2022: The Year of Extraordinary Expository

Melissa
February 28, 2023

Back in 2014, I wrote this post, lamenting the fact that expository nonfiction—books that explain, describe, or inform in
a clear accessible way—were the unsung underdogs of the children’s literature
world. These books rarely received starred reviews or won awards because narrative nonfiction—books that tell a story or convey an
experience—was generally considered superior.

But time passes, and things change. Boy, oh boy, have attitudes toward
expository nonfiction changed in the last 8 years. And that’s great news for the info-kids who love them, the kids for whom they can serve as a gateway to literacy.

While the change has happened slowly over time, looking back, it’s clear
that 2017 was really a watershed year. At the beginning of the year, Professor Terrell Young of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, coined the term “expository literature” to describe
finely-crafted expository titles that feature rich, engaging language, a strong
voice, and carefully-chosen text structure. These books are also formatted with
care and contain stunning art and dynamic design. They’re a far cry from the dry,
encyclopedic nonfiction that many of us remember from childhood.

As the year progressed, three important studies were published. Looking at them in conjunction with scattered studies from the past, the message was clear—most
elementary readers enjoy these books, and some prefer them.

But the change that can truly make an impact is happening right now,
right before our very eyes. The list below features 10 expository nonfiction
titles from 2022 that DID receive starred reviews, DID show up on multiple
end-of-the year “Best of” lists, and DID receive awards. In some cases, big awards.

And that’s big news.

Congratulations to the authors and illustrators who created these
wonderful books. Thank you to the publishers who acquired them and launched
them into the world.

Now it’s your turn to get in on the action. You can help to bring about change by
purchasing these titles and sharing them with kids. There’s no time to lose
because #KidsLoveNonfiction.