17 New Non-Fiction Books I’m Excited to Read in 2023

Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait by Leonard S Marcus

This middle grade book shares the story of Abraham Lincoln through the the use of one of his most famous photographs. While I don’t know much about Abraham Lincoln, I am curious to hear more about his impact as an American President. I also think the photograph is compelling and I’m looking forward to hearing his story through the lens of these photos.

My Selma by Willie Mae Brown

It’s so important to learn about historical moments, especially the Civil Rights Movement. In My Selma, Willie Mae Brown recounts the story of her childhood during a critical time in history. Willie Mae’s life is changed when she attended a church rally with her mother and hears Martin Luther King Jr deliver a speech. This book is going to be incredibly educational and I’m really looking forward to reading it.

We Are Your Children Too by P O’Connell Pearson

We Are Your Children Too is a middle grade non-fiction that explores the case of Prince Edward County in Virginia which is the only place in the United States to denty their citizens a public education. Since I’m a teacher, this book really caught my attention. While I don’t know much about this case, I think it will be really educational to learn about the fight for the right to learn.

The Woman in the Moon by Richard Maurer

I really love learning about space, especially if it involves reading a book. This book shares the story of Margaret Hamilton, a computer engineer who helped Apollo 11 land on the moon. I’m so excited to learn more about Margaret’s contribution to the successful moon landing. I also love that this book highlights the role that women play in space exploration.

How to Be a (Young) Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi and Nic Stone

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi really helped to create conversations about race and racism. As soon as I heard about this young readers edition, I immediately added it to my list of books to read. There’s nothing better than educating ourselves and I really think that this book will be an informative read. I also know it’ll be a great book to recommend to my students.

Change the Game by Colin Kaepernick

While I’m not someone who reads graphic novels, I’m really intrigued to pick up Colin Kaepernick’s memoir. I’m so excited to learn more about his story and what led him to be the person he is today. I also think the fact that this memoir is in the form of a graphic novel is really interesting!

I Have Something to Tell You by Chasten Buttigieg

I really like Pete Buttigieg! When I heard that a young readers edition of his husband’s book was releasing this year, I immediately added it to my list of books to read. I’m really looking forward to learning more about Chasten’s life in this memoir. I also love this cover!

The Women Who Built Hollywood by Susan Goldman

Aside from reading, I’m also a big fan of movies and television. This new release shares the story of twelve women of colour and their contributions to Hollywood. I’m so excited to learn about these women and the impact that they had on movies that come out of Hollywood. If you love movies just like me, you might be interested in this book too!

Spare by Prince Harry

While I’m not necessarily excited to read this book, I’m incredibly curious. There is so much speculation about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle which makes me interested to hear things from his own perspective. While I don’t think this will become a favourite, the curiosity is definitely leading me to read it.

Courtiers by Valentine Low

This is another book that has caught my attention because of all the media attention on the Royal family right now. This book shares the story behind the Royal family and is written by a man who has spent years as a Royal correspondent for The Times. I’m definitely curious to learn more about the dynamics in this family so hopefully I’ll enjoy this read!

Bad Morman by Heather Gay

I am a big fan of The Real Housewives — there’s nothing better than watching the franchise with my mom. I really enjoy Heather Gay on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City so I’m excited to pick up her memoir sometime this year! I’m looking forward to learning more about her life and hearing things that haven’t been talked about on the show!

Oscar Wars by Michael Schulman

This book discusses the history of the Oscars and also reveals some of the drama that goes along with the awards. As a fan of movies, I’m excited to learn more about the Academy Awards. I also just love this cover — it really draws me in!

But Have You Read the Book? by Kristen Lopez

I always love reading books before watching the movie — it’s always fun to compare. In this book, Turner Classic Movies shares 52 classic movies and the books that inspired them. I’m particularly excited to read more about The Princess Bride, Little Women and Clueless.

The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder by John Baxter

This wouldn’t be a complete list without a book about Disney on it! Since 2023 is the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, this book is definitely on my radar. While it’s more of a “coffee table book” I’m still excited to see what it has to offer! I’m particularly excited for the concept art and photographs!

The Want of Magic by Hilarie Burton Morgan

I am a big fan of One Tree Hill and because of that, I love Hilarie Burton Morgan. She seems like such a wonderful person and I’m so excited to read her newest release! There’s not a lot of information about the book but because it’s written by Hilarie, I’m definitely going to be reading it!

My Friend Anne Frank by Hannah Pick-Goslar

I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank years ago. While it’s incredibly heartbreaking, it’s also inspirational and heartwarming. When I heard about this book I immediately added it to my list of books to read. Hannah Pick Goslar shares her personal story of her childhood during the Holocaust and what it was like to be a friend of Anne Frank.

Freaks, Gleeks and Dawson’s Creek by Thea Glassman

This book shares the story of seven teen shows that shaped modern television. While I haven’t watched all of them, I’m particularly excited to read about The OC and Glee. It’s going to be incredibly interesting to read about how these shows helped television get to the point it is today!