New and Noteworthy Nonfiction

As YA award committees can attest, some truly exciting work is being done these days in teen nonfiction. Nonfiction books not only break new ground as works of research; they model habits of thinking, and they invite young people to get involved in their own process of inquiry.  Tune in to hear about newly-published biographies, memoirs, and essay collections as well as titles that explore history, science, and social issues.

After listening to this episode, be sure to print out this list of recommended titles to take to the library or book seller.

Books featured in this episode:

Biography

• Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz by Beverly Gherman (Chronicle Books, 2010)
• Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming (Schwartz & Wade, 2011
• A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis by Matt de la Peña (Dial, 2011)

History

• Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos (Clarion Books, 2010)
• If Stones Could Speak: Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge by Marc Aronson and Mike Parker Pearson (National Geographic, 2010)
• Skywalkers: Mohawk Ironworkers Build the City by David Weitzman (Flash Point, 2010)

Science

• Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland by Sally M. Walker (Carolrhoda Books, 2009)
• Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed by Sally M. Walker (Carolrhoda Books, 2010)
• The Secret of the Yellow Death: A True Story of Medical Sleuthing by Suzanne Jurmain (Houghton Mifflin, 2009)

Social Issues

• Watch This Space: Designing, Defending, and Sharing Public Spaces by Hadley Dyer (Kids Can Press, 2010)
• A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge by Josh Neufeld (Pantheon Books, 2009)
• Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Murray (Hyperion, 2010)
• The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy edited by Leah Wilson (Smart Pop, 2010)