Lukas Prizes, established in 1998 and consisting of the J . Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Awards , the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize and the Mark Lynton History Prize , honor the b est in American nonfiction book writing.  

The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Columbia Journalism School.

Winners and Finalists of the 2024 Lukas Prizes:

Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Award Winners

Lorraine Boissoneault, Body Weather: Notes on Illness in the Anthropocene (Beacon Press)

Alice Driver, The Life and Death of the American Worker: The Immigrants Taking on America’s Largest Meatpacking Company (One Signal)

Anthony Lukas Book Prize

• Winner: Dashka Slater, Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed ( Farrar, Straus and Giroux ) 

Finalist: Kerry Howley, Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs: A Journey Through the Deep State (Knopf)

Mark Lynton History Prize

Winner: Ned Blackhawk, The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History (Yale University Press)

• Finalist: Gary J. Bass, Judgment at Tokyo: World War II on Trial and the Making of Modern Asia (Knopf)

About the Prizes:

Established in 1998, the J. Anthony Lukas Prize Project honors the best in American nonfiction writing. Co-administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard , and sponsored by the family of the late Mark Lynton, a historian and senior executive at the firm Hunter Douglas in the Netherlands, the Lukas Prize Project presents four awards in three categories.

Anthony Lukas Work-In-Progress Awards (two $25,000 prizes) :

The J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Awards are given annually to aid in the completion of significant works of nonfiction on American topics of political or social concern. These awards assist in closing the gap between the time and money an author has and the time and money that finishing a book requires. Judges this year: Chris Jackson (chair), Erika Hayasaki and Philip Turner.  

Lorraine Boissoneault Cody Ziler

Lorraine Boissoneault is a Chicago-based journalist whose work covers science, human rights, history and health. Currently a writer for the educational web series “Real Science” and host of the show “Archeology Quest,” she previously worked as the staff history writer for Smithsonian Magazine . Her work has also appeared in National Geographic , Believer Magazine , The New Yorker , Great Lakes Now , Hakai , PassBlue and The Atlantic . Her first book, The Last Voyageurs , was a finalist for the 2016 Chicago Book of the Year Award. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School.

Body Weather is a book about living with chronic illness in a world undergoing rapid climate change. By focusing on the author’s personal experience, it illuminates the subtle connections between our bodies and the planet’s meteorology. The narrative examines multiple elements of weather, from temperature to fires and floods, while interspersing stories of autoimmune diseases that affect nearly all body systems and afflict tens of millions of women. Four years into a global pandemic that has killed millions and left millions more newly disabled, Body Weather emphasizes the resourcefulness of the chronically ill, while also highlighting the sexism, racism and ableism that still permeate the medical field. Body Weather tells a story of resilience in the face of suffering, paired with scientific research, history and a keen exploration of the layered chaos of 21st century life.

Judges’ citation: Body Weather: Notes on Illness in the Anthropocene is a visceral work of reported essays, masterfully braided with narrative research. Lorraine Boissoneault tells the story of living with chronic illness at a time when the planet is in a state of dire suffering. Climate change is bringing more hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, fires and landslides. How will a distressed planet affect stressed, ill or disabled bodies? In poetic an

d haunting prose, Boissoneault unearths intersections between her unique experience living with illness, while also illuminating universal questions lodged within all of us: How do we learn to live with discomfort? “How do we seek refuge from our own bodies, from weather that wraps itself around the world?” The Lukas Prize will enable the author to travel from her home base in Chicago to the Saguenay fjord in northern Quebec, to Death Valley in California and to Australia’s outback to complete reporting for the book. Body Weather is a singular work of literary reportage, a firsthand, intimate account drawing profound connections between the body and the planet.

Alice Driver Luis Garvan

Alice Driver is a James Beard Award-winning writer from the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. She is the author of More or Less Dead and the forthcoming Artists All Around , a memoir about her family’s relationship with author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. Driver is the translator of Abecedario de Juárez .

