Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
    • Home
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Advertise
    • Mentorship
    • Editing Services
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest TikTok
    The Children's Book Review
    Subscribe
    • Books by Subject
    • Books by Age
      • Ages 0-3, Infant and Toddler
      • Ages 4-8, Preschool to Elementary
      • Ages 9-12, Preteen and Tween
      • Ages 12+, Teen and Young Adult
      • Books for First Grade Readers
      • Books for Second Grade Readers
      • Books for Third Grade Readers
    • Favorites
      • Diverse and Inclusive Books
      • Books About Activism
      • Best Books for Kids
      • Star Wars Books
      • Board Books
      • Books About Mindfulness
      • Dr. Seuss Books
    • Showcase
    • Interviews
      • Growing Readers Podcast
      • Author Interviews and Q&A
      • Illustrator Interviews
    • Kids’ Book Giveaways
    • Directory
    • Podcast
    The Children's Book Review

    Why Is It Important to Read Books From Different Genres?

    Lizzie Mussoline, M. Ed.By Lizzie Mussoline, M. Ed.4 Mins Read Quest for Literacy
    10-Outstanding-Poetry-Books-for-Kids
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Growing Readers: Learning to Love Reading and Writing Column 32

    This editorial article was written by Lizzie Mussoline, M. Ed.
    Why Kids Should Read Different Genres Of Books
    The Children’s Book Review

    The Benefits of Reading a Variety of Genres

    Variety is the spice of life! We think this applies to reading a variety of genres, too! Oftentimes, children will return to familiar texts that they like and are comfortable with, such as a series. And while all reading is excellent and beneficial, there may come a time when you feel the need to encourage your child to pick up a different genre.

    The more we expose our readers to various genres, the more comfortable and confident they will become. Reading different genres helps with overall comprehension. For example, if it is a fiction book, your brain will be focusing on characters, setting, plot, and theme. If it is a nonfiction book, your brain will be focused on helpful text features and learning real-life facts. If you are reading historical fiction, you know that the events are real, but the characters are not. When it comes to fantasy, your child will understand that there will be elements and events that cannot happen in real life.

    Each genre has unique characteristics and exposing your reader to them will help them understand and enjoy any book they might choose. Along with boosting the critical skill of comprehension, different genres expose readers to different vocabulary, photographs, and illustrations, which will help them build a generous amount of background and context that they can apply to further reading. It’s fantastic to see readers making text-to-text connections and noticing the similarities among different books. No matter the genres, your reader can begin to analyze and apply higher-level thinking skills to see how similar the character, themes, and concepts might be. 

    How to Teach Kids to Enjoy Different Genres

    Here are a few tips on how to encourage your kiddos to broaden their book choices.

    Put Different Genres on Display 

    Simply putting books of different genres on display, where they are more noticeable, will make them more desirable. Put little stacks around the house, from the dining table to the foot of the bed and cozy couch nooks. Before you know it, kids will have picked them up and their interest is piqued. 

    Inside a Bookstore

    Try Book “Blessings” 

    When I taught 4th and 5th grades, we liked to assign the students “Book Blessings.” This was just a different way to recommend a book but gave the book an even more special connotation. When encouraging readers to pick up different genres than they are used to, spend a few minutes over a meal or during some downtime to “bless” a book and try to make it as interesting and exciting as possible—like a movie trailer. When feasible, end it with a reason why you think they would love it. Often, this will be the book your kids choose to read next.

    Read an Exciting Excerpt Aloud 

    Choose an exciting part of a book and read it aloud with passion, excitement, and lots of emotion. Add in a little drama about how shocked or surprised you are about how the events in the book are unfolding. I bet your reader won’t be able to wait to get that book started! 

    Family Reading - Celebrate Reading During the Holiday Season

    Lead by Example—Model for your Reader 

    I am guilty of the fact that I always gravitate towards reading realistic or historical fiction. Sometimes, I will push myself to explore a new genre. When I do, I like to talk to my kids about it. I make sure to explain what book I picked up and why. Then, I like to keep them posted on how I am enjoying the book and what I am noticing about the genre. This invites them to try different genres too, and they will begin to relate to what I’m saying. It usually leads to a fun discussion about different types of genres.

    Explore

    One sure way to get kiddos to pick up a different genre is to visit a new library or local bookstore. Simply seeing different books in a different environment can feel fresh and exciting and can inspire them to pick up a new kind of genre.

    Book Little Free Library

    Thank you for reading the Growing Readers: Learning to Love Reading and Writing column. Bookmark this Growing Readers Column link or subscribe to our e-newsletter so you do not miss out on the monthly reading tips. Why Is It Important to Read Books From Different Genres? was written by Lizzie Mussoline, M. Ed.—follow her on Instagram: @wildflower_learning_denver.

    What to Read Next:

    1. Fun Tips and Tricks to Encourage Reading and Writing This Summer
    2. Literacy Tips and Activities That Work for Families
    3. Literacy and Gratitude: How to Promote Literacy and Instill Gratitude 
    4. Building Stronger Family Connections Through Literacy

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    featured Growing Readers Column Literacy Activities Literacy Resources Reading Tips
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleMeow Is Not a Cat | Dedicated Review
    Next Article Gardens Are for Growing, by Chelsea Tornetto | Book Spotlight
    Lizzie Mussoline, M. Ed.
    • Website

    Lizzie loves literacy. And alliteration! With over a decade of classroom teaching experience, and years of one on one reading and dyslexia intervention, Lizzie understands the challenges and rewards of engaging with young readers. Her passion for helping children overcome learning difficulties to fall in love with reading led to the launch of Wildflower Learning; a private practice that serves the needs of young readers in Denver, CO. Follow @wildflower_learning_denver on Instagram for more literacy tips & tricks.

    1 Comment

    1. Abbie Isaman on September 23, 2024 2:56 pm

      I think it could be important to read books from different genres because even though some people may like only a certain genre of a book. I think its good to try and read other genres. Other genres can help you understand different things. Reading different genres helps with overall comprehension. If you try different genres of books you can see if you like them or not, if not that is okay as well. Over i think it is good to try new things.

      Reply
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    TCBR Supporter
    Recent Articles
    • 10 Must-Read Chapter Books with Adventure, Humor, and Imagination
    • The Bangle Bombers Blast Banks | Dedicated Review
    • 5 Award-Winning Teen Audiobooks for Ages 12 and Up
    • The Chubby Bubbies: Trip to the Museum | Dedicated Review
    • Flora and the Jazzers, by Astrid Sheckels | Dedicated Review
    TCBR Supporters
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today

    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    Discover Kids Books by Age
    Best Books For Kids
    Media Kit: The Children's Book Review
    Author and Illustrator Showcase
    SEARCH
    BOOKS BY SUBJECT
    Archives
    Professional Resources

    Book Marketing Campaigns

    Writing Coaches and Editing Services

    Mentorship

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Policies
    • Advertise
    • TCBR Buzzworthy Mentions
    • About TCBR
    © 2025 The Children’s Book Review. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.