Make Believe The Genre of Fiction

Genres A genre is a kind of text Different genre have different kinds of setting, conflicts and characters

Fiction Genres Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Fantasy Science Fiction Mystery Folktales Hybrids 

Historical Fiction Might include real people, events and places but also include parts that are made up by the author. The conflict generally arises from a historical event or setting. As you read notice the names of important people, places and themes.

Realistic Fiction Realistic Fiction takes place in the present. Often also called Contemporary Realistic Fiction. Include Characteristics and events that could really happen but are made up by the author. Realistic fiction usually looks at topics like friendship, being in a family and growing up. Reading about how others solve their problems can help students learn to handle their own problem or not feel so alone.

Fantasy Fantasy stories include magic and mystical creatures and things that just don’t happen in everyday life. They can happen in the real world or in fantasy worlds. Fantasy can appear to be realistic fiction so look for the fantasy clues. Fantasy books show that not even magic can solve everything. Fantasy helps fuel imaginations and creative abilities.

Science Fiction Science Fiction , like fantasy includes details and events that can’t happen in the real world but instead of magic science fiction focuses on technology. They will have time travel, aliens, fancy “gadgets,” space travel etc. Often show the impact of technology, both good and bad. Stories can be both past, present and future.

Mysteries The main character is using clues and leads to solve a mystery. What makes the story a mystery is how the action unfolds…if the main character is trying to solve a puzzle or figure something out it is probably a mystery. If mystery is not the main conflict it is not a mystery. Mysteries require close reading for clues hidden in paragraphs and problem solving.

Folktales Folktales are stories that have been told and retold over many years. They exist in every culture around the world. They include myths, tall tales and fairy tales. Pourquoi tales tell why something exist or how it may have come to be. Folktales often include Tricksters. They are a great way to learn about cultures

Dystopia The dangers of modern times have led to the writing of dystopian novels, novels which warn of an unhappy future.