Literary Genres

What is a genre? Imagine you have to explain it to your 8 year old sister. A way of organizing works into categories A way to name the general content of a book

Two-Faced Genre FICTION Stories that are made up by the author Are not true “The best part of the fiction in many novels is the notice that the characters are purely imaginary.” Franklin Adams, NON-FICTION Stories that are true Based on real people, places, events, or objects Includes true FACTS

Realistic Fiction Definition: A modern day story that contains events that could actually happen, BUT the characters are made- up Problems at school, family problems, divorce, self-image problems, arguments with friends Example: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Historical Fiction Definition: a story that takes place during a historical time period, but it revolves around made up characters and events. Often the setting (where it takes place) is real, but the characters are made-up. outdated language (like “Ye olde school”) outdated clothes (bonnet) historical events (The Battle of Georgetown or The Holocaust) Real people (George Washington) Example: Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Fantasy A story that includes impossible elements that are made-up such as talking animals or magical powers. Make-believe is what this genre is all about! talking animals, magical powers, mythical creatures, medieval knights in a made up land, swords, magic potions, elves Example: Harry Potter series

Science Fiction Definition: A story which includes advanced and far-fetched (made up) science and technology or revolves around time travel and space science experiments gone wrong or right, impossible medical advances, aliens, space travel, new planets or worlds, zombies (!), a future dystopian society Examples: World War Z, The Giver, The Hunger Games

Mystery Definition: A suspenseful story about a puzzling event or problem that needs to be solved. Often includes: a detective, clues, an unsolved crime, a disappearance Key words: victim, missing items, a theft Example: Sherlock Holmes

Action/Adventure Definition: An exciting story that revolves around a character going on journey or a questDefinition: An exciting story that revolves around a character going on journey or a quest The characters often face personal risk or physical dangerThe characters often face personal risk or physical danger Journey, quest, obstacles, challenges, battles, tasks to complete, nature, stormsJourney, quest, obstacles, challenges, battles, tasks to complete, nature, storms Example: The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen or the Indiana Jones moviesExample: The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen or the Indiana Jones movies

Horror Definition: A story that intends to scare, unsettle, or horrify the audience Often includes scary settings, a creepy tone, strange or disturbing characters Key words- murder, blood, gore, evil creatures, or ghosts Examples: Paranormal Activity movie

“Always Honest” Non-Fiction Informational texts Biography Autobiography NON-FICTION Stories that are true Based on real people, places, events, or objects

Informational Texts Texts that provide facts about a variety of topics sports, animals, science, history, careers, travel, geography, space, …

Biography The story of a real person’s life written by another person. Includes factual information about a famous person, topic, or event

Auto-Biography The story of a real person’s life that is written by that person. Includes facts about a famous person, topic, or event