40 New Non-Fiction Picture Books You Need to Read in 2024

Coretta by Coretta Scott King

This picture book celebrates the life of Coretta Scott King, a prominent civil and human rights activitist. Coretta shares her story as a girl born in the segregated deep South as well as becoming a global leader in the peace movement and a champion of social change. It’s an inspiring tale and I also love that it’s an autobiography!

Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts by Ruby Bridges

Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts features letters from children addressing contemporary issues like bullying, climate change, gun violence and racism. It then features Ruby’s insightful and empowering replies. This book is incredibly timely and will be a book so many readers will enjoy.

Elton John by Jennifer Dussling

If you love Little Golden Book Biographies, then you’ll want to pick this one up! It’s a great introduction to the music legend, Elton John. It celebrates his career and his iconic hits while making it an entertaining read for both children and adults.

Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote by Dinah Johnson

This picture book biography chronicles the early life of Ida B Wells, her impactful work as a suffragist as well as her role in the 1913 Women’s March. Despite growing up in a time when women lacked the right to vote, her activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history.

Sally Ride by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

I absolutely adore the Little People, Big Dreams series — each book is always so entertaining and inspirational. This biography depicts Sally Ride’s journey as a young girl in California to becoming the first American woman in space. It also highlights her desire to promote better science education.

We Dream a World by Yolanda Renee King

This is another book on this list related to Martin Luther King Jr., and Coretta Scott King — the author is their granddaughter. The book is an homage to her grandparents while addressing the issues facing young people today. It’s incredibly inspirational and will certainly inspire a new generation of dreamers.

I Am Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Brad Meltzer

This picture book biography highlights the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It shares her journey from a young Jewish girl in Brooklyn to her influential career as a lawyer as well as Supreme Court justice. It’s another inspirational tale that emphasizes resilience.

The Tree of Life by Elisa Boxer

The Tree of Life is an incredibly poignant true story that introduces young readers to the Second World War. It tells the story of Jewish children as well as their teacher who nurtured a sapling in the Terezin concentration camp, which has now grown into a strong tree with 600 descendants around the world. This story is a symbol of hope and resilience while honouring the legacy of the teacher and children. This book is meant for older picture book readers or when accompanied by someone who can help them navigate the topic.

A Grand Idea: How William J Wilgus Created Grand Central Terminal by Meghan Hoyt

A Grand Idea is a STEM-oriented picture book biography by award-winning author Megan Hoyt. It tells the inspiring true story of William J Wilgus, the American civil engineer behind the design and construction of Grand Central Terminal. It’s such an engaging and entertaining book that showcases his remarkable achievement as well as providing important information about the history and significance of the terminal.

José Feeds the World by David Unger

World Central Kitchen is a disaster-relief organization founded by chef José Andrés. The organization uses the power of food to provide aid to communities suffering from natural disasters, the pandemic as well as war. This picture book is an inspiring biography that showcases José’s dedication to nuturing people through food.

Are You Big? by Mo Willems

Mo Willems’ books are always so much fun! Are You Big explores the concept of size and scale. It takes readers from an average size kid to the far reaches of the universe while emphasizing that size is a matter of perspective. It’s a STEAM based, early learning concept book that will engage readers while educating them.

Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J McDaniel

This picture book biography celebrates Augusta Braxton Baker, the first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library. It shares her experiences as a child as well as her journey to becoming a champion of Black stories in libraries. If you’re a fan of libraries and books then this new release is a must read.

Tenzing Norgay by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Tenzing Norgay is another new release in the Little People, Big Dreams series. It’s a picture book biography that shares the story of Tenzing Norgay, a mountaineer who was one of the first two people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1954. It shares his story from childhood to accomplishing his dream at the age of 39 as well as becoming one of the most respected mountain climbers in the world.

A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen by Erin Frankel

A Plate of Hope is another book on this list that shares the story of Chef José Andrés! It shares the inspiring story of José’s love for cooking, his dream of ending world hunger as well as the creation of World Central Kitchen. This book will certainly inspire children to help out in their own communities.

You Are Fearless by Odd Dot

When there’s a new book about Taylor Swift releasing, you can guarantee I’m going to read it — and recommend it! You Are Fearless is an adorable book that shares the journey of Taylor Swift. It encourages even the youngest of Swifties to be fearless and follow their hearts. If you’re looking for a gift for the Swiftie in your family, then this is a great option!

