Literary Genres

Genre: types of literature Fiction: a story NOT based on fact; a made-up story Non-fiction: a TRUE story

Sub-genres of Fiction Realistic fiction Historical fiction Fantasy Science fiction Mystery Traditional literature Folk tales, legends, fables, tall tales, myths, and fairy tales

Realistic Fiction Realistic fiction is made up of stories that could really happen.

Example of Realistic Fiction Junie B. Jones Amelia Bedelia Because of Winn-Dixie

Historical Fiction Historical 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 The Secret Room Mississippi Chariot Number the Stars A Trip Through Time

Traditional Literature Traditional literature includes folklore/folk tales, myths, tall tales, legends, fairy tales, and fables that people told one another over the years. Later the stories were written down.

Examples of Traditional How Coyote Stole the Summer The Titan’s Curse The Bunyans The Legend of Johnny Appleseed Beauty and the Beast The Tortoise and the Hare

Fantasy Fantasy is a story that includes elements that are impossible, such as characters with magical powers or talking animals. There’s usually a conflict between good and evil.

Examples of Fantasy The Grimm Legacy Jumanji The Doll People

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 Mystery The Treehouse Mystery Encyclopedia Brown Series Boxcar Children Mysteries

Science Fiction Science Fiction is made up of stories that blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology, aliens, robots, time machines, etc.

Examples of Science Fiction My Robot Buddy Aliens for Breakfast Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine

Poetry Poetry 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 Chocolate Dreams: Poems The Giving Tree

Sub-genres of Non-fiction Informational text Biography Autobiography

Biography A biography is the true story of a real person’s life from the past or present written by SOMEONE else.

Examples of Biography Tiger Woods: An American Master The Homerun Kings: Babe Ruth and Henry Aaron Clara Barton, a Red Cross Pioneer Sacagawea

Autobiography An autobiography is the true story of a real person’s life from the past or present written by THAT person.

Examples of Autobiographies I Am Rosa Parks Marley and Me Stories I Only Tell My Friends My Life in France Cal Ripken, Jr.: Play Ball

Informational Informational texts are nonfiction books that give true facts on a variety of subjects.

Examples of Informational Texts BMX Bikes Swimming Whales Tigers Danger! Earthquakes Newspapers Encyclopedias