Genres of Literature

A story that parents have passed down to their children through speech over many generations.

• Tall Tale

• Legend

• Folktale

• Myth

A verse written to create a response of thought and feeling from the reader, using rhythm and rhyme to help convey its meaning.

• Mystery

• Memoir

• Realistic Fiction

• Poetry

A story with impossible elements such as talking animals or magical powers. Make-believe is what this genre is all about.

• Fairy Tale

• Science Fiction

• Fantasy

• Fable

A story usually set in the American frontier and told as if it were true and factual, although very difficult to believe. May exaggerate actual events.

• Legend

• Myth

• Tall Tale

• Historical Fiction

A story from an ancient culture that told about the actions of the gods to explain a practice, belief, or natural occurrence.

• Legend

• Myth

• Fable

• Tall Tale

A true story drawn from a specific time, telling the writer's own memories, feelings, & emotions.

• Memoir

• Autobiography

• Biography

• Informational

A story that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book.

• Humor

• Poetry

• Graphic Novel

• Novel in Verse

A story of a real person's life written by another person.

• Autobiography

• Biography

• Historical Fiction

• Realistic Fiction

An imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives

• Science Fiction

• Fantasy

• Horror

• Dystopian

A story that may start with "once upon a time" involving fantastic forces and beings such as fairies, wizards, and goblins in which improbable events lead to a happy ending.

• Fairy Tale

• Fantasy

• Folk Tale

• Myth