Understanding GenresGrades 3-5

By Mrs. Paula McMullen

Library Teacher

Norwood Public Schools

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What is a genre?

A genre is a type of writing that is different than other types of writing.

Two major genres are: fiction and nonfiction.

Realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction are smaller genres of fiction books.

Biography, poetry, drama and traditional literature are smaller genres.

Autobiographies, memoirs and collective biographies are special biography books.

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Fiction Genre Fiction books are imaginative stories

created by authors.

Stories have beginning, middle and end.

Plots made up of series of events.

Interesting characters and problems.

Problems resolved by end of story.

Provide thought-provoking themes.

Can be divided into smaller genres including: realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction.

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Other Fiction Books

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Realistic Fiction Genre Realistic fiction is smaller

genre of fiction books.

Characters behave in believable ways.

Settings are in recognizable places and times.

Problems are believable.

Descriptions are vivid.

Dialogue is accurate.

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Other Realistic Fiction Books

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Mystery Fiction Genre

Mystery is smaller genre of fiction books.

Same characteristics as realistic fiction but:

Characters all involved in solving puzzle.

Each event is linked to solving the mystery.

Writer drops clues.

End with believable conclusion.

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Other Mysteries

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Fantasy Fiction Genre

Fantasy is smaller genre of fiction books.

Contain elements that are not realistic.

Major events could not happen in real life.

Characters use magic or other impossible strategies.

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Other Fantasy Fiction Books

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Science Fiction Genre

Science fiction is smaller genre of fiction books.

Based on impact of actual or imagined science.

Setting is the future or on other planets.

Explores advanced space travel or extraterrestrial beings.

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Other Science Fiction Books

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Historical Fiction Genre

Historical fiction is smaller genre of fiction books.

Setting (where and when) is important.

Stories take place in an identifiable period of the past.

Characters may all be fictional or some may have been real.

Have authentic problems, description and dialogue.

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Other Historical Fiction Books

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Nonfiction Genre Nonfiction books are filled with facts and

information that teach you something.

Subjects are researched by authors.

Information organized around topics and main ideas.

Have bolded, larger headings.

Often provide: contents page, index, glossary.

Have helpful illustrations: photographs, drawings, diagrams, maps, charts, graphs.

Have captions that describe illustrations.

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Other Nonfiction Books

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Biography Genre

Biography books tell about a real person, past or present.

Researched by author.

Based on facts.

Include major influences in person’s life (people, places, and events).

Often include an obstacle, or hardship, that is overcome.

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Other Biographies

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Autobiography Books

Autobiography is special kind of biography where:

Author writes about himself.

True account of that person’s life.

Author reveals his feelings and reactions to events and experiences in his life.

Written in first person.

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Other Autobiographies

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Memoir

Like autobiography, author writes about himself.

Written in first person.

Often focuses on one aspect of that person’s life rather than whole life.

May focus on a period of time in his life.

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Norwood Public Schools 21

Other Memoirs

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Norwood Public Schools 22

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Collective Biography Books

Collective biography has same characteristics as individual biography books but –

Contain stories of more than one person’s life.

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Other Collective Biographies

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Poetry Genre In poetry, words chosen carefully.

Often written in lines.

May or may not rhyme.

Often has rhythm and repetition.

Imagery is important feature.

Sound and meaning of words are combined to express feelings, thoughts, and ideas.

Metaphor, simile and personification create images.

Alliteration and onomatopoeia create sounds.

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Types include: acrostic, cinquain, limerick, free verse, haiku, concrete.

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Other Poetry Books

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Traditional Literature Genre

Traditional literature includes: riddles, rhymes, folktales, myths and legends.

Passed down orally – no known authors.

Set in distant past. Have identifiable motifs: special

numbers, magical creatures or objects, quests, enchantments.

Share moral, lesson, or belief. Reflect a culture’s values and

traditions.

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Other Traditional Literature Books

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Drama Genre

Written text of stories called “plays.”

Written by playwright.

Written in dramatic speech (dialogue and monologue).

Stage directions included.

Written for performance on stage.

Emotions, characterization and events expressed through dialogue and action.

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Other Plays in Drama Genre

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Remember –

A genre is a type of writing that is different than other types of writing.

Two major genres are: fiction and nonfiction.

Realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction are smaller genres of fiction books.

Biography, poetry, drama and traditional literature are smaller, special genres.

Autobiographies, memoirs and collective biographies are special biography books.

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Resources

Huck, Charlotte. Children’s Literature in the Elementary School. Fort Worth, Texas: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers, 1987.

Sutherland, Zena. Children and Books 8th ed. NY: HarperColllins Publishers, 1991.

ClipartHeaven.Com http://clipartheaven.com/

Discoveryschool Clip Art Gallery http://school.discovery.com/clipart/

Follett Library Resources http://www.titlewave.com

Kidsdomain Clip Art http://www.kidsdomain.com/clip/

Microsoft Office Clip Art http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/

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