By shining a light on the lives of the immigrant laborers from marginalized communities who prepare our food, The Life and Death of the American Worker unmasks Tyson Foods, the largest meat-processing company in the U.S. Based in Arkansas, Tyson Foods relies overwhelmingly on immigrants and refugees to do the difficult and dangerous daily labor of processing chicken. During the pandemic, workers from Mexico, Central America, the Marshall Islands, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Myanmar — many of whom only speak their native language — faced working conditions at meatpacking plants that would kill them in greater numbers than any other place in the U.S. except prisons. Laying bare a system of immigration law and labor exploitation that values infinite growth at the expense of human beings, The Life and Death of the American Worker will forever change the conversation on labor conditions and the meaning of work. 

Judges’ citation: The Life and Death of the American Worker is a rigorously researched work of narrative nonfiction that exemplifies the spirit of holding powerful institutions accountable, while humanizing the individuals who have been systematically dehumanized by immigration law and unregulated labor practices. Powerful forces have tried to silence the project and the people who are part of it. Yet with deep access and empathy, Alice Driver tells the multifaceted stories of families who have filed a class-action lawsuit to hold Tyson responsible for the working conditions that caused the deaths of their loved ones. She conducted interviews in the various native languages of subjects, and the Lukas Award will go toward some of those translations. Although many journalists have held temporary jobs within meatpacking plants to write about the industry, Driver (who is from Arkansas and grew up around Tyson employees) is solely focused on the long-term experiences of immigrant workers who have been at Tyson for decades. Driver has performed a remarkable feat of investigative and narrative reporting in telling the stories of these essential yet often overlooked and exploited workers. 

Anthony Lukas Book Prize ($10,000):

The J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize recognizes superb examples of nonfiction writing that exemplify the literary grace, commitment to serious research and original reporting that characterized the distinguished work of the award’s namesake, J. Anthony Lukas. Books must be on a topic of American political or social concern published between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Judges this year: Masha Gessen (chair), Kurt Andersen, Suzy Hansen and Linda Villarosa.  

Winner: Dashka Slater, Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)

Dashka Slater and her book “Accountable” Amy Sullivan

Dashka Slater has written for such publications as The New York Times Magazine , Newsweek and Salon . Her New York Times -bestselling true crime book for teens, The 57 Bus , received numerous accolades, including the Stonewall Book Award, the California Book Award and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. It was named one of Time magazine’s “100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time” and was included on more than 20 “best books of the year” lists. The author of books for children and adults, Slater teaches in Hamline University’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program. She lives in Oakland, California.

Accountable , the winner of the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction, recounts the story of a racist social media account that changes everything for a group of teens. When a high school student started a private Instagram account that used racist and sexist memes to make his friends laugh, he thought of it as “edgy” humor. Over time, the edge got sharper. Then other kids found out about the account. Soon, everyone knew. Ultimately no one in the town of Albany, California, was safe from the repercussions of the account’s discovery. In the end, no one was laughing. And everyone was left asking: Where does accountability end for online speech that harms, and what does accountability even mean? 

Judges’ citation: For the first time, the Lukas Prize is awarded to a book aimed at a young adult audience. Accountable embodies the best of the Lukas tradition of deep reporting and compassionate storytelling. Dashka Slater uses a paper trail of court documents, police reports, texts, emails, social media posts and even poetry — along with hundreds of hours of first-person interviews — to construct a portrait of a school and a community in crisis. With honesty and authenticity, Slater gets into the minds and under the skin of a group of teenage subjects as well as the flailing adults ripped to shreds by the toxic power of online speech. Accountable confronts sticky questions of race, class and gender head-on and with care, resulting in an explosive, page-turning masterwork.

Kerry Howley and her book “Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs” Jordan Geiger

Kerry Howley is a feature writer at New York magazine and the author of Thrown , a New York Times Editors’ Choice and pick for best-of-the-year lists in Time , Salon , Slate , The New York Times Magazine and many other venues. A Lannan Foundation Fellow, she holds an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa, where she was a professor at the celebrated Nonfiction Writing Program until joining New York . She lives in Los Angeles.

