Genres

Genre Dictionary definition: Our Definition: a group of artistic, musical, or literary work described by a particular style, form, or content . Our Definition: a kind of literary work.

Historical Fiction Fictional characters and events in a historical setting. The characters and events in historical fiction are related to a specific period in time. The facts about the historical event and period are accurate. The people might be made up. However, sometimes they include real people from history. Reading historical fiction is a good way to understand a period of the past.

Historical Fiction Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXoa7RcYT8M&feature=related

Historical Fiction Examples Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Giff Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Science Fiction May use scientific principles not yet available or discovered Setting may be in another time (future) Major events might really happen, based on scientific facts May take place on another planet or place that scientists theorize may exist Characters: fictional, but act in ways making sense from a scientific viewpoint

Example of Science Fiction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9Nh0Fvoe9k

Examples of Science Fiction StarWars Ender’s Game

Realistic Fiction A story that is not true but that could actually happen. Can be based on a real story Characters act like real people Character tries to solve a problem

Realistic Fiction Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6i8u3bDjZY&feature=relmfu

Realistic Fiction Examples Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Holes by Louis Sachar Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Giff

Fantasy Fiction with strange or other worldly settings or characters; fiction which invites suspension of reality Animal characters may act like people Characters may have special powers Characters may be imaginary beings Usually has a good vs. evil conflict

Fantasy Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1zjVyOsn98&feature=related

Examples of Fantasy Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Mystery Fiction dealing with the solution of a crime or the unraveling of secrets Detective helps solve crime Suspects may be involved in crime Not true, but seems like it could happen in real life

Mystery Examples The Egypt Game by Z. Snyder Chasing Vermeer by B. Balliett Midnight Magic by Avi

Dystopian Characterized as fiction that presents a negative view of the future. Characteristics of a Dystopian Society Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted Citizens are usually under constant surveillance Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality is bad The society is an illusion of a perfect world. The Dystopian Protagonist Often feels trapped and is struggling to escape Believes something is wrong with the society Helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective

Dystopian Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMGRhAEn6K0

Dystopian Examples

Poetry Characterized by rhythm, rhyme, or stanzas. Can be fiction or non-fiction

Non-Fiction: What is it? Books that discuss facts, deal with real or historical characters, circumstances or events. Examples: Textbooks! Science, Sports, Drawing, Animals, or Places, a Specific Time Period, etc.

Biographies True stories about a person’s life or parts of his/her life Some are collective biographies with many biographies groups together.

Another type of Biography: Autobiographies Autobiographies are where people write about their own life.