Exploring Genres

1. Realistic Fiction

1.1. Stories that are believable and could happen in real life

1.2. Characters seem like real people, experiencing real life events, challenges, and emotions. No super powers, no talking animals, or talking inanimate objects

1.3. Setting is present time and mirrors the people and society of the modern world

1.4. Plot includes true to life conflicts and resolutions

1.5. Examples: Junie B Jones, Frindle, The Fault in Our Stars

2. Fairy Tales

2.1. Stories with magical elements, characteristics may cross over into fables and folklores

2.2. Set in the past, enchanted settings can include forest, castles, ocean

2.3. Characters are good and evil. Fantasy characters: dwarves, elves, fairies, witches, princesses

2.4. Plot contains clearly defined problem, climax, and resolution

2.5. Most have a happy ending and teach a lesson

2.6. Examples: 3 Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella

3. Historical Fiction

3.1. Stories that portray a specified time period or historical event, usually about 30 years in the past

3.2. Setting is the most important literary element. Information must be accurate to the time period- research must be done by author. The settings may be real or imaginary

3.3. Characters may be imaginary or actually lived in the time period

3.4. Plot events may be actual historical events or fictional

3.5. Fictional settings, characters, and plots must be portray authentically, as if they could have happened

3.6. Examples: Esperanza Rising, Bud, Not Buddy