Literature Genres

Genre refers to the style or type of literature in a given text. Genres of Literature Genre refers to the style or type of literature in a given text.

All categories of books or stories can be called either fiction or non-fiction. (Personal Narrative) 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 (Expository) has facts that can be checked and proven the author is an expert on this information it IS TRUE!

Informational/Expository Non-fiction books that give true facts on a variety of subjects. (sports, animals, science, weather, history, careers, travel, geography, space, etc.)

Examples of Informational Writing Wikipedia (Online) Encyclopedias Newspapers Almanacs

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

Examples of Biographies Gabby Douglas – USA Gold By: Christins Dzidrums Rosa Parks By: Mary Hill

Autobiography An autobiography is the true story of a real person’s life that is written by that person.

Examples of Autobiographies Boy – Tales of Childhood By: Roald Dahl My Story By: Rosa Parks

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 Don’t forget Dr. Seuss Books! A Pizza the Size of the Sun By: Jack Prelutsky Where the Sidewalk Ends By: Shel Silverstein Don’t forget Dr. Seuss Books!

Realistic Fiction Realistic fiction includes stories with made up characters that could happen in real life.

Examples of Realistic Fiction Because of Winn Dixie By: Kate DiCamillo Shiloh By: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Science Fiction Science Fiction is a type of fantasy that includes elements of science and/or futuristic technology, such as robots, time machines, etc.

Examples of Science Fiction The Bar Code Tattoo By: Suzanne Weyn The Golden Compass By: Philip Pullman

Historical Fiction Historical fiction is made up of stories that take place in a particular time period in the past. Often the setting is real, but the characters are made up.

Examples of Historical Fiction Number the Stars By: Lois Lowry Magic Tree House Series By: Mary Pope Osborne

Mystery A mystery is a suspenseful story about a puzzling event that is not solved until the end of the story.

Examples of Mystery The London Eye Mystery By: Siobahn Dowd The 39 Clues Series By: Various Authors

Fantasy Fantasy is fiction that has elements that are impossible. Sometimes this includes talking animals or characters with magical powers. There’s usually a conflict between good and evil. (MAKE BELIEVE)

Examples of Fantasy Harry Potter Series By: J.K. Rowling Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland By: Lewis Carroll

Traditional Literature Stories that are passed down from one generation to another, including fables, fairy tales, legends, folktales, and myths.

Fables Stories in which animals speak and act like people; usually meant to teach a lesson

The Tortoise and the Hare Examples of Fables Aesop’s Fables The Tortoise and the Hare The Lion and the Mouse

Fairy Tales Special beginning and/or ending words – “Once upon a time” & “they lived happily ever after.” Good character Evil character Royalty and/or a castle usually present Magic happens Problem and a Solution

Examples of Fairy Tales Sleeping Beauty Cinderella

Legends old stories that are widely believed, but cannot be proved to be true

Examples of Legends The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Folktales Stories made up and passed down by the common people

Examples of Folktales The Three Little Pigs Little Red Riding Hood

Myths Legends that tell about beings with special powers that cannot be explained

Examples of Myths Zeus Poseidon (Stories about Greek gods and goddesses.)