Are books sacred? The best non-fiction tells remarkable true stories of war, slavery, crime, adventure, celebrity and everyday life. Some say reading is key for understanding our world.
Six amazing stories that will change your life
Food for thought: Surveys suggest that people who read non-fiction are more likely to want to care for the planet. Glossary
Non-Fiction November - An annual event that encourages readers to focus on non-fiction books during the month of November.
Abolitionists - People who sought to end slavery.
Nobel prize - One of a set of prizes, laid out in the will of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, given each year to people who "have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Chernobyl - The disaster, in 1986, involved a meltdown at a nuclear plant in Ukraine.
Laureate - Somebody who has been honoured for art or science.