Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
Pop culture nonfiction books are gaining popularity in recent years, and Kirsten and I love the trend. These books offer a behind-the-scenes look at things like popular television shows or popular products.
If you know Kirsten, you know that she always has her finger on the pulse of what is hot right now. Think of how she is able to get the celebrity book club picks spoilers!
I knew that making this post would be so much fun and perfect for anyone who loves popculture or anyone wanting to try and read more nonfiction books.
The Best Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Nonfiction Book About TV
Believe: The Untold Story of Ted Lasso by Jeremy Enger- Jump to Section
Best Nonfiction Book About Movies
Making Mary Poppins by Todd James Pierce – Jump to Section
Best Nonfiction Book About Dolls
Dolls of Our Lives by Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney- Jump to Section
*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.
Pop Culture Nonfiction Books About TV
Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso
Author: Jeremy Egner
Year: 2024
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: From The New York Times Jeremy Enger
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book starts with the silly NBC Premier League commercial starring Ted Lasso and brings us through casting, set, locations, and writing of the hit show. It does all of this without ever losing the heart and soul of the magical show that proved you can be a good guy.
Why Jackie loves it
If you love the show Ted Lasso as much as I do, this book is a must-read. I am still lamenting the end of the show, the last episode of which had me bawling hysterically. This book gave me everything I was hoping for- it brought me back to the magic of the show and the perfect timing of the premier. #gifted
Find this book in: New Release Books You Must Read / Best New Nonfiction Books of 2024 / Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
Plot
This non-fiction book about the 70s tells the history of two iconic shows, Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, with different approaches to teaching children through television. I enjoyed reliving parts of my childhood as I eagerly looked up the songs and skits referenced in this book. The behind-the-scenes look added even more magic to the shows I know and love.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had no idea that the advent of children’s TV was so politically charged, but I learned that and so much more in this book. I also learned just how little our world has changed around racism and schooling in the time since these programs started.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Book Set in the 70s / Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers
Author: Maxwell King
Year: 2018
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is such an amazing story of an amazing man unlike any other. He was a man central to the development of educational children’s television.
Fred was kind, caring, compassionate, and a champion for equality. He was devoted to children and addressing their educational, social, and emotional needs. I could personally relate to parts of his life during the time when he lived in Toronto.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is so well written and so easy to listen to even though it’s not my usual genre. Levar Burton, from Reading Rainbow, narrates and I love hearing him read. This is one of the best nonfiction books I have ever read.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Best Nonfiction Books / Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
Talking as Fast as I Can
Author: Lauren Graham
Year: 2016
Genre: Memoir
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I love Lauren Graham because, in my mind, she’s Lorelai Gilmore. So the fact that this book was billed as a memoir that revolved a great deal around my beloved show had me signing up to listen.
Why Kirsten loves it
I found Graham’s rise to stardom to be an interesting one, but it was the behind-the-scenes look at Gilmore Girls that had me truly enthralled. I loved that she went back and binged it all, filling in her memories and sharing little anecdotes. I didn’t learn much about her private life, but it satisfied the fangirl in me regardless.
Find this book in: Celebrity Memoirs / Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
Plot
Get the full history of the famous show Friends as well as a look into the lives of the six cast members while they were working on it!
Why Kirsten loves it
With the Friends reunion being the only thing people could talk about, I decided to read this book after it had been on my TBR for a long time. I didn’t know the history behind how the show got started, how it became successful, and ultimately why it ended. A total must for Friends fans.
Popculture Nonfiction Books About Movies
Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of the Classic Film
Author: Todd James Pierce
Genre: Nonfiction
Release Date: November 11, 2025
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Mary Poppins is a Disney movie that still resonates today. This is the book that tells the story of how brothers, Robert and Richard Sherman, came to Disney studios to write the music for Mary Poppins.
The book delves a little bit into the childhood of Bob and Dick Sherman, and weaves the story of how the incredible masterpiece of Mary Poppins came to be. The brothers worked closely with Disney and Traverse, navigating hurdles before the movie was made.
