15 New Non-Fiction Books I’m Excited to Read in 2024

Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X Kendi

This middle grade adaptation shares the true-life story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the Atlantic human trade. While this book centres around a difficult topic, it’s educational and incredibly powerful. Paired with the illustrations, this adaptation for young readers will help to provide historical context.

Remember My Story: A Girl, a Holocaust Survivor and a Friendship that Made History by Claire Sarnowski and Sarah Durand

Remember My Story is another powerful non-fiction on this list. It shares the story of fourteen-year old Claire and ninety-two year old Alter, a holocaust survivor, who joined forces to advocate for mandatory Holocaust education in Oregon’s public schools. Their friendship led them on an incredible journey of activism. It will be an inspiring memoir about resilience, friendship, community as well as activism.

The Bard and the Book: How the First Folio Saved the Plays of Williams Shakespeare from Oblivion by Ann Bausum

Four hundred years ago, the plays of William Shakespeare were at risk of being lost to history because no one had preserved the exact words of stage plays. But, a group of people made the decision to compile and publish the plays in a book known as the First Folio. I’m really looking forward to reading this book because I didn’t know the history behind the publication of Shakespeare’s plays. I think so many young readers are going to enjoy this one and I’m looking forward to picking it up!

Made in Asian America: A History for Young People by Erika Lee and Christina Soontornvat

Made in Asian America is a non-fiction that explores the diverse and often untold history of Asian Americans. It devles into their centuries-old impact on the United States, from migration and resilience to facing racism as well as fighting for equality. It also highlights the contributions of Asian Americans and their influence on American society. I just know this one is going to be fantastic.

American Wings: Chicago’s Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky by Sherri L Smith and Elizabeth Wein

American Wings is the true story of the desegregation of the skies between the years of World War I and World War II. It follows the journey of Black aviators who established a flying club and training school even while they faced prejudice and segregation. It’s a story about reslience as well as determination and I think it will be a fantastic story about perseverance.

Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School by Tiffany Jewell

Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School is a powerful young adult non-fiction release. It addresses the challenges faced by Black and Brown students from preschool to college because of systemic racism in the education system. Even though I don’t live in the United States, I think this will be a really poignant book to read, especially as a teacher. I think it will be a really valuable book that will provide readers with an opportunity to understand the issues that are present. I also think it will help to empower a new generation of readers to start thinking critically.

Future Tense: How We Made Artifical Intelligence and How It Will Change Everything by Martha Brockenbrough

It’s no surprise that there’s a book on this list about artificial intelligence, especially since it’s becoming incredibly popular. Future Tense discusses the unique impact that AI has on human history such as its ability to perform tasks that were exclusive to humans. I think this young adult non-fiction will be extremely valuable, especially as we consider our future.

An Outbreak of Witchcraft: A Graphic Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Deborah Noyes

I don’t typically read graphic novels, but An Outbreak of Witchcraft seems like it’ll be a fantastic read. It’s a gripping graphic novel that portrays the haunting events of the Salem witch trials. It’s a true-to-life account of the panic, fear and paranoia that swept through Salem, Massachusetts. Since it’s a graphic novel, the illustrations and the narration will provide an in-depth look at this particular point in history.

A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women’s Soccer and Beyond by Elizabeth Rusch

A Greater Goal is a narrative non-fiction that highlights the fight for equal pay by the United States Women’s National Soccer Team. It traces the team’s battle for fair treatment and compensation as well as highlighting the challenges they faced. It also discusses their achievement of an equitable contract in 2022. Even though I don’t pay attention to sports, I’m really looking forward to reading this book on equal rights.

Once a King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII by Jane Marguerite Tippett

I have always been a fan of following the Royal family. When I was seven, I managed to see Queen Elizabeth II in London and it started my interest in the Royal family. Once a King is a narrative non-fiction that provides insight into the life of King Edward VIII and his decision to abdicate the throne. His abdication has always had speculation surrounding it, so I’m hoping this book will provide some new information.

Rebel Rising by Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson is such a hilarious actress and I’m so excited to pick up her memoir. I absolutely loved her in Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, as well as everything else I’ve seen her in. In her memoir, she shares her journey to success in Hollywood as well as her personal and professional challenges. I’m so excited to read this one — here’s hoping it’s funny!

All You Need is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Peter Brown and Steven Gaines

All You Need is Love is an oral history of The Beatles. It features intimate and previously unreleased interviews with the band members as well as their families, friends and associates. The interviews were conducted between 1980 and 1981 and really help to provide insight into their relationships as well as the reasons behind their breakup. I’m really looking forward to picking this one up!

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea

I adore Judi Dench — there’s something about her that’s just so charming and heartwarming. In this non-fiction, Judi Dench offers a behind-the-scenes look at her experiences with Shakespeare while sharing insights into every Shakespearean role she has played. It also has quirky anecdotes, her rehearsal secrets and more. This one is guaranteed to be a compelling read!

Power and Glory: Elizabeth II and the Rebirth of Royalty by Alexander Larman

Power and Glory is another Royal non-fiction I’m looking forward to picking up this year. It’s the final book in the Windsors Trilogy, and offers an account of the monarchy as well as the country’s struggles in the aftermath of World War II. It includes information from unseen sources such as the royal archives and personal correspondence. I think this will be a really interesting book!

Entrances and Exits by Michael Richards

I always enjoyed watching Seinfeld — so, when I heard about this new memoir, I knew it was one of interest to me. Entrances and Exits delves into the life of Michael Richards, who played Kramer on Seinfeld. It explores his journey as an actor as well as a person. I expect it to be full of humour and honesty.