Genre A category of literature The main literary

Genre A category of literature. The main literary genres are fiction and nonfiction, (poetry and drama) So…genre is a fancy word for different categories or types of books or anything written down!

Knowing the GENRE of a text can help you understand it better. If it is fiction, then you know you are about to here a story with a beginning, middle and end. If it is nonfiction, then you know you must slow your reading rate and underline the important facts and details in the paragraphs.

2 Main Types of Genre NON-FICTION/Informational: real, factual, deals with actual people, places, and events, gives information about a topic in an organized way FICTION: unreal, not true, not factual, a made up story

Nonfiction Characteristics Can read any section first. Table of Contents - helps the reader know how the book is organized. Headings Subheadings Paragraphs with main ideas Diagrams with Labels help the reader understand the small parts of a picture. Real Photographs help the reader see what the real topic looks like.

Captions – helps the reader understand what they are looking at in a picture Maps - help the reader know where something is located in the world. Graphs – help the reader see a large amount of information in an organized way Types of Print – italics or bold help the reader know that the word or words are important

Close-Ups - help the reader see what something looks like from up close. Cutaways – helps the reader see what’s inside Index help the reader find specific information in a book. Glossary help the reader understand the definitions of important words in the book.

Nonfiction/Informational Nonfiction Informational text dealing with an actual, real-life subject. Gives facts and details about the topic. Biography Narrative of a person's life, a true story about a real person written by someone else Autobiography Narrative of a person's life, a true story about a real person written by the person Essay A short literary composition that reflects the author's outlook or point. Narrative Nonfiction Factual information presented in a format which tells a story. Like your day on a field trip. Persuasive Writing – when the author tries to get the reader to believe the way they do

Speech Public address or discourse. Newspaper Diaries/Journals – Primary Resources Textbooks – Math Book Social Studies Book Reference Sources Excylopedia Dictionary Atlas Internet (. gov. edu Farmers Almanac Recipes How To/Instructions Notes from someone/Letters – Primary Resources . org)

Biography Story of a real person’s life Form of nonfiction (true) Bios means life Graphe means to write Author must do research by interviewing the subject or those who knew the subject

Biography A biography is a selection about a real person's life that is written by another person.

Autobiography Form of nonfiction (true) Story of a real person’s life Auto means self Bios means life Graphe means to write Written by the person the story is about Author does not need to do research Author shares how he/she feels and what he/she thinks

Autobiography An autobiography is a story about a person’s life and is written by the person who lived it. An autobiography can be about the person’s whole life, part of that person’s life, or a single event.

Fiction – Author’s purpose is to Entertain the reader Narrative literary works whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact. Has a beginning, middle and end (BME) and Usually follows a story mountain structure exposition – characters, setting and conflict are revealed) rising action - main character is trying to solve the problem climax - highest point of action where the main character makes a decision that changes the story resolution/conclusion - how the problem gets resolved and how the story ends Full-length novels with plot/sequence of events/story line, Theme(s) – Moral or lesson you learned from reading the story of how the character had a problem and then solved it Point of view – 1 st person = I, Me, My 3 rd person = he/she/they/them

Realistic Fiction Story that can actually happen today and is true to life. Ex: Wonder Science Fiction Story based on impact of actual, imagined, or potential science technology, usually set in the future or on other planets. Ex: Aliens Historical Fiction Story with fictional characters and events in a historical setting. Ex: I survived series books Horror Fiction in which events evoke a feeling of dread in both the characters and the reader. Ex: The Monsters of Morley Manner Humorous Fiction full of fun, fancy, and excitement, meant to entertain; but can be contained in all genres Ex: The Genius Files Series Mystery Fiction dealing with the solution of a crime or the unraveling of secrets. Ex: Encyclopedia Brown Series

Fantasy Fiction with strange or other worldly settings or characters; fiction which invites suspension of reality. Ex: Harry Potter Series Drama Stories composed in verse or prose, usually for theatrical performance, where conflicts and emotion are expressed through dialogue and action. Poetry Verse and rhythmic writing with imagery that creates emotional responses. DRAMA/Play Performed before an audience

Traditional Literature Fiction Originally told by mouth and passed down from generation to generation Tall Tale Humorous story with blatant exaggerations, swaggering heroes who do the impossible or exaggerated things Ex: Paul Bunyan. Fable Narration demonstrating a useful truth, especially in which animals speak as humans; legendary, supernatural tale. Tells you the moral/theme/lesson at the end of the story. Ex: The Tortoise and the Hare Fairy Tale Story about fairies or other magical creatures, usually for children. Usually begins with “Once upon a time…” or “In a land far, far away…” Ex. : Cinderella Legend Story, sometimes of a national or folk hero, which has a basis in fact but also includes imaginative material. Filled with exaggerated details. Ex. : Robin Hood

More Fiction – Traditional Literature Mythology Usually consists of Gods and Goddesses and reveals human behavior and natural phenomena by its symbolism; often pertaining to the actions of the gods. Origin Myth: Tells you how something came to be in life For example: How the owl learned to fly or why a whale lives deep down in the ocean

Fiction stories are stories that the author has made up. Fiction is an untrue. The story line or plot or the sequence of events is totally made up.

