A Kid-Friendly Guide to Different Reading Genres

Helping kids discover reading genres that interest them makes the search for new books much easier. For instance, if kids understand that the Harry Potter series falls into the fantasy genre, then they can ask a librarian to recommend other fantasy books.

It also helps them identify and convey what kind of readers they are. When someone asks what type of books they like, they might respond with, “I enjoy reading historical fiction,” or “I prefer poetry.”

Exposure to different genres opens your child's eyes to the enormous range of books that are available. Here are 10 popular reading genres, defined, to share with your young reader — along with book suggestions for each.

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Realistic Fiction 

Defined: A genre of stories that are made up but could very well happen in real life. These stories often take place in settings familiar to your child — like schools — which makes them more relatable. (Here are books about elementary school that kids love!)

Shop popular realistic fiction below! 

Historical Fiction

Defined: A genre of stories that didn’t really happen, but are based on events in history. They're perfect for kids who love to explore the past, and are often full of big adventures. (One of the most famous examples of historical fiction for kids is the I Survived series.) 

Take a look at some books inspired by real life. 

Traditional Literature

Defined: A genre in which stories are passed down from one generation to the next, such as tall tales and folk tales. You probably heard a number of these as a child. (Here are more stories parents loved as kids.) 

Shop fairy tales, folk tales, and more below! 

Science Fiction 

Defined: A genre of stories that are not very likely to happen in real life, but are generally set in the future and tie in with science and technology. (These STEAM Books can also ignote your little learner's love of science.) 

Shop science fiction books below! 

Fantasy

Defined: A genre of stories that are made up and include ideas that could not happen in real life, often involving magical or supernatural elements, such as talking animals.

Shop fantasy books below!

Mystery

Defined: A genre of stories that involve a secret or crime that needs to be solved, usually by the end of the story. Because kids need to pay close attention to details and follow cause and effect, mystery books can be a great way to boost comprehension and other literacy skills. Don't miss these 7 great mystery series that will appeal to Nancy Drew fans!

Here, some kid-friendly mysteries. 

Informational 

Defined: A type of nonfiction that provides factual information about a particular topic such as sports, animals, or historical events.

Shop fact-based books below. 

Biography 

Defined: An account of someone’s life written by another person. These books are great not only for reading, but for inspiring! 

Explore fascinating biographies below. 

Autobiography 

Defined: An account of someone’s life written by that person.

Explore great autobiographies below!

Poetry

Defined: A genre where verses, that may or may not rhyme, are written to evoke a feeling from a reader.

Browse poetry books.