Marked in over 100 countries across the globe, World Book Day is a UNESCO initiative that aims to celebrate both books and reading, hence we are introducing some of the top nonfiction reads for children in 2023. This year’s theme emphasises making World Book Day yours as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the event.

In the UK and Ireland, National Book Tokens are sent out so that kids can find a book of their very own something to unlock the power of their minds. This is in light of an increasing prevalence on digital screens.

In schools across the country, kids will be dressing up as their favourite characters from books. The main aim of the day is to encourage children to explore different genres and develop a passion for reading. There are also so many benefits for children’s academic and personal development. It can help to expand vocabulary, improve empathy, and increase concentration.

How to get World Book Day nonfiction £1 books?

The £1/€1.50 books are an important part of the World Book Day mission to promote reading for pleasure by offering children and young people the opportunity to choose and own a book. The organisation works with publishers and children to create a list that appeals to a wide range of interests.

Through schools, nurseries, magazines, and partners, 50 million £1/€1.50 tokens are distributed to children and young people before World Book Day so they can experience choosing one of these books for free from their nearest bookseller! The book tokens are valid from Thursday 16 February to Sunday 26 March 2023.

Top nonfiction books released for World Book Day 2023:

• 📚 Kay’s Brilliant Brains by Adam Kay and Henry Parker. Kay’s Brilliant Brains is a mini book written and illustrated for World Book Day 2023 by the record-breaking Adam Kay and Henry Parker. It’s a hilarious celebration of the world’s most ingenious geniuses and all that their brilliant brains achieved.
• 📚 Lifesize Creepy Crawlies by Sophy Henn. Come on an adventure to discover how you measure up against some of the world’s most incredible lifesize creepy crawlies – from the teeny tiny to the absolutely gigantic!
• 📚 Being An Ally by Shakirah Bourne and Dana Alison Levy. This book is for everyone because we can all be allies. As an ally you use your power – no matter how big or small – in order to support others. Whilst you learn, and try, you can also mess up and try harder. In this collection of true stories, YA authors get real about allyship and showing up for everyone. These authors share their truths and invite you to think about your own choices – and how you can be a better ally. 

Other nonfiction books of note:

• 📚 The (Young) Antiracist’s Workbook: Questions for Changemakers by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone. Young people must be included in conversations on race. As a result, Dr. Kendi has created this workbook with bestselling YA author Nic Stone for readers age 12+.
• 📚 Stolen History: The Truth about the British Empire and how it Shaped Us by Sathnam Sanghera. An accessible and essential introduction to the British empire for readers aged 9+, by bestselling author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera.
• 📚 Fighting in a World on Fire: The Next Generation’s Guide to Protecting the Climate and Saving Our Future by Andreas Malm, Llewyn and Jimmy Whipps. An argument for bold action to halt climate destruction, adapted for young people from Andreas Malm’s best-selling book. These urgent matters are brought to the most important audience of all: the next generation.
• 📚 You Have the Power: Find Your Strength and Believe You Can by Leah Williamson and Suzanne Wrack. You Have the Power is a positive guide for life, filled with stories from England footballer Leah Williamson’s own life. It is packed with helpful advice to show young girl’s how to find their strength and empower them to follow their dreams

Have a wonderful World Book Day! In the meantime, don’t forget to tag the initiative in your social posts using #worldbookday so they can see how you’re celebrating. Did you check out last year’s World Book Day which celebrated the theme of “You are a reader”?

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