As winter break approaches, we at Britannica Education are excited to introduce our Winter Reading Challenge for K-12 students! This challenge features a curated selection of books from library reading lists across the United States, offering a diverse range of genres and topics to spark curiosity and enjoyment.
The best part? Readers can participate at their own pace, making it easy to fit reading into holiday festivities or cozy winter days. We encourage students to explore these captivating nonfiction stories, share their favorites, and discover the joy of reading while connecting with friends and family. Let’s make this winter a season of stories and imagination!
Find some of these books on our Britannica Collective platform and pair them with Britannica School research! Not a subscriber? Contact us!
Elementary
Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup
by Pamela Mayer (Author) and Deborah Melmon (Illustrator)
Sophie loves Bubbe’s Jewish chicken soup, made with kreplach. She also loves Nai Nai’s Chinese chicken soup, with wonton. But don’t tell Bubbe and Nai Nai that their soups are the same! Can Sophie bring her whole family together for a warm and tasty surprise?
- Pair with Britannica School’s “Culture” article for a deeper look into culture and its role in the world.
What Do Critters Do in the Winter?
by Julie K. Lundgren
Intermediate readers examine how animals hibernate, use camouflage, and migrate to survive winter conditions.
- Pair with Britannica School’s “Animal Migration” article for a deeper dive into animal habits and behaviors.
Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa
by Doreen Rappaport (Author) and Oliver Dominguez (Illustrator)
Young Ellen Ochoa loved to learn. An accomplished engineer by age 30, with three patents to her name, she kept learning and trying new things. When NASA began accepting women and people of color to the astronaut program, Ellen found herself drawn to this exciting and demanding career.
- Pair with Britannica School’s “NASA” article to learn more about the establishment and legacy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Middle
The Star that Always Stays
by Anna Rose Johnson
When her mother remarries, Norvia and her five siblings move from the quiet countryside into the busy city in this historical fiction set in early 1900s Michigan. They must learn how to navigate this new world and they must pretend they’re not Native, not Ojibwe.
- Pair with Britannica School’s “Ojibwe” article for a look into Ojibwe history and culture.
Snow Treasure
by Marie McSwigan
In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lundstrom’s tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. It was a dangerous plan. They had to slip past Nazi guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. It meant risking their country’s treasure—and their lives. This classic story of how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America has captivated generations of readers.
- Pair with Britannica School’s “World War II” article for an informative summary of the Second Great War.
We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963
by Sheila P. Moses
The powerful story of an 11-year-old Black boy determined to stand up for his rights, who’s pulled into the action of the 1963 civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama.
High
The Twenty-One
by Elizabeth Rusch
In this ongoing court case, Juliana v. United States of America, 21 young people are fighting the government in hopes to save our climate.
- Pair with Britannica School’s “Climate Change” article for more information on pollution, global warming, and other threats to the environment.
The 100 Most Influential Women of All Time
by Amy McKenna
Through the ages women have had to fight to be taken seriously, have their work accepted, and be considered the equal of men intellectually and creatively. This book tips its hat to women such as Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Sojourner Truth, and Princess Diana, who have made their mark and forever changed the world with their contributions.
- Pair with Britannica School’s “Women’s Rights Movements” article for a deeper look into women’s history.
From Here: A Memoir
by Luma Mufleh
As hopeful as it is heartrending, refugee advocate Luma Mufleh shares her personal journey to find a place to belong and the many meanings of home for those who must leave theirs.
- Pair with Britannica School’s “Human Migration” article to better understand migration types, regional experiences, and obstacles.
As we look forward to the cozy days ahead, we invite students, families, and educators to dive into the joy of reading with our Winter Reading Challenge. Whether you’re curled up by a fireplace, gathering for family festivities, or enjoying a quiet moment indoors, this challenge offers a delightful way to spark curiosity and make reading a part of your winter tradition. With engaging nonfiction titles that cover a range of interests, there’s something here to capture the imagination of every reader.
Join us in celebrating the power of stories this season! Discover even more content on our Britannica Collective platform, where books come to life alongside in-depth resources from Britannica School. If you’re not yet part of our community, reach out to us and let’s make this winter one of discovery, knowledge, and endless adventure. Happy reading!
