As one of the best young adult nonfiction books, "The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition" provides a profound glimpse into the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl living in hiding during the Holocaust. The book is based on Anne's diary, which she started writing on her 13th birthday in 1942 while her family was hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam.

Anne's diary shares her experiences, thoughts, and feelings during the two years she spent in hiding. The book shows the daily challenges, fears, and difficulties faced by Anne and her family, along with the other occupants of the secret annex. Despite this, Anne's writing is full of her spirit, humor, and hope.

As the definitive edition, this version includes previously omitted diary entries and annotations from Anne's father, Otto Frank. These additions offer readers a more comprehensive understanding of Anne's life and the historical context surrounding her experiences. The book also features Anne's short stories, essays, and personal reflections.

"The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition" has been translated into numerous languages and has touched the hearts of readers worldwide. Anne's story teaches us to be strong and to never give up hope, even when things are tough. Her diary is a reminder of the importance of staying positive and caring for others, even in difficult times.

Authors: Anne Frank (Author), Otto M. Frank (Editor), Mirjam Pressler (Editor), Susan Massotty (Translator)

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Young-Girl-Definitive/dp/0553577123/

Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (from 11,434 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,124 in Books

#1 in World War II History (Books)

#4 in Jewish Holocaust History

#10 in Women's Biographies

"Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster" is a unique and gripping book written by Jon Krakauer. It recounts his firsthand experience during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, one of the most terrible tragedies in the history of the mountain.

As a skilled climber and journalist, Krakauer gives a detailed look at the challenges of climbing the treacherous mountain. The book describes the dangerous events of the expedition and the physical and mental struggles faced by climbers. It warns about the dangers of overcrowding and commercialization on the mountain and remind readers to consider the risks of extreme sports. Krakauer also talks about the tough choices that climbers and guides have to make.

"Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster" has become one of the best young adult nonfiction books, which many people have read and talked about. It makes us think about whether we should be trying to conquer nature and how to do it safely. Krakauer's story encourages readers to consider the balance between ambition and safety, emphasizing the importance of respecting nature and being prepared for extreme challenges.

Author: Jon Krakauer

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Into-Thin-Air-Personal-Disaster/dp/0385494785/

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 20,810 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #4,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

#1 in Mountain Climbing

#3 in Survival Biographies

#7 in Traveler & Explorer Biographies

“The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives” tells the true story of an incident in Oakland, California, where a teenager named Richard set fire to the skirt of another student, Sasha.

Despite living in the same city, Sasha and Richard came from contrasting backgrounds. Sasha, a white student, attended a private school in the affluent foothills, while Richard, who was black, went to a public school in the crime-troubled area. For a brief eight minutes each day, their lives intersected on the 57 bus. However, one fateful afternoon, a thoughtless action during the bus ride resulted in severe injuries for Sasha and serious legal charges for Richard, including two hate crimes that could lead to life in prison.

The book talks about their lives and what led to this event. It explores important issues like race, gender, class, and crime. The book shows how prejudice and misunderstanding can affect young people. It also talks about the criminal justice system and how it impacts teenagers.

"The 57 Bus" encourages us to think about the impact of our actions and the importance of understanding each other. It's a powerful story that teaches us about empathy and acceptance. The book starts important conversations about fairness, discrimination, and how we can create a more caring and inclusive world.

Author: Dashka Slater

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/57-Bus-Story-Teenagers-Changed/dp/0374303231/

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars (from 3,693 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #9,243 in Books

#1 in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Issues

#14 in Censorship & Politics

#351 in LGBTQ+ Books

"Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice" is an important book by Bryan Stevenson that shares real stories about unfairness in the American legal system. It talks about how Stevenson worked hard to help people who were treated unfairly because of their race or background.

One of the stories in the book is about Walter McMillian, a man who was wrongly put in prison for a crime he didn't commit. The book shows how Stevenson fought to prove McMillian's innocence and to change the unfair parts of the legal system that treat people differently because of who they are.

Through this story, the book talks about how people are sometimes treated unfairly because of their race. It also discusses how some are accused of things they didn't do, and how some don't have enough money to get a fair trial. It encourages us to think about how important it is to treat everyone equally and with kindness.

"Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice" teaches us about the importance of fairness, kindness, and fighting for what's right. It shows us that even one person's actions can make a big difference in the lives of others.

Author: Bryan Stevenson

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Mercy-Movie-Adapted-Young-Adults/dp/0593177045

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 2,789 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #17,733 in Books

#3 in Teen & Young Adult Social Activist Biographies

#3 in Teen & Young Adult Politics & Government

#57 in Teen & Young Adult Social Issues

"Enrique's Journey: The Story of a Boy's Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother" is a nonfiction book by journalist Sonia Nazario, published in 2006. It is a true story about a young boy named Enrique from Honduras. He embarks on a dangerous journey to find his mother, who had migrated to the United States in search of a better life for her family.

Nazario's narrative follows Enrique's challenging journey as he travels through Central America and Mexico. He faces countless dangers, including violence, exploitation, and the harsh conditions of riding atop freight trains, known as "La Bestia" (The Beast). The book shows how difficult and risky it is for kids like Enrique who are trying to find their families and escape from poverty and violence in their home countries.

"Enrique's Journey" is a very emotional and detailed book. It helps us understand the difficulties that migrants, especially children, go through. It shows how they face many problems as they try to find safety and a better life. Enrique's brave story reminds us to be kind and understanding when we talk about migration and how it affects people and communities.

