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General Recommendations

Best Informational Books for Older Readers of 2022

By:

ChiPubLib_Kids

Chicago Public Library

Staff-created list

We recommend these as the very best nonfiction books published for kids in 4th though 8th grade in 2022.

By:

ChiPubLib_Kids

Chicago Public Library

21 items

21 items

Alias Anna

Alias Anna

A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis

by Hood, Susan

Book - 2022

Zhanna Arshankaya, a Ukrainian Jewish concert pianist, shares the unbelievable but true story of how she and her sister Frina survived the German invasion...Show more Zhanna Arshankaya, a Ukrainian Jewish concert pianist, shares the unbelievable but true story of how she and her sister Frina survived the German invasion of Ukraine. Written in verse, her memoir is bookended by detailed back matter including family photographs and music history. Show less

Zhanna Arshankaya, a Ukrainian Jewish concert pianist, shares the unbelievable but true story of how she and her sister Frina survived the German invasion...Show more Zhanna Arshankaya, a Ukrainian Jewish concert pianist, shares the unbelievable but true story of how she and her sister Frina survived the German invasion of Ukraine. Written in verse, her memoir is bookended by detailed back matter including family photographs and music history. Show less

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American Murderer

American Murderer

The Parasite That Haunted the South

by Jarrow, Gail

Book - 2022

Gory, gross, and engrossing, this is a deep dig into the scientific discovery of a microscopic parasite so deadly it was given the name Necator americanus, or "American murderer." Gory, gross, and engrossing, this is a deep dig into the scientific discovery of a microscopic parasite so deadly it was given the name Necator americanus, or "American murderer." Show less

Gory, gross, and engrossing, this is a deep dig into the scientific discovery of a microscopic parasite so deadly it was given the name Necator americanus, or "American murderer." Gory, gross, and engrossing, this is a deep dig into the scientific discovery of a microscopic parasite so deadly it was given the name Necator americanus, or "American murderer." Show less

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The Antiracist Kid

The Antiracist Kid

A Books About Identity, Justice, and Activism

by Jewell, Tiffany

Book - 2022

What is racism? What is antiracism? What do you do when you encounter racism? This book teaches young children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice. What is racism? What is antiracism? What do you do when you encounter racism? This book teaches young children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice. Show less

What is racism? What is antiracism? What do you do when you encounter racism? This book teaches young children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice. What is racism? What is antiracism? What do you do when you encounter racism? This book teaches young children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice. Show less

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Because of You, John Lewis

Because of You, John Lewis

The True Story of A Remarkable Friendship

by Pinkney, Andrea Davis

Book - 2022

Can you imagine getting to meet your real-life hero? Tyler Fau was lucky enough to meet his hero, John Lewis. This poetic and illustrated picture book biography takes you on a journey of their lives and friendship. Can you imagine getting to meet your real-life hero? Tyler Fau was lucky enough to meet his hero, John Lewis. This poetic and illustrated picture book biography takes you on a journey of their lives and friendship. Show less

Can you imagine getting to meet your real-life hero? Tyler Fau was lucky enough to meet his hero, John Lewis. This poetic and illustrated picture book biography takes you on a journey of their lives and friendship. Can you imagine getting to meet your real-life hero? Tyler Fau was lucky enough to meet his hero, John Lewis. This poetic and illustrated picture book biography takes you on a journey of their lives and friendship. Show less

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Button Pusher

by Page, Tyler

Paperback - 2022

In this graphic novel memoir, Page shares his own childhood experiences of growing up with ADHD. With a mix of humor, angst and being informative, this is a great resource sure to appeal to graphic novel fans. In this graphic novel memoir, Page shares his own childhood experiences of growing up with ADHD. With a mix of humor, angst and being informative, this is a great resource sure to appeal to graphic novel fans. Show less

In this graphic novel memoir, Page shares his own childhood experiences of growing up with ADHD. With a mix of humor, angst and being informative, this is a great resource sure to appeal to graphic novel fans. In this graphic novel memoir, Page shares his own childhood experiences of growing up with ADHD. With a mix of humor, angst and being informative, this is a great resource sure to appeal to graphic novel fans. Show less

