Genres and literature
When you speak about genre and literature, genre means a category,
or kind of story.
All categories of books or stories can be called either fiction or non-fiction.
Fiction• 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• has facts that can be
checked and proven • the author is an
expert on this information
• it IS TRUE!
Realistic Fiction
Realistic fiction is made up of stories that could really happen. Contemporary realistic fiction is realistic fiction that is set in modern times.
Examples of Realistic Fiction
Because of Winn DixieCrashOwl MoonShilohSummer of the SwansBabysitter Club series
Historical FictionHistorical fiction is made up of stories that take place in a certain time and place in the past. Real historical figures and settings may be included in a fiction story.
Examples of Historical Fiction
A Boy at WarAcross Five AprilsBen and MeThe ButterflyCharlie SkedaddleSign of the BeaverTitanic CrossingDear America Series
Folklore
Folklore includes stories, myths, and fables that people told one another over the years. Later the stories were written down.
Examples of Folklore
Aesop’s FablesBeauty and the BeastThe BunyansCinderellaJohn HenryThe Talking EggsThe Tortoise and the Hare
FantasyFantasy is fiction that has elements that are not real. Sometimes this includes talking animals or characters with magical powers. There’s usually a conflict between good and evil.
Examples of Fantasy
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Charlotte’s Web
The Wreck of the Zephyr
Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe
Lord of the Rings
Harry Potter Series
Fairy Tale
• Special beginning and/or ending words - Once upon a time...and they lived happily ever after.
• Good character • Evil character • Royalty and/or a castle usually present • Magic happens • Problem and a Solution • Things often happen in "threes" or "sevens"
Examples of Fairy TaleExamples of Fairy Tale
The Dog and Her Little Glass Slipper
CinderellaThe Stinky Cheese Man and Other
Fairly Stupid Tales
Mystery
Mysteries are stories that have a real setting and a problem to be solved that includes clues, distractions, and an answer to the problem.
Examples of MysteryThe House of Dies Drear
Never Say Die
The Treehouse Mystery
Mystery of the Midnight Message
Encyclopedia Brown Series
Boxcar Children Mysteries
Science FictionScience Fiction is made up of stories that blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology.
Examples of Science Fiction
Aliens for Breakfast
A Wrinkle in Time
My Best Friend is Invisible
Star Wars
The Time Machine
AdventureThe characters (and the reader) can always expectthe worst - the main characters can, and usually do,have everything thrown at them. Action, action andmore action are hallmarks of a goodadventure/suspense book. The entire read is a rollercoaster ride of chills and excitement with the last stop (and page) not always ending in happiness. Andfinally, there must be a villain, for without afoe…without an adversary, there can be no adventure…nosuspense.
Examples of AdventureExamples of Adventure
The Whipping BoyIsland of the Blue DolphinsAbel’s IslandThe Cay
PoetryPoetry 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
Where the Sidewalk Ends
New Kid on the Block
Chocolate Dreams: Poems
Mammalabilia
A Pizza the Size of the Sun
Love That Dog
InformationalInformational books are nonfiction books that give true facts on a variety of subjects.
Examples of Informational Writing
Dirt Bikes
Flying Animals
Danger! Earthquakes
Newspapers
Encyclopedias
Biography
A biography is the true story of a real person’s life from the past or present.
Examples of Biography
Tiger Woods: An American Master
The HomerunKings: BabeRuth and Henry Aaron
Clara Barton, a Red Cross Pioneer
Sacagawea