Reading nonfiction brings awareness about the world around, humanity, history, science. It is essential to have a healthy list of nonfiction books on every 12-year-old’s bookshelf. The options available are wide and varied – based on kids’ interest levels. Child-friendly, language, colorful illustrations, fun information, and facts make them ideal for 7th graders’ reading.
21 Nonfiction Books For 7th Graders (Ages 12 Yrs)
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Check out this list of nonfiction books 7th graders can not put down.
You can find them in your local library or nearby bookstores. If they are unavailable locally, you can click on the links or images below to purchase from Amazon.
The Finest Hours is the inspiring true story of the US Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue. Two oil tankers collided in a 1952 winter storm, breaking into half. Four coast guard risked their lives in adverse weather and went to rescue in a small lifeboat. An uplifting story of survival and heroism.
47 Days is a historical nonfiction read for 12 year olds. When in 1945 Hitler ordered teenage boys to join the war, two boys defied. A heart-wrenching story of how the boys spent 47 days as fugitives on the run. Story of perseverance and the human spirit along with historical facts.
Surviving Middle School is a must-read nonfictional guide for middle graders. Written by Luke Reynolds, a veteran teacher, this book offers some helpful real-life lessons. Bullying, peer pressure, academic pressure – all things a 12-year-old would need help with. A book filled with humorous and interesting advice.
Almost American Girl is a gripping graphic memoir suitable for middle grades. Robin’s life changed suddenly when she moved from Seoul to Alabama, USA. Life as an immigrant is difficult, more so for kids – without friends, a new language, a new place. Read how she finds her solace and identity in a comic drawing class.
Sports Biographies for Kids is a can not put down book, for sport-loving tweens. The true stories of struggle tell the kids about the hard work, dedication, perseverance needed in making legends. The biography is filled with sports stars from the 1960s to today’s time.
Check out this list of motivational books for teenage athletes here.
What’s the Point of Math? tells 7th graders how math is useful in daily lives. Starting with the origin of maths, its uses in ancient times, fun anecdotes to some practical uses in today’s world – this book makes math fun. The exercises are interesting. An informational book for reluctant math students.
World War II History for Kids has 500 historical facts for inquisitive 7th graders. Up your WWII knowledge with small informative tidbits. A total of 11 chapters each contains information about a timezone – starting with before the war to after it. Read about gory true stories, notable people, spies, secrets, and more.
History’s Mysteries is an easy-to-read nonfiction book for 12-year-olds mystery lovers. What is a black hole, Loch Ness monster, bigfoot? Many unsolved historical mysteries, cold, cases puzzles are solved using the scientific method. Full of cool photos, fun facts – this is a must-read book for tweens.
That’s Creepy is for the 7th graders who find spooky interesting. Filled with eerie and mysterious facts, fun information – this is a book children can not put down. Each information is backed by scientific facts, along with amazing National Geographic Kids photographs.
Big Brain Book talks about a very important part of human anatomy. Learn all about inner working for the human brain. How it differs from animal brains. Why do we need to sleep? The mind-body connection. The information is presented in an easily understandable child-friendly format.
Book Of Black Heroes narrates how African Americans contributed to the science, engineering, medicines of the United States. A must-read for middle grades to know more about black history.
20th Century American History for Kids. Read about the major events from 1901 to 2000, that shaped the current century of America. The book narrates 30 such events. Each one is presented with historical context and its impact. There are also additional materials about important figures, fun facts, etc.
Hidden Figures is an uplifting true story of African American women. These 4 mathematicians helped NASA in the space program. Read about Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden – whose work left a mark in human history.
How to Survive Anything is a survival guide for middle graders. From shark attack to school pop quizzes – this National Geographic book covers a wide range of topics. A hilarious read, it combines fun with learning.
The Way Things Work Now is a celebrated bestseller from David Macaulay. Kids will learn about the inner working of everything. From everyday things like wifi, zippers to jumbo jets, windmills. A definitive go-to book for tweens and teens.
The Final Four is the story of life from a street, college to the dream life of NCAA. It is the story of two teams battling out the final four of the championship, narrated through the eyes of four players. A simple and gripping read of personal journeys and unforgettable moments.
How to Be a Person is a practical guide on everyday things, often overlooked. The things kids would need in their next stage of life. How to fold a T-shirt, importance of writing Thank-you notes, hand-washing dishes – 65 such important life skills. The writing is humorous and non-preachy. A book parents would probably appreciate more than kids!
Super-Cool Science Experiments for Kids has 50 amazing experiments from Steve Spangler. Each one has step-by-step instructions and detailed pictures for easy understanding. The activities are fun and middle graders can do them independently.
Read more science books for middle graders here.
Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different. A biography of one of the greatest innovators of today’s time. A visionary with a drive. It is an amazing read for technologically inclined kids.
Dancing at the Pity Party is a girl’s memoir on her motherless life. Starting with her mother’s oncology appointment to celebrating holidays post her mother’s death – it is a candid narration. The writing is humorous, engaging – a book by someone who gets it! You might want to gift to someone in need.
Survivors of the Holocaust is a graphic novel from the darkest hours of human history. Read the extraordinary tale of six courageous kids who survived the ordeal. The book format is engaging. The story also includes timelines and current life updates of each of the survivors.
