Non-Fiction November with Read Manchester
When we think of reading for pleasure, we often first think of novels – but fiction is only part of the story. National Non-Fiction November is an annual celebration of factual reading, created by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, which aims to promote the joy of non-fiction to young readers. This year’s theme is ‘Past Puzzles and Timeless Treasures’, and puts the spotlight on history, archaeology and legends, but non-fiction can encompass anything readers are curious about, from science, nature and health to arts, music, sport and hobbies, biography and more.
Why Non-Fiction?
In research carried out by the National Literacy Trust, over half (56%) of children and young people said they read non-fiction. Motivation for reading among those who read non-fiction included curiosity and a desire to learn about other places and new things, mental wellbeing and relaxation, and connection with others.
Providing young people with the means and motivation to read about the things they are interested in can help them to engage with and feel connected to the world around them. It can also help them to dive deep into their passions and explore the subjects they care about in detail. A focus of the 2026 Year of Reading is to encourage readers to ‘Go All In!’ on the subjects they care about, and access to exciting and varied non-fiction is crucial to this!
You can read more about Non-Fiction November and the National Literacy’s Trust’s research here.
What we’re doing to highlight Non-Fiction this month
To celebrate Non-Fiction November, Read Manchester is working with publishers and authors to promote non-fiction and give away books to pupils of Manchester schools.
At a fun-filled interactive session pupils will get an insight into the history of Guinness World Records. Every pupil attending will receive a free copy of Guiness World Records: Gamer Edition, kindly donated by the publisher.
Photo credit: Craig Glenday | Guinness World Records
Christopher Lloyd, founder of ‘What on Earth?’ books and author of a number of fantastic fact books for children will run a session for schools. Every child attending will receive a copy of the brilliant What on Earth! magazine, thanks to Read Manchester and a brilliant discount from the publisher.
With fascinating facts about the Earth and plenty of humour, author Emma Young will talk to pupils about her book: What if … Every Volcano Erupted at Once?
Thanks to publishers DK, every pupil attending this session will receive a free copy of one of Emma Young’s books.
Following Manchester Libraries’ win of the Library of the Year Award at the 2025 British Book Awards, publisher DK, who sponsored the award, are kindly supporting our Non-fiction November offer: As well as supporting the Emma Young Event, DK has also donated 1,000 wonderful books from its non-fiction list. These books will be gifted to Manchester children to ensure that the city’s young people have access to a wide range of brilliant fact books to satisfy their curiosity about the world and encourage reading widely for pleasure.
The fantastic range of non-fiction books donated to Manchester Libraries by DK.
Where to find brilliant non-fiction books for children and adults
- Manchester Libraries holds a wide range of non-fiction titles for both children and adults in its collection, all free to borrow and reserve. You can find out how to join Manchester Libraries and view our catalogue here.
- We also have many titles available as e-books or e-audiobooks via the Borrowbox app. See here for information on how to use Borrowbox.
- Your library card gives you access to a wide variety of information and reference resources online. You can explore the Online Reference Library here for access to resources such as the Britannica Encyclopedia and Oxford Dictionaries online, and you can find information on Archives and Local and Family History here.
