Genre
Genre = Category
- Subgenre
- Subgenre = Category within a category
- Example
- A BANANA → is a FOOD → is a FRUIT.
- Harry Potter → is FICTION → is FANTASY.
Interactive LessonGrades 3-5
Genre and Subgenre Lesson
Skill: Genre and Subgenre
This lesson explains the five major literary genres: fiction, nonfiction, folklore, drama, and poetry. Then it dives into some of the subgenres. Students learn to identify and distinguish subgenres like science fiction, mystery, historical fiction, biography, autobiography, informational text, fable, fairy tale, myth, legend, and tall tale. After the lesson, students practice classifying a variety of texts by genre and subgenre. Available at three reading levels for grades 3–12.
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Genre Overview
The 5 Main Genres
- Fiction - Creative or imaginative writing; made up.
- Nonfiction - Writing that is true or factual.
- Folklore - Stories passed down orally (by word of mouth).
- Drama - A play or script.
- Poetry - Writing that is concerned with the beauty of language.
- Let's look at each of these more closely...
Subgenres of Fiction
An Overview
- Realistic Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Let's look at each of these a little closer.
Realistic Fiction
Stories that could be true but aren't.
- Key Clues
- Everyday settings, relatable problems, no magic/aliens/historical anchors.
- Examples
- The Missing Blue Binder by Elena Cruz
- Leo lost his binder. Now he needs to find it before the final bell rings or he may fail science class.
- Bench Warmer by Corey Fukuda
- Marcus loses his spot on the basketball team. He wants to get it back, but first he has to admit that he needs to practice more.
Historical Fiction
A made-up story set around a real event or person from history
- Key Clues
- Specific dates or eras and real wars or events from the past.
- Examples
- Letters to Kevin by Anika Brown
- Billy's older brother Kevin was drafted to fight in the war in Vietnam. Billy was counting on Kevin to teach him to pitch. Now he doesn't know when he will ever see Kevin again. And the only way the two brothers can stay connected is by writing letters.
- One Window Seat by June Collins
- The year is 1955. A boy named Caleb is taking the bus home. He watches as a brave woman named Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat. Soon Caleb finds himself right in the middle of some important events.
Science Fiction
Has aliens, advanced technology, or is set in outer space or the future
- Key Clues
- Futuristic dates, space travel, alien species, and advanced technology
- Examples
- The Red Dust Rescue by Mia Hart
- In 2145, Tori lives on Mars. When a dust storm breaks the station’s life support system, she and her helper robot must fix it before everyone runs out of clean air.
- The Robot Who Forgot by Amy Cho
- In the year 2350, a small robot named Blix wakes up in a junkyard. He can't remember who built him. He only knows one thing: he has to get back to the space station before it leaves without him.
Fantasy
Has monsters, magic, or characters with superpowers
- Key Clues
- Spells, dragons, monsters, or magical realms
- Examples
- The Moonlight Map by Kara Wynn
- Lena finds a map that glows at night and leads her to a forest where trees whisper and a fox can talk. To save the woods, she must return a stolen spell book before dawn.
- The Girl with Glass Wings by Petra Nolan
- Suki finds out she can fly on her tenth birthday. Her wings are clear like glass, and only she can see them. But when a shadowy creature starts stealing the town's colors, Suki might be the only one who can stop it.
Subgenres of Nonfiction
An Overview
- Informational Writing
- Persuasive Writing
- Autobiography
- Biography
- Let's look at each of these a little more closely.
Informational Writing
Gives facts, explains, teaches
- Key Clues
- Textbooks, cookbooks, how-to guides, reference materials; explains, describes, or teaches something
- Examples
- Beavers at Work by Dr. Howard Cole
- This book teaches how beavers build dams in the water. It includes real photos and facts.
- 101 Soups by Nora Sanders
- This text teaches readers how to make over one hundred unique soups. Learn to make French onion, chicken noodle, vegetable, and more!
Persuasive Writing
Tries to influence or convince the reader
- Key Clues
- Argues, tries to convince, uses words like "should" or "must," asks readers to take action
- Examples
- Make Recess Longer by Jenna Brooks
- Jenna says kids should have more recess. She argues that physical movement helps kids learn. She ends the essay by asking readers to sign her petition.
- We Need a School Garden by Lily Sandoval
- Lily thinks that her school should build a garden. She gives three reasons why it would help students learn. Then she asks readers to sign up to help plant the first seeds.
Autobiography
One's life story written by oneself
- Root Words
- AUTO = self | BIO = life | GRAPHY = writing
- Examples
- A Tale of Two Kitchens by Rosa Herrera
- Rosa Herrera tells the true story of her own life. "I grew up cooking in two kitchens," she writes. She tells readers about how she learned recipes from both of her grandmothers.