Amazing Abe by Norman H Finkelstein

Amazing Abe is a wonderful tribute to Abraham Cahan, an influential figure in Jewish American history. The book highlights his role as the founder and editor of the Yiddish newspaper the Forverts, which played a vital role in the lives of Jewish immigrants in the United States. It also covers his contributions to voting rights, public health and cultural integration.

Determined Dreamer: The Story of Marie Curie by Deborah Hopkinson

Determined Dreamer is a great picture book biography about Marie Curie, the groundbreaking scientist and two-time Nobel Prize winner. It shares her journey from a young girl to accomplishing her dream of becoming a scientist as well as her discoveries and enduring legacy. It’s a great story to highlight women in science that so many readers will enjoy.

Cactus Queen: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park by Lori Alexander

Minerva Hamilton Hoyt was an artist, activist and environmentalist that played a pivotal role in the creation of Joshua Tree National Park in California. When she noticed the desert being destroyed, she worked with others to breathe new life into it. This picture book biography is guaranteed to inspire even the youngest reader to get out into nature.

Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds by Jessica Stremer

This inspirational picture book is based on the real life Lights Out movement which illustrates how small actions like turning off the lights can help migrating birds. It shares the story of a flock of birds who are confused by the city lights as well as the little girl and her friends who take action to help them.

The Girl Who Figured it Out by Minda Dentler

This uplifting picture book shares the true story of Minda Dentler, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman Word Championship triathlon. Minda shares her story from being paralyzed by polio as an infant to her success as a triathlon champion. It’s an inspiring and heartwarming autobiography picture book that so many readers will love.

A Steminist Force by Laura W Carter

A Steminist Force is an empowering picture book that celebrates female contributions in STEM fields. It highlights the achievements of pioneering women in various STEM disciples while serving as a valuable resource to inspire young girls to explore STEM subjects. It also has backmatter that provides more information to help introduce readers to pursue a STEM education.

Elinor McGrath Pet Doctor: The Story of America’s First Female Veterinarian by Jacqueline Johnson

This picture book biography shares the story of Elinor McGrath, the first female veterinarian in the United States. It shares her journey as she overcame significant barriers in a male dominated field to pursure her passion while encouraging readers to be resilient. If you have a young reader who loves animals or is interested in becoming a veterinarian, then this is the book to pick up!

I’m a Black Hole by Dr. Eve M Vavagiaris

This picture book is so entertaining and is incredibly unique and educational. Narrated by a black hole, the book helps to explain what black holes are as well as their discovery. It has incredible illustrations and also includes endnotes to go into the science behind black holes and the experiments used to study them.

Lucy! How Lucille Ball Did it All by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville

I am a big fan of Lucille Ball, so it’s no surprise that this book is featured on this list. Lucy! is a picture book bigraphy that celebrates the life of Lucille Ball, an iconic comedy pioneer. It’s such an incredible life story that highlights everything she overcame to become the Queen of Comedy. I can’t wait for this release and I also love that it will introduce a new generation of readers to Lucille Ball.

Puff: All About Air by Emily Kate Moon

Puff is an engaging and educational picture book that takes readers on an adventure through the atmosphere, earth, water and more. It’s also told from the perspective of an air molecule named Puff. Readers will enjoy the educational facts while being entertained the whole way through.

Let’s Meet Taylor: Story of a Superstar by Mariana Avila Lagunes

Let’s Meet Taylor is another picture book biography about Taylor Swift on this list. It shares her rise to fame as well as the challenges that come with being a world famous star. I think young readers are going to love learning about Taylor Swift and sharing this story with the adults in their lives.

You and the Universe by Stephen Hawking and Lucy Hawking

You and the Universe is a picture book adapted from Stephen Hawking’s final Earth Day message. It encourages readers to think about questions about the plant as well as the cosmos. It also emphasizes the need to work together to create a better future. It’s a story of hope and inspiration that readers of all ages will love.

