Why non-fiction?
Non-fiction books are a brilliant way to engage readers and bring information alive. This book list contains 50 non-fiction titles for use with primary school pupils. The books are exciting and innovative which will ignite young minds.
Our selected titles
From reference books to stories about real-life figures, a wide range of titles are included to show the breadth of non-fiction today.
The books have been organised in age order for easy reference. Links to curriculum areas have been identified, and each title comes with a brief description and overview.
Books featuring on the list include The Earth Book by Jonathan Litton and Thomas Hedgbrook, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst and Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins and Stephen Biesty.
Curriculum links
- Science
- Geography
- Art
- History
“…reading and writing non-fiction can also draw on and develop our creativity. It sets us on intellectual adventures in the real world and the best texts are well researched and information-rich."
Margaret Mallett
More on non-fiction
- Try our free Non-fiction November ideas
- Explore Non-Fiction recommended reads and writing ideas to try in your classroom at any time of year.
- Teachers and school librarians interested in expanding their knowledge of new non-fiction books may also be interested in the School Library Association's Information Book Award.
Download file
You might also be interested in
-
Premium
This comprehensive guide to research and policy developments in primary literacy designed to help you develop evidence-based, sustainable literacy practices.View details about Primary Literacy Guide and Review -
Free
Supporting schools and early years settings with literacy teaching resources to help enrich your lessons linking to literacy moments and awareness days throughout the academic year.View details about Literacy teaching and school events calendar 2025-2026 -
Free
Build on this current hot topic to engage children with reading, oracy and provide purposeful writing activities.View details about Hot topic: Greta Thunberg and the climate emergency
