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.

Albee, Sarah. Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn’t. illus. by Chris Hsu. Charles-bridge.
Gr 1-4–A must! Educators can build an entire lesson around zero, especially given the thoughtful resources and chatty time line provided in the back matter.

Alexander, Kwame. How Sweet the Sound. illus. by Charly Palmer. Little, Brown.
Gr 2-5–A “loud and proud” celebration of the roots and branches of a unique musical heritage.

Almellehan, Muzoon. Muzoon: From Refugee to Leader. illus. by Asma Enayeh. Random.
Gr 2-3–Almellehan’s story of her own experiences will educate and ignite a spark of passion in young readers.

Alznauer, Amy. The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a Shape. illus. by Anna Bron. Candlewick.
Gr 1-4–This beautifully illustrated and highly approachable book on mathematics is recommended for all libraries.

Armendia-Sánchez, Nydia. Frida Kahlo’s Flower Crown. illus. by Loris Lora. Abrams.
Gr 1-3–Not so much a picture book biography as a soaring, enticing tribute to a strong and distinctive artist.

Beckmeyer, Drew. Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave. S. & S./Atheneum.
K-Gr 4–Spirituality and valuable STEM lessons in a genuinely sweet and funny package? Yes, please, to this essential purchase.

Blackburne, Livia. Dreams to Ashes: The 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre. illus. by Nicole Xu. Lerner/Carolrhoda.
Gr 2-5–This deeply felt coverage of the inflection points for so many communities is a must-have for all libraries.

Blumenthal, Karen & Jen McCartney. Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s Fight for Freedom. illus. by Elizabeth Baddeley. Roaring Brook.
Gr 3-5–An excellent purchase recommended to any library seeking to embolden readers of a new kind of revolutionary leader.

Brockenbrough, Martha. A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet. illus. by Juana Martinez-Neal. Knopf.
Gr 3-6–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.

Crull, Kelly. The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit. photos by Kelly Crull. Lerner/Millbrook.
Gr 2-5–A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers.

DePaola, Tomie. Where Are You, Brontë?illus. by Barbara McClintock. S. & S.
PreS-Gr 2–For all collections, this is a fond twin memorial both to a dog and to a beloved writer and artist.

HaraŠtovÁ, Helena. This Is Me: Getting to Know Yourself and Others Better. illus. by Ana Kobern. Albatros.
PreS-Gr 3–This title provides a plethora of opportunities for discussion as adults try to help young people navigate the human experience and celebrate their uniqueness.

Harris, Quartez. Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer. illus. by Gordon C. James. Little, Brown.
Gr 2-5–This book not only explains the growth of a successful writer, but it has potential to stimulate discussions of the ways reading and writing enrich our lives.

Hevron, Amy. Poo Pile on the Prairie. illus. by Amy Hevron. S. & S./Beach Lane.
K-Gr 2–A first purchase for all libraries desiring an interesting and beautiful story about this important prairie ecosystem contributor.

Howe, James. The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma and His Gifts to the World. illus. by Jack Wong. Abrams.
Gr 1-5– A heartfelt tribute to a master musician whose life has lessons for all of us.

Hurley, Kamalani. Kaho‘olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People. illus. by Harinani Orme. Lerner/Millbrook.
PreS-Gr 4–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.

Jenkins, Steve & Robin Page. Toes, Teeth, and Tentacles: A Curious Counting Book. Little, Brown.
Gr 1-4–A visually stellar, engaging book of quirky facts and creatures, this will draw in readers across grade levels and is a first purchase for all libraries.

Larocca, Rajani. Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States. illus. by Huy Voun Lee. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano.
K-Gr 4–Informational, inspirational, and celebratory, this picture book belongs on the shelf of every library and demands to be read again and again.

Levy, Debbie. The Friendship Train: A True Story of Helping and Healing After World War II. illus. by Boris Kulikov. Bloomsbury.
Gr 1-4–Educators and families will enjoy this story of hope and persistence; in a time of political peril, the book will more than inspire children to act.

