If you’re looking for THE ELA nonfiction resource to engage your students, we’ve got 5 that are bound to grip your students unlike any other!
Are you looking for a way to captivate your students with nonfiction that steps outside the usual boundaries? Look no further!
This post features five dynamic ELA nonfiction resources that dive into fascinating and engaging topics like video games, mysteries at sea, espionage, and more.
Each ELA nonfiction resource has been selected not only for its compelling content but also for its potential to spark in-depth discussions and critical thinking among your students.
These are not your standard textbook examples; they’re designed to pique curiosity and engage young minds at a deeper level.
Get ready to explore these innovative ELA nonfiction resources that will bring your classroom discussions to life and perhaps reveal a hidden detective or game designer in your midst!
Your Dreamiest ELA Nonfiction Resource Round-Up
Below, we list five of our favorite go-to ELA nonfiction resources. We also have some inclusive nonfiction titles we recommend adding to your classroom library as well as some additional creative nonfiction ideas courtesy of The Secondary English Coffee Shop.
What’s Included:
⭐ 10 nonfiction readings on a range of topics (approx. 750-1000 words each), written for 8th graders (one version with photos and one without for printing preference)
⭐ 10 multiple-choice quizzes: 10 standards-aligned questions each, including vocabulary practice; digital and print versions of the quiz
⭐ Short-answer questions: 2-3 analysis-based questions per article
⭐ Graphic organizers to scaffold evidence collection
⭐ Extension ideas to continue the learning
Just looking for the winter articles? We’ve got a winter-themed nonfiction bundle for you!
Topics Covered:
✨ “For and Against Zoos” – 2 articles arguing about the impact of zoos
✨ “The Miracle on Ice” – the U.S. ice hockey win in the 1980’s Winter Olympics
✨ “Auroras, Myths, & Legends” – the myths surrounding the Aurora Borealis
✨ “The Pit” – 3 letters to the editors voicing what should be done about a city issue
✨ “John Brown’s Cabin” – 3 versions of the sign for a museum exhibit’s wax replica
✨ “Decoding Dreams” – decoding cultural interpretations of various dreams
✨ “The Inventor of the Stoplight” – details the life of inventor Garrett Morgan
✨ “Celebrating Kwanzaa” – shares the origination and traditions of Kwanzaa
✨ “The Science of Superheroes” – explains the science behind certain superpowers
✨ “Espionage and Spycraft” – explores the history of spies and espionage
What’s Included:
⭐ 10 nonfiction reading passages on a range of topics (approx. 750-1000 words each), written for 8th & 9th graders
⭐ Accompanying activities: vocabulary in context, creative writing, multiple-choice questions for test prep, discussion and research prompts, and more. The activities vary for each reading.
⭐ Scaffolded brainstorming and ideas for differentiation
⭐ TAG feedback forms
⭐ Teacher’s Guides
⭐ Google Drive links and digital versions of these materials
Topics Covered:
✨ “Abandoned Places” – vocabulary, creative writing from nonfiction
✨ “Double trouble: The fascination with twins” – multiple-choice questions
✨ “Off-track: train heists and outlaws” – creative writing from nonfiction
✨ “Demystifying fear” – vocabulary
✨ “Lizard make-up tutorial” – procedural writing
✨ “Dying around the world” – multiple-choice questions, critical thinking prompts
✨ “Codes and codebreakers” – creative writing from nonfiction, procedural text
✨ “The rise of skateboarding” – includes QR codes for further research & discussion
✨ “Dr. Daniel Hale Williams” – biography
✨ “Careers in video games” – nonfiction passage with inference practice
What’s Included:
⭐ Nonfiction reading about ten abandoned places (includes low-ink version)
⭐ Introduction to Flash Fiction and brainstorming worksheet (two versions for differentiation)
⭐ Optional Word Work (vocabulary in context) activity for reading comprehension
⭐ TAG feedback forms
⭐ Teacher’s Guide & Answer Key
⭐ Digital use: Includes fillable worksheets via Google Slides & student-facing files to share
Skills Practiced:
✅ Nonfiction reading comprehension
✅ Vocabulary in context
✅ Differentiated creative writing activities
This resource is included in our digital escape room series, Burnbridge Breakouts (game #3).
What’s Included:
⭐ Nonfiction reading about ten maritime mysteries (includes low-ink version)
⭐ Introduction to Flash Fiction and brainstorming worksheet (two versions for differentiation)
⭐ Optional Word Work (vocabulary in context) activity for reading comprehension
⭐ TAG feedback forms
⭐ Teacher’s Guide & Answer Key
Skills Practiced:
✅ Nonfiction reading comprehension
✅ Vocabulary in context
✅ Differentiated creative writing activities
Looking for more mystery-themed activities? TERMINUS is a digital escape room where students must solve the mystery to help Rania, the protagonist escape. Learn more about it here.
What’s Included:
⭐ A nonfiction reading passage profiling seven careers in video games
⭐ Inferencing activity: students read profiles of four teens and find the careers that suit them best (there is no one “right answer” so long as students support their claims — this is an excellent discussion-based activity that can be completed in writing too!
⭐ Answer key
⭐ Digital version
More about this resource:
✅ Originally created for use with Burnbridge Breakouts, but works as a stand-alone reading as well
✅ For grades 7-10
✅ Written with 8th- & 9th-grade reluctant readers in mind
And there you have it—five killer ELA nonfiction resources that are anything but ordinary.
Dive into these with your students and watch as they get hooked on the real-life mysteries, digital worlds, and secret spy missions.
It’s all about making learning engaging and relevant, and these topics are sure to spark some lively classroom discussions and maybe even inspire some future careers.
So grab these resources, get your students thinking, and have fun exploring the incredible stories our world has to offer.
Here’s to learning that feels more like an adventure!
