Suffolk Libraries celebrates Non-Fiction November

Suffolk Libraries, the charity that runs the library service in Suffolk, marks National Non-Fiction November with a special list of popular fact books for children, curated by our stock librarians.

Our most popular nonfiction subjects currently are LEGO, Space, dinosaurs and film encyclopaedias like Marvel and Star Wars, but animal life and books about Earth such as Blue Planet and Frozen Planet are always high on our most-borrowed lists.

The list has been published for National Non-Fiction November and follows a report from the National Literacy Trust which shows how reading non-fiction books can benefit children.

The National Literacy Trust research found that more children and young people who read non-fiction were motivated to read for educational purposes, to satisfy curiosities, to foster social connections and to support their mental wellbeing.

Sophie Green, children's Librarian for Suffolk Libraries, said:

"Fact books are an increasingly popular choice for young readers that are looking for interest and entertainment as well as learning. They're not only brilliant for finding good quality information in bite-sized chunks, but they also help build curiosity, critical thinking and knowledge about the world we live in."

Our librarians regularly share top picks and recommended reads for all ages and categories. You can find all our recommendations for children on our website.

National Non-Fiction November is the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual celebration of all things factual. Born out of National Non-Fiction Day, the whole month now celebrates all those readers that have a passion for information and facts and attempts to bring non fiction celebration in line with those of fiction.

The National Literacy Trust’s research found that more than half (55.7%) of children and young people aged 8 to 18 said that they read non-fiction in their free time.

Compared to those who don’t read non-fiction, twice as many children and young people who read non-fiction said they read to learn more about the causes they care about. Twice as many non-fiction readers also said they read to relax, that reading makes them feel better and that they read to feel connected to the world.