Genre List

When it comes to finding suitable books for your kids the choice is never-ending. There are books on so many different topics, it can make the choice hard. Sometimes kids come up against a wall in their reading. This might be due to a need to grow and expand out to a wider range, or simply boredom with their current choices. You can stimulate renewed interest and narrow down their search by becoming aware of the many genres available.

While publishers consider children's literature a separate genre of its own, there are many genres within children's literature you might not have considered. Keep encouraging your kids to read something different. Most of these are self-explanatory, but I will clarify further if there is a need for it. So if you have any questions regarding this list, please, email me.

Try something new from the list below.

Action/Adventure

Autobiography/Biography

Christian Classics

Comedy/Comics

Court Room Drama/Lawyers

Detective/Spy

Family Drama

Fan Fiction (e.g. Star Trek)

Fantasy

Graphic Novels

Historical

Horror

Indigenous People

Local History

Literary

Medical/Forensic

Mystery

Picture Books

Poetry

Police

Romance

Romantic Comedy

Science

Science Fiction

Sports

Suspense

Thriller

War

Western

This list is by no means conclusive. New genres, sub-genres and crossover genres are emerging daily. I may even have unintentionally forgotten others. If you feel I have, email me and I'll be sure to update this list.

Some of these genres may be hard to find as a publication for children. Encourage kids, particularly Young Adult readers, towards adult books. If children's books no longer hold their interest, it may be time for them to move on. Reading enjoyment is the aim here. They might even bring home something you'll enjoy reading.

Heather Goldsmith © 2000