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- This book is a true story from Anne's own diary. Anne was a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II. She wrote about her family, her fears, and her hope for a better future.
Biography
A person’s life story written by someone else
- Root Words
- BIO = life | GRAPHY = writing
- Examples
- The General Who Became President by Karen Whitmore
- This book, written by Karen Whitmore, tells the true story of George Washington. He led the American army during the Revolutionary War. Then he became the first president of the United States.
- The Apple Tree Moment: The Isaac Newton Story by Brian Holloway
- This book, written by Brian Holloway, is about Isaac Newton's life. Newton was a curious boy who loved to figure out how things worked. He grew up to discover some of the biggest ideas in science, like why things fall to the ground instead of floating away.
Folklore
Stories passed down by telling and retelling
- Part of the oral tradition
- Usually teach a lesson or explain something
- "RETOLD BY," "ADAPTED BY," and "UNKNOWN"
Subgenres of Folklore
An Overview
- Fable
- Fairy Tale
- Tall Tale
- Legend
- Myth
- Let's look at each of these a little more closely.
Fable
Very short story with talking animals and a clearly stated moral
- Key Clues
- Very short; animals act and speak like humans; ends with a clearly stated lesson
- Examples
- The Tortoise and the Hare retold by Nina Solis
- A Hare makes fun of a Tortoise and challenges him to a race. The Hare runs ahead fast, then decides to take a nap because he is so far ahead. The Tortoise keeps walking at a steady pace. Eventually, the Tortoise crosses the finish line first. Slow and steady wins the race.
- The Ant and the Grasshopper retold by Marcus Adler
- All summer, the Ant works hard storing food. The Grasshopper just sings and plays. When winter comes, the Ant has plenty to eat. The Grasshopper has nothing. Prepare today for the needs of tomorrow.
Fairy Tale
Has magic, monsters, and/or talking animals
- Key Clues
- “Once upon a time,” human main character, magic and monsters
- Examples
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears retold by Catherine Marsh
- Once upon a time, a girl named Goldilocks walks into a house in the woods. No one is home. She eats some porridge, sits in some chairs, and falls asleep in a little bed. When the three bears who live there come back, they find her and she runs away.
- Cinderella adapted by Rosa Vidal
- Once upon a time, a girl named Cinderella was living with her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. They made Cinderella do all the work and never let her have any fun. One night, a fairy uses magic to give Cinderella a fancy dress and glass slippers. Cinderella goes to the prince's ball. At midnight, the magic wears off and she runs home. The prince finds her glass slipper. He uses this to find her. They live happily ever after.
Tall Tale
Funny stories set in the Wild West where the main character's size or skill is greatly exaggerated
- Key Clues
- American frontier setting and humorous exaggeration
- Examples
- Paul Bunyan and the Great Lakes retold by Gerald Hawkins
- Paul Bunyan was the biggest, strongest lumberjack who ever lived. He was so strong that he could pull a river straight. Paul once dragged an entire forest out of the ground to clear a path to his camp. He was so large that his footprints filled with rainwater and became lakes. Many people believe that is how the Great Lakes were formed.
- Pecos Bill and the Tornado retold by Donna Whitfield
- Pecos Bill was the toughest cowboy in the whole Wild West. He was raised by coyotes and could ride anything with legs, or without. One day, a giant tornado tore across Texas. Bill jumped on it like a bucking bronco and rode it all the way to California.
Legend
A story based on a real person or place that might be true but is exaggerated
- Key Clues
- Based on a real figure, facts stretched beyond nonfiction, tone is serious
- Examples
- 300 retold by Anton Christou
- Leonidas the king of Sparta led 300 soldiers to block a giant Persian army. The Persians had hundreds of thousands of men. But Leonidas and his 300 soldiers would not move. They fought for days in a narrow mountain pass. The size of the Persian army meant nothing in this narrow pass. Leonidas and his men cut down tens of thousands of Persians. This small force saved Sparta.
- Robin Hood and the Silver Arrow adapted by Margaret Ashford
- People say that a man named Robin Hood lived in Sherwood Forest long ago. He was the best archer anyone had ever seen. He stole money from rich people and gave it to the poor. The Sheriff of Nottingham tried to catch him many times, but Robin always got away. No one knows for sure if Robin Hood was a real person, but the forest is real.