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Call Him Jack

Call Him Jack

The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter

by Williams, Yohuru

Book - 2022

Did you know about the civil rights work Robinson did outside of his groundbreaking baseball career? Learn all about it in this riveting biography showing all the sides of Jack Robinson. Did you know about the civil rights work Robinson did outside of his groundbreaking baseball career? Learn all about it in this riveting biography showing all the sides of Jack Robinson. Show less

Did you know about the civil rights work Robinson did outside of his groundbreaking baseball career? Learn all about it in this riveting biography showing all the sides of Jack Robinson. Did you know about the civil rights work Robinson did outside of his groundbreaking baseball career? Learn all about it in this riveting biography showing all the sides of Jack Robinson. Show less

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Choosing Brave

Choosing Brave

How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement

by Joy, Angela

Book - 2022

In this picture book biography, learn how Mamie Till-Mobley channeled her grief over her son’s death into a call for action for racial equity and justice. In this picture book biography, learn how Mamie Till-Mobley channeled her grief over her son’s death into a call for action for racial equity and justice. Show less

In this picture book biography, learn how Mamie Till-Mobley channeled her grief over her son’s death into a call for action for racial equity and justice. In this picture book biography, learn how Mamie Till-Mobley channeled her grief over her son’s death into a call for action for racial equity and justice. Show less

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Fossil Hunter

Fossil Hunter

How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life

by Blackford, Cheryl

Book - 2022

See how Mary Anning handled the many challenges of being a female paleontologist in the Victorian era and still managed to find amazing skeletons and impacted our knowledge of prehistoric life. See how Mary Anning handled the many challenges of being a female paleontologist in the Victorian era and still managed to find amazing skeletons and impacted our knowledge of prehistoric life. Show less

See how Mary Anning handled the many challenges of being a female paleontologist in the Victorian era and still managed to find amazing skeletons and impacted our knowledge of prehistoric life. See how Mary Anning handled the many challenges of being a female paleontologist in the Victorian era and still managed to find amazing skeletons and impacted our knowledge of prehistoric life. Show less

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How to Build A Human

How to Build A Human

In Seven Evolutionary Steps

by Turner, Pamela S.

Book - 2022

Just seven steps might not seem like enough to track how humans evolved from our hominid ancestors, but here the anthropological story is both richly deta...Show more Just seven steps might not seem like enough to track how humans evolved from our hominid ancestors, but here the anthropological story is both richly detailed and easy to read. From step one: standing upright to step seven: telling stories, this book encompasses a vast amount of information and not only makes it easy to grasp, it makes it fun (don’t miss the jokes in the footnotes!). Show less

Just seven steps might not seem like enough to track how humans evolved from our hominid ancestors, but here the anthropological story is both richly deta...Show more Just seven steps might not seem like enough to track how humans evolved from our hominid ancestors, but here the anthropological story is both richly detailed and easy to read. From step one: standing upright to step seven: telling stories, this book encompasses a vast amount of information and not only makes it easy to grasp, it makes it fun (don’t miss the jokes in the footnotes!). Show less

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I Begin With Spring

I Begin With Spring

The Life and Seasons of Henry David Thoreau

by Dunlap, Julie

Book - 2022

This lovingly illustrated biography of Henry David Thoreau takes as its inspiration his journal of seasonal observations, following its subject from Spring (boyhood) to Winter (final years). This lovingly illustrated biography of Henry David Thoreau takes as its inspiration his journal of seasonal observations, following its subject from Spring (boyhood) to Winter (final years). Show less

This lovingly illustrated biography of Henry David Thoreau takes as its inspiration his journal of seasonal observations, following its subject from Spring (boyhood) to Winter (final years). This lovingly illustrated biography of Henry David Thoreau takes as its inspiration his journal of seasonal observations, following its subject from Spring (boyhood) to Winter (final years). Show less

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Maya's Song

Maya's Song

by Watson, Renée

Book - 2022

Marguerite Annie Johnson had a story that wasn’t all good and wasn’t all bad. Word-crafter Watson and painter Collier team up to create a stunning verse &...Show more Marguerite Annie Johnson had a story that wasn’t all good and wasn’t all bad. Word-crafter Watson and painter Collier team up to create a stunning verse & watercolor portrait of Maya Angelou who faced racism, assault, and loss but who told her own story and those of others. As her mamma predicted, Maya “chased away darkness, ushered in light.” Show less

