Genres And Subgenres

Genres and SubgenresClassifying Stories

Genres and SubgenresTexts can be separated into groupscalled genres and subgenres.TextGenreBananais aFoodHarry PotterBookisFictionSubgenreis aFruitisFantasy

GenresFiction: creative or imaginative writing.Nonfiction: writing that is true or factual.Folklore: stories once passed down orally.*Usually will say “retold by” or “adapted by”Dramas: plays or scripts.Poetry: writing concerned with the beauty oflanguage.We will focus on the first three.

Fiction ionHistoricalFiction

Realistic Fiction: stories that could be true,but aren’t.Science Fiction: has aliens, advancedtechnology, or is set in the future.Historical Fiction: a made up story setaround a real event or person from history.Fantasy: has monsters, magic, or superpowers.

Nonfiction rsuasiveWritingAutobiography

Informational Writing: provides facts orinformation.Autobiography: one’s life story written byoneself.Auto SelfBio LifeGraphy WritingBiography: one’s life story written bysomeone else.Persuasive Writing: meant to influence thereader.

Folklore SubgenresFolkloreFableTall TaleFairy TaleLegendMyth

Fable: short story with talking animals & a moral.Moral: lesson of the story (clearly stated).Myth: has gods & goddesses; may account forthe 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 isexaggerated.Usually says “Retold by” or “Adapted by”

Fairytales & FantasiesBoth 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.”

Tips for Identifying1.Find the main genre first1.Look for details that reveal subgenre

1The Lion and the MouseRetold by Larry RaneyA Lion was sleeping when a Mouse wokehim. The Lion was about to eat him when theMouse 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 helet the mouse go. Some time later the Lionwas caught in a hunter’s trap. The little Mousehappened to pass by and, seeing the trappedLion, he gnawed through the ropes and freedhim. Little friends can be a big help.

2Brides of WarBy Gloria Mallon1942, as World War II is raging, threeyoung ladies fall in love with three verydifferent soldiers. These odd couples windup on a triple date off-base one night.This seemingly romantic evening explodesinto a situation that could make or breakthe allied war effort.

3The Many Adventures of Robin HoodAdapted by Kirk YoungIn this work, Young retells the manyfolktales concerning the mythical RobinHood, who may have been a real person.In these adventures Robin Hood steals fromthe rich and gives to the poor infascinatingly dashing ways. These taleshave captured the imaginations of millionsof delighted readers through the ages.

4The Awesome Book of Sharksby Carrie Ann PowersThis book offers rare insights into thedeep-sea lives of one of nature’sdeadliest, yet most misunderstood, killingmachines. Learn where sharks live, whatthey eat, and how they bear their young.This book gives readers an up-close viewof a shark’s life.

5Escape From Space Base 8by Mark PoundThe oxygen supplies on Space Base 8are dwindling and the meteor shield isrunning out of energy. Can Captain Curtand his small crew of ragtag rebels retrievethe much needed supplies from Space Base7 before it’s too late? Find out in thisexciting space adventure.

6On Short Time: Personal Memoirsby Eric AruglaOur world is not often built with shortpeople in mind. In this collection of real-lifestories, Mr. Arugla, a person whom by somemeasures is considered the smallest man inthe world, tells the stories of his trials andtriumphs navigating through a world that wasjust not built for him.

7Pecos Billby Sarah MillsMills retells the adventures of one ofthe most celebrated figures from the WildWest. Raised by a pack of coyotes, Billgoes on to become the toughest cowboyin the world, using a rattlesnake as alasso, riding a mountain lion, and eatingdynamite. You won’t believe these stories!

8Celestial Eventby Michelle WaltonThe story of Mae Puffin and hervampire love, Bob Sharpe. The novelexplores Mae's choice between her lovefor Bob and her friendship with mummyDaniel Red, who harbors great feelings forMae but is afraid to express himselfbecause he believes that the curse of themummy extends to love life as well.

9Perseus: Crackin’ the KrakenAdapted by Saul WalkmanPerseus, the son of Zeus, is about toreceive the ultimate test: to save his villagehe must slay the snake-haired monsterMedusa, who is so horrifying that looking ather will turn you into stone. Not only that, butsomebody let out the Kraken, a giganticmonster from the sea. Can Perseus defeatthe undefeatable and save his town?

10A History of the United States for Peopleby Harold ZappZapp tells the untold history of the UnitedStates by focusing on the unrepresentedminority groups: women, Native Americans, andAfrican Americans. Using rare documents fromthe deepest archives of American history, Zappprovides a wealth of interesting information andbrings readers to some stunning conclusions.

1 The Lion and the Mouse Retold 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.