Realistic Fiction tells stories of imaginary people and events, realistic fiction tells a story that is possible. Plausible characters engage in actions that seem truthful and the story has a reasonable outcome.

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

Realistic Fiction Form of fiction (not true) Accurately reflects life as it could be lived today Everything in the story could happen to real people living in our natural physical world The characters have normal human characteristics Story may be set in real places, but the story is NOT based on history

Science Fiction Science fiction is a kind of fantasy that uses scientific information to make a story seem more believable to the reader.

Science Fiction Form of fiction (not true) Contains some sort of scientific element, such as Outer space Medicine Technology Within the realm of possibility Characters have some believable traits/qualities

Fantasy Form of fiction (not true) Contains one or more of the following: supernatural occurrences characters with magical powers things with magical powers animals with human characteristics real people in fantastic places fantastic creatures or characters in real situations

Fantasy A fantasy is a make-believe story that could never happen in the real world. Some characters and plot situations may be realistic, while others are exaggerated and even silly. The author uses a realistic classroom setting but then introduces fantastic characters who do impossible things.

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

Humorous Fiction Humorous fiction tells the story of imaginary people who seem real. Story events are true-to-life and often funny. Humorous fiction has characters and actions that can make you laugh and wonder how things will turn out.

Historical Fiction Historical fiction is a combination of imagination and fact, with fictional characters and plot placed in a factual historical setting.

Historical Fiction Form of fiction (not true) Based on historical events Authentic settings Characters portrayed in realistic manner Some characters may be actual people from history, but the story is fictional Artistic mix of fiction and historical fact

High Fantasy Form of fiction (not real) Good vs. evil (supernatural/evil forces) Story written in a series of books/ volumes Coming- of- age themes Include fantastical elements, such as: Elves and dwarves Magic Wizards Invented languages quests

Mystery Form of fiction (not true) Story revolves around a puzzle/problem Characters deal with the solution to a puzzle/problem, such as finding a missing item/person unraveling a secret rationalize an event that is not explained Contains clues/hints that help the characters and readers solve the puzzle/problem

Play/Drama Like a novel or a short story, a play tells a story but it is written to be acted out for an audience. Plays have many unique literary elements such as acts, scenes, stage directions, and speech tags. Can be a fictional play or nonfiction play

Play/DRAMA Characters acted out by actors on stage before a live audience Broken into Acts/Scenes Script with dialogue that the actors say

Traditional Literature - FICTION Back before books existed, families used to tell stories by mouth to help teach their children lessons about life in a fun way. Usually says retold or that it was adapted. Types are: Folktales Myths Fairytales Tall tales Legends Fables

FICTIONAL Traditional Literature Folktales Fairy Tale Legends Tall Tales Myths Fable

Folk Tale The original author is unknown and that folk tales often have different versions. These stories are passed down through generations over many centuries.

Folktales Form of fiction (not true) Story that teaches a lesson/moral/theme Contain the beliefs and customs of a region or country Original story is modified to make it more interesting or more humorous Present larger-than-life characters and very unusual happenings

Tall Tales Tall tales are amusing stories told with bigger-than-life characters. Funny story set in the Wild West; main character’s size or skill exaggerated.

Myth A myth is a tale that has been passed down through generations and tells about nature and human behavior. Has gods & goddesses; may explain how something got created like the wind or the sun.

Myths Form of fiction (not true) Pertains to the actions of the gods and/or goddesses Characters are super-natural beings with human emotions and qualities Plot may involve interplay between worlds (this world and previous/original world)

Fables Form of fiction (not true) short story with talking animals that talk like humans Moral: lesson of the story (clearly stated) at the end of the story. A character usually represents a single human characteristic, such as a fox being symbolic of a trickster

Legend Form of fiction (not true) A story that may have been somewhat true about a hero, but now is completely exaggerated. Mix of fiction and historical facts that have been creatively altered to encourage moral conduct and right choices Leaves questions/wonder in the reader’s minds (Did Mike Fink really wrestle a grizzly bear? )

Fairy Tale Has magic and/or talking animals Usually starts with Once upon a time… In a land far, far way… Examples: Cinderella Three Billy Goats Gruff Snow White

Now let’s see how much you learned…. Tips for Identifying 1. Find the main genre first 2. Look for details that reveal subgenre

1 The Lion and the Mouse Retold by Larry Raney A Lion was sleeping when a Mouse woke him. The Lion was about to eat him when the Mouse said, “Let me go and I won’t forget it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll help you some day. " The Lion laughed so much at this idea that he let the mouse go. Some time later the Lion was caught in a hunter’s trap. The little Mouse happened to pass by and, seeing the trapped Lion, he gnawed through the ropes and freed him. Little friends can be a big help. Fable

2 War Behind the Lines By Gloria Mallon In 1942, as World War II is raging, three soldiers, who are best friends, are trapped behind enemy lines. They need to escape to inform the general of the enemies plan. Historical Fiction

