Best Middle-Grade Nonfiction of 2025

by Lori Alexander ; illustrated by Rebecca Santo

Absorbing and inspirational. Full review >

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by Giselle Clarkson ; illustrated by Giselle Clarkson

A truly stellar work that will delight bird enthusiasts while converting the ambivalent into eager avian investigators. Full review >

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by Bibi Dumon Tak ; illustrated by Annemarie van Haeringen ; translated by Nancy Forest-Flier

A brilliant use of anthropomorphic animals, serving up facts and entertainment. Full review >

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by Lindsey Fitzharris & Adrian Teal ; illustrated by Adrian Teal

Macabre, madcap, and surprisingly wholesome in its positivity. Full review >

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by Cindy Jenson-Elliott ; illustrated by Theo Nicole Lorenz

An outstanding resource that depicts the winding and complex journey of scientific exploration. Full review >

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by Leonard S. Marcus

Provocative and thoughtful—rich in period details and timeless insights. Full review >

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by Katherine Paterson ; illustrated by Sally Deng

A stirring, singular tribute to a woman well aware of the importance of children’s books in times of trauma and recovery. Full review >

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by Uri Shulevitz ; illustrated by Uri Shulevitz

Quietly potent and intensely empathetic. Full review >

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by Clint Smith ; adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul

An important and phenomenally executed book. Full review >

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by Ed Yong ; adapted by AnnMarie Anderson ; illustrated by Rebecca Mills

An insightful and informative look at the animal kingdom with high appeal for lovers of nature and science. Full review >

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