Sergeant Joe Friday from the old television show “Dragnet” is remembered for his oft repeated saying, “Just the facts, ma’am”.  There is an entire group of readers for whom this phrase applies.  Most adult readers have a preferred genre.  I’m a fiction gal.  Adults sometimes think that children want only storybooks.  Storybooks are easier and perhaps more fun for adults to read to children. 

Truth is, however, many children prefer non-fiction.  I call these kids the “just the facts ma’am kids”.  Often, but not always, boys are the readers that seek facts.  They want to know about the natural world, science, and tangible information.  You know these kids when you meet them.  They can rattle off the names of the entire dinosaur kingdom without blinking an eye.  They can tell you all you ever wanted to know about how gadgets work. 

These kids may, in fact, be on to something.  More and more, educators are encouraging children—young and old to read non-fiction.  The information gained from reading non-fiction helps children build background knowledge that is necessary for the reading students eventually encounter in science, social studies, and other subjects.  And, exposure to non-fiction helps to create life-long learners by fueling and encouraging children’s natural curiosity. 

So, don’t be afraid to seek out a new section at the library the next time you’re selecting a book.  You just might learn something! 

Ask your librarian to recommend great non-fiction titles or visit www.mpl.org and check out Kid Zone.