Non-Fiction Books 2026: 25 New Releases I’m Excited to Read

The Dream & the Hope: The Historic Rise of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Nation’s Highest Court by Garen Thomas

This is a middle-grade biography that immediately stood out to me. It covers Ketanji Brown Jackson’s life, from her childhood dreams to her history-making appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. It highlights her mentors, challenges and the moments that helped shape her path. I expect it to balance personal storytelling with history, making it an inspiring and accessible read about perseverance, confidence and fighting for what’s right.

Angry Girls Will Get Us Through by Rebecca Traister

This immediately caught my attention, and I’m looking forward to picking it up. Drawing on history and real-life movements, Angry Girls Will Get Us reframes girls’ anger as a powerful force for change rather than something to suppress. I think it’s so important to encourage young girls to stand up for their rights and for what they believe in. It sounds like an empowering, thought-provoking read that encourages young readers to see their emotions and their voices as tools for shaping the future.

Friedel and Gina: A True Story of Sisterhood and Survival During the Holocaust by Jeremy Dronfield

I already know this will be a heartbreaking but important non-fiction read for young readers. It tells the true story of twin sisters Friedel and Gina, whose lives were upended when Hitler rose to power. It will be a powerful story about their unbreakable bond and how they relied on one another to survive unimaginable loss and hardship. I’m expecting it to be a powerful, deeply moving book that highlights resilience, love, and the strength of family, even in the darkest times.

Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson

Another non-fiction book about Ketanji Brown Jackson on this list—this time for a young adult audience. In this memoir, Ketanji reflects on her journey from a big-dreaming student to making history on the U.S. Supreme Court, sharing the doubts, challenges and moments of perseverance along the way. It will be a deeply personal and encouraging read—especially for teens navigating ambition, identity and the belief that their dreams are possible. I’m so glad her memoir will be available for a young adult audience!

Coming Home by Brittney Griner

This young adult adaptation of Brittney Griner’s memoir sounds incredibly powerful. It follows her journey from finding confidence and belonging through basketball to surviving wrongful detention in Russia, all while reflecting on identity, resilience, and growth. I think this will be a compelling, eye-opening read for teens—one that shows how strength, self-belief, and love can carry you through unimaginable circumstances.

Don’t Think About Dinner by Jenn Lueke

When I’m not reading, I love to cook—and Jenn Lueke is one of my favourite sources of kitchen inspiration. I love that her debut cookbook promises to ease some of the decision fatigue that happens in the kitchen. And let’s be real, we all suffer from that! Don’t Think About Dinner shares a smart, realistic approach to meal planning that focuses on flexible ingredients, simple prep, and recipes that actually fit into real life. It sounds like a helpful, no-pressure guide for anyone looking to eat well, save money, and make everyday cooking easier and enjoyable!

Travels with Agatha Christie by David Suchet

As a longtime fan of Agatha Christie, this one really appeals to me. In Travels With Agatha Christie, David Suchet retraces the journeys Christie herself took in the 1920s, blending travel writing, personal reflection, and a deep love for her work. I love the idea of seeing the world through his eyes, especially given his long association with Hercule Poirot. It sounds like a warm, thoughtful tribute to Agatha Christie, travel, and storytelling. I can’t wait to pick it up!

Big Bites: Time to Eat by Kat Ashmore

As a fan of Kat Ashmore’s and her previous cookbook, I’m really looking forward to her next one. It focuses on quick, nourishing recipes that don’t skimp on flavour or require hours in the kitchen. I really like her approach to recipes in general, and I love that this cookbook is designed for recipes that take under an hour—it feels like a realistic, comforting option for everyday cooking.

The Guy You Loved to Hate by Spencer Pratt

This memoir on this list is one I’m just so curious about. As someone who watched The Hills and its reboot, I expect this to be equal parts chaotic and revealing. Spencer Pratt unpacks his rise as reality TV’s most infamous villain, the personal fallout that followed, and the long road toward something resembling redemption. I’m always intrigued by celebrity memoirs, especially those that are a bit messy, so I’m looking forward to this unfiltered look at his life, from his own words.

The Murder Game by John Curran

I love a good whodunit mystery, which is why I love Agatha Christie’s books so much—so this book sounds perfect for me. The Murder Game examines how classic whodunits, including those by Agatha Christie, turned reading into a game between the author and the audience. I love the focus on puzzles, crosswords, and reader participation. It really sounds like a fascinating deep dive into why these clever, playful mysteries still have such a hold on readers today.

Rebel of the Regency: The Scandalous Saga of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s Uncrowned Queen by Ann Foster

This one is so different from the non-fiction books I normally pick up, but I’m so intrigued! This biography focuses on Caroline of Brunswick, who emerges as a bold, unconventional figure who refused to conform to the expectations of royal society—even at the cost of everything. I think this will be incredibly interesting, especially for its focus on public opinion and womanhood. I’m looking forward to picking it up!

The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg and the Battle for the Soul of American Cinema by Paul Fischer

As a movie fan, I’m excited about this in-depth dive into Hollywood history. The Last Kings of Hollywood focuses on the intertwined rise of Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg. It traces how friendship, rivalry, and risk reshaped American cinema. I love the idea of delving deeper into these legendary filmmakers before they were icons. I think this sounds like a must-read for film lovers and anyone genuinely curious about the lives of these incredible directors.

