Genre When you speak about genre and literature, genre means a category, or kind of story. S. Bolmeier/MPS

All categories of books or stories can be called either fiction, nonfiction, or folklore. A made up story Can tell about things that could happen Characters may be like real people or completely imaginary Nonfiction Has facts that can be checked and proven Can be literary nonfiction or informational Folklore (traditional literature) Handed down over generations through spoken word Often have a clear conflict between good and evil

There are many categories of stories and books. Genre There are many categories of stories and books. Here are some of the common ones: Realistic Fiction Mystery Myth Historical Fiction Essay Fairy Tale Science Fiction Informational Legend Fantasy Biography Tall Tale Autobiography Poetry Fable

Fantasy Animal characters may act like people characters may have special powers characters may be imaginary beings setting may be in another time usually has a good vs. evil conflict may use scientific principles not yet available or discovered             

Science Fiction made up of stories that blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology Characters are typically mutants, robots, aliens, “mad” scientists, or even talking computers The setting usually includes advanced technological cities, spaceships, other solar systems or galaxies. Could include time travel (technology).

Historical Fiction a genre of literature that comprise of narratives that take place in the past made up of stories that take place in a certain time and place in the past The plot would include authentic historical events with either average or significant people

Realistic fiction can be based on a real story characters act like real people character tries to solve a problem story could happen in real life some events are historically accurate character’s feelings and behaviors are like real life

Biography/Autobiography Autobiography: A book that tells information about the story of a person’s life written by the subject of the book. Biography: A book that tells information about the story of someone’s life, usually someone who does something important. (Not written by the subject of the book).

Informational Tells facts that can be looked-up or proven tells about real events characters have really lived may have maps, diagrams and illustrations to explain the facts author is an expert on the subject

Essay Short work of nonfiction that deals with a single subject Can give information, argue a position, respond to a literary work, or tell a story about a real life experience

Myth Contains stories containing fanciful or supernatural incidents Intended to explain nature Tells about the gods and demons of early peoples

Fairy Tale Tales of magic and the supernatural Often begin with “once upon a time” and end with “and they lived happily ever after” Often has a clear conflict between good and evil

Legend Similar to myth, but are based on more historical truth and less upon the supernatural Examples: Trojan War, Robin Hood, and King Arthur

Tall Tale Stories that contain huge exaggerations and lies American tall tales are a combination of history, myth, and fact Example: Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill

Fable Very brief stories Usually contain animal characters that have dialogue Point clearly to a moral or lesson Examples: “The Tortoise and the Hare”

Poetry page format may look different than other books may have rhythm (beat) may rhyme imaginative and creative uses describing or exciting words tells a story in verse             

Mystery THE DETECTIVE story is a kind of intellectual game – use clues to figure out the criminal. 1. The reader must have equal opportunity with the detective for solving the mystery. All clues must be plainly stated and described. 2. No willful tricks or deceptions may be placed on the reader other than those played legitimately by the criminal on the detective himself. 3. There can be no love interest.

1. The ten year old Fisher twins have just moved to a large city. They try many different ways to make friends.

2. Jake went off to boarding school, and discovered that his new professors were beasts from a far off galaxy. He is trying to survive, because he doesn’t want to be the teacher’s next snack.

3. This book was written by Hillary Duff about her life and growing up in the spotlight. She talks about being a Disney star, and what joy it has brought to her life.

4. Homework, Oh Homework! I hate you, you stick. I wish I could wash you down the kitchen sink . . .