Genres

1. Genres Genre means a category, or kind of story. S. Bolmeier/MPS

2. Fiction a made up story can tell about things that could happen is read for fun characters may be like real people or imaginary Non-Fiction has facts that can be checked and proven the author is an expert on this information it IS TRUE! All categories of books or stories can be called eitherfiction or non-fiction.

3. Realistic fiction • can be based on a real story • characters act like real people • character tries to solve a problem • story could happen in real life • some events are historically accurate • character’s feelings and behaviors are like real life

4. Historical Fiction • Form of fiction • Based on historical events • Authentic settings • Characters portrayed in realistic manner • Some characters may be actual people from history • Artistic mix of fiction and historical fact

5. Science Fiction • Form of fiction • Contains some sort of scientific element – outer space, medicine, technology • Within realm of possibility • Characters have some believable traits

6. Fantasy • Animal characters may act like people • characters may have special powers • characters may be imaginary beings • setting may be in another time (future) • usually has a good vs. evil conflict • may use scientific principles not yet available or discovered

7. Mystery • Usually fiction • Usually narrative • The protagonist is usually an investigator, crime solver, or spy • Clues are given throughout the story, but reader usually has to make inferences • Suspense is created by several possible solutions, with the actual solution revealed at the end

8. Poetry • page format may look different than other books • may have rhythm (beat) • may rhyme • imaginative and creative • uses describing or exciting words • tells a story in verse

9. Informational • Tells facts that can be looked-up or proven • tells about real events • characters have really lived • may have maps, diagrams and illustrations to explain the facts • author is an expert on the subject

10. Biography • Story of a real person’s life • Written by someone else • Author may do research by interviewing the subject or those who knew the subject

11. Autobiography • Story of a real person’s life • Written by the person the story is about • Author doesn’t need to do research • Author shares how he/she feels and what he/she thinks

12. Traditional Literature • tells about the great deeds of a person who may have lived • may exaggerate a person’s bravery or powers • probably a long ago setting • story may be considered a part of the history and culture of a group of people • magic may be used to solve a problem • a lesson can be learned from the story • Characters can be human-like animals • Examples – fables, folktales, tall tales