2025 SLJ Stars So Far | Non-FictionLike this list

23 items

• Impressive Nonfiction Elementary Titles | SLJ 2025 Stars So Far | School Library Journal

  View on slj.com

  The accolades keep coming for nonfiction picture books that dare to offer facts and true stories to elementary-aged readers. We cannot wait for autumn, when it's time for a whole other harvest of titles that keep children reading and learning.

• Zero! the Number That Almost Wasn't

  Albee, Sarah

  Add Zero! the Number That Almost Wasn't to your for later shelf

  "A must! Educators can build an entire lesson around zero, especially given the thoughtful resources and chatty time line provided in the back matter."

• How Sweet the Sound

  Alexander, Kwame

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  "A “loud and proud” celebration of the roots and branches of a unique musical heritage."

• The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice

  How to Discover a Shape

  Alznauer, Amy

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  "This beautifully illustrated and highly approachable book on mathematics is recommended for all libraries."

• Stalactite & Stalagmite

  a Big Tale From a Little Cave ; Drew Beckmeyer

  Beckmeyer, Drew

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  "Spirituality and valuable STEM lessons in a genuinely sweet and funny package? Yes, please, to this essential purchase."

• A Gift of Dust

  How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet

  Brockenbrough, Martha

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  "A beautiful blend of text and drawings shows the cycle of life through dust. This outstanding exploration of a natural phenomenon is a very strong first buy."

• The Black Mambas

  the World's First All-woman Anti-poaching Unit

  Crull, Kelly

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  "A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers."

• Where Are You, Brontë?

  DePaola, Tomie, 1934-2020

  Add Where Are You, Brontë? to your for later shelf

  "For all collections, this is a fond twin memorial both to a dog and to a beloved writer and artist."

• Poo Pile on the Prairie

  Hevron, Amy

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  "A first purchase for all libraries desiring an interesting and beautiful story about this important prairie ecosystem contributor."

• The Music Inside Us

  Yo-Yo Ma and His Gifts to the World

  Howe, James, 1946-

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  "A heartfelt tribute to a master musician whose life has lessons for all of us."

• Kaho'olawe

  the True Story of An Island and Her People

  Hurley, Kamalani, 1955-

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  "Animal lovers will lose themselves in the fascinating depictions of the island’s wildlife, and students of history will be enthralled. An excellent choice across the curricula and a winner across the board."

• Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone

  Maraniss, Andrew, 1970-

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  "A powerful and inspiring book that will resonate with young readers interested in sports, activism, and Indigenous culture."

• And She Was Loved

  Toni Morrison's Life in Stories

  Pinkney, Andrea Davis, 1963-

  Add And She Was Loved to your for later shelf

  "This winning tribute to a great American writer is a must-purchase for picture book collections."

• Cooking Up Change

  Platt, Michael C, 2005-

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  "Foodies and history buffs will enjoy this attractive cookbook filled with both recipes and facts about favorite foods and notable Black icons in history."

• Beacon of Hope

  the Life of Barack Obama

  Rappaport, Doreen

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  "A very successful biography that captures the energy and passion of a man who broke barriers and changed history."

• We Are the Wibbly!

  a Tadpole's Tail

  Tagholm, Sarah

  Add We Are the Wibbly! to your for later shelf

  "A quirky, kinetic look at transformation, blending humor, heart, and science. A first purchase for story hours and picture book nonfiction collections."

• The Daughter of Auschwitz

  Friedman, Tova, 1938-

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  "Masterfully and beautifully written. Not to be missed, this is a first and important purchase for all libraries."

• The Doomsday Detectives

  How Walter and Luis Alvarez Solved the Mystery of Dinosaur Extinction

  Jenson-Elliott, Cynthia L.

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  "Purchase this impressive STEM title for dino fans, curricular tie-ins, and all nonfiction shelves."

• Malcolm Lives

  Kendi, Ibram X.

  Add Malcolm Lives to your for later shelf

  "This thoroughly researched, beautifully rendered portrait of a complex and pivotal figure is recommended as an essential purchase."

• Octopus Ocean

  Geniuses of the Deep

  Leiren-Young, Mark

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  "Budding scientists and animal lovers will keep this stellar title in full circulation as they learn the mysteries and history of octopuses, from their biology, habitats, habits, and threats to their future."