EQ: How do I distinguish among various literary genres?

Genre

What is Genre? Genre is a type of artistic or literary style. The AR book you are reading right now fits into a “genre” category.

Fiction vs. Non-fiction All categories of books or stories can be called either fiction or non-fiction.

Fiction is a made up story. can tell about things that could happen. is read for fun. characters may be like real people or completely imaginary.

Categories of fiction Fantasy Mystery Adventure Science fiction Historical fiction Realistic fiction

Fantasy Definition: a fanciful story about events that could not really happen. Purpose: to entertain, but usually to give a message too.

Fantasy Examples: Lord of the Rings by J.R. Tolken Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Mystery Definition: a story in which the main character and the reader are challenged to solve a problem. Purpose: to entertain and intrique.

Mystery Examples: Sherlock Holmes books Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books

Adventure Definition: a type of story that depicts a hero on a quest. Purpose: to entertain.

Adventure Definition: The Iliad by Homer The Odyssey by Homer

Science Fiction Definition: a story that is based on ideas from science. The plot is usually set in the future. Purpose: to entertain and to sometimes give a message.

Science Fiction Examples: Time Machine by H.G. Wells 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Historical Fiction Definition: a type of fiction that is set in the past and contains accurate information about that time. Purpose: to entertain and to inform.

Historical Fiction Examples: The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman Number the Stars by Lois Lowery

Realistic Fiction Definition: a type of fiction that is invented by the author, but could really happen. Purpose: to entertain and sometimes to teach a lesson.

Realistic Fiction Examples: The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg Frindle by Andrew Clements

Non-Fiction has facts that can be checked and proven the author is an expert on this information it IS TRUE!

Categories of non-fiction Autobiography Biography Informational books

Autobiography Definition: the story of a real person’s life, told by that person. Purpose: usually to express thoughts and feelings, as well as to inform.

Autobiography Examples: Through My Eyes: The Autobiography of Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Biography Definition: the story of a real person’s life written by someone else. Purpose: to inform (the author may invent some details, such as dialogue, to bring the person to life).

Biography Examples: The Story of Walt Disney by Bernice Seldon The Story of Benjamin Franklin by Margaret Davidson

Informational Books Definition: reference books used to further knowledge on a specific person or topic Purpose: to inform

Informational Books Examples: World Britannica Encyclopedia The World Almanac

Drama and Poetry Drama and poetry are both genres that can fall in either the fiction or non-fiction category depending on specific example.

Drama Definition: a type of writing that is intended for production. Purpose: to create a specific emotional response through the production of the writing.

Drama Examples: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare A Raisin in the Sun by Lorrain Hansberry

Poetry Definition: metrical writing. Purpose: to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm.

Poetry Examples: Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost