Exciting Fact and Fiction Book Pairings

Exciting Fact and Fiction Book Pairings

What do fact and fiction book pairings do?

  • Help readers understand the difference between the genres
  • Reinforce new vocabulary
  • Inform a compare-and-contrast discussion
  • Deepen understanding by helping readers make connections 
  • Build kids’ excitement for learning!

Wildfires & Life Cycles

FACT

This STEM-based picture book explains what wildfires are and how they are started and managed, using the life cycle of a Jack pine cone to illustrate the concept.

Ages 6 to 8

FICTION

🌟 “This brilliantly written tale is a lovely introduction to the important topics of wildfires and animal sanctuaries for young readers.” —School Library Journal, starred review

Ages 6 to 8

Animals

FACT

Dive into the history, biology, behaviour and future of sea otters and their role as a keystone species.

Ages 9 to 12

FICTION

Maya is determined to protect the sea otters at all costs, even if it means going against her family.

Ages 9 to 12

Refugees and Immigration

FACT

“Timely and educational, Finding Home will foster among readers a greater understanding of human migration and empathy for the thousands of immigrants and refugees who seek a better life in their adopted country. Highly Recommended.” —CM Reviews

Ages 9 to 12

FICTION

🌟“An astonishing book that allows the humanity of refugees to speak louder than politics.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ages 6 to 8

Social-Emotional Learning

FACT

A heartfelt…tool to provoke conversations about prejudice and bullying.” —Kirkus Reviews

Ages 6 to 8

FICTION

In this gentle story of acceptance, Angus loves sparkly things but faces criticism at school. Eventually, he learns to embrace his uniqueness.

Ages 3 to 5

Death and Grief

FACT

“Designed for adults to share with very young children, this gentle informational text begins with the part death plays in the natural world and goes on to answer the questions of children who lose grandparents.” —Kirkus Reviews

Ages 3 to 5

FICTION

“With its lovely, warm illustrations and perfectly pitched storyline, provides an accessible introduction to shiva for readers of all ages…A sensitive, powerful treatment of a child’s grief.” —Kirkus Reviews

Ages 3 to 5

Anxiety

FACT

This instructional photographic picture book teaches children some basic yoga poses to help them accept and mindfully manage their (sometimes overwhelming) emotions.

Ages 3 to 5

FICTION

★“Scenes are evocative and provide endless opportunities for discussion with young children. This book is ideal for all libraries as a non-threatening and productive story that can give hope to children who feel like Olivia.” —School Library Journal, starred review

Ages 3 to 5

Environmental Activism

FACT

Young readers are introduced to environmental issues in their own neighborhoods in this illustrated nonfiction picture book.

Ages 6 to 8

FICTION

From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

Ages 3 to 5

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