Look at the publisher's category or genre description on the back or inside cover. They usually clearly label whether it's fiction or nonfiction. Another thing to consider is the bibliography or list of sources. Nonfiction books often have a bibliography to show where the author got their information from. Fiction books generally don't have this, unless it's a historical fiction that might reference some real historical sources in a different way.
Look at the cover and title. If the title has something like 'alien invasion' or 'time travel', it's likely science fiction. Nonfiction titles are more likely to have real - world topics like 'The History of the Industrial Revolution'. Also, the cover art can give it away. A cover with a spaceship or a fantastical creature is probably science fiction, while a nonfiction cover might have a photo of a historical figure or a real - life scene.
Sometimes, the title can give you a clue. If it has words like 'History of', 'Biography of' or 'Study of', it's likely a fact book. Fiction titles are often more creative and may hint at a made - up story, like 'The Lord of the Rings'.
Look at the narrative style. Historical fiction often has a more story - like flow, with a plot that has a beginning, middle, and end, like a novel. It may use dialogue to drive the story forward. Nonfiction usually has a more matter - of - fact tone. It might present information in a chronological order or by topic. For example, if it reads like a story about a girl living during the Civil War but some details seem made - up, it's probably historical fiction; if it's a dry account of the battles and political events of the Civil War, it's nonfiction.
To distinguish between realistic fiction and nonfiction, consider the purpose of the writing. Nonfiction is mainly to inform, educate, or document real - life occurrences. So, if you find a lot of footnotes, references, or it reads like a report or a study, it's nonfiction. Realistic fiction, on the other hand, is meant to entertain and engage through fictional stories that mimic real - life situations. The story elements in realistic fiction are often crafted to create an emotional response in the reader, rather than just convey facts as in nonfiction.
Check the genre labels. Sometimes the book will be clearly marked as 'fiction' or 'nonfiction' on the cover or in the library catalog. Also, if the book has a bibliography or references at the end, it's more likely to be nonfiction as it shows the author has based their work on real sources. If the story seems more like a made - up adventure with no such references, it's probably fiction.
Look at the cover and blurb. If it says it's a true story or is about a real person or event, it's likely nonfiction. If it has a made - up - sounding title and a summary that seems like a fictional story that could happen in real life, it's probably realistic fiction.
Look at the sources. If there are references to real events, people you know, and actual places in your life, it's likely nonfiction. If not, it might be fiction.
One way to tell is by looking at the story. If it's based on real events or facts, it's likely nonfiction. If it's made-up characters and situations, it's probably fiction.
You can often tell by the author's intent. Nonfiction aims to inform or educate about real-world topics, while fiction is for entertainment and creating fictional scenarios and characters.
One way to tell is by looking at the story elements. If it involves made-up characters, settings, and events, it's likely fiction. If it presents real people, places, and facts, it's usually nonfiction.