We’re looking toward the future – and putting 2020 behind us! Luckily, there are plenty of books that express a positive view of what’s to come. Here are a few nonfiction picks from visionary authors.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari
In this guide to the future, Harari examines 21 of the most pressing issues for the 21st century. From technology to politics to war and education, he breaks down each topic and looks at how it may change in upcoming years. In one chapter, he takes a close look at fake news and offers tips on how to combat it; in another, he closely examines the roots of terrorism. 21 Lessons is a solutions-based, thought-provoking overview to the world’s greatest problems, for those with an interest in politics and global affairs.
Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King
This biography of America’s most beloved educator is a true delight. The young Fred Rogers was a bullied and outcast child, but these experiences shaped him into a pioneer within the child development field. On Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he taught children how to talk about difficult things such as death and divorce, and he was also progressive in terms of civil rights and equality. This moving biography is a reminder of Mr. Rogers’ message of kindness and compassion.
The Future of Humanity: Terraforming Mars, Interstellar Travel, Immortality and Our Destiny Beyond Earth by Michio Kaku
Physicist Michio Kaku envisions a future in which humans move 
beyond Earth. Using research in the fields of robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, he discusses interplanetary travel and the possibility of building cities on Mars. With a sense of wonder and optimism, The Future of Humanity is an accessible read that turns science fiction into reality.
Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma
Haben Girma was born with deafblindness, meaning her hearing and vision are significantly impaired. As a child, she learns to advocate for herself by demanding equal treatment in a world designed for able-bodied people. In high school, she goes on a service trip to Mali to build a school, and in college, she fights for a Braille menu at her school cafeteria. She also learns to dance salsa, hike in the Alaskan wilderness, and becomes the first deafblind woman to graduate from Harvard Law School. Now a lawyer and advocate for people with disabilities, Girma continues to fight for a more accessible world.