Best Non Fiction Books for Gifting (2026): 5 Compared

A book is a gift that keeps giving, and the best non fiction books for gifting match the reader’s curiosity, not just the occasion. We compared five nonfiction books by listed reading age, grade level, print length and what each description says, from kids trivia to an adult memoir.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Weird But True by NG Kids	9.7/10	Buy
2	125 True Stories by NG Kids	9.6/10	Buy
3	Snakes by Stewart	9.6/10	Buy
4	Sports Stories by Taylor	9.6/10	Buy
5	All That Remains by Black	9.5/10	Buy

1

Weird But True by NG Kids

National Geographic Kids·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

300 wacky sports facts with photos for young trivia fans.

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Pros

• 300 facts and photos stated, the most content here
• Reading age 8 to 11 years and grade level 3 to 7 are both stated
• The description places it in the Weird but True series

Cons

• The reading age is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• Sports only, so a non-sports reader may prefer another pick
• The 2016 edition is the oldest kids pick here

2

125 True Stories by NG Kids

National Geographic Kids·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

True animal stories with full-color photos, from unlikely friendships to animal heroes.

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Pros

• Full-color photos are stated
• Reading age 6 to 10 years and grade level 3 to 7 are both stated
• Animal stories suit a wide range of young readers

Cons

• The reading age is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• The title says 125 stories while the description says 100 anecdotes
• The 2012 edition is older

3

Snakes by Stewart

Melissa Stewart·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Level 2 reader that introduces snakes through cool photos and fun facts.

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Pros

• Level 2 reader format suits growing independent readers
• Reading age 4 to 8 years and grade level Kindergarten to 3 are both stated
• Cool photos and fun facts are stated

Cons

• The reading age is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• At 32 pages it is the shortest pick here
• Snakes only, so it suits one interest

4

Sports Stories by Taylor

Kurt Taylor·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Twelve stories of world-class athletes who overcame challenges, with illustrations.

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Pros

• Twelve athlete stories with quotes and illustrations are stated
• Reading age 8 to 11 years is stated
• The description frames it as a gift for the sports-obsessed child

Cons

• The reading age is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• No grade level is stated
• Sports only, so it suits one interest

5

All That Remains by Black

Sue Black·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A forensic anthropologist's memoir on death, mortality and solving crimes.

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Pros

• 360 pages, the longest book here
• A memoir by a forensic anthropologist, a distinctive gift
• Published November 3, 2020 by Arcade Publishing

Cons

• The description discusses death and murder plainly, so it is for adult readers
• No reading age or grade level is stated
• Not for children, unlike the other four picks

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More picks to compare

• Basketball's Greatest Players by KramerFor young basketball fans, ages 7 to 10, 48 pages.Check on Amazon
• Inspiring Soccer Stories by BydeFor soccer fans 7 to 12, 14 tales, 88 pages.Check on Amazon
• Captivating History by MooreFor curious kids 8 to 12, 50-plus history stories.Check on Amazon
• Monster Fish by HoganFor animal lovers 8 to 12, true fish adventures.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 17 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Four of the five listings state a reading age, marked by Amazon as from customers, and three give a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best non fiction books for gifting

Match the interest, not just the age

Four picks are for young readers: sports trivia, animal stories, snakes and athlete biographies. The fifth, All That Remains, is an adult memoir about forensic science. A book that matches a hobby always beats a generic pick. For seasonal ideas, see our non fiction books for holiday list.

Check the reading level before wrapping

Reading ages here run from 4 to 8 years up to 8 to 11 years, all marked as from customers. The Snakes reader is Level 2 for growing independent readers, while the memoir states no reading age at all. When in doubt, pick the lower band. Book clubs also love nonfiction; browse book club books for discussion picks.

Before you buy

• Confirm who the book is for: four picks are for kids and one is for adults.
• Check the page count: these run from 32 pages to 360 pages.
• Read the description for themes; the memoir discusses death and murder plainly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these is best for a young sports fan?

Weird But True Sports gives 300 facts and photos for ages 8 to 11, and Inspirational Sports Stories tells 12 athlete stories for the same age. The more-picks list adds basketball and soccer titles.

Is All That Remains appropriate for children?

No. The description discusses death, murder and dismemberment plainly, and the listing states no reading age. It is an adult gift.

Which book suits the youngest reader?

Snakes, a Level 2 reader with a reading age of 4 to 8 years and 32 pages. It is the shortest pick here.

Still deciding? Our top pickWeird But True by NG Kids

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Related lists

See every fiction list.

More lists: browse non fiction books for holiday, non fiction books for personal growth and fiction books for non readers.