The New York Public Library's Teen Reading Ambassadors internship program brings together 10th–12th grade students to help further the Library's mission to inspire lifelong learning in others, particularly young children. Ambassadors work at NYPL After School programs across the city providing tutoring and literacy enrichment activities to children ages 6–12. They also show children the joy of reading by connecting them with engaging books from the Library’s collections! 

In these book recommendations, Ambassadors highlight engaging nonfiction titles for children. From a picture book biography of an artist you may not have heard of before to an exploration of the history of glasses to a survey of the unique animals of Antarctica, these titles are sure to introduce kids to new facts and spark their curiosity! For more nonfiction recommendations, visit NYPL’s Best Books for Kids list and filter by nonfiction. 

 

The People’s Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art written by Cynthia Levinson and illustrated by Evan Turk

Ages 7–10
Recommended by Kel A., Woodstock Library

This nonfiction book follows the life of Ben Shahn, an artist known for his work for social realism. The book uses colorful illustrations to construct the strong opinions that Shahn held throughout his life. Ben Shahn was a creative artist who included parts of his culture through his art and this book shows that by showing us various examples of art pieces that Shahn did. This book shows a young audience that having a strong opinionated voice is acceptable and is encouraged. The author shows examples of Shahn disobeying parts of religion that he believes was negatively impactful to different communities. This book's main target is 7–10-year-olds who have a passion for civil rights activists and love for the arts. We follow a boy who finds his passion in art and activism and explores it throughout his life.

The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom by Lita Judge

Ages 7–10
Recommended by Krishmitha N., St. George Library Center

Trees, trees, trees! All beautiful and clean! The Wisdom of Trees is an informational book filled with wonderful illustrations and poems. This fascinating work gives you a glimpse of the secrets of trees and the way they communicate to make a strengthened environment for themselves and others. Jump into this book to see the story of a tree and how they survive in their community. Although trees may seem quiet and lonely, they are far from it! With a world of their own, trees have their very own way of life. Just like us, trees are raised by a loved one, they protect their environment, share their food, and even talk! Join in to find out what else trees do and the hidden secrets they have. So put on your outdoor gear and climb into this book filled with nature, environment, trees, and lots of fun! 

Light Bulb: Eureka! The Biography of an Idea written by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin

Ages 5–8
Recommended by Emelyn B., High Bridge Library

It is hard to believe there was a time when light didn’t exist. In Light Bulb: Eureka! The Biography of an Idea by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld (and illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin) we follow the famous inventor, Thomas Edison, through his scientific process of creating long-lasting light. We see him collaborate with many other famous inventors like Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone). Not only that but we see the difficulties he went through with his ups and downs while trying to find a good solution. Even though we all know how the story ends, the journey Edison went through is just as important to know about. Go ahead and check it out today!

The Pronoun Book: She, He, They, and Me! written by Cassandra Jules Corrigan and illustrated by Jem Milton 

Ages 5–8
Recommended by Jeba A., Parkchester Library

In the book The Pronoun Book: She, He, They, and Me!, Ellie and Casey teach us pronouns which help refer to gender identity. There are also letters and vocabulary based on pronouns so you wouldn't be confused when someone tells you their pronouns. In our society, it's our duty to understand and respect all pronouns. Read with your loved one and don’t forget to share with others! 

 

Who Was Rosa Parks? written by Yona Zeldis McDonough and illustrated by Stephen Marchesi

Ages 7–10
Recommended by Reign H.,  Francis Martin Library

In this book Who Was Rosa Parks? you will be informed about the history of Rosa Parks and how her actions led to the fight for equal rights and freedom for African Americans. In 1955, Rosa Parks was sitting on a bus, and refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. Rosa Parks refusing to do this sparked a lot of attention and played an important part in African American history.

 

 

 

Glasses: Eureka! The Biography of an Idea written by Lori Haskins Houran and illustrated by John Joven

Ages 5–8
Recommended by Anna P., Chatham Square Library

You have definitely seen a pair of glasses before, but have you ever wondered how they came to be? Glasses: Eureka! The Biography of an Idea by Lori Haskins Houran tells the story of glasses from their origins in Ancient Rome to several upgrades made in Egypt, Spain, China, England, and the United States. Through its unique art style and clear timeline, Glasses takes us on a journey through centuries, when water, glass spheres, and even crystals were used to see! The story also includes easy-to-follow, labeled scientific diagrams that help us better understand the function of the human eye and how lenses work! In only 32 pages, you will become an expert on the evolution and function of glasses, and can show off your newfound knowledge to your glasses-wearing friends and family! 

Ten Animals in Antarctica: A Counting Book by Moira Court 

Ages 5–6
Recommended by Nolan L., Seward Park Library

After reading Ten Animals in Antarctica by Moira Court, I learned so much about the different types of species that live there. For example, I learned about how penguins live in their cold homes. You can learn it too! But the book isn't just a text with facts, it has many helpful pictures with descriptions too. On every page, you can play "I Spy" and count the number of animals on the page. In this way, the book can help improve your math skills at the same time. The book is also filled with fun rhymes to make you wish you could go to Antarctica in the future. What other animals live in the icy poles? Use your imagination! 

A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi by James Yang

Ages 5–7
Recommended by Tony C., Chatham Square Library

In the book A Boy Named Isamu by James Yang, Isamu goes to the market with his mother where he starts to get bored so he uses his imagination to start exploring the world. The author takes us on a journey with Isamu as he experiences different parts of the world and all that it offers. Descriptions of the places that Isamu visited are given to us, so it allows us to visit the places with him. Yang shows us that our imagination can take us anywhere we want to go. Have you ever wanted to go somewhere? You can just as Isamu did by using your imagination—the sky's the limit. At the end of the book we learn that the boy Isamu grows up to become the famous Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi! After reading this great book take your imagination for a test run and explore a place you have always wanted to explore! This book takes readers on a wild adventure, and I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story written by Areli Morales and illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Ages 5-8
Recommended by Ainsley O., Washington Heights Library

Areli Is a Dreamer is a great book for children who have faced or are facing the difficulty of moving from one place to another in search of a better future. In this book, Areli is a happy six-year-old girl who was born in Mexico. In Mexico, she lived in a colorful house with a big backyard and lots of chicken alongside her grandma and big family. Yet there was one thing missing for her to be completely happy. Her parents have been living in America as immigrants and have called for her to go live with them. She is excited to be reunited with her family but faces many issues including living in a new place where she does not know anyone and does not speak their language. To learn more about the challenges Areli faced when arriving in America and how she solved these challenges make sure to check your nearest NYPL branch or search NYPL’s online catalog to read this amazing book.