Understanding Genres Grades 3-5

By Mrs. Paula McMullen Library Teacher

Norwood Public Schools

What is a genre? A genre is a type of writing that is different than other types of writing

Two major genres are: fiction and nonfiction

Realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction are smaller genres of fiction books

Biography, poetry, drama and folklore are smaller genres

Autobiographies and collective biographies are special biography books

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Fiction Genre Imaginative stories created by

authors are in fiction genre Interesting characters and

problems Engaging plots Thoughtful themes

Can be divided into smaller genres including: realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction

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Other Fiction Books

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Realistic Fiction Genre Realistic fiction is smaller genre of fiction books Characters behave in believable ways Settings reflect

recognizable places Problems are believable Descriptions are vivid Dialogue is accurate

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Other Realistic Fiction Books

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Mystery Fiction Genre Mystery is smaller genre of

fiction books Same characteristics as

realistic fiction but: Characters all involved in

solving puzzle Each event is linked to

solving the mystery Writer drops clues End with believable

conclusion

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Other Mysteries

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Fantasy Fiction Genre Fantasy is smaller

genre of fiction books Contain elements that are not realistic Major events could

not happen in real life Characters use magic or other impossible strategies

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Other Fantasy Fiction Books

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Science Fiction Genre Science fiction is smaller genre of fiction books Based on impact of actual or imagined science Setting is the future or on other planets Explores advanced space travel or extraterrestrial beings

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Other Science Fiction Books

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Historical Fiction Genre Historical fiction is smaller genre of fiction books Stories take place in an identifiable period of the past Characters may all be

fictional or some may have been real

Have authentic problems, description and dialogue

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Other Historical Fiction Books

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Nonfiction Genre Books that provide facts and information are in nonfiction genre Subjects researched by author Facts organized clearly Often provide contents page, index and glossary Have helpful illustrations

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Other Nonfiction Books

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Biography Genre Biography is smaller genre

of nonfiction books Tell about a real person,

past or present Based on facts

Recount key incidents in person’s life

Include major influences in person’s life (people, places, and events)

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Other Biographies

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Autobiography Books

Autobiography is special kind of biography where: Author writes about himself or herself

Author reveals his/her feelings and reactions to events in his/her life

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Other Autobiographies

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Collective Biography Books

Collective biography has same characteristics as individual biography books but -

Contain stories of more than one person’s life Shelved by author instead of by subject

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Other Collective Biographies

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Poetry Genre Poetry is smaller genre Poetry is a special kind of writing

that may or may not rhyme Words chosen carefully Often written in lines Sound and meaning of words are

combined to express feelings, thoughts, and ideas

Types include: acrostic, cinquain, limerick, free verse, haiku,

concrete

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Other Poetry Books

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Folklore Genre Folklore is smaller genre Includes: folktales, riddles, rhymes

and songs Folktales are best-known kind of

folklore Passed down orally through the

years - no known authors Set in distant past

Have identifiable motifs: special numbers, magical creatures or objects, quests, enchantments

Share moral, lesson, or belief Reflect a culture’s values and

traditions

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Other Folklore Books

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Drama Genre Drama is smaller genre

Dramas also called plays Stories written in dialogue

Written in poetry or prose

Written for performance on stage

Provide little description Emotions, characterization and

events expressed through dialogue and action

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Other Plays in Drama Genre

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Remember - A genre is a type of writing that is different than other types of writing

Two major genres are: fiction and nonfiction

Realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction are smaller genres of fiction books

Biography, poetry, drama and folklore are smaller, special genres

Autobiographies and collective biographies are special biography books

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Acknowledgements

Huck, Charlotte. Children’s Literature in the Elementary School. Fort Worth, Texas: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers, 1987.

Sutherland, Zena. Children and Books 8th ed. NY: HarperColllins Publishers, 1991.

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