Genres and Subgenres

Classifying Stories

Genres and SubgenresTexts can be separated into groups or

categories called genres and subgenres.

Bananais a

Foodis a

Fruit

Harry Potter Book

is Fiction

is Fantasy

Text Genre Subgenre

GenresFiction: creative or imaginative writing.

Nonfiction: writing that is true or factual.

Fiction Subgenres

Fiction

Realistic Fiction

Science Fiction

Historical Fiction Fantasy

Horror

Mystery

Realistic Fiction: Fictional stories that are true to life or could

actually happen

Historical Fiction: Fictional stories that have historical settings

with fictional or historical characters

Science Fiction: Fictional stories often set in the future or in

other worlds that sometimes involve futuristic technology or science

Fantasy Fiction: Fictional stories that contain whimsical or

magical elements or have other worldly settings

Mysteries: Fictional stories that involve solving crimes

or the unraveling of secrets

Horror: Fictional stories that cause dread or terror in

the reader or characters

Nonfiction Subgenres

Nonfiction

InformationalWriting

Biography Autobiography

PersuasiveWriting

Informational Writing: provides facts or information.

Autobiography: one’s life story written by oneself.

Auto = Self Bio = Life Graphy= Writing

Biography: one’s life story written by someone else.

Persuasive Writing: meant to influence the reader.

Folklore Subgenres

Folklore

Fable

Tall Tale Myth

Fairy Tale

Legend

Fable: short story with talking animals & a moral.

Moral: lesson of the story (clearly stated).

Myth: has gods & goddesses; may account for the creation of something.

Tall Tale: Funny story set in the Wild West; main character’s size or skill exaggerated.

Fairy Tale: has magic and/or talking animals.

Legend: a story that might be true, but is exaggerated.

Usually says “Retold by” or “Adapted by”

What’s the difference between Fairytales & Fantasy

Both have monsters, magic, or talking animals.

What’s the difference?

• Fairytales are part of the oral tradition.• Usually it will say “retold by” or “adapted by.”• Fairytales often start “Once Upon a Time.”

Can you think of any other genres?

The Lion and the MouseRetold 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.

The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863By Lauren Tarshis

In 1863, Thomas and his sister Birdie escape their slave-lives and are headed north when they run into a Union regiment and are taken into the care of Corporal Henry Green. They march north with the army unaware they are headed straight into battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

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.

The Best Book of Sharks by laire Llewellyn

Introduces the world of sharks, examining their characteristics, breeding, life cycle, and behavior and describing various species.

Secret Weapon

by Mark Pound

(Star Wars series)

The empire is preparing a secret weapon, and rebel leader Ferus Olin appears to be helping.

Abe Lincoln Goes to Washingtonby Cheryl Harness

Portrays Lincoln's life as a lawyer in Springfield, a devoted husband and father, and president during the Civil War years.

Dragon RiderBy Cornelia Funke

After learning that humans are headed toward his hidden home, Firedrake, a silver dragon, is joined by a brownie and an orphan boy in a quest to find the legendary valley known as the Rim of Heaven, encountering friendly and unfriendly creatures along the way, and struggling to evade the relentless pursuit of an old enemy.

Pecos Bill

by Sarah Mills

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!

The Abduction

by John Grisham

When his best friend disappears from her bedroom in the middle of the night, thirteen-year-old Theo uses his legal knowledge and investigative skills to chase down the truth and save April.

The mark of Athena

Rick Riordan

"The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land--Greece itself--to find the Doors of Death"--Provided by publisher.

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Wisconsin Werewolvesby Johnathan RandFrom American Chillers series

In Madison, Wisconsin, Jeremy's friends do not believe him when he tells them he saw a werewolf in the forest