<

Fill your classroom library with answers to the (many!) common questions young students have with this list of the best nonfiction books for kids. 

The nonfiction genre holds many benefits for your students, including allowing them to learn about the world around them and make connections between it and what they read. 

For example, The Ocean is Kind of a Big Deal is a fascinating picture book about all that the ocean does for us. Students will love the colorful illustrations and fun facts about the ocean, its creatures, and its capabilities. 

Meanwhile, You Are a Star, Jane Goodall is perfect for students who love biographies. Learn all about the life and work of conservationist, scientist, and chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall together as a class through a mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic illustrations, and essential facts. 

For the animal lovers in your class, Set Your Alarm, Sloth! will capture their imaginations as they join Dr. Glider in treading all kinds of animals, like a sloth with algae on her fur, a sneezing iguana, a leaderless clownfish, and more! Through imaginative storytelling, students will learn fun facts about all kinds of animals.

Each title on this list is packed with facts and on-level text that's just right for curious young minds. Use these books for both independent reading and larger group lessons and to take a more in-depth look at a variety of subjects, like nature, space, biographies, historical events, and more. 

Shop nonfiction books for 1st and 2nd grade below! As an educator, you get at least 25% off the list price when you shop books and activities at The Teacher Store.

Want more great content? Subscribe to our Teacher Newsletter below and get teaching ideas delivered right to your inbox.