10+ Best Nonfiction Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to captivate the curious mind of your pre-teen? Dive into our carefully curated selection of nonfiction books for 11-year-olds, designed to engage, educate, and inspire young readers. From awe-inspiring adventures to mind-boggling facts about the world, we've gathered a variety of titles that promise to enrich and entertain. Keep reading to discover our top picks of nonfiction books that are just right for 11-year-olds!

Fun Nonfiction Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This inspiring autobiography tells the story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from famine.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an uplifting story that showcases the power of ingenuity and determination. It encourages young readers to think creatively and persistently about solving problems.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and science enthusiasts.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Reference, Science, Curiosities & Wonders
  • Synopsis: This book is filled with fascinating answers to interesting questions covering a wide range of topics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It feeds curiosity with fun facts and engaging explanations, making learning enjoyable and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love trivia and learning about the world around them.

• I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
  • Genre(s): Biography, Education, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The memoir of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who fought for her right to education against the Taliban and became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful example of how one person can make a difference in the world. It encourages young readers to advocate for their rights and the rights of others.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring activists and those interested in human rights.

• Weird But True! series by National Geographic Kids
  • Genre(s): Science, Weird Facts
  • Synopsis: Each book in this series is packed with bizarre and incredible facts that astonish and delight.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning feel like an adventure, perfect for keeping reading fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fun facts and those who enjoy discovering the weird wonders of the world.

• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Illustrator: Laura Freeman
  • Genre(s): History, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book reveals the contributions of four African American women who were instrumental in NASA's early space missions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights lesser-known historical figures and inspires readers with stories of overcoming adversity and achieving great success.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and space enthusiasts interested in the untold stories of pioneering women in science.

Educational Nonfiction Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Guts & Glory: The Vikings by Ben Thompson
  • Genre(s): History, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the riveting world of the Vikings, exploring their culture, conquests, and legacy through thrilling narratives and historical facts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, reading comprehension, cultural understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and energetic portrayal of Viking history that makes the past exciting and relatable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Adventure lovers and history buffs who enjoy action-packed stories.

• The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers by Jonathan W. Stokes
  • Genre(s): History, Travel, Humor
  • Synopsis: Presented as a travel guide for time travelers, this book offers a humorous yet informative look at what life was like in Ancient Rome.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, critical thinking, understanding of ancient civilizations
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with history, making learning about the past a fun and engaging experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humor and history, and those curious about ancient civilizations.

• Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest by Peter Wohlleben
  • Genre(s): Nature, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the secret life of forests, revealing the ways trees communicate, share resources, and support each other.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, biology, empathy for nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on nature, encouraging young readers to see the natural world in a new light.
  • Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and young environmentalists interested in ecology and conservation.

• The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle: And Other Surprising Stories about Inventions by Don L. Wulffson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book shares fascinating stories behind everyday inventions, showcasing the creativity and persistence of inventors throughout history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, creative thinking, understanding of innovation
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates curiosity and ingenuity, inspiring readers to think creatively about how everyday objects came to be.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and anyone curious about how things work.

• Time Traveler: A Scientist’s Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality by Ronald L. Mallett with Bruce Henderson
  • Genre(s): Science, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book details the life of physicist Ronald Mallett and his quest to develop a scientific understanding of time travel based on Einstein's theories.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific understanding, reading comprehension, inspiration for scientific exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs of a modern scientist, encouraging perseverance and passion in scientific pursuits.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and those fascinated by physics and time travel.

Challenging Nonfiction Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray
  • Illustrator: Nick Mann
  • Genre(s): Science, Reference
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book presents detailed information and photographs of all the elements in the periodic table.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves deeply into chemical properties and atomic structures, topics that are typically covered in more advanced education levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fascinating and beautiful approach to chemistry that can ignite a lifelong interest in science.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and anyone interested in chemistry and the building blocks of the universe.

• An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese
  • Genre(s): History, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: This book reinterprets American history from the perspective of Indigenous peoples and discusses the impact of European colonization.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents complex historical and cultural discussions that encourage critical thinking about history and its narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a critical perspective on American history, promoting understanding and empathy for Indigenous experiences.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, social justice, and Indigenous cultures.

• Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson, adapted by Gregory Mone
  • Genre(s): Science, Astronomy
  • Synopsis: This adaptation of Tyson’s bestselling book explains the fundamental principles of astrophysics in clear, accessible language.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts about the universe, space, and the laws of physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It distills big ideas into comprehensible parts, sparking curiosity about the cosmos.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a keen interest in science and the universe.

• The Omnivore's Dilemma: Young Readers Edition by Michael Pollan
  • Genre(s): Health, Environment, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the environmental and ethical implications of our food choices through an investigation of the origins of different food chains.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex issues related to agriculture, economics, and sustainability.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about the environmental impact of our daily choices and promotes healthy eating habits.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and anyone interested in nutrition and the impact of their food choices.

• The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This biography covers the thrilling and controversial life of Charles Lindbergh, an American aviator, inventor, and prominent historical figure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as fame, privacy, and political controversy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a nuanced view of a significant historical figure, helping readers understand the complexities of public life and legacy.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring pilots, history buffs, and readers interested in biographies of complex figures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of nonfiction books and you're around 11 years old, you're in for a treat! Nonfiction can be just as thrilling as fiction, with the added bonus of teaching you about the real world. To make the most of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to help you develop good reading habits. Let’s get started!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and motivated to continue reading regularly.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes reading a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary nearby to look up new words you encounter.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Write down the new words and their meanings in a notebook.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who might be interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to express what you felt about the book’s content, not just what happened.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you’ve read and helps in retaining information.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main points.

• Question and Answer Session
  • What it is: After reading, think of questions you have and try to answer them.
  • How it helps: Enhances critical thinking and deeper understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Write down any questions that come to mind during reading and research or think about the answers post-reading.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you process the information better.
  • Tips: Try different tones and pitches to make the reading more engaging.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your nonfiction books more, but you'll also build strong reading habits that will benefit you throughout life. Happy reading!