Here are some great nonfiction books for teens, categorized by topic and including a mix of diverse voices and engaging writing:
History & Social Issues:
* "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi: A powerful, accessible exploration of racism throughout history and its impact today.
* "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas: A young adult novel that addresses police brutality and racial injustice, told through the eyes of a teenage girl.
* "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot: A fascinating story of the woman whose cancer cells revolutionized medicine, exploring ethics and science.
* "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba: An inspiring true story of a Malawian boy who built a wind turbine to save his village from famine.
* "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade: A beautiful and important story about the fight to protect water and Indigenous lands.
Science & Nature:
* "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert: A chilling exploration of the ongoing mass extinction of species.
* "A Pocketful of Stars: A Field Guide to the Night Sky" by Sarah Stewart: A guide to navigating the night sky, with beautiful illustrations and engaging facts.
* "The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution" by Richard Dawkins: A clear and compelling explanation of the theory of evolution.
* "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan: A timeless classic that explores the universe and our place in it, perfect for sparking curiosity.
* "National Geographic Kids Everything You Need to Know About the Ocean" by National Geographic: A comprehensive look at the ocean, filled with stunning photos and facts.
Memoir & Personal Growth:
* "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai: A powerful story of a young girl who stood up for her right to education and inspired the world.
* "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls: A moving memoir about a chaotic childhood and the power of resilience.
* "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle: A spiritual guide to living in the present moment, offering practical wisdom for teens facing stress and anxiety.
* "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin: A personal journey to discover what brings happiness, full of relatable anecdotes and insights.
* "The Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes: A hilarious and inspiring memoir about embracing opportunities and saying "yes" to new experiences.
Creative & Engaging:
* "The Art Spirit" by Robert Henri: A classic guide to artistic expression and creativity, inspiring young artists to explore their own voice.
* "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White: A timeless guide to writing well, with clear and concise advice.
* "The Cartoon Introduction to Economics" by Yoram Bauman: A fun and engaging introduction to economics, using cartoons to illustrate complex concepts.
* "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey: Practical advice on goal setting, time management, and interpersonal skills, relevant for teens navigating the challenges of adolescence.
* "The World According to Mister Rogers" by Fred Rogers: A heartwarming collection of Mister Rogers' wisdom and insights on kindness, compassion, and the power of imagination.
Remember: This is just a starting point. The best non-fiction books for teens will depend on their individual interests and reading levels. Encourage teens to explore diverse genres and authors, and help them find books that spark their curiosity and inspire them to learn and grow.