Last week, we shared our fiction summer reading list, and now it’s time for a dose of reality! Here are some of our favorite nonfiction titles for teens to read this summer.

The Climate Book: The Facts and the Solutions by Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg is one of the most recognized climate activists in the world. In her new book, she gathers information from over 100 experts to help us understand the biggest environmental threats and their potential long-term effects. Thunberg also shares some of her own experiences, inspiring all of us to fight for a healthier planet. This is a must-read for students interested in environmentalism and advocacy.

Psych: The Story of the Human Mind by Paul Bloom 

Paul Bloom- a popular psychology professor at Yale University- combines science and storytelling in his latest book. He provides an overview of psychology while also analyzing some of today’s biggest issues from a psychological lens: mental illness, politics, racial bias, and more. Throughout the book, Bloom also incorporates amusing anecdotes, making this much more than a technical guide to the subject matter. High schoolers thinking about majoring in psychology should definitely add this title to their summer reading list! 

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

Two ships; two countries; two conflicting tales of treachery and murder. In The Wager, author David Grann recounts the ultimate adventure story. In 1742, an English vessel was shipwrecked off the shores of Patagonia, and it took sailors over three months to make it to safety in Brazil. The survivors were celebrated as heroes– well, until another ship narrowly escaped disaster and washed ashore in Chile. The survivors of the second ship had a very different account of the first vessel. They accused the heroes of actually being murderers! The first vessel responded with equally terrible claims of violence and killings. No one knew who to believe or how to figure out what really happened out at sea. That was up to the courts to decide, and their decision was a matter of life and death. If you want to know the ending, you’ll have to read the book this summer!

How Data Happened: A History from the Age of Reason to the Age of Algorithms by Chris Wiggins and Matthew L. Jones

In 2017, Chris Wiggins and Matthew L. Jones developed a course at Columbia University titled Data: Past, Present and Future. The class was a hit! It became so popular that now these instructors have turned their course material into a book. How Data Happened explores the history of data collection and the powerful impact it has had on everything from politics to economics.The authors also look closely at the relationship between data and technology and pose the question: where are we going with data in the future? This is a perfect pick for future data scientists or any student who loves math and computer science.  

Choosing to Run: A Memoir by Des Linden

What does it take to make history? That’s the question Des Linden tries to answer in her new memoir, Choosing to Run. Linden traces her journey as a professional runner, from her early days on the track to her Olympic appearances to her historic win at the 2018 Boston Marathon. Not only is this a story of physical triumph; it’s one of mental toughness. Linden reveals what it takes to stay motivated and to reach your goal, even when others tell you it’s impossible. 

The Things We Make: The Unknown History of Invention from Cathedrals to Soda Cans by Bill Hammack

Bill Hammack, otherwise known as “The Engineer Guy” to his over one-million YouTube subscribers, has made a career out of examining how things are made. Now in his new book, he looks closely at the invisible “engineering method” inventors have used throughout the centuries to solve problems and develop some of the world’s most famous creations. He argues that there’s a common link between the ways in which inventors engineer great things, whether it was an 18th century cathedral or a modern- day soda can. If you’re passionate about STEM or considering a career in engineering, this title will be a wonderful addition to your bookshelf. 

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

Do you like dancing alone in your bedroom or doodling in your notebook? If so, there’s a reason for it, according to Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. In their New York Times best seller, these authors look at the joys art can bring to our brains and the powerful effect it can have on our mental and physical well-being. They incorporate lots of research, as well as real-world examples, to show how an art project, a trip to a museum, or even a piano lesson can boost our brains and lead to healthier lives. This is a longer read, but we think it’s worth it for art lovers and those interested in psychology and mental health.

Magic Words by Jonah Berger

In his new book, Magic Words, Jonah Berger examines the power of the words in our society. Through research, he reveals how a slight change in vocabulary can make all the difference in how we’re able to persuade others, whether we’re arguing in a courtroom, writing an essay, or trying to land a new job. So what exactly are these magic words, Berger speaks of? You’ll have to crack open the book to find out!

Without a Doubt: How to Go From Underrated to Unbeatable by Surbhi Sarna

What do you do when you’re faced with a cancer scare? In Surbhi Sarna’s case, she turned her fears into a $275 million dollar business! Without a Doubt looks at how Sarna used her medical struggles as motivation to create a start-up and a life-saving medical device. Of course Sarna had many challenges along the way. She didn’t have a swanky MBA or a business network, and at every turn, people doubted her. Her story shows how we can push past all of the doubts, think outside the box, and convince others to support our vision. We think this book is a great guide for teens who are dreaming big, especially those who hope to become entrepreneurs one day!