1. EQ: How do I distinguish among various literary genres?

2. Genre

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Adventure
Definition:
The Iliad by Homer
The Odyssey by Homer

13. 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.

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

15. 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.

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

17. 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.

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

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

20. Categories of non-fiction
Autobiography
Biography
Informational books

21. 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.

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

23. 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).

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

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

26. Informational Books Examples: World Britannica Encyclopedia
The World Almanac

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

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

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

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

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