Every year, new fiction books hit the market with a rainbow of diverse and engaging characters for young readers. But there are just as many terrific new titles in nonfiction.

One isn't better than the other, and educators should offer and teach both, says the National Council of Teachers of English.

To learn more about nonfiction trends and how to help students connect with these books, NEA Today spoke with Melissa Stewart, who has authored more than 200 nonfiction children's books.

Is nonfiction making a resurgence, or has it always been popular with teachers and students?

Melissa Stewart: Nonfiction has always been popular. But teachers often don't realize that many students prefer nonfiction. We need to do a better job of making teachers aware of the wide variety of titles.

What is different about nonfiction now?

MS: We are really in a golden age of nonfiction. Twenty years ago, there was only one kind of children's nonfiction, with traditional, survey-style writing. Now we have five distinct forms that also include browsable nonfiction, expository literature, narrative nonfiction, and active nonfiction-such as how-to and activity books.

The genre is blossoming with titles that are beautiful and dynamic, with a range of formats and text structures. They feature rich, engaging language that excites and inspires young readers.

There is so much to offer students that can be used for instruction, read- alouds, book talks, book clubs, and author studies.

Why do you think many young readers prefer nonfiction?

MS: Why wouldn't they? If adults enjoy it-60 percent of adult books sold are nonfiction-it follows that children would, too. But kids don't buy their own books, and only 24 percent of children's books sold are nonfiction. We need to get more great nonfiction books into the hands of children.

The goal is to help kids fall in love with reading and books. For some children, nonfiction is the gateway to literacy. I recommend that educators and parents offer children both fiction and nonfiction and watch closely to understand each child's preferences.

How can teachers find quality nonfiction titles to offer?

MS: Ask a librarian! The librarian's job is to help teachers connect a book to a student or lesson. The library is the heart of the school, and the librarian is what makes it beat.

Stewart is developing a nonfiction-focused personal learning community to help educators build students' awareness of and access to nonfiction. Visit melissa-stewart.com.

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