Books Fiction and Non-Fiction Guide

Fiction and non-fiction serve different purposes, although the boundary is not always absolute. Choosing between them depends on whether the reader wants narrative, information, imagination, instruction or a combination.

Fiction

Fiction creates imagined or constructed narratives and can span genres such as literary fiction, fantasy, science fiction, romance, historical fiction, crime and thriller. Some works blend factual settings or real events with invented characters and plot. Readers can choose fiction based on themes, tone, pace, genre and author.

Non-fiction

Non-fiction includes biography, history, science, travel, cooking, practical guides, reference books^★ and many specialist subjects. Quality and suitability depend on the author's approach, evidence, scope and publication date. For practical or changing subjects, readers should check whether the edition remains current.

Choosing between them

Think about the purpose of the reading^★. A reader seeking entertainment may prefer fiction, while someone learning a skill may want a practical non-fiction guide, but either category can support learning and enjoyment. BookTrust encourages broad choice for younger readers, including both fiction and non-fiction. Format and accessibility matter alongside category.