Author: Sonia Nazario

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Enriques-Journey-Dangerous-Odyssey-Reunite/dp/0812971787/

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars (from 2,733 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #26,035 in Books

#8 in Children's Studies Social Science (Books)

#9 in Emigrants & Immigrants Biographies

#9 in Emigration & Immigration Studies (Books)

"Hey, Kiddo," a graphic novel by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, tells the true story of the author's own difficult upbringing. It explores his childhood filled with challenges, including his mother's struggles with addiction and the absence of his father. Despite these difficulties, he found solace in the care and support provided by his grandparents, who played a significant role in his life.

The book's attractive illustrations and heartfelt story allow readers to witness Krosoczka's journey as he navigates the ups and downs of his early life. His story offers an honest look at how family challenges can shape a person's life, showcasing the impact of difficult circumstances on a young individual.

"Hey, Kiddo" shows how being strong and creative can help deal with life's tough times. Krosoczka's story reminds us that people can become stronger and self-heal, even when things are really hard. It also encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences and find hope in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of compassion, understanding, and perseverance in addressing life's obstacles.

Author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Kiddo-National-Book-Award-Finalist/dp/0545902487

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 1,435 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #27,304 in Books

#4 in Children's Books on Drugs & Substance Abuse

#4 in Teen & Young Adult Biography Comics

#10 in Children's Biography Comics

"The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia" by Candace Fleming, published in 2014, tells the story of the Romanov family, who were the last rulers of Russia. The book talks about the rise and fall of the Romanovs, their lavish lifestyle, political struggles, and the events that led to their tragic end.

Fleming's book looks at how Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra, ruled Russia and raised their children. It also explains the changes happening in Russia at the time, like the Russian Revolution in 1917, which led to the Romanovs losing their throne and their lives.

"The Family Romanov" presents a vivid portrayal of the family's final days, their captivity, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths, emphasizing the human side of the historical events. By incorporating primary sources, including diaries, letters, and official documents, the author crafts a compelling story that immerses readers in the Romanovs' world and the chaos of early 20th-century Russia.

This book is known for its easy-to-understand writing, making it a good choice for both history fans and people new to the topic. It helps readers learn about the Romanovs and the challenges Russia faced in the early 1900s, including the high price that the royal family had to pay during a time of great change.

Author: Candace Fleming

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Family-Romanov-Rebellion-Outstanding-Nonfiction/dp/0375867821

Ratings: 4.5 out 5 stars (from 1,083 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #59,715 in Books

#3 in Teen & Young Adult European History

#3 in Teen & Young Adult Political Biographies

#18 in Teen & Young Adult Historical Biographies

"Symphony for the City of the Dead" is a book about a famous Russian composer named Dmitri Shostakovich and the difficult time he lived in during World War II. It focuses on his efforts to create a special piece of music, his Seventh Symphony, while his city, Leningrad, was under attack by the German army.

It emphasizes the composer's determination to create a work that captures the suffering and resilience of the people enduring the siege. Anderson's narrative skillfully weaves together historical details, personal stories, and musical analysis. This approach provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the political and social climate of the time.

The book talks about how Shostakovich faced many challenges and pressures from the government because he was a well-known artist in the Soviet Union. During the most difficult times, music was the light of his life, giving him hope and strength to overcome the cruel reality of war.

Overall, "Symphony for the City of the Dead" is a fascinating look at Shostakovich's life, his music, and the toughest times he faced during the war. The book sheds light on the power of music to transcend the horrors of war and serve as a symbol of hope and resilience.

Author: M.T. Anderson

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Symphony-City-Dead-Shostakovich-Leningrad/dp/0763691003/

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 554 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #79,412 in Books

#4 in Teen & Young Adult Musician Biographies

#10 in Teen & Young Adult Military History

#21 in Teen & Young Adult Historical Biographies

"Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman delves into the intricate bond between renowned artist Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo. The book offers an insightful and intimate portrait of their lives.

Heiligman vividly portrays the deep bond of the brothers, their shared struggles and triumphs, and the support they provided each other. The author intertwines historical context, personal letters, and artistic insights. This allows readers to explore the lives of the Van Gogh brothers and their close relationship in an easy-to-understand way.

The book captures the artistic journey of Vincent van Gogh and the crucial role played by his brother Theo in supporting his career. They have the same passion for art and are always motivating each other, becoming each other's mental support in important moments of life.

"Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" is a touching story of familial love and artistic passion that celebrates the dedication of the Van Gogh brothers to the art world and beyond.

Author: Deborah Heiligman

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Vincent-Theo-Van-Gogh-Brothers/dp/1250211069/

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 878 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #92,402 in Books

#3 in Teen & Young Adult Artist Biographies

#5 in Teen & Young Adult European History

#56 in Coping with Suicide Grief

"Flowers in the Gutter: The True Story of the Edelweiss Pirates, Teenagers Who Resisted the Nazis" is an engaging nonfiction book by K.R. Gaddy. It tells the true story of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of young people in Nazi Germany who defied the oppressive Nazi regime and fought for freedom.

These teenagers formed a movement that opposed Hitler's control and embraced values of freedom, individuality, and human rights. Gaddy's narrative highlights the courage and resilience of these teenagers. It showcases their involvement in various acts of resistance, from distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets to helping other victims.

“Flowers in the Gutter” sheds light on the challenges faced by these brave young rebels, their efforts, and their ultimate sacrifices in the fight against the oppressive system. Through their story, Gaddy emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression, highlight the power of unity and determination in the face of adversity. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, the spirit of resistance can burn brightly.

Author: K. R. Gaddy

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Flowers-Gutter-Edelweiss-Teenagers-Resisted/dp/0525555412/

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars (from 78 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #112,209 in Books

#7 in Teen & Young Adult European History

#20 in Teen & Young Adult Military History

#31,054 in Children's Books (Books)