HELP FINDING YOUR “GENRE”
NON-FICTION—Non-fiction books can be about any subject, such as: how-to books, science books, history books, biographies, autobiographies and much more.
Biography—A biography is the story of a real person's life, written or told by another person.
Autobiography—An autobiography is the story of a real person's life, written or told by that person.
Essay- A short work of nonfiction dealing with a single subject and presenting the author’s point of view.
Memoir- Type of autobiography, usually about a significant experience in the author’s life
Myths—Myths are stories that usually explain something about the world and involve gods and other supernatural beings.
Personal Narrative- A personal story; a shorter form of autobiographical writing.
FICTION—Fictional stories may be based on actual events or people or may be based entirely on the author's imagination, but fictional stories all contain elements that are made-up or created by the author.
Adventure/Survival—Nonstop action and physical challenge describe these stories. Often the main character has to overcome forces in nature (climate or natural disasters) in order to survive
Fables- Brief tales that teach lessons about human nature.
Fantasy—Fiction that contains elements that are NOT realistic, such as talking animals, magical powers, etc. Make-believe is what this genre is all about. Modern fantasy also includes modern fairy tales like those from Hans Christian Andersen. In general, modern fantasy stories involve magic, the "quest," and/or "good versus evil." Fantasy creates an alternative universe, which operates on laws different than our own.
Folk Tales, Tall Tales, and Fairy Tales—Folk tales are stories with no known creator. They were originally passed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. The authors on folk tale books today are retelling these stories. Although, folk tales are sometimes based on real historical figures, there are fictional elements to the story. Tall tales are generally folk tales in which the main character is bigger than life in some way—examples would be Paul Bunyan, Mike Fink, Swamp Angel, etc… Fairy tales were often created to teach children behavior in an entertaining way.
Folklore- Traditions, customs, and stories passed down within a culture.
FICTION— Continued
Historical Fiction—Stories which take place in a particular time period in the past. Often the basic setting is real, but the characters are fictional. Readers can gain an understanding of the past and relive past events vicariously.
Horror—Eerie settings often create the scary mood that is typical of this genre. They demonstrate that humans are frail and subject to pain, abuse, fear, and suffering.
Legend- A story handed down from the past about a specific person who usually demonstrates heroic accomplishments.
Mystery/Suspense—Stories about mysterious events, which are not explained or a crime that is not solved until the end of the story to keep the reader in suspense.
Novel- A longer work of fiction taking several sittings to complete.
Picture Books—A book in which the picture is as important as the text. This is a genre based on a physical format, so it can contain titles from many of the other genres. It includes picture books, illustrated storybooks, wordless storybooks, concept books, and informational books. In picture books, both text and illustration are fused together, to provide more than either can do alone (the whole is greater than the sum of the parts). Illustrated story books are different from picture books in that the text can stand alone and the illustrations are secondary to the text, yet complements the text. These books are generally up to 48 pages in length.
Poetry—Poetry is verse written to create a response of thought and feeling from the reader. It often uses rhythm to help convey its meaning. Poetry books can range from poetry that rhymes to free verse and concrete verse. It takes the sound of language and arranges it in beautiful forms. Each word is chosen carefully for its sound and its meaning. It appeals to both the thoughts and feelings of the reader. Lyric poetry represents thoughts and feelings of a single speaker. Narrative poetry tells a story that includes narrative elements.
Play (Drama)- Literature intended to be performed by actors in front of an audience; includes script with dialogue, a cast of characters, and stage directions.
Realistic Fiction—Stories that take place in modern time, right here and now. The characters are involved in events that could really happen. Titles dealing with the problems and joys of living today. There is often an element of character growth or self-realization in the book. Titles can promote tolerance and understanding of others and their experiences.
Science Fiction—Stories which include futuristic technology; a blend of scientific fact and fictional elements. Speculates on what might happen in the future in our universe, so it has some basis in our reality. The books in this genre address themes of love, justice, truth, loyalty, goodness, courage, wisdom, etc. Sometimes the line between fantasy and science fiction is blurred, with elements of both genres in the story.
Short Story- A brief work of fiction, usually readable in one sitting
Carter, Lori. "Reading Genre Definitions." Book Nuts. 15 Nov. 2005. 29 Jan 2007 <knutsreadingclub.com/genrelist.html>.