This document provides descriptions of different literary genres of fiction including mystery, science fiction, legends and myths, fantasy, folklore, and historical fiction. Each genre is described in one to three sentences. For example, mysteries are described as stories that keep the reader guessing, science fiction often involves space or the future, and folklore includes stories passed down between generations. The document also includes brief examples to illustrate each genre.

1. Directions: Use your colored pencils or crayons to color-code each genre by category and description. The categories are in bold print.
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Literary Genre Sort (Fiction)
Mystery (3) Science Fiction (4) Legends and Myths
(4)
Fantasy
(and Fairy Tales)
(6)
Folklore
(Folk Tales, Tall
Tales, and
Fables)(4)
Historical
Fiction
(3)
Many Disney
movies are
examples of
these. Fantasy
These are stories in
which the author
tends to keep the
reader guessing.
Mystery
These stories are
based on real events,
but the characters
and specifics are
often made up. HF
Detective stories
would fall into this
category. Mystery
In these stories, the
people are made up
but the events are
true. HF
A book about a
made-up girl
during the
Harlem
Renaissance. HF
Stories that
contain witchcraft
and hobbits
would be in this
genre. Fantasy
Story, often long,
that is loosely-
based on a real
person. Myth
These can be
action/adventure
stories that involve
warlocks or
vampires. Fantasy
Short stories that
involve magic.
Fantasy
Imaginary tales
where the author
creates their own
world and
creatures. Fantasy
In these books,
people may visit
other planets.
SF
“A Sound of
Thunder” is an
example of this.
SF
Stories passed
down from
generation to
generation. FLore
These stories and
movies often involve
space, time travel,
and the future. SF
The person in
these stories may
be real, but the
events are largely
made up. Myth
This type of
fictional sub-genre
may include people
defeating monsters
to show their
strength. Myth
The theme of
these stories
often includes a
moral, or lesson
about life. FLore
Nancy Drew, a
teen detective,
would be in this
type of book.
Mystery
This sub-genre of
fiction often serves
the purpose of
teaching a lesson.
FLore
“Cinderella” and
“Snow White” are not
just princesses; they
are also titles of
these. Fantasy
Some examples of
these story’s
characters include
the gods and
goddesses of
ancient Greece
and Rome. Myth
In these books,
there is often a
surprise ending.
Mystery
“Attack of the
Alien Invaders”
is an example of
this. SF

2. Directions: Use your colored pencils or crayons to color-code each genre by category and description. The categories are in bold print.
Literacy Station Inspiration http://literacystationinspiration.blogspot.com/
Literary Genre Sort (Fiction)
Mystery Science Fiction Legends and Myths Fantasy
(and Fairy Tales)
Folklore
(Folk Tales, Tall
Tales, and Fables)
Historical
Fiction
Many Disney
movies are
examples of
these.
These are stories in
which the author
tends to keep the
reader guessing.
These stories are
based on real events,
but the characters
and specifics are
often made up.
Detective stories
would fall into this
category.
In these stories, the
people are made up
but the events are
true.
A book about a
made-up girl
during the
Harlem
Renaissance.
Stories that
contain witchcraft
and hobbits
would be in this
genre.
Story, often long,
that is loosely-
based on a real
person.
These can be
action/adventure
stories that involve
warlocks or
vampires.
Short stories that
involve magic.
Imaginary tales
where the author
creates their own
world and
creatures.
In these books,
people may visit
other planets.
“A Sound of
Thunder” is an
example of this.
Stories passed
down from
generation to
generation.
These stories and
movies often involve
space, time travel,
and the future.
The person in
these stories may
be real, but the
events are largely
made up.
This type of
fictional sub-genre
may include people
defeating monsters
to show their
strength.
The theme of
these stories
often includes a
moral, or lesson
about life.
Nancy Drew, a
teen detective,
would be in this
type of book.
This sub-genre of
fiction often serves
the purpose of
teaching a lesson.
“Cinderella” and
“Snow White” are not
just princesses; they
are also titles of
these.
Some examples of
these story’s
characters include
the gods and
goddesses of
ancient Greece
and Rome.
In these books,
there is often a
surprise ending.
“Attack of the
