Genre is basically a "category" with certain distinguishing characteristics. Thriller, comedy, horror, western are all examples of film genres, and there are many more.
Literature also has a wide variety of genres. This Guide explores 8 different genres of literature that are well represented in children's and young adult literature.
* Poetry * Historical Fiction * Traditional Literature/Folklore * Mystery & Detective Fiction * Informational * Biography * Science Fiction * Fantasy *
It also identifies two distinct formats of literature (can be any genre):