Best Nonfiction Books of 2026
I have read so many great books this year that I knew it was time to make my list of the best nonfiction books of 2025. I wanted to have a list of all my favorite books in one place.
Together, Jackie and I read approximately 300 books a year, give or take. The best books immediately stand out. The writing, storytelling, and character development set these books apart. The 5-star reads become more than just the sum of their parts. They have that extra something that makes you think about them long after you finish the last page. If you are looking for the best fiction books of 2026, I have that list as well.
Since this year is not through, this list will change as Kirsten and I add books we love. We would also love to hear your recommendations for your favorite five-star nonfiction books of 2025 to add to our list. Feel free to reach out with suggestions.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best Nonfiction Books of 2026
Strangers
Author: Belle Burden
Year: 2026
Genre: Memoir
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Belle and her children are sequestered at their home in Martha’s Vineyard during the COVID pandemic, when out of the blue, her husband reveals his affair and asks for a divorce. Unaware of her husband’s unhappiness and infidelity, Belle is left looking back on her 20 years of marriage for clues that this was going to happen.
She also documents her journey to acceptance, her friends and family’s reaction to the shocking news, and her path forward into single motherhood.
Why Kirsten loves it
Salacious and unputdownable, this story reads like fiction. I was swept into Belle’s mind, and my heart broke as I listened to her gracefully recount her sweeping emotions. I can’t wait to see Gwenyth Paltrow in the adaptation of this one.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2026 / Memoirs / Best Nonfiction Books of 2026
The Vanishing Family
Author: Robert Kolker
Year: 2026
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Valley Road, Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick for November 2026
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Robert Kolker is the author of Hidden Valley Road, which was the story of one family and schizophrenia. In this book, Kolker looks at one family and their fight against frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The family has a genetic mutation in which there’s a 50-50 chance the children will have this form of dementia as well.
Barb, the youngest of the nine children, watched as her mother became someone she didn’t know in her 40s. Slowly, four of her siblings began to change too. Interspersed throughout the story is a look at the science behind trying to find a cure for dementia, done with Kolker’s captivating writing style.
Trigger Warnings
Dementia, Alcoholism, Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
I couldn’t stop reading this story. Barb, Jenny, Sue, and the rest of the siblings felt like people I knew from my own neighborhood, and their story brought up so many questions about the impact of dementia on one’s family and self. I can’t wait to talk more deeply about this one with our book club and Bob. It should be a fascinating discussion. Gifted by Doubleday.
Find this book in: Best Nonfiction Books of 2026 / Math and Science Nonfiction Books / 2026 Beyond the Bookends Book Club List
Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children
Author: Mac Barnett
Year: 2026
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book for adults is about books for children from the bestselling, Caldecott Award-winning author. This is a book about how to approach children’s literature during a time in our history when literacy is at an all-time low.
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s more of a long-form essay on how adults should view children’s literature and why the kinds of books we give children matter. It’s slightly autobiographical because it covers why Mac got into the business of writing children’s stories, but it also gives a mini overview of some of the best children’s authors that ever existed and why they were so brilliantly talented.
I cried while reading it because his sentiments about the importance of books to children and why we, as adults, need to reframe how we see stories written for kids, so perfectly align with my own views on the subject. This should be required reading for every librarian, educator, and parent. #Gifted by Little, Brown & Co.
Find this book in: Best Nonfiction Books / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Best Nonfiction Books of 2026 / Nonfiction Books About Books
Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You are So Old and Wise
Author: Katherine Rundell
Year: 2026
Genre: nonfiction
More info: Bestselling Author of Impossible Creatures
Age Range: Any Age
Plot
This short book is about the importance of reading children’s literature for both kids and adults. Children’s literature is an exploration of imagination. These books often address emotions in a clear way that can make seemingly complex issues much more manageable.
Why Jackie loves it
Kirsten and I often talk about how wonderful it is to read some of the fantastic middle-grade books. The fantasy books, mysteries, historical fiction, and fiction books geared toward children are often overlooked by adults, at a detriment. Some of my favorite books are middle-grade literature.
Find this book in: Nonfiction Books About Books / Best Nonfiction Books of 2026
Expert Tip
Are you looking for the best new nonfiction books of 2026 but can’t choose what to read next? Here are some expert tips for choosing your next book:
- Read the description of what the book is about. Kirsten and I never include books that we have not read in our book lists.
- If you know what genre of book you are in the mood for, pick a book from that category
- Are you a “Kirsten” or a “Jackie”? Have a look at who read the book and what we loved about it. Kirsten and I often read different books, so you have a wide variety of books to choose from. Bonus if we both read the book!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new nonfiction books of 2026?
Jackie and I have read some fantastic nonfiction books this year. Some of our favorites are:
1. Strangers by Belle Burden
2. Make Believe by Mac Barnett
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Epilogue
What is your favorite nonfiction book of 2026? If you have a book that you loved that is not on this list, please let me know so I can add it to my TBR.