A Crown of Stories: The Life and Language of Beloved Writer Toni Morrison by Carole Boston Weatherford

A Crown of Stories tells the inspiring true story of Toni Morrison. It shares her experiences as a girl with humble beginnings as well as her journey to becoming one of the most significant writers in modern history. It also highlights her journey as the only Black child in her first-grade classroom to becoming a Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize-winning author. Teachers, parents and librarians are going to love this book — and so will young readers!

Nothing: John Cage and 4’33” by Nicholas Day

Nothing explores the history of John Cage’s 4’33”, a musical composition of silence. It shares the story of his performance in 1952 when he took the stage to perform, but amplified the ambiet sounds of the venue. Even though he faced criticism, his performance showcases the idea that “nothing” is never truly silent.

A Child’s Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History by Naomi Hirahara

This picture book is a comprehensive and engaging book for older picture book readers or for parents to actively read with their children. It shares the stories of important AAPI figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Combined with the illustrations, this will be a great addition to home libraries and classrooms. It’s also guaranteed to inspire young readers!

A Treasure of Measures by Mike Downs

A Treasure of Measures introduces young readers to different units of measurements while encouraging them to think of creative ways to quantify meaningful moments in life. It really shows that life is not measured by time, but by moments. I think readers of all ages will gain something with this book.

Ladybug Launch by Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda

Ladybug Launch is an inspiring picture book based on the true story of Chilean high school girls who convinced NASA to send ladybugs to space. It shows the scientific journey of a girl named Natalia and a ladybug named Luna while sharing their dreams and the experiment they undertake. It’s also perfect for fans of books that feature women in space!

My Lost Freedom by George Takei

I adore George Takei and I’m so excited for his upcoming release. It’s a beautiful story that shares his experience growing up in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War Two. It also shares the impact that the internment on George and his family. It’s an incredibly important story that so many readers will enjoy.

Signs of Hope: The Revolutionary Art of Sister Corita Kent by Mara Rockcliff

Signs of Hope is a picture book biography that tells the story of Sister Corita Kent, an artist, teacher and Catholic nun known as the “pop art nun.” The book shares her impact on the 1960s art scene as well as the lives of the young people she inspired. This book is incredibly unique and combined with the vivid illustrations, readers are guaranteed to love it.

Skybound! Starring Mary Myers as Carlotta: Daredevil Aeronaut and Scientist by Sue Ganz-Schmitt

In this STEAM picture book, readers will learn about Mary Myers, also known as Carlotta, a pioneering aeronaut and inventor. In the 1850s, despite societal expectations, she pursued her dream of flying and designed and built various balloons with her hsuband. I love inspiring stories about women in STEM related fields and this book will be no different!

The ABCs of Queer History by Seema Yasmin

The ABCs of Queer History is a vibrant picture book that celebrates the joys and challenges of queer history in the United States. It features colourful illustrations as well as rhyming verse while highlighting historic moments and trailblazing figures. The book is a through-the-alphabet celebration of queer history that so many young readers are going to love. It’s also guaranteed to educate young readers and encourage them to embrace diversity.

Mr. Pei’s Perfect Shapes: The Story of Architect I.M. Pei by Julie Leung

Mr. Pei’s Perfect Shapes tells the inspiring story of Chinese American architect, IM Pei. Inspired by his childhood experiences in China, he became a pioneering figure in modern architecture. Readers of all ages are going to love his story as well as the stunning illustrations.

Birth of the Bicycle: A Bumpy History of the Bicycle in America by Sarah Nelson

Birth of the Bicycle is an uplifting celebration of the history of the bicycle, from its early pedal-less wooden version to the racing machines of today. It covers a century of the bicycle’s development as well as its evolution from a luxury for the wealthy to a lifeline for the working class. This book is incredibly unique, making it entertaining for both young readers and adults.

Else B. in the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Deep by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Else B. in the Sea is an adorable picture book biography that tells the story of Else Bostelmann, a pioneering female artist who combined art and science. It tells the story of how she descended into the sea in 1930 and painted the wondrous sights she encountered while she was there. This book is full of adventure and inspires young readers to explore the world beneath the sea.

Taylor Swift by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

I promise this is the last Taylor Swift book on this list! This picture book biography chronicles the inspiring musical journey of Taylor Swift from childhood to stardom. It also features her start in country music to her transition to pop music. It’s going to be a fantastic addition to everyone’s bookshelves!