Myth
Has gods and goddesses; may explain the creation of something
- Key Clues
- Gods/goddesses, origin/creation explanations, ancient cultures
- Examples
- Persephone and the Seasons adapted by Daniel Okoro
- The Greek goddess Demeter loved her daughter Persephone more than anything. One day, the god of the underworld stole Persephone. Demeter was so sad that she made all the plants stop growing. The other gods came together and made a deal. Persephone was allowed to come home for part of the year. While she is home, Demeter is happy and plants grow. When she leaves, winter comes. That is how the Greeks explained the seasons.
- Ra and the First Morning retold by Farah Sayed
- The ancient Egyptians believed that in the beginning, there was only dark water everywhere. Then the great god Ra rose up out of the water. He was so bright that light filled the sky for the first time. Ra spoke the names of things, and they became real. He said "earth," and there was earth. He said "sky," and there was sky. That is how the ancient Egyptians believed the world began.
Drama
Stories written in script form; meant to be performed
- Key Clues
- Looks like a script: character names followed by lines.
- Examples
- Juliet: O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
- Hamlet: To be, or not to be: that is the question
Subgenres of Drama
Comedies and Tragedies
- Comedies
- Things go poorly for most of the story but it ends happily.
- Tragedies
- Things go well for most of the story but it ends terribly.
- Comedies = Weddings | Tragedies = Funerals
Poetry
Writing that is concerned with the beauty of language
- There are many subgenres of poetry.
- Forms: haikus or sonnets
- Techniques: rhyming or rhythm
- Poetry is a main literary genre.
Commonly Confused Subgenres
Some Tips and Tricks
- Fairy tale and Fantasy
- Fable and Fairy Tale - Look at the ending
- Tall Tale and Legend - Consider the tone
- Legend and Historical Fiction - Look at the author
- Biography and Autobiography - Look at the author
- Science Fiction and Fantasy - Look at the setting
In Review
- There are 5 main genres.
- Identify the main genre first, then look for clues to identify the subgenre.
- Look at the author credit line!
Review
Practice Review
The Science of Stink: Why Things Smell and Other Gross Mysteries by Dr. Barnaby P. Sniff
Have you ever wondered why feet smell like old cheese after a long day? This silly science book explains exactly why! You will learn facts about tiny bugs called bacteria. They live on your skin and eat your sweat. It also teaches you how your nose works to smell things like garbage, burps, and gym socks.
Have you ever wondered why feet smell like old cheese after a long day? This silly science book explains exactly why! You will learn facts about tiny bugs called bacteria. They live on your skin and eat your sweat. It also teaches you how your nose works to smell things like garbage, burps, and gym socks.
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This text provides factual information to readers.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
The Backyard Rule by Deshawn Carter
Owen's grandfather has a rule: every answer is in the backyard. Stuck on homework? Go outside and think. Bored? Build something with sticks. But Owen notices something strange. Grandpa never reads the mail. He asks Owen to read the menu at restaurants. He laughs and changes the subject when Owen shows him a text message. One night, Owen finds a pile of unopened letters in a drawer. That's when it hits him. Grandpa can't read. Should Owen say something, or would that embarrass the toughest person he knows?
Owen's grandfather has a rule: every answer is in the backyard. Stuck on homework? Go outside and think. Bored? Build something with sticks. But Owen notices something strange. Grandpa never reads the mail. He asks Owen to read the menu at restaurants. He laughs and changes the subject when Owen shows him a text message. One night, Owen finds a pile of unopened letters in a drawer. That's when it hits him. Grandpa can't read. Should Owen say something, or would that embarrass the toughest person he knows?
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This is a made-up story but it could happen in real life.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
The Lion and the Donkey retold by Brant Miller
The Lion walked proudly through the forest. All the other animals moved out of his way to show respect. But a Donkey stood near the path and yelled a rude insult at the king of the beasts. The Lion felt a sudden flash of anger and turned around to see who had spoken. When he saw it was only a foolish Donkey, the Lion just kept walking. He decided not to waste his time or his claws on someone so silly. The moral of the story is to ignore the rude words of a fool.
The Lion walked proudly through the forest. All the other animals moved out of his way to show respect. But a Donkey stood near the path and yelled a rude insult at the king of the beasts. The Lion felt a sudden flash of anger and turned around to see who had spoken. When he saw it was only a foolish Donkey, the Lion just kept walking. He decided not to waste his time or his claws on someone so silly. The moral of the story is to ignore the rude words of a fool.
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This is a very short story that is part of the folkloric tradition and has a clearly stated moral.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
Beyond the Cafeteria Doors by Kylie Barnes
In this essay, Kylie Barnes argues that students should be allowed to leave school for lunch. She gives three reasons why. First, the cafeteria is too crowded. Second, kids need fresh air to wake up their brains. Third, buying food teaches kids how to be responsible with money. Kylie asks all the students to sign her petition. She believes off-campus lunch will be better for all.
