Genre

Genre is just a fancy way of saying different

categories or types of books.

The 3 main book genres are:

fiction: fiction: stories that are not realnon-fiction: non-fiction: factual informationpoetry: poetry: text written in verse

The sub-genres are:

Realistic fiction

Historical fiction

Fantasy

Mystery

Traditional literature

Science fiction

Biography

Autobiography/

Memoir

Informational

FictionFiction Non-fictionNon-fiction PoetryPoetry

Poetry

anthologies

RealisticRealistic FictionFiction

Stories that involve characters and plot events that appear to be true to life.

Set in modern times and realistic places

HistoricalHistorical FictionFictionStories that take

place in a real location at a particular time in the past.

Characters may be fictional or real.

Some real events are mixed with fictional events of the time.

FantasyFantasy

Characters have traits that we know are physically impossible.

Characters may solve a problem by using magic or some other impossible strategy.

MysteryMysteryCharacters are often

detectives, investigators, or spies

Setting could be crime scene, detective agency or creepy house

Plot often involves a crime or mysterious event

Might contain clues and solutions

Traditional LiteratureTraditional Literature Stories, myths and fables that people told one another through the years. Finally, someone wrote them down.Considered “classics” – they are often studied in school.

Science FictionScience Fiction Stories in which the major

events rely on scientific fact, technology, discovery, or exploration

Setting may be Earth or some other space location.

Characters may be mutants, robots, aliens, or “mad” scientists

Plot may involve futuristic worlds, spaceships, time travel, or experiments “gone wrong”

BiographyBiographyFactual story about a

real person in the past or in the present.

Written by someone else.

Factual story about a real person in the past or in the present.

Written by the person the story is about.

Autobiography/MemoirAutobiography/Memoir

InformationalInformationalBooks that contain

factual information about a wide range of topics

Science, machines, crafts, sports, articles, history, etc.

PoetryPoetry Verse written to

evoke thoughts and feeling in the reader.

Often uses rhythm and rhyme to convey its message.

Can be humorous or serious

Read!