A genre in fiction is a work that includes recognizable elements that fit the genre. A mystery, for instance, will include a puzzle to be solved. A work of scifi will explore the effect of science/technology in a future world. Each genre is welcoming for the elements that readers come to expect.
So, once you’ve got your child on board with reading, a remaining question is, what should they read? To help answer this, here are some of the major fiction genres, categorized in terms of what they offer young readers, along with some recommendations.
MYSTERY
Books about detectives and cases tend to be associated with critical thinking. As readers follow the reasoning and logical skills of the protagonist, they’ll be picking up on clues and trying to piece things together themself. Sifting through pertinent information can also help build a detail-oriented mind.
Recommendations: Nate the Great, Encyclopedia Brown, Sherlock Holmes
FANTASY
These books often have readers immersing themselves in fascinating worlds, different kinds of characters, magic, cultures, and more. Imagination and sparks of creativity go hand-in-hand with fantasy.
Recommendations: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Golden Compass
SCIENCE FICTION
Just because it’s science fiction doesn’t mean these books aren’t often rooted in real science. As such, readers will be introduced to concepts they’ll likely be learning about in school. At the very least, this would have them curious about the world around them, how things work, and big questions that have been on people’s minds for years.
Recommendation: A Wrinkle in Time, The Wild Robot, Ender’s Game, Ready Player One
ROMANCE
Romance books lend to fostering emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. As readers follow along with the relatable struggles of social and romantic relationships, they’ll learn about different aspects, like communication, empathy.
Recommendations: The Fault in Our Stars, Stargirl
COMING-OF-AGE
The characters and stories in coming-of-age will speak to these readers from a more, in-the-moment sort of perspective. They’re likely to be closer in age to the protagonists, and dealing with similar experiences and hardships, like school, peer pressure, friend groups, trust, identity, and values.
Recommendations: Catcher in the Rye, Holes, Hatchet, Ramona Quimby, Brown Girl Dreaming
HISTORICAL FICTION
Historical fiction deeply involves real world history and events. While individual details will differ in the name of creative liberties (such is the name of the game), core elements of past people and societies are part of this genre. Learning about how our world was and how it is today helps build a nuanced perspective.
Recommendations: Number the Stars, Sarah, Plain and Tall, Little House in the Big Woods, Esperanza Rising, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, The Book Thief
HORROR
You might be wary of encouraging your kid to engage with horror. But books that deal with spooky or darker themes introduce kids to aspects of psychological and emotional health, including resilience, fear, and anxiety.
Recommendations: Goosebumps, Coraline
DYSTOPIAN
These books deal with heavy themes, including social class, societal injustice, and morality. They often serve as warning signs or what-if scenarios, offering a bit of hope as the protagonists work to “fix” things.
Recommendations: The Giver, The Hunger Games, 1984, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451
BOTTOM LINE
It’s important to remember that the skills discussed here aren’t exclusive to genres. Kids can learn logical skills by reading science fiction, or problem-solving through a fantasy novel. Plus, many books bridge multiple genres by design. This goes to support the idea of introducing them to a range of genres rather than focusing on one. In fact, sometimes a work of one genre might be just the thing to get your kid reading when they don’t feel in the mood for a genre they’ve just read!