Marguerite Annie Johnson had a story that wasn’t all good and wasn’t all bad. Word-crafter Watson and painter Collier team up to create a stunning verse &...Show more Marguerite Annie Johnson had a story that wasn’t all good and wasn’t all bad. Word-crafter Watson and painter Collier team up to create a stunning verse & watercolor portrait of Maya Angelou who faced racism, assault, and loss but who told her own story and those of others. As her mamma predicted, Maya “chased away darkness, ushered in light.” Show less

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A Mind Like Mine

A Mind Like Mine

21 Famous People and Their Mental Health

by Davis, Rachael

Book - 2022

Beautifully illustrated profiles of famous figures familiarize various mental illnesses, interspersed by in-depth explorations of common conditions and tr...Show more Beautifully illustrated profiles of famous figures familiarize various mental illnesses, interspersed by in-depth explorations of common conditions and treatments. This book admirably threads the needle of acknowledging the struggles of historical figures without imposing a diagnosis. Show less

Beautifully illustrated profiles of famous figures familiarize various mental illnesses, interspersed by in-depth explorations of common conditions and tr...Show more Beautifully illustrated profiles of famous figures familiarize various mental illnesses, interspersed by in-depth explorations of common conditions and treatments. This book admirably threads the needle of acknowledging the struggles of historical figures without imposing a diagnosis. Show less

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The Mystery of the Monarchs

The Mystery of the Monarchs

How Kids, Teachers, and Butterfly Fans Helped Fred and Norah Urquhart Track the Great Monarch Migration

by Rosenstock, Barb

Book - 2022

When an entomologist really wants to know where the butterflies disappear to every winter, he enlists the help of children and community members to tell him what they know and finds out something amazing. When an entomologist really wants to know where the butterflies disappear to every winter, he enlists the help of children and community members to tell him what they know and finds out something amazing. Show less

When an entomologist really wants to know where the butterflies disappear to every winter, he enlists the help of children and community members to tell him what they know and finds out something amazing. When an entomologist really wants to know where the butterflies disappear to every winter, he enlists the help of children and community members to tell him what they know and finds out something amazing. Show less

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Packing for Mars for Kids

Packing for Mars for Kids

by Roach, Mary

Book - 2022

Going to space is uncomfortable, invasive and kind of weird. Learn all about the mysteries of space travel in this adaptation of Roach’s adult book by the same name. Going to space is uncomfortable, invasive and kind of weird. Learn all about the mysteries of space travel in this adaptation of Roach’s adult book by the same name. Show less

Going to space is uncomfortable, invasive and kind of weird. Learn all about the mysteries of space travel in this adaptation of Roach’s adult book by the same name. Going to space is uncomfortable, invasive and kind of weird. Learn all about the mysteries of space travel in this adaptation of Roach’s adult book by the same name. Show less

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Peace Is A Chain Reaction

Peace Is A Chain Reaction

How World War II Japanese Balloon Bombs Brought People of Two Nations Together

by Stone, Tanya Lee

Book - 2022

Did you know that a balloon bomb exploded in Oregon near the end of World War II? This book weaves together the separate stories of a young Japanese Ameri...Show more Did you know that a balloon bomb exploded in Oregon near the end of World War II? This book weaves together the separate stories of a young Japanese American enduring Internment camp in CA, Japanese high-school girls laboring over balloons designed to sail across the Pacific, and of bomb victims in Bly, Oregon who were attending a church picnic. A heart-felt and significant book. Show less

Did you know that a balloon bomb exploded in Oregon near the end of World War II? This book weaves together the separate stories of a young Japanese Ameri...Show more Did you know that a balloon bomb exploded in Oregon near the end of World War II? This book weaves together the separate stories of a young Japanese American enduring Internment camp in CA, Japanese high-school girls laboring over balloons designed to sail across the Pacific, and of bomb victims in Bly, Oregon who were attending a church picnic. A heart-felt and significant book. Show less

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Rewilding

Rewilding

Bringing Wildlife Back Where It Belongs

by Steen, David A.