A wild, humane and hilarious meditation on post-privacy America, Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs tells the true story of intelligence specialist Reality Winner, a lone young woman who stuffs a state secret under her skirt and trusts the wrong people to help. After printing five pages of dangerous information that she was never supposed to see, Winner finds herself at the mercy of forces more invasive than she could have possibly imagined. A soap opera set in the “Deep State,” Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs is a free fall into a world where everything is recorded and nothing is sacred, from a singular writer unafraid to ask essential questions about the strangeness of modern life.

Judges’ citation: Kerry Howley’s Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs is a portrait of a world in which privacy is fading but secrets abound. A handful of Howley ’ s characters divulge classified information in the name of greater public awareness; the results are invariably disastrous. A beautifully written, entirely original book, Bottoms Up describes a time and a world that has too much information to know itself. Some retailers have described the book as a biography of Reality Winner. They are wrong, but the miscategorization affirms one of the book ’ s insights: in the age of data collection, a life can look like a series of location check-ins, internet rabbit holes and other people ’ s impressions. After following Howley ’ s clear-eyed journey through the information woods, the reader emerges with their assumptions shaken, neurons rearranged and something like an understanding taking shape.

Mark Lynton History Prize ($10,000):  

The Mark Lynton History Prize is awarded to the book-length work of narrative history, on any subject, that best combines intellectual distinction with felicity of expression. Books must have b een published between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Judges: William G. Thomas III (chair), Marcia Chatelain, Andrés Reséndez and Elizabeth Taylor.  

Ned Blackhawk and his book “The Rediscovery of America” Dan Renzetti

Ned Blackhawk (Western Shoshone) is the Howard R. Lamar Professor of History and American Studies at Yale University, where he is the faculty coordinator for the Yale Group for the Study of Native America. He is the author of Violence over the Land: Indians and Empires in the Early American West . He lives in New Haven, Connecticut.

The most enduring feature of U.S. history has been the presence of Native Americans. Yet most American histories give scant attention to how Native Americans have shaped American history, even though Indigenous history has grown into one of the 21st century’s most dynamic fields of historical inquiry. The Rediscovery of America retells the history of America from the first decades of Spanish colonial exploration to the rise of Native American self-determination in the late 20th century, showing that Native history remains essential to understanding the evolution of modern America. Historian Ned Blackhawk interweaves Native and non-Native histories to expose the centrality of Native Americans to every century of North American historical development: European colonization in the 1600s was never a predetermined success; Native nations centrally shaped England’s crisis of empire; the American Revolution’s first shots occurred over Indian affairs in the interior; and the federal government built much of its administrative capacities in the 19th century through treaty-making and related Indian policies. Accessible and up to date, The Rediscovery of America is one of the few attempts to synthesize over five centuries of Native American history.

Judges’ citation: Ned Blackhawk ’ s stunning achievement in The Rediscovery of America flows from his opening question: “How can a nation founded on the homelands of dispossessed Indigenous peoples be the world’s most exemplary democracy?” What follows is a revelatory, refreshing and necessary reconceptualization of United States history. Blackhawk shows his readers that in encounter after encounter, Native peoples shaped every aspect of U.S. historical development. This painful history includes decades of unrelenting violence, land dispossession, treaty violation and the severing of more than 75,000 Native children from their families to federally funded boarding schools. In the 20th century, the U.S. government seized Native lands for dams, reservoirs, hydroelectric plants, nuclear testing and uranium mining, and after earlier reforms, paradoxically sought to terminate tribal sovereignty. Blackhawk’s sweeping account shows how Native peoples simultaneously determined American policies and were unjustly subject to them. The Rediscovery of America is the most ambitious and creative account of Native American history yet published. In a style both invigorating and urgent, Blackhawk delivers a major new synthesis of the field of Native American history and an elegant, masterful narrative of Native independence and sovereignty. 

