Genres of Literature Word Search, Scramble and Crossword Puzzle

I made this genres of literature puzzle set for my Grade 3 and 4 students during our reading unit. The kids could say they liked mystery or funny books but had no idea what words like fiction, nonfiction, or fantasy meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, mystery, horror, romance, adventure, sci-fi, historical, biography, autobiography, folktale, fable, poetry, and drama. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the genre names finally stick.

The PDFs are six pages. Three puzzles plus an answer page for each. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether Star Wars is science fiction or fantasy. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple book stack and mask drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for Grade 3 through Grade 5. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name their favourite genre and give an example on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.