Genres and Formats

The simplest way to explain the difference between genres and formats is genres is the categories a book would be in and format is the structure the book was written.

Genres start out at fiction or nonfiction. These are further divided. Fiction can be realistic or fantasy and then further divided into realist modern or realistic historical. Fantasy can also be modern however we are more familiar with traditional fantasy. These include myths, folktales, fairy tales fables, and ballads. The fantasy also includes science fiction. 

Nonfiction is informational texts. These include biographies, narrative nonfiction, and expository texts. These are all literature that provides facts to its readers.

An author can choose whatever style they would like to present their ideas. These are called formats. This includes poetry, drama, novels, picture books, and chapter books. These are not age specific.  You can have a non fiction graphic novel that explains the concepts of destructive weather pattern.  You can also have a non fiction text books that has the exact same information but the vocabulary is much simpler because it is written for a younger audience.  

Librarians must keep in mind the make up of  their inventory. One of the functions of the school library is to support the content of the curriculum.  Different genres and formats are needed for different content and grade levels.