Finalist: Gary J. Bass , Judgment at Tokyo: World War II on Trial and the Making of Modern Asia (Knopf)  

Gary J. Bass and his book “Judgment at Tokyo” Michael Lionstar

Gary J. Bass is the author of The Blood Telegram , which was a 2014 Pulitzer Prize finalist in general nonfiction and won the Arthur Ross Book Award from the Council on Foreign Relations, the Bernard Schwartz Book Award from the Asia Society, the Cundill Prize in Historical Literature and the Lionel Gelber Prize, among other awards. He is the William P. Boswell Professor of World Politics of Peace and War at Princeton University. His previous books are Freedom’s Battle and Stay the Hand of Vengeance . He has written for The Economist , The New York Times , The New Yorker , The Washington Post , The Atlantic , and other publications. 

Judgment at Tokyo is a landmark history of the trial of Japan’s leaders as war criminals — the overlooked Asian counterpart to Nuremberg. After World War II, the victorious Allies insisted on putting Japan’s wartime leaders on trial for aggression at Pearl Harbor and shocking atrocities across Asia. The Allies intended for the tribunal to build a more peaceful world under international law and American hegemony. On trial, Japanese leaders retorted that they had fought to liberate Asia from Western imperialism and that the court was victors’ justice. For more than two years, lawyers sparred before clashing Chinese, Indian, Philippine, American, and Soviet judges. Rather than clarity, the trial brought dissension and division that caused international discord between China, Japan and Korea to this day. The product of a decade of research and writing, Judgment at Tokyo is a magisterial history of the years that shaped postwar Asia.

Judges’ citation: Gary Bass’s Judgment at Tokyo is a masterpiece of historical writing. Nuanced, riveting and meticulously researched, Judgment at Tokyo takes readers into the inner workings of the Allies as they prosecuted 28 Japanese leaders after World War II for war crimes and atrocities. An international court of 11 judges took evidence from more than 1,200 witnesses in hearings that lasted two and a half years. Lawyers for the Allies sought to convict Japanese leaders not only of traditional war crimes, such as murdering prisoners of war and killing civilians, but also of a newly formulated charge, the crime of waging an aggressive war against international peace. Many Japanese, suffering from the U.S.-led firebombing campaigns and the two atomic bombs that killed millions of civilians, regarded the Tokyo trial with skepticism and resentment. Defense lawyers for the Japanese argued that Japan had fought the war to liberate Asia from Western colonialism and that the charge of aggressive war had no basis as a crime in international law. Far from resulting in moral clarity, the trial ended in fractious division and dissension. Judgment at Tokyo is a gripping courtroom drama that takes us behind the scenes with the judges, lawyers and U.S. military commanders at the center of the Tokyo trial. Bass renders a definitive, absorbing and eye-opening assessment of the trial’s enduring controversy and moral relevance.

About Columbia Journalism School  

For more than a century, the school has been preparing journalists in programs that stress academic rigor, ethics, journalistic inquiry and professional practice. Founded with a gift from Joseph Pulitzer, the school opened its doors in 1912 and offers Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Science in Data Journalism degrees as well as a joint Master of Science degree in Computer Science and Journalism, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Communications. It houses the Columbia Journalism Review, the Brown Institute for Media Innovation, the Tow Center for Digital Journalism and the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. The school also administers many of the leading journalism awards, including the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, the Maria Moors Cabot Prizes, the John Chancellor Award, the John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism, the Dart Awards for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma, the Paul Tobenkin Memorial Award and the Mike Berger Award.  

www.journalism.columbia.edu | @columbiajourn  

About the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard  

The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard educates leaders in journalism, promotes innovation and elevates the standards of the profession. More than 1,700 journalists from 100 countries have been awarded Nieman Fellowships since 1938. The foundation also publishes Nieman Reports , a website and print magazine covering thought leadership in journalism; Nieman Journalism Lab , a website reporting on the future of news, innovation and best practices in the digital media age; and Nieman Storyboard , a website showcasing exceptional narrative journalism and nonfiction storytelling.

www.nieman.harvard.edu | @niemanfdn