Maraniss, Andrew. Beyond the Game: Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone. illus. by DeAndra Hodge. Viking.
Gr 2-4–A powerful and inspiring book that will resonate with young readers interested in sports, activism, and Indigenous culture.

McCully, Emily Arnold. The Eclipse of 1919: How Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity Changed Our World. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano.
Gr 1-5–A rigorously researched addition to the body of biographies about Einstein and ideal for upper elementary students.

Moore, Jessica Care. Your Crown Shines: For Ketanji Brown Jackson and You. illus. by Dare Coulter. HarperCollins/Amistad.
Gr 1-5–A gorgeously illustrated celebration of diversity that is a must-purchase.

Pendreigh, Kirsten. What Fish Are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean. illus. by Katie Melrose. Sourcebooks/eXplore.
PreS-Gr 2–Educators, parents, and students will absolutely love this book. It’s beautifully illustrated, funny, and educational; start recommending it ASAP.

Pinkney, Andrea Davis. And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in Stories. illus. by Daniel Minter. Little, Brown.
PreS-Gr 3–This winning tribute to a great American writer is a must-purchase for picture book collections.

Platt, Michael. Cooking Up Change: Grandma’s Recipes from a Year in Black History. illus. by Alleanna Harris. Magic Cat.
Gr 4 Up–Foodies and history buffs will enjoy this attractive cookbook filled with both recipes and facts about favorite foods and notable Black icons in history.

Poliquin, Rachel. This Is Orange: A Field Trip Through Color. illus. by Julie Morstad. Candlewick.
K-Gr 3–With some uncommon words and packed with ideas, this compelling and humorous book lends itself as a read-aloud for early grades and is a must for all libraries.

Prasadam-Halls, Smriti. All That You Are. illus. by Chaaya Prabhat. little bee.
Gr 3-6–Inspiring and uplifting, this is a particularly excellent selection for multi-cultural families to enjoy together and works in library collections as well.

Rappaport, Doreen. Beacon of Hope: The Life of Barack Obama. illus. by Tonya Engel. Little, Brown.
Gr 1-4–A very successful biography that captures the energy and passion of a man who broke barriers and changed history.

Richman, Brittany. The Woman Behind the Magic: How Lillian B. Disney Shaped the Disney Legacy. illus. by Joanie Stone. S. & S./ Beach Lane.
Gr 3-6–An insightful and inspiring biography that shines a well-deserved light on a little-known figure who quietly helped shape the magic of Disney.

Roop, Connie & Peter Roop. Maya Angelou Finds Her Voice. illus. by Noa Denmon. S. & S./Aladdin.
Gr 2-5–A perfect pairing for classes that teach I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings or other works by Angelou, this picture book will also be at home in a read-aloud or elementary setting. Recommended purchase for all libraries.

Slice, Jessica & Caroline Cupp. This Is How We Talk: A Celebration of Disability and Connection. illus. by Kayla Harren. Dial.
K-Gr 4–Featuring exceptional accounts and impactful illustrations of different forms of communication, this book is a true celebration of all people living with disabilities and an invaluable learning experience for children and their grown-ups.

SLIvensky, Katie. I, Rock: A Geology Tale. illus. by Steph Stilwell. S. & S./Beach Lane.
Gr 1-4–In a season with a lot of rock books, this is a must-purchase for nonfiction collections as rock hounds will delight in finding out how rocks are born.

Tagholm, Sarah. We Are the Wibbly!illus. by Jane McGuinness. Bloomsbury.
PreS-Gr 2–A quirky, kinetic look at transformation, blending humor, heart, and science. A first purchase for story hours and picture book nonfiction collections.

Todd, Tracie N. Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins—The First Lady of Children’s Music. illus. by Eleanor Davis. Chronicle.
K-Gr 3–A wonderful addition to library collections or for use in music classrooms to introduce this early childhood icon to all kids.

Zeiger, Danna. Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability. illus. by Josée Bisaillon. Lerner/Millbrook.
Gr 1-4–A must-purchase for all libraries as it reflects the best that modern biographies for young readers have to offer.