Literary Genres

Genre: category of literature fiction: a selection NOT based on fact; made-up text non-fiction: a TRUE or factual text

Types of Non-fiction Informational text Biography Autobiography

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

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 by Rosa Parks My Life in France Cal Ripken, Jr.: Play Ball by Cal Ripken, Jr.

Types 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 which could really happen. The characters, setting, conflict, plot, and resolution all seem as though it could happen in real life, the text in made up.

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

Historical Fiction Historical fiction is made up of stories which 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 people told one another over the years. Later the stories were written down. You will recognize “retold by” as author

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 which 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 Harry Potter Jumanji The Doll People

Science Fiction Science Fiction is made up of stories which 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

Mystery Mysteries are stories with a realistic setting and a problem to be solved which includes clues, distractions, and an answer to the problem.

Examples of Mystery The Treehouse Mystery Encyclopedia Brown Series Boxcar Children Mysteries Nancy Drew Series

Will usually look like this - Drama Written to be performed Conflicts and emotions are expressed through dialogue Will usually look like this - CHAD: (enters stage left) Jane, where have you been?

Examples of Drama Romeo and Juliet Hairspray Law and Order

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