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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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
            

5. 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).

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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).

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

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

16. 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
            

17. 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.

18. 1.
The ten year old Fisher twins have just moved to a large city. They try many different ways to make friends.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 4.
Homework, Oh Homework!
I hate you, you stick.
I wish I could wash you
down the kitchen sink . . .