You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It by Lisa Rinna

I’m a Bravo girly through and through, so there’s no way I’m missing this memoir. It sounds bold and unfiltered—just what I love about Lisa Rinna. In this memoir, Lisa reflects on her career, fame, family, and all the moments that made her a pop-culture fixture—without holding back. I’m excited to see how she mixes humour and honesty as she discusses her life. It sounds like it will be a really entertaining read, so I have high expectations for it!

Judy Blume: A Life by Mark Oppenheimer

This is one of my most-anticipated biographies on this list—who can resist Judy Blume? Journalist and historian Mark Oppenheimer offers an intimate look at the woman behind some of the most influential books of the past fifty years. I love that this will go beyond her literary success to explore her personal life, creative risks, and the lasting impact she’s had as an honest storyteller. This feels like a must-read for anyone who grew up with her books and for those curious about her life story. I can’t wait to pick it up!

My Gardening Life by Mary Berry

I just adore Mary Berry, so I can’t resist reading this memoir—it feels like it will be such a cozy, comforting read. In My Gardening Life, Mary reflects on her lifelong love of gardening and the joy, calm, and perspective it’s brought her over the years. I love the idea of her sharing personal stories alongside photographs and other reflections. It really does sound like the most cozy and comforting story of 2026.

Let’s Get Cooking by Remi Cruz Parsons

I’ve watched Remi on YouTube for years, on and off. Her debut cookbook sounds like it will be so much fun to try in the kitchen! Let’s Get Cooking will bring approachable, flavourful recipes to the forefront. Her Korean-American roots and trial-and-error cooking journey seem to shape the book, making it feel like a welcoming, modern way to have fun in the kitchen.

One Plate at a Time by Demi Lovato

I love Demi Lovato (I’m seeing her for the third time this year!), and her cooking videos on Instagram are always enjoyable. One Plate at a Time really stands out to me because it feels like such a personal connection to Demi. She shares how learning to cook helped her rebuild a healthier, more joyful relationship with food—without pressure or perfection—and I love that concept. It will focus on simple, comforting recipes, making it feel like a warm, encouraging guide for anyone looking to feel more at ease in the kitchen.

Phases by Brandy

I don’t know much about Brandy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be excited to pick up her memoir. It sounds both powerful and deeply honest. Brandy reflects on her rise to fame, from singing in Mississippi churches to becoming a global superstar, while also opening up about the pressure, pain and personal struggles behind the scenes. I’m always drawn to celebrity memoirs, and this one intrigues me because of her vulnerable look at identity, motherhood and self-acceptance.

Family Movie Night Menus by Leonard Maltin and Jessie Maltin

How fun does this one sound? It combines my love of cooking with my love of movies. In Family Movie Night Menus, the authors pair family-friendly classic films with simple, themed recipes to turn movie night into a full experience. I love the idea of blending film history with easy-to-make food you can make together—it feels nostalgic, approachable, and perfect for families to enjoy together.

I Choose Me by Jennie Garth

Jennie Garth is another celebrity I don’t know much about, but I’m looking forward to reading her memoir. She opens up about growing up in the spotlight, navigating aging and grief, and learning to prioritize herself after years of meeting everyone else’s expectations (which sounds incredibly relatable). It sounds like it will blend personal stories with practical encouragement, making it an empowering and honest read for anyone figuring out what it means to choose themselves.

And So It Is … A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope by Jamie Lynn Sigler

I’ve only seen Jamie Lynn Sigler in a handful of projects, but I’m eager to learn more about her through her memoir. She reflects on growing up in the spotlight on The Sopranos while quietly navigating illness, heartbreak, and motherhood behind the scenes. I’m hopeful this book will balance vulnerability with resilience, as it seems to offer a thoughtful, compassionate look at surviving life’s hardest moments without losing hope or joy.

The Steps by Sylvester Stallone

Surprisingly, I don’t know much about Sylvester Stallone—but this memoir seems like it will be raw, reflective, and incredibly interesting. In The Steps, Sylvester Stallone looks back on the long, difficult road that led to Rocky, tracing his journey from a tough childhood and years of rejection to the creation of one of the most iconic characters in film history. I’m hoping it will be a thoughtful reflection on his experience and on the small steps that help build the life and career you dream of.

Young King: The Making of Martin Luther King Jr. by Lerone Martin

This biography really intrigues me because it focuses on the years leading up to the legacy we all know. In Young King, historian Lerone Martin explores Martin Luther King Jr.’s formative youth, showing how uncertainty, missteps, and emotional growth helped shape the leader he would become. I’m intrigued by the idea of seeing him as a young person still figuring himself out—it feels like it will be a powerful reminder that courage and greatness are built slowly, through one’s lived experience and struggle.

Dig In!: Over 100 Easy, Delicious and Stress-Free Recipes to Make on Repeat by Erin O’Brien

I’ve been following Erin on Instagram for years, so I’m super excited for her debut cookbook! Dig In! will deliver bold, comforting recipes that feel both manageable and fun, with ideas for everything from weeknight dinners to shareable snacks and delicious cocktails. I really enjoy her stress-free approach to cooking, and every recipe of hers I’ve tried has been a hit—so I’m expecting the same with this cookbook!

Cher the Memoir: Part Two by Cher

Even though I still need to read part one, I’m already excited to continue Cher’s story in this follow-up memoir. Hearing Cher reflect on her extraordinary life in her own words feels essential—she’s lived through so many cultural moments, reinventions, and eras of fame. I’m really drawn to the idea of getting more of her perspective, voice, and honesty as her story continues to unfold.