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
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