Learn Together, Read Together

Real-Life Stories: 4 Ways to Get Kids Hooked on Nonfiction Adventures

Unlock the power of true tales and watch your child’s curiosity soar—because real-life stories are where the adventure really begins!

When it comes to nurturing a love of reading in kids, fiction often gets all the glory—fantastical worlds, daring adventures, and quirky characters are all the rage. But what about the rich, fascinating world of real-life stories? Nonfiction, especially memoirs, biographies, and true adventure tales, can be just as captivating as the latest wizardry or superhero saga. Plus, they offer a unique window into the world around us, teaching lessons that are both profound and practical.

So, how do we get kids (and some of us adults) excited about real-life stories?

Why Real-Life Stories Matter

Before we jump into the how-tos, let’s talk about the why. Why is it important for kids to read nonfiction stories?

Building Empathy

Real-life stories allow kids to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world from a different perspective. Whether it’s a memoir about overcoming adversity or a biography of a historical figure, these stories help kids understand and relate to experiences beyond their own.

Expanding Knowledge

Nonfiction is a treasure trove of information. From learning about different cultures to understanding complex scientific concepts, real-life stories are a fun way for kids to broaden their knowledge without feeling like they’re stuck in a classroom.

Developing Critical Thinking

Reading about real events encourages kids to think critically about the world around them. They learn to analyze information, ask questions, and draw conclusions based on facts—skills that are essential for their future education and life.

Inspiration and Motivation

Real-life stories can be incredibly inspiring. Reading about someone who has achieved something remarkable, overcome challenges, or made a significant impact on the world can motivate kids to set goals, persevere through difficulties, and dream big.

How to Get Kids Excited for Nonfiction Stories

1. Make Real-Life Stories Relatable

One of the biggest hurdles in getting kids interested in nonfiction is the misconception that it’s boring or too difficult. The trick is to make real-life stories relatable and accessible.

Start with their interests:

If your child is fascinated by dinosaurs, find a nonfiction book about paleontologists and their discoveries. If they love sports, look for biographies of famous athletes. Tapping into their existing interests makes the transition to nonfiction smooth and exciting.

Choose age-appropriate content:

Select books that are written for your child’s age group. Younger readers might enjoy picture books about historical events or simplified biographies, while older kids can handle more complex narratives. Age-appropriate content ensures that the story is engaging without being overwhelming.

Mix it up with formats:

Nonfiction doesn’t have to mean long blocks of text. Graphic novels, illustrated biographies, and even documentaries are great ways to introduce kids to real-life stories. These formats make the content more visually appealing and easier to digest.

2. Turn Reading into an Adventure

Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity—it can be an adventure that you embark on together.

Create a themed reading challenge:

Turn reading into a game by setting up a themed reading challenge. For example, challenge your child to read five books about explorers from different parts of the world. Create a fun chart to track their progress and reward them with a small prize when they complete the challenge.

Combine reading with activities:

Pair the books with related activities to bring the stories to life. If your child is reading about space exploration, visit a planetarium or build a model rocket. If they’re reading about wildlife conservation, plan a trip to a nature reserve or start a small garden at home. These activities reinforce the lessons from the books and make the reading experience more immersive.

Encourage creative responses:

Ask your child to draw, write, or act out what they’ve learned from their nonfiction reading. They could create a comic strip about a historical figure, write a diary entry as if they were a character in the story, or put on a short play reenacting a real event. Creative responses help kids process the information in a fun and memorable way.

3. Highlight the Fun in Facts

Kids might think facts are dry, but they’re anything but! Real-life stories are filled with quirky, funny, and downright amazing details that can capture a child’s imagination.

Share fun facts regularly:

Make it a habit to share interesting facts from the nonfiction books you’re reading together. You can do this over breakfast, during car rides, or as a bedtime ritual. The goal is to show your child that real-life stories are packed with fascinating tidbits.

Play fact-finding games:

Turn fact-finding into a game. After reading a book, quiz your child on the most unusual or surprising facts they learned. You can also create a scavenger hunt where they have to find specific information in a book. These games make learning fun and reinforce what they’ve read.

Use multimedia resources:

Incorporate videos, podcasts, or online articles that complement the books they’re reading. Watching a short documentary or listening to an interview with the author can deepen their understanding and spark further interest in the topic.

4. Encourage Curiosity and Discussion

One of the best ways to foster a love for real-life stories is to encourage curiosity and discussion.

Ask open-ended questions:

After your child finishes a book, ask them questions that encourage deeper thinking. Instead of asking, “Did you like the book?” try “What surprised you most about the person you read about?” or “How do you think the world would be different if this event hadn’t happened?” These types of questions help kids engage with the material on a more meaningful level.

Encourage them to ask questions:

Invite your child to ask their own questions about the stories they’re reading. If they’re curious about something not covered in the book, help them find the answers together. This not only fuels their curiosity but also teaches them research skills.

Create a family book club:

Start a family book club where everyone reads the same nonfiction book and then discusses it together. This creates a shared experience and allows for lively conversations where everyone can share their thoughts and insights.

Finding Inspiration

Getting kids excited about real-life stories is all about making nonfiction engaging, relatable, and fun. By choosing books that align with their interests, turning reading into an adventure, and encouraging curiosity, you can help your child discover the joy of nonfiction. Real-life stories aren’t just about facts—they’re about understanding the world, connecting with others, and finding inspiration in the ordinary and extraordinary alike.

Discover Nonfiction Books for Kids

^{Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in Editing and Publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.}