PUTTING THE WOW IN NONFICTION

By Lola M. Schaefer

The world of nonfiction literature for children has exploded in the last twenty years. From broad topics such as our solar system to highly specialized interests such as whale fall, books abound. Some authors write just the facts. Their books might be browsable nonfiction or biographies or straight-forward accounts of historical events. These books offer children wonderful reference material when they want to know more about a particular subject. But there are also other forms of nonfiction, just as accurate, but with a more narrative or creative style. Not to say these are better, just another way to share information.

So how do some writers add a WOW factor – an element that can add another layer of interest and allure? In the book THE ELEPHANTS COME HOME, the author Kim Tomsic found a real story with an emotional hook for readers. This book of narrative nonfiction shows how a relationship between man and animal can affect the lives of all. As with any strong story, the ending leaves the reader satisfied, but also provides a tug on the heart.

By Kim Tomsic, illustrated by Hadley Hooper, Chronicle Books

In OCTOPUSES HAVE ZERO BONES, Anne Richardson combines specific facts about the natural world with a counting book that begins with zero and ends with 9, but with a fascinating twist and an unusual pattern. Its clever presentation is one that encourages many readings to enjoy all of the information and to digest the large numbers at play.

By  Anne Richardson, illustrated by Andrea Antinori, Tra Publishing

Jill Esbaum has a new nonfiction series with the first title being STINKBIRD HAS A SUPERPOWER. Instead of just listing facts about a baby hoatzin, Papa and the hatchling have a conversation. Both the reader and the new stinkbird don’t know the baby’s superpower. The suspense to find that out keeps building with each spread. The humor and snappy dialogue add to the WOW factor. Highly engaging, yet packed with many facts about these interesting birds.

By Jill Esbaum , illustrated by Bob Shea, Putnam

There have been many career books written, but Lisa Wheeler does something no author has ever done before in SOMEONE BUILDS THE DREAM. Her information is written in verse and shows all the different designers, tradespeople, engineers, scientists, writers, and contractors whose work is needed to create different buildings, machines, books, or fountains. It’s a deep dive behind the scenes that offers facts about the jobs everyone brings to the table for one collaboration.

By Lisa Wheeler,  illustrated by Loren Long,  Dial Books

 

When I wrote HANDS-ON SCIENCE, GEOLOGY, I wanted to engage the reader on every spread. This interactive book asks the reader to trace, jump, press, even slide tectonic plates. So far, kids (and many adults) are intrigued and delighted with this active component that helps pull readers into the basic information about Earth and rocks.

By Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Druscilla Santiago, Charlesbridge

Finding a unique structure can be the WOW that brings the information to a whole new level. Think of Kate Messner’s many books in the Over and Under series. Showing what’s happening in two different places at the same time is quite attractive to many readers.

By Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal, Chronicle

Art can add a layer of humor as in A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN by Hannah Holt. Chickens wearing everything from loincloths to thongs, chemises to corsets, definitely adds the WOW factor to the comprehensive information in this book.

by Hannah Holt,  illustrated by Korwin Briggs, Roaring Brook Press

No matter what form of nonfiction you choose to write, the one element that always makes a reader say WOW is new information. Depending on the age of reader, this can vary quite a bit. Today’s child streams information from many sources and their prior knowledge about most topics is greater than any other generation before.

So, how do you find new information that will astound them? From experts. Research the men and women who devote their lives to your topic. From these experts, you will learn specific details that you won’t find in books or videos. Sometimes they reveal new findings that are relevant to your subject matter. If what they share excites you, it will certainly excite your readers and make them repeatedly say WOW!

 

 

About the Author:

Lola’s professional life centers around children and literacy. She has published more than 280 books in the past 30 years with trade, school/library, and classroom publishers. She is a writing consultant in elementary and middle schools, as well as a frequent presenter at writing conferences and workshops. You can learn more about her at: www.lolaschaefer.com