The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya

Arturo loves his summers in Miami. Days are filled with playing basketball, helping at the family restaurant, and enjoying the canals and banyan trees. But when a new land developer moves into town, charming people with promises of a deluxe high rise apartment building, everything Arturo values is threatened. Can Arturo save his family restaurant and the community he loves?

Filled with Cuban heritage and a strong sense of family, The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora is a poignant coming of age tale. Arturo is a typical, but strong teen who finds his voice and a sense of purpose in the face of change. A good read for early tweens.

Recommended ages--10-14 years

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

William Kamkwamba grew up in a small village in Malawi, Africa. When severe famine struck his town and his family could no longer pay his schooling fees, he had to drop out of school. With a growing mind and a desire to learn, William spent his extra time in the village library. He gained a love of science and an intense desire to know how things work. As he learned, William had the idea to build a windmill.

Through hard work, personal research, and a variety of junkyard scraps, William built a windmill and was able to provide electricity for his family. His ingenuity made life better for his family, but also opened a new world for himself and the people of his village. This inspiring story of William’s journey toward a seemingly impossible goal will inspire readers of all ages. I came away with a broader world view and a greater appreciation for the miracle of science and technology. While this book is good for all readers, it does contain descriptions of a starving village. Younger readers might need some help processing this.

Recommended ages--10 and up

Votes for Women! American Suffragists and the Battle for the Ballot by Winifred Conkling

Votes for Women! follows the grueling battle for women’s suffrage in the United States. Starting with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, this book documents the highs and lows of the struggle. Winifred Conkling aptly describes the strong women behind this cause, showing their determination as well as their humanity. Her writing flows and presents all the major historical events in a way that compels readers to continue.

This is an excellent book for teen readers. They will gain an appreciation for those women who fought for suffrage. It also made me grateful for the time in which I live and the freedoms I enjoy. I count it successful nonfiction because it was highly educating while still reading like a narrative.

Recommended ages--13 and up