After wrapping up my librarian duties, extended contract time, and a fun-filled summer school session, my summer has finally begun!

But as most educators know, summer isn’t just for relaxing. It’s also a time to recharge and prepare for the new school year.

One of the ways I’m spending my summer is by diving deep into books, specifically nonfiction. I’m honored to serve on the Missouri Association of School Librarians’ Dogwood Readers Committee, which curates a list of recommended nonfiction titles for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

I’ll admit, I didn’t always enjoy nonfiction. As a young reader, I immersed myself in realistic fiction, historical fiction, and eventually classic literature. I used to think nonfiction was boring — just something found in textbooks.

But, once I began my teaching career, everything changed.

I started exploring new genres so I could better connect with my students and the books they loved. More importantly, I quickly realized how much I didn’t know. Reading nonfiction became my way of learning about people, places, history, scienc and stories that shape our world. I found that it was the genre that helped me grow, understand and become eager to learn more.

Now, I find nonfiction fascinating and full of surprises. I share that excitement with my students by encouraging them to check out one fiction book and one “fun” nonfiction book — anything that sparks their curiosity. Whether they read it cover to cover or just flip through the pictures, I want them to discover something that fascinates them, too.

This summer, I invite you to do the same: learn something new, explore a topic that grabs your attention, and rediscover your sense of wonder through books. To help you get started, here are a few standout nonfiction book titles that have caught my eye this summer:

“Mysteries of the Human Body: Weird and Wonderful Anatomy Explained” by Dr. Azmain Chowdhury

Perfect for curious readers, this book is full of weird and fascinating facts about the human body. I found myself reading parts aloud to my family, amazed by what I learned. If you’ve ever wondered why cilantro tastes like soap, why yawns are contagious, or if it’s actually possible to squirt milk from your eye, this book is for you.

“The Camel Library: A True Story from Pakistan” by Marzieh Abbahs – Release date: August 19, 2025

Many of us take easy access to books for granted, but ensuring everyone can access them is a worthy effort. During the COVID pandemic, a man named Murad, who delivered firewood by camel to his village, was contacted by a charity wanting to provide books to children in his community. His camel, Roshan, became a mobile library, and Murad became a mobile librarian. This story reminded me of the Pack Horse Library Project during the Great Depression, when women delivered books to remote Appalachian communities on horseback. If you’re interested in learning more about these women, I recommend “The Horseback Librarians” by Jane Yolen and “That Book Woman” by Heather Henson.

“This Is Me: Getting to Know Yourself and Others Better” by Helena Harastova – Release date: August 12, 2025

As a parent, especially of an autistic child, this is one of the best books I’ve read for helping young people understand their own behavior and that of others. It explains complex emotions clearly through relatable stories and examples, making difficult concepts easier for children to grasp. I’ll return to this resource often as both a parent and educator.

“Unstoppable: My Journey From World Champion to Athlete A to 8-time NCAA National Gymnastics Champion and Beyond” by Maggie Nichols

The world was stunned when allegations surfaced that the USA Women’s Gymnastics team doctor had sexually abused athletes. The first to report the abuse and join the civil suit was known as Athlete A – now revealed to be Maggie Nichols, the author of this memoir. My heart broke for this young athlete, who pursued her dreams while being harmed by the very adults meant to protect her. As a woman, parent, and educator, I found her story deeply powerful. Her courage to speak out is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or lifelong learner like me, there’s a nonfiction book out there waiting to open your eyes to something new. This summer, don’t just read to pass the time – read to grow, to understand, and to be inspired. Real stories have a way of staying with us long after the last page is turned.

Michelle Hilburn is a librarian at Purdy schools. She may be reached at mhilburn@ purdyk12.com.