Literature Genres

Realistic Fiction

Realistic fiction is made up of stories that could really happen. Contemporary realistic fiction is realistic fiction that is set in modern times.

Examples of Realistic Fiction

Because of Winn DixieCrashOwl MoonShilohSummer of the SwansBabysitter Club series

Historical FictionHistorical fiction is made up of stories that 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 FictionA Boy at WarAcross Five AprilsBen and MeThe ButterflyCharlie SkedaddleSign of the BeaverTitanic CrossingDear America Series

FolkloreFolklore includes stories, myths, and fables that people told one another over the years. Later the stories were written down.

Examples of FolkloreAesop’s FablesBeauty and the BeastThe BunyansCinderellaJohn HenryThe Talking EggsThe Tortoise and the Hare

FantasyFantasy is fiction that has elements that are not real. Sometimes this includes talking animals or characters with magical powers. There’s usually a conflict between good and evil.

Examples of FantasyAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Charlotte’s Web

The Wreck of the Zephyr

Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe

Lord of the Rings

Harry Potter Series

MysteryMysteries are stories that have a real setting and a problem to be solved that includes clues, distractions, and an answer to the problem.

Examples of MysteryThe House of Dies Drear

Never Say Die

The Treehouse Mystery

Mystery of the Midnight Message

Encyclopedia Brown Series

Boxcar Children Mysteries

Science FictionScience Fiction is made up of stories that blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology.

Examples of Science FictionAliens for Breakfast

A Wrinkle in Time

My Best Friend is Invisible

Star Wars

The Time Machine

PoetryPoetry 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 PoetryWhere the Sidewalk Ends

New Kid on the Block

Chocolate Dreams: Poems

Mammalabilia

A Pizza the Size of the Sun

Love That Dog

InformationalInformational books are nonfiction books that give true facts on a variety of subjects.

Examples of Informational Writing

Dirt Bikes

Flying Animals

Danger! Earthquakes

Newspapers

Encyclopedias

BiographyA biography is the true story of a real person’s life from the past or present.

Examples of Biography

Tiger Woods: An American Master

The HomerunKings: BabeRuth and Henry Aaron

Clara Barton, a Red Cross Pioneer

Sacagawea