Book - 2022

The concept of rewilding or re-introducing wildlife into their own habitats is described along with the challenges, successes, and failures of these effor...Show more The concept of rewilding or re-introducing wildlife into their own habitats is described along with the challenges, successes, and failures of these efforts. Short vignettes offer a broad overview of numerous efforts including re-establishing California condors, English beavers and Tanzanian Kihansi spray toads. This book connects animals to their environment and illuminates the impact humans have on their survival. Show less

The concept of rewilding or re-introducing wildlife into their own habitats is described along with the challenges, successes, and failures of these effor...Show more The concept of rewilding or re-introducing wildlife into their own habitats is described along with the challenges, successes, and failures of these efforts. Short vignettes offer a broad overview of numerous efforts including re-establishing California condors, English beavers and Tanzanian Kihansi spray toads. This book connects animals to their environment and illuminates the impact humans have on their survival. Show less

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Seen and Unseen

Seen and Unseen

What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams's Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American Incarceration

by Partridge, Elizabeth

Book - 2022

This uniquely visual nonfiction book uses photographs of the same internment camp by three different photographers to explore the imprisonment of Japanese...Show more This uniquely visual nonfiction book uses photographs of the same internment camp by three different photographers to explore the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during WWII and encourage readers to think critically about media bias and government propaganda. Show less

This uniquely visual nonfiction book uses photographs of the same internment camp by three different photographers to explore the imprisonment of Japanese...Show more This uniquely visual nonfiction book uses photographs of the same internment camp by three different photographers to explore the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during WWII and encourage readers to think critically about media bias and government propaganda. Show less

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Star Child

A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler

by Zoboi, Ibi Aanu

Book - 2022

An innovative tribute to the mother of Aftofuturism this experimental biography blends poetry and prose to paint a portrait of Butler and her worlds – real and imagined. An innovative tribute to the mother of Aftofuturism this experimental biography blends poetry and prose to paint a portrait of Butler and her worlds – real and imagined. Show less

An innovative tribute to the mother of Aftofuturism this experimental biography blends poetry and prose to paint a portrait of Butler and her worlds – real and imagined. An innovative tribute to the mother of Aftofuturism this experimental biography blends poetry and prose to paint a portrait of Butler and her worlds – real and imagined. Show less

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The Sun Does Shine

The Sun Does Shine

An Innocent Man, A Wrongful Conviction, and the the Long Path to Justice

by Hinton, Anthony Ray

Book - 2022

Despite being on death row for 28 years in Alabama for a crime he didn’t commit, Anthony Ray Hinton never stopped trying to clear his name. A powerful story of racial justice, adapted for young readers. Despite being on death row for 28 years in Alabama for a crime he didn’t commit, Anthony Ray Hinton never stopped trying to clear his name. A powerful story of racial justice, adapted for young readers. Show less

Despite being on death row for 28 years in Alabama for a crime he didn’t commit, Anthony Ray Hinton never stopped trying to clear his name. A powerful story of racial justice, adapted for young readers. Despite being on death row for 28 years in Alabama for a crime he didn’t commit, Anthony Ray Hinton never stopped trying to clear his name. A powerful story of racial justice, adapted for young readers. Show less

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Unbreakable: the Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code

Unbreakable: the Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code

by Barone, Rebecca E. F.

Book - 2022

The page-turning true story of how an international team of Allied spies, scientists, and mathematicians smuggled Nazi coding devices and secrets across enemy borders and defeated the Third Reich. The page-turning true story of how an international team of Allied spies, scientists, and mathematicians smuggled Nazi coding devices and secrets across enemy borders and defeated the Third Reich. Show less

The page-turning true story of how an international team of Allied spies, scientists, and mathematicians smuggled Nazi coding devices and secrets across enemy borders and defeated the Third Reich. The page-turning true story of how an international team of Allied spies, scientists, and mathematicians smuggled Nazi coding devices and secrets across enemy borders and defeated the Third Reich. Show less

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The Woman Who Split the Atom

The Woman Who Split the Atom

Lise Meitner

by Moss, Marissa

Book - 2022

Can you imagine being a female scientist in the early twentieth century especially during WWII? Not your typical biography with its graphic novel illustra...Show more Can you imagine being a female scientist in the early twentieth century especially during WWII? Not your typical biography with its graphic novel illustrations, Moss tells the compelling story of Jewish physicist Lise Meitner. Extensive back matter includes a timeline of Meitner’s life and achievements. Show less

Can you imagine being a female scientist in the early twentieth century especially during WWII? Not your typical biography with its graphic novel illustra...Show more Can you imagine being a female scientist in the early twentieth century especially during WWII? Not your typical biography with its graphic novel illustrations, Moss tells the compelling story of Jewish physicist Lise Meitner. Extensive back matter includes a timeline of Meitner’s life and achievements. Show less

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