Brave, Brilliant and True: 7 Non-Fiction Books That Inspire Kids to Dream Big
Book Week is a time when stories can take us anywhere.
To castles in the clouds.
To forests where animals talk.
To faraway planets with strange new rules.
However, some of the most magical stories begin with something that actually happened.
True stories can stop a reader in their tracks.
They can spark that wide-eyed moment of “Wait… this is real?”
Whether it’s an inventor who kept going after a hundred failed tries before making something truly amazing, or a child who spoke up until a whole town listened… non-fiction can light up a child’s imagination just as brightly as a fairytale.
They also remind kids that they’re already part of the adventure. The same world they read about is the one waiting right outside their door.
This year’s Book Week theme is Book an Adventure… and real-life adventures absolutely count! ✨
Here are seven non-fiction picks that build confidence, curiosity and courage, and might just leave your child looking at the world with fresh eyes.
1. Girls Think of Everything by Catherine Thimmesh
From windscreen wipers to chocolate chip cookies, this fascinating book celebrates women inventors throughout history, including some who were still kids when they made their mark!
Bursting with persistence, creativity, and a dash of “why not me?”, it challenges the idea that invention is just for grown-ups or men in lab coats.
Theme: Innovation, resilience, gender equality.
Best for: Ages 8–12.
2. Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know About First Nations Peoples by Isaiah Firebrace
Written by a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man, this vibrant book makes First Nations culture, history and language accessible and exciting for young readers. With big-hearted messages and engaging facts, it's both a starting point and an invitation to keep learning.
Theme: Culture, empathy, truth-telling.
Best for: Ages 5+.
3. A Good Thing Happened Today by Michelle Figueroa
Brimming with positive news stories from around the world, this book offers a hopeful lens when the world feels full of hard headlines. Each story is a reminder that kindness matters, and even small actions can spark big change.
Theme: Optimism, kindness, global citizenship.
Best for: Ages 6–10.
4. Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe
This powerful account of Aboriginal agricultural practices invites children to rethink what they’ve been taught about Australian history. Adapted from Pascoe’s award-winning Dark Emu, it presents historical evidence in a way that is respectful, eye-opening and easy to understand.
Theme: Environmental care, historical truth, Indigenous knowledge.
Best for: Ages 10–14.
5. Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson
Malala. Greta. Martin Luther King Jr. This book explores the childhoods of world-changing activists and shows that the spark for justice often starts young. With inspiring stories from across history, it proves that kids have always had the power to speak up and make a difference.
Theme: Social justice, leadership, courage.
Best for: Ages 9–13.
6. Everything Under the Sun by Molly Oldfield
Based on the podcast of the same name, this book is a treasure trove of answers to kids' biggest and strangest questions! From science to history to random facts, it feeds curiosity in the best way, with joy, clarity and a sense of wonder.
Theme: Curiosity, knowledge, joyful learning.
Best for: Ages 7–12.
7. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat
A gripping true story of the 2018 cave rescue in Thailand, told with detail, empathy and suspense. This book balances action and science, showing how courage, teamwork and problem-solving saved the day 💪.
Theme: Bravery, teamwork, global connection.
Best for: Ages 10–14.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Non-fiction isn’t just informative, it’s transformative. These stories aren’t about perfect people doing impossible things. They’re about real people doing meaningful things with persistence, creativity and care.
They show children that adventure doesn’t always come with a magic wand.
Sometimes, it starts with asking a question, standing up for what’s right or noticing something no one else has.
Adding just one true story to your Book Week stack could be the beginning of something big.
Non-fiction isn’t only about facts and figures.
It’s about people. Possibility. Purpose.
These books help kids imagine themselves not just as readers, but as changemakers, thinkers and doers.
And that confidence carries over into every area of learning.
If you’d like to help your child build those skills and keep that spark alive, our qualified tutors can support them every step of the way.
Book your free consultation call today, and let’s make a plan that helps your child thrive.