Why Jackie loves it
I had no idea that the Sherman brothers were the artists behind so many of the musical masterpieces from Disney that I loved as a child and still love to this day. “Let’s Get Together” from The Parent Trap is just one example. This book was so easy to read, I breezed through it. There was so much information, but it never felt like too much. I could not read this book fast enough.
Find this book in: Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
The Queens of Animation
Author: Nathalia Holt
Year: 2019
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 18+
Special Info: April 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Plot
This nonfiction old Hollywood book sheds light on the talent of Disney’s pioneering female animators and the struggles they faced in a male-dominated field. I loved learning about these incredible women – like Mary Blair who created the art for the “It’s a Small World” ride.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was appalled by the disparate treatment female in the animation field received, but I was also impressed by their gumption. The author does a tremendous job of showing their struggles but also how these women shaped animation as we know it. I was heartened to see just how far they have come. The book ends with Frozen and you can see the studio’s growth.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading about these women and how they shaped animation! I am a huge Disney fan, so everything about this intrigues me. I was equally upset by the struggles these talented women had to endure strictly because they were women (although I shouldn’t have been shocked).
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Old Hollywood Books / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Pop Culture Nonfiction Books About Dolls
Dolls of Our Lives
Author: Mary Mahoney and Allison Horrocks
Year: 2024
Genre: Nonfiction History
Age Range: 16+
Plot
If you are a fan of American Girl Dolls, or you were as a child, you MUST read this book. It’s feel-good nonfiction at its finest with these two writers giving us the background on the beloved Pleasant Company dolls.
I love that the writers read this audiobook. It felt like listening to a conversation with friends. It focuses on the 6 original American Girl dolls and their origin stories. It also explains how the authors met and created their podcast.
Why Kirsten loves it
I found myself wrapped up in fond memories of my childhood. This read will bring back all the nostalgia for your dolls! #gifted
Find this book in: Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Summer Reads of 2024 / Best Nonfiction Books / Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
Forever Barbie
Author: M.G. Lord
Year: 1994 with updated content for 2024
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
What a fascinating take on the history of the Barbie doll. Exploring how it came to be, the changes to the doll over the years, and its impact on culture, this book is the most definitive biography of Barbie I’ve ever read (and yes, I’ve read more than one.)
Update for the post-Barbie Movie era, there really is no better biographer for the famed doll herself than Lord. I was particularly interested in the role Ruth Handler played in the creation and growth of Barbie’s popularity.
Why Kirsten loves it
I first read this biography in middle school and didn’t realize it was the same book until after the new forward. I loved it then for its deep unflinching look at the pros and cons of the Barbie Doll. I love it now for incorporating how the doll has changed in recent years.
Find this book in: Feel Good Nonfiction / Best Beach Reads 2024 / Best New Nonfiction Books of 2024 / Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
Super Nintendo: The Game-Changing Company That Unlocked the Power of Play
Author: Keza MacDonald
Release Date: February 3, 2026
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Nintendo, the video-gaming company, was the cornerstone of many a childhood. This book dives into the history of Nintendo, game by game, as it looks at where the company started and where it’s going in the future.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved learning about my favorite video games. I read this story on vacation, and it sparked all kinds of fun conversations with my family members! It was the perfect vacation nonfiction. #gifted by Knopf
Find this book in: Pop Culture Nonfiction Books
Expert Tip
Pop culture nonfiction books are for you if…
- You are new to nonfiction and are looking for a way to dive in
- You want a behind the scenes look at your favorite television shows
- You want to understand why there is so much hype around Barbie and American Girl Doll
- You love nonfiction and want to read something on the lighter side
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pop culture nonfiction book?
A pop culture or popular culture nonfiction book is any book that tells the true story of television, movies, or products, that are embraced in society as a whole. Popular culture changes a lot over time.
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Epilogue
What is your favorite pop culture nonfiction book? I love to hear suggestions to add to my TBR!
