by Tracy Briseño

Years ago, I worked in youth services at the library. I was always excited when a kid would come in and announce “I don’t like to read”. I knew that they were giving me a chance. I knew they hadn’t found the right book yet. Challenge accepted! 

I would often take these kids over to the juvenile nonfiction section and start pulling out titles. I’d ask them about what they liked to do, what they liked to watch, what they liked to do outside. I’d assure them that they didn’t have to like anything I picked out. But I’d sort through – do they like weapons and military history? Animals? How about weird and creepy animals or insects? Do they like Minecraft? How about a “choose your own adventure” where you try to survive the dust bowl? (I died every time I read that book.) I’d go along the shelves and most of the time, they’d be surprised and intrigued by at least one thing that we came across. WIN!

I love to learn new things. However, my interest in a variety of things does not always equate to digging into a several-hundred-page adult nonfiction book. Juvenile nonfiction is perfect. The authors are often engaging. There are cool color pictures to explain things. And there are books about SO MANY interesting things.

So, this column is my invitation to you. Come browse the juvenile nonfiction section with me. Let me share some of my favorite books and why I think you might like them, too. No pressure; you don’t have to like anything I suggest. If we were walking the shelves together, here are some fabulous books I’d pull out to show you.

We’ll start with animal books. Some of my favorite authors in animal books are Steve Jenkins, Jim Arnosky, and Nic Bishop. Steve Jenkins has a super cool book called Living Color that groups animals by color and explains why they have the coloring they do. Jim Arnosky has one called Hidden Wildlife tells about camouflage in all different environments. Take a look at Elephant Talk by Ann Downer to learn about elephants using sub sonic rumbles and listening through their feet. Hop into Citizens of the Sea and investigate all of the really interesting life beneath the sea with super vibrant photos.

Oh no! I’m out of room and we’ve only just begun. You’ll just have to wait for my next column to find out about fabulous biographies!