Read the meanings: books about patriotism, finance and psychology turned out to be in the top among children

Literature on the themes of historical memory and patriotism was included in the top 5 categories of the best-selling popular science books for young readers. The Children's Day analysis was conducted by the Chitai-Gorod chain of stores. Publishers confirm the trend, explaining it by strengthening patriotic education programs. Books on financial literacy and psychology are also among the most sought-after areas. How this can be explained is in the Izvestia article.

Children's books on the topic of patriotism in the top

In 2026, children's non-fiction demonstrated a new trend: literature about historical memory and patriotism became one of the categories that young readers and their parents choose most often. It has displaced encyclopedias about the human body and books about dinosaurs. Such data is provided by the Chitai-Gorod bookstore chain. The statistics are based on an analysis of the 100 best-selling children's nonfiction books over the past 180 days.

Readers' interest in historical subjects covers both books about prominent compatriots and publications devoted to key events of the past and the structure of the state. A significant part of such books are illustrated encyclopedias and historical essays adapted for children, designed for family reading and use in the educational process.

In the category "Historical memory and patriotism", which was included in the top 5, there are eight publications: "Girls who glorified Russia", "Boys who glorified Russia", "Scientists who glorified Russia", "Generals who glorified Russia", "The History of Russia in stories for children", "The Great Patriotic War", "The History of Russia. The Complete Encyclopedia", "History of Russia. A panorama of the necessary knowledge in paintings."

Against the background of growing interest in this area, publishers are more actively republishing books on relevant topics, addressing not only classics in general, but also works of patriotic orientation, the editor-in-chief of Alpina noted in an interview with Izvestia.Children" by Olga Arkhipova.

"This is due, among other things, to the fact that patriotic literature is actively recommended and included in school reading lists, patriotic and moral education programs are being strengthened — and this is reflected in the top sales demand," she explained.

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Another popular series that the MYTH publishing house pays attention to is "Our Country is Russia," which focuses on understanding and broadcasting the national cultural code.

Cards, money — two pillars

Geography and atlases of the world, books about animals, space and technology are still popular among children. However, now young readers are also interested in literature about business and money.

— In conditions of uncertainty and increased anxiety, it is logical for parents to be interested in topics that help build resilience and support — not only internal, mental, but also external: finance, business, project management, — said Olga Arkhipova.

Such literature is designed to form financial literacy from an early age, which will be useful in adulthood. Publishers have noted a surge in interest in such works.

— For example, the book "Your money. How to spend, save and invest them" by Cecile Biccari and Naiad Lacolomb has been published for the third additional edition this year. It is quite natural that adult trends are moving into children's literature, such as financial literacy, psychological support, or healing literature. Parents try not only to help themselves, but also to find adapted books for children on similar topics," said Olga Arkhipova.

Another stable area, according to experts, is child psychology. Such books help the reader to establish a dialogue with the outside world and himself in the process of self-identification, provide space for reflection and can perform a therapeutic function.

— In the middle-grade segment (8-12 years old) psychological prose is in consistently high demand. A striking example is "The Girl with the Fox Tail," which is based on an archetypal plot about how to turn your "strangeness" into strength, the MYTH publishing house told Izvestia. — The direction of children's non-fiction deserves special attention. The series "Boys and girls grow up" works with topics relevant to the transition age, helping parents discuss difficulties with their children and build trusting relationships.

Judging by the sales data and observations of publishers, these areas are now forming a significant part of the demand in the segment of children's educational literature. This may indicate that today the audience is interested not only in expanding their horizons, but also in finding landmarks.