Literature Genres

Genres and literature When you speak about genre and literature, genre means a category, or kind of story.

All categories of books or stories can be called either fiction or non-fiction. a made up story can tell about things that could happen is read for fun characters may be like real people or imaginary Non-Fiction has facts that can be checked and proven the author is an expert on this information it IS TRUE!

Realistic Fiction Realistic fiction is made up of stories that could really happen. Contemporary realistic fiction is realistic fiction that is set in modern times.

Examples of Realistic Fiction Because of Winn Dixie Crash Owl Moon Shiloh Summer of the Swans Babysitter Club series

Historical Fiction Historical fiction is made up of stories that take place in a certain time and place in the past. Real historical figures and settings may be included in a fiction story.

Examples of Historical Fiction A Boy at War Across Five Aprils Ben and Me The Butterfly Charlie Skedaddle Sign of the Beaver Titanic Crossing Dear America Series

Folklore Folklore includes stories, myths, and fables that people told one another over the years. Later the stories were written down.

Examples of Folklore Aesop’s Fables Beauty and the Beast The Bunyans Cinderella John Henry The Talking Eggs The Tortoise and the Hare

Fantasy Fantasy is fiction that has elements that are not real. Sometimes this includes talking animals or characters with magical powers. There’s usually a conflict between good and evil.

Examples of Fantasy Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Charlotte’s Web The Wreck of the Zephyr Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe Lord of the Rings Harry Potter Series

Fairy Tale Special beginning and/or ending words - Once upon a time...and they lived happily ever after. Good character Evil character Royalty and/or a castle usually present Magic happens Problem and a Solution Things often happen in "threes" or "sevens"

Examples of Fairy Tale The Dog and Her Little Glass Slipper Cinderella The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Mystery Mysteries are stories that have a real setting and a problem to be solved that includes clues, distractions, and an answer to the problem.

Examples of Mystery The House of Dies Drear Never Say Die The Treehouse Mystery Mystery of the Midnight Message Encyclopedia Brown Series Boxcar Children Mysteries

Science Fiction Science Fiction is made up of stories that blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology.

Examples of Science Fiction Aliens for Breakfast A Wrinkle in Time My Best Friend is Invisible Star Wars The Time Machine

Adventure The characters (and the reader) can always expect the worst - the main characters can, and usually do, have everything thrown at them. Action, action and more action are hallmarks of a good adventure/suspense book. The entire read is a roller coaster ride of chills and excitement with the last stop (and page) not always ending in happiness. And finally, there must be a villain, for without a foe…without an adversary, there can be no adventure…no suspense.

Examples of Adventure The Whipping Boy Island of the Blue Dolphins Abel’s Island The Cay

Poetry Poetry is verse written to inspire thoughts and feelings in the reader. It often uses rhyme and rhythm, or it can be written in free verse.

Examples of Poetry Where the Sidewalk Ends New Kid on the Block Chocolate Dreams: Poems Mammalabilia A Pizza the Size of the Sun Love That Dog

Informational Informational books are nonfiction books that give true facts on a variety of subjects.

Examples of Informational Writing Dirt Bikes Flying Animals Danger! Earthquakes Newspapers Encyclopedias

Biography A biography is the true story of a real person’s life from the past or present.

Examples of Biography Tiger Woods: An American Master The HomerunKings: BabeRuth and Henry Aaron Clara Barton, a Red Cross Pioneer Sacagawea