Nonfiction reads for all ages

Before Music: Where Instruments Come From

Annette Bay Pimentel
(Abrams 2022)

This large, extended picture book explores how people around the world made music before modern instruments. The book is divided into 10 sections that highlight how ­people discovered that things in the natural world (such as rocks, gourds, wood, and clay) created unique sounds when struck, tapped, plucked, molded, or blown. In addition to explaining the science behind how music is formed, Pimentel’s text features innovators in the musical world. Madison Safer’s illustrations include numerous examples of instruments, giving children a taste of music from ­cultures across other continents. The endnotes offer instructions for making basic instruments with items found at home. Ages 6-12

Concrete From the Ground Up

Larissa Theule
(Candlewick 2022)

In this picture book, Theule teaches about the history of concrete and the many ways people have used it to build civilization since ancient times. The Romans were the first to use concrete as a major structural building material, which led to impressive feats like the aqueducts, Colosseum, and Pantheon. After the concrete “recipe” was lost with the fall of Rome, however, ­concrete wouldn’t reemerge as a prime building material until the 1750s. Theule highlights how engineers since then have continued to improve concrete to meet modern needs and creative ­outlets. Steve Light’s detailed pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations add whimsical fun. Ages 6-10

Unbreakable

Rebecca E.F. Barone
(Henry Holt & Co. 2022)

While Allied troops fought the Nazis’ advance on land and at sea, behind the scenes a network of spies and code breakers was working tirelessly to decipher the secret of Germany’s powerful but elusive Enigma code machine. Barone’s well-researched account introduces readers to an extensive cast of characters, and even though it is hard at times to keep everyone straight, the story showcases how countries and people worked together to stop the Germans. For families with reluctant readers, an engaging audiobook version is available. Note: The epilogue mentions that key code breaker Alan Turing faced prosecution in the 1950s for being gay and received hormone therapy instead of jail time, but later died from cyanide poisoning. Ages 12-16

Agent Most Wanted

Sonia Purnell
(Viking 2022)

During World War II, the Gestapo dubbed American Virginia Hall the most dangerous Allied spy for her fearless work aiding the French Resistance. The gutsy former socialite had ditched a life of ease to instead go behind enemy lines in France—something she accomplished in spite of living with a prosthetic leg. In this young reader’s adaptation of her earlier book A Woman of No Importance, Purnell has crafted an engaging and thrilling read about a largely unknown American hero. Note: At first Hall lived out-of-wedlock with her future husband because her mother disapproved of the match, and the book mentions the role prostitutes at a brothel played in spying against the enemy. Ages 12+