Worcester Public Library Children’s Librarians are on a quest to talk about all of our favorite books of 2025! Let’s look at all of the nonfiction books we loved this year.

Book of Questions: Selections by Pablo Neruda; translated by Sara Lissa Paulson

This is a striking poem of thought-provoking questions presented with both Neruda’s original Spanish and Paulson’s translation accompanied by beautiful illustration by Paloma Valdivia.

Frida Kahlo: She Painted Her World in Self-Portraits by Amy Guglielmo

This illustrated biography includes both vibrant imagery and illustrations that grab your attention. The text is inspirational, describing how Frida Kahlo celebrated her heritage and honored and persevered through her disabilities. This book includes artistic prompts, direct quotes from Frida Kahlo, and a selection of her works at the end.

Follow Chester: A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History by Gloria Repress-Churchwell

This book follows Chester Pierce, the first black football player to play in the south. It tells an inspiring true story about how unity makes change.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca

Told in rhyming prose, this book discusses Temple Grandin, an American scientist and inventor diagnosed with autism at a young age. This book depicts how Temple Grandin used her unique mind and visual thinking to help achieve her goals.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

This powerful, true story recounts the lives of four Black women who worked at NASA to help get people to space. It describes the adversity that these women faced including racism and segregation laws. The book includes biographies on Dorothy Jackson Vaughan, Mary Winston Jackson, Katherine Colman Goble Johnson, and Dr. Christine Mann Darden.

Phenomenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by Anika Aldamuy Denise

This inspirational biography tells the story of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Puerto Rican woman who became the youngest congresswoman in United States history. Beautiful bright pictures capture readers’ attention while recounting a story of hard work, community, family, and determination.

The Extraordinary History of Witches by Hazel Atkinson

This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey from the ancient origins of witches all the way to how magic is viewed and practiced today.

Lost and Found: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes

This true story of a beloved family cat lost while his family was fleeing Iraq shows the kindness and determination of strangers to help reunite him with his family.

Dog on Board: The True Story of Eclipse, the Bus-Riding Dog by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent and Jeffrey Young

This book tells the true story of Eclipse, a registered service dog, and how she began to ride the bus to the dog park on her own. The book is co-written by Eclipse’s owner which adds a personal touch to their story.

Inside the World of Dungeons and Dragons by Susie Rae

This book is an excellent introduction to Dungeons and Dragons for tween readers. It features fun activities including a trivia quiz; information on famous characters, countries, and campaigns; and where to find information outside the actual game (such as podcasts and authors writing stories set in the world).

The Crane and the Keeper by Meeg Pincus

Walnut was a crane raised by humans and as a result she didn’t get along well with other cranes. Since Walnut was the only white-naped crane in captivity that was able to safely breed and pass down genes, so they had to find a way to help her hatch chicks. Her human keeper proved to be the answer.

I Am Gravity by Henry Herz

By personifying gravity, this book is able to show how important this force is, not just on our planet but in the entire solar system.

Kids' Guide to Learning the Ukulele: 24 Songs to Learn and Play by Emily Arrow

Musician and author Emily Arrow organizes each bright and colorful chapter in a way that is not heavy in text or daunting to readers. Her passion for the ukulele jumps off the page and is so infectious that it might just inspire you to learn to play the ukulele!

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog by Bonnie Kelso

This incredible, true story will melt the hearts of dog lovers everywhere! When Dexter gets into an accident and loses his leg, he finds his own way to follow his dreams no matter how impossible they might seem.

Battle of the Butts: The Science Behind Animal Behinds by Jocelyn Rish

This book is amazing for kids who love learning about the world around them with an extra helping of potty humor thrown in for prime giggles. From the turtle who breathes through its backside to the wombat who has cube-shaped poops, this book -with its parade of animals and the fun facts about their tushies-  is priceless!

Cocoa Girl Awesome Hair: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Textured Hair by Serlina Boyd

From braids to Bantu knots this colorful how-to book is chock full of amazing hairstyles kids can do to show off their natural hair flair.

The B on Your Thumb: 60 Poems to Boost Reading and Spelling by Colette Hiller

Learning English can be a wild and confusing adventure! Luckily, author Colette Hiller delivers a creative approach through her creation of memorable poems and rhymes for kids (and grown-ups) to remember how to spell and say the trickiest sounds and words.

We hope this list helped you find a new favorite for the New Year!