They read this type of nonfiction because they want it. Popular YA nonfiction fulfills real needs in the lives of kids, just as important as the homework books. If that is the case, then perhaps libraries should divert some of their funding to meeting those other needs. Popular nonfiction, however, increases social activity. Books of jokes, oversized sports books, and sex books cry out for passing around and reading aloud.
Nonfiction reading leads to informal discussion and debate.
If kids are depending on the Internet for facts, there is real reason for concern. If they get a fact wrong for a research paper, it is not the end of the world. If we are looking to balance our collections, we need to balance the misinformation available on the Web with accurate, accessible books on topics such sex, personal health, etc. Nonfiction's appeal to the reluctant reader is obvious, but a growing market in every school and public library is the teen who is new to reading English. Teens create popular culture , which has been true since the 1950s, but is even more pervasive in the 21st century.