In this essay, Kylie Barnes argues that students should be allowed to leave school for lunch. She gives three reasons why. First, the cafeteria is too crowded. Second, kids need fresh air to wake up their brains. Third, buying food teaches kids how to be responsible with money. Kylie asks all the students to sign her petition. She believes off-campus lunch will be better for all.
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This text attempts to convince the reader to support off-campus lunch.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
Calamity Jake and the River That Wouldn't Stop retold by Wanda Pike
Calamity Jake lived on the frontier. He was the biggest, strongest cowboy anyone ever saw. One day a river flooded his town. It just kept rising! Jake bent down and slurped up the river until the ground was dry again. Folks say he burped so loud it scared away the rainclouds!
Calamity Jake lived on the frontier. He was the biggest, strongest cowboy anyone ever saw. One day a river flooded his town. It just kept rising! Jake bent down and slurped up the river until the ground was dry again. Folks say he burped so loud it scared away the rainclouds!
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This story has been retold many times, it features humorous exaggeration, and it is set in the American frontier.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
The Library of Locked Doors by James R. Allen
Jada finds a strange key tucked inside an old library book. When she turns the key, the library shakes. Then a hidden door appears between the shelves. Behind the door is a glowing hallway. A whispery shadow calls her name. She wanders into a strange realm filled with doors. Each door she unlocks reveals a new secret. She finds a room of storms, a cage of tiny dragons, and a magic mirror. Can Jada learn to control the key before she gets locked away?
Jada finds a strange key tucked inside an old library book. When she turns the key, the library shakes. Then a hidden door appears between the shelves. Behind the door is a glowing hallway. A whispery shadow calls her name. She wanders into a strange realm filled with doors. Each door she unlocks reveals a new secret. She finds a room of storms, a cage of tiny dragons, and a magic mirror. Can Jada learn to control the key before she gets locked away?
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This is a story with magic and monsters and it is NOT part of the oral tradition.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
Mic Check: My Year in the Sound Booth by Jalen Rivers
My name is Jalen Rivers, and this book is a true story about me. I joined my school's podcast team even though I was shy. The first time I recorded, I sounded nervous and messy. I practiced, learned how to edit sound, and got braver each week. Could I really become a host?
My name is Jalen Rivers, and this book is a true story about me. I joined my school's podcast team even though I was shy. The first time I recorded, I sounded nervous and messy. I practiced, learned how to edit sound, and got braver each week. Could I really become a host?
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
The author tells their own true life story from first-person perspective ("I," "my").
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
In this play, two friends both pretend to be someone called "Ernest" to impress the women they love. This drama is full of silly mix-ups and jokes. But after a lot of laughs, every thing works out. The characters forgive each other and celebrate.
In this play, two friends both pretend to be someone called "Ernest" to impress the women they love. This drama is full of silly mix-ups and jokes. But after a lot of laughs, every thing works out. The characters forgive each other and celebrate.
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This is a play with a happy ending.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
The Sign My Father Carried by Angela Ford
It is 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. Marcus’s dad is a garbage collector who works very hard but gets treated unfairly. The workers go on strike to demand better pay and safety. Marcus wants to help. He drafts the famous "I AM A MAN" sign for the peaceful march. This novel shows how a young boy finds his courage during a real, important time in history.
It is 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. Marcus’s dad is a garbage collector who works very hard but gets treated unfairly. The workers go on strike to demand better pay and safety. Marcus wants to help. He drafts the famous "I AM A MAN" sign for the peaceful march. This novel shows how a young boy finds his courage during a real, important time in history.
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This is a made-up story based around a major historical event.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
Why the Sea Tastes of Salt adapted by Rena Malu
Long ago, the ocean was made of fresh water, just like rivers and lakes. The Sea Goddess, Talua, guarded the water and kept it clean. But her brother, Mako, the God of Storms, kept sending wild waves to wreck fishing boats. Talua begged him to stop, but he only laughed. Talua cried so hard that her tears filled the entire ocean. Her tears were salty, and the water has been salty ever since. And that is why the sea tastes of salt.
Long ago, the ocean was made of fresh water, just like rivers and lakes. The Sea Goddess, Talua, guarded the water and kept it clean. But her brother, Mako, the God of Storms, kept sending wild waves to wreck fishing boats. Talua begged him to stop, but he only laughed. Talua cried so hard that her tears filled the entire ocean. Her tears were salty, and the water has been salty ever since. And that is why the sea tastes of salt.
Choose one answer, then add your follow-up response.
Learn Why
This is a story that is part of the folkloric tradition, has gods and goddesses, and accounts for the creation of something.
Follow-up Response
How do you know? Explain your answer.
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