3 The Many Adventures of Robin Hood Adapted by Kirk Young In this work, Young retells the many folktales concerning the mythical Robin Hood, who may have been a real person. In these adventures Robin Hood steals from the rich and gives to the poor in fascinatingly dashing ways. These tales have captured the imaginations of millions of delighted readers through the ages. Legend

4 The Awesome Book of Sharks by Carrie Ann Powers This book offers rare insights into the deep-sea lives of one of nature’s deadliest, yet most misunderstood, killing machines. Learn where sharks live, what they eat, and how they bear their young. This book gives readers an up-close view of a shark’s life. Nonfiction/Informational

5 Escape From Space Base 8 by Mark Pound The oxygen supplies on Space Base 8 are dwindling and the meteor shield is running out of energy. Can Captain Curt and his small crew of ragtag rebels retrieve the much needed supplies from Space Base 7 before it’s too late? Find out in this exciting space adventure. Science Fiction

6 On Short Time: Personal Memoirs by Eric Arugla Our world is not often built with short people in mind. In this collection of real-life stories, Mr. Arugla, a person whom by some measures is considered the smallest man in the world, tells the stories of his trials and triumphs navigating through a world that was just not built for him. Biography

7 Pecos Bill by Sarah Mills retells the adventures of one of the most celebrated figures from the Wild West. Raised by a pack of coyotes, Bill goes on to become the toughest cowboy in the world, using a rattlesnake as a lasso, riding a mountain lion, and eating dynamite. You won’t believe these stories! Tall Tale

Vampire or Mummy by Michelle Walton 8 The story of Mae Puffin and her vampire friend, Bob Sharpe. The novel explores Mae's choice between her friendship with Bob the vampire or her friendship with the mummy Daniel Red. Will the mummy’s curse fall upon one of them. Horror

9 Perseus: Crackin’ the Kraken Adapted by Saul Walkman Perseus, the son of Zeus, is about to receive the ultimate test: to save his village he must slay the snake-haired monster Medusa, who is so horrifying that looking at her will turn you into stone. Not only that, but somebody let out the Kraken, a gigantic monster from the sea. Can Perseus defeat the undefeatable and save his town? Myth

10 A History of the United States for People by Harold Zapp tells the untold history of the United States by focusing on the unrepresented minority groups: women, Native Americans, and African Americans. Using rare documents from the deepest archives of American history, Zapp provides a wealth of interesting information and brings readers to some stunning conclusions. Nonfiction/Informational

11 Atlas Internet Dictionary Encyclopedia Farmers Almanac Journals Diaries Textbooks Nonfiction/Informational Resources

13 Funny Bone by Tim Harpe John is a fifth grader who loves to play practical jokes on his friends. One day, his friends decide to play a practical joke on him leaving a humorous trail of events. Humorous Fiction

14 Time for Kids Magazine Nonfiction/Information

15 Dear Baz, I hope you can come to my house this summer. My mom planned many things for us to do. Some of the places we will go is to the lake, Six Flags, Ross Perot Museum and the zoo! Can’t wait to see you next week. We are going to have some much fun together. Love, Mary Nonfiction Letter

16 We Are Sisters By Emily Post John has a twin brother name Paul, and they live in Minnesota. They were very close and shared some of the same friends at their elementary school. But then one day, they got into a big fight. John was so mad that he didn’t want to talk to Paul any more. Now he is going to find out what it’s like not to have a brother anymore. Realistic Fiction

17 The Wizard Wishes By John Just When Cecil was growing up in the kingdom, he wanted to be just like Merlin the wizard. He asked Merlin to teach him to be a wizard. Merlin agreed, and soon Cecil became a powerful wizard. Even more powerful than Merlin. When the kingdom was under attack, Cecil was called upon to use his magic to save the King and Queen who were being held prisoner by the neighboring kingdom. Fantasy

18 PBJ Sandwich 2 Bread 1 Plate 3 tbsp Jelly 1 Knife 3 tbsp. Peanut butter Using the knife, smooth some peanut butter on one piece of bread. Then smooth some jelly on top of the peanut butter. Next, put the second piece of bread on top. Finally, take the knife and cut the sandwich in half. Bon appetite! Nonfiction/Recipe

19 Don’t you think Allen, TX needs a water park. I believe that bringing a water park to Allen, TX has many advantages. The first advantage is that it will give the kids of Allen something great to do in the summer when it is super hot. The second reason a water park is valuable to Allen, TX is that it will bring tourists to Allen. The tourists will spend money and Allen will benefit. Finally, a water park will employ many Allen residents who may be unemployed. There is no question that a water park in Allen is a good idea. nonfiction Persuasive Essay

20 I Was Determined to Crack the Case By Elllie Smith Joanne went to school with her favorite snack, Skittles. She placed them in her lunch tote in her backpack, and told her best friend she would share them at lunch. Damian overheard Joanne’s conversation and thought about how much he liked Skittles too. When Joanne got to lunch that day, her Skittles were not in her lunch tote. She looked around disappointedly. She couldn’t imagine who could have taken them but she was determined to find out. Mystery