Genres

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!

RealismRealistic 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

RealismHistorical 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

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

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

TraditionalFolklore includes stories, myths, fairy tales and fables that people told one another over the years. Later the stories were written down.

Examples of TraditionalAesop’s FablesBeauty and the BeastThe BunyansCinderellaJohn HenryThe Talking EggsThe Tortoise and the Hare

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

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 FantasyAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Charlotte’s Web

The Wreck of the Zephyr

Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe

Lord of the Rings

Harry Potter Series

Science FictionScience Fiction is made up of stories that blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology.

Examples of Science FictionAliens for Breakfast

A Wrinkle in Time

My Best Friend is Invisible

Star Wars

The Time Machine

Dystopia

imaginary community or society that is

undesirable or frightening.

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 PoetryWhere the Sidewalk Ends

New Kid on the Block

Chocolate Dreams: Poems

Mammalabilia

A Pizza the Size of the Sun

Love That Dog

Non-FictionInformational

Informational 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

Non-fictionBiography

A biography is the true story of a real person’s life from the past or present written

Examples of Biography

Tiger Woods: An American Master

The HomerunKings: BabeRuth and Henry Aaron

Clara Barton, a Red Cross Pioneer

Sacagawea

Auto-Biography

An auto- biography is the true story of a real person’s life from the past or present written by that person

Memoir

A collection of memories