Genre Guide

Picture Books  Children’s books provide a story through pictures. The book may include text, or it may not. Pictures can fully explain or illustrate the content of the book. Picture books might not tell stories—they might illustrate letters of the alphabet or numbers. There are also fun books for young, non-reading children to play with. Again, children can tell the story based on the illustrations, pretending to “read” the book.

defining different genres

FICTION GENRE

Traditional Literature or Folklore Stories from various cultures are passed down from generation to generation, changing slowly over time. They provide a link between the past and the future.   Traditional literature is a wonderful starting point to introduce children to the concept of a story. Traditional literature includes:

* Folktales These feature everyday “folks,” such as peasants, and commonplace events. There may be some “make-believe” elements, such as talking animals, but the stories sound logical —indeed, they are often realistic overall. Folktales seek to explain life, nature, or the human condition. Some folktales are cumulative, in which one event builds on another, such as in the Gingerbread Boy.

* Fairy Tales Fairy tales feature magical and enchanted forces. Fairy tales consistently culminate in a happy ending, rewarding good deeds and punishing evil. Typically, the number three is used: The Three Little Pigs, getting three wishes, Goldilocks, and the Three Bears…

* Fables Animals and other inanimate objects converse in short stories, imparting a moral or lesson to us. The moral is written at the end. Aesop is credited with writing these during the 6th century BC. The title usually contains the character names.

* Pourquoi Tales These tales explain “why” or “how.” A pourquoi tale is a story that has been passed down orally in a culture to explain the creation, nature’s elements, people’s actions, or animal characteristics. The characters are people, animals, or aspects of nature, and one main character undergoes a significant transformation by the end of the story. The setting is earthly and takes place long, long ago. The plot explains how or why something has changed from its original state to its current form. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears is a pourquoi tale.

* Trickster Tales These tales have a clever animal or person who tricks other characters. These are often humorous stories that convey a moral or message, either explicitly stated or implied. They are written to sound like someone is telling the tale aloud. Brother Rabbit:  A Cambodian Tale is an example of a trickster tale.

* Legends While based on historical events, these stories often embellish the life of a real person. Legends are known as hero tales. The facts and adventures of the person are exaggerated, making the individual famous for their deeds, such as the Legend of the Bluebonnet. 

FICTION GENRE

* Epics.   Epics are similar to legends, although they tend to be longer in scope. An epic is a poem that narrates actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes. The hero embodies the ideals most desired by a particular society. The setting is earthly but not always realistic. The number three is sometimes used in epics involving a magic weapon or clothing. The Iliad and The Odyssey are epics.

*  Tall Tales A tall tale is a type of legend, but less serious than a legend. It is typically American. Tall tales are not technically considered folklore because they were not originally passed down orally, but they do depict legendary characters. The characters are larger than life and may be imaginary or based on a real person. The setting is usually America in the frontier days. The hero can accomplish impossible things while facing a powerful enemy or solving a complex problem. An example of a tall tale is John Henry.

* Myths   Myths represent the distant past. They contain common themes and characters, often “gods.” Myths attempt to explain the beginning of the world, natural phenomena, the relationships between the gods and humans, and the origins of civilization. Myths, like legends, are stories told as though they were true.

 Historical Fiction Historical fiction is set in a specific historical period with a real setting and provides information about that period and its events. Historical fiction may be based on actual historical events, but often the characters are purely fictional. Authors use historical fiction to create drama and interest based on actual events in people’s lives.  These types of books can be powerful teaching tools. Often, historical fiction presents history from the perspective of young participants. Children’s historical fiction attempts to help readers see how history affects people of the same age.

Fantasy These are imaginative tales that include impossible elements. The setting may be any place, any time. The stories may be based on animals that talk, magical powers, mythical beings, elements of science fiction, supernatural or horror, or combinations of these elements.

* Science Fiction A book with a futuristic setting that tests the limits of science and technology. Science fiction can be set on another planet or feature robots, time travel, and other fantastical elements. It involves partially true scientific theories.

Realistic Fiction Books with realistic characters, a realistic setting, and realistic events/plots. It could have happened, but it didn’t. Realistic fiction’s positive aspect allows readers to “experience” different settings, cultures, and situations from their own lifestyle. Children’s realistic fiction features main characters of approximately the same age as the intended audience. The books present a “real-world” problem or challenge and show how a young person solves it. Children’s realistic fiction is upbeat, showing young readers how they, too, can conquer their problems. Examples of types of realistic fiction include family, peer relationships, challenges, animals, sports, diversity, moral dilemmas, romance, adventure, and rites of passage.

* Mystery A mystery features something unsolved or unknown. It may be realistic or not. The characters may include one or more detectives trying to solve the crime and suspects. The tone of a mystery includes strange and unexplained events, vague threats or terrors, unknown forces, and antagonists. The mystery is not solved until the end of the story.

* Adventure. Adventure stories are characterized by action that involves danger, risk, and excitement. Sometimes, if it’s a humorous adventure, the danger isn’t “played up.” The action is fast-paced. The setting is usually an exotic or distant place with extraordinary events.

defining different genres

NONFICTION GENRE

Nonfiction or Informational Books Books containing factual information about various topics are designed to help readers learn more about real things. Nonfiction is challenging because students have varying levels of background knowledge and interests. The challenge is to match high-interest topics with reading levels and background knowledge that are appropriate for each audience. The best way to reach out to “unmotivated readers” is to find a high-interest topic and a book that matches that young reader’s abilities and understanding.

Biography A book about an actual person written by somebody else. It is a form of nonfiction. Biographies are usually used to introduce students to nonfiction. Biographies can also be highly motivating—young children love to dream about what they will be when they grow up. The lives of famous and influential people allow children to see how growing up shapes the opportunities, choices, and challenges people face.

Autobiography/ Memoir When the author tells his/her own story.

OTHER GENRE

Poetry and Drama Poems are “stories” written in verse form to create a response of thought and feeling. They often have rhythm and rhyme, or they can be free verse. Poetry and drama are essential genres that introduce children to the elements of poetry, including rhythm, rhyme, writing styles, literary devices, symbolism, analogies, and metaphors. Drama features stage directions and italicized words that represent unspoken thoughts or actions.

Here are genre worksheets!

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