Elementary Summer Reading 2023: Non-Fiction

From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people's struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be.

For centuries, blue powders and dyes were some of the most sought-after materials in the world. Ancient Afghan painters ground mass quantities of sapphire rocks to use for their paints, while snails were harvested in Eurasia for the tiny amounts of blue that their bodies would release. And then there was indigo, which was so valuable that American plantations grew it as a cash crop on the backs of African slaves. It wasn't until 1905, when Adolf von Baeyer created a chemical blue dye, that blue could be used for anything and everything--most notably that uniform of workers everywhere, blue jeans. Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond's riveting text combined with stunning illustrations from Caldecott Honor Artist Daniel Minter, this vibrant and fascinating picture book follows one color's journey through time and across the world, as it becomes the blue we know today.

Over 100 sweet and savory recipes that introduces children to baking.

A cookbook for children that provides recipes for breakfast, snacks and beverages, dinners, desserts, and more, and features step-by-step photographs of tips and techniques.

A photo essay on ancient Egypt and the people who lived there, documented through the mummies, pottery, weapons, and other objects they left behind. Describes their society, religion, obsession with the afterlife, and methods of mummification.

A photo essay documenting ancient Rome and the people who lived there as revealed through the many artifacts they left behind, including shields, swords, tools, toys, cosmetics, and jewelry.

Presents an overview of a wide range of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, volcanoes, landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and epidemics, and describes their impact and how experts try to predict and minimize their impact.

A photo essay introducing the various types of sharks, and features great whites, horn sharks, whale sharks, and others, and describes their physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycle.

A mother's account of her experience as the only Black child in school serves as an empowering message to her daughter.

Explores the beliefs, practices, and places of worship of Judaism.

In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing. As time passes, foreigners inhabit the island and the once-sacred stones are forgotten until the 1960s. Though the true story of these stones was not fully recovered, the power of the Mahu still calls out to those who pass by them at Waikiki Beach today.

An illustrated story of how Momofuku Andō invented instant ramen.

Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."

From sparkly crystals and healing plants to the constellations that move across the night sky, the world is full of magic! In Practical Magic for Kids, author Nikki Van De Car teaches readers ages eight to twelve about the magic all around them. Kids will learn how to interpret their horoscopes, read their friends' palms, decode their dreams, and so much more in this approachable, age-appropriate guide. Full-color illustrations throughout will help young mystics explore the magic in plants, tarot cards, and even themselves.

Discusses how to choose and care for a rabbit, including diet, behaviors, housing, grooming, exercise, popular breeds, and vet care.

Discover how changes to the Elwha River harmed the ecosystem but through persistence, cooperation, and advocacy it was renewed and restored.

Highlights the seven wonders of the ancient world and explains the feats of engineering behind constructing each wonder.

Provides a guide for young readers on how to write using the everyday world around for inspiration.

An illustrated biography of reggae singer and musician Bob Marley.

Tells the true tale of an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash called the 'Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay.'