National Non-Fiction November 2024

As National Non-Fiction November draws to a close, it is worth remembering that information books are not just for November! In this year’s NNFN booklet, some themed weeks and awards dedicated to information books are suggested, but this is just the tip of the iceberg!

In this final post for National Non-Fiction November 2024, it is worth considering a few of the benefits of sharing non-fiction books and how these can be developed. As teachers, parents, librarians, booksellers- indeed, any adult with a vested interest in developing the love of reading for pleasure- know, each reader is different and what works for one may well not work for another. This is one reason why time in libraries and bookshops, browsing and sharing to find that book is so important. Non-fiction is a vital part of the reading experience.

Non-fiction books allow readers to discover new interests, to delve deeper into subjects which fascinate them and to build a life-long passion. It helps to form opinions and develop tastes, guiding the reader to decide whether something is for them or not.

Information texts are read in a different way to fiction books, developing distinct skills. Many of this genre are not designed to be read from cover to cover, offering a different reading experience where the reader might flick through until something catches their eye or pick up a book with the intention of finding a specific fact. Using and understanding features such as contents, index, headings and side headings and using skimming and scanning techniques to navigate, and locate, information allows for targeted research.

As information books contain subject specific language, they develop the reader’s vocabulary. Glossaries offer the added benefit of instant access to clear and accurate definitions, making the text more widely accessible and enhancing understanding of the subject.

Non-fiction introduces different styles of writing for different purposes. The precise nature of an instructional text will determine the success of the finished outcome. Explanations are essential for helping people understand a process or explain how something works. Both sides of a balanced argument can be clearly presented in a discussion, or one point of view heavily emphasised in a piece of writing designed to persuade. Reading work presented in these and other genres makes children familiar with their features and purpose, recognising the language patterns and text structures linked to these text types, enabling them to develop these skills and use them when needed.

Information books teach children about the world around them, from their immediate environment to places and people they have never seen, broadening horizons and helping them make sense of the world. It can introduce them to new ideas and alternative opinions and help them gain a different perspective. They also develop critical thinking skills, allowing readers to consider bias, evaluate an author’s purpose and question sources, including looking at their bibliography and source materials.

Many non-fiction books are highly illustrated, using visual prompts such as diagrams and graphs to support and develop understanding. These presentation features often appeal to those who find

reading challenging or are discouraged by large chunks of text. They also make texts more accessible for multi-lingual learners or anyone with English as an additional language.

Whether for pleasure or purpose, the importance of reading non-fiction cannot be underestimated and should be valued and encouraged. Let’s celebrate National Non-Fiction November, but remember non-fiction should be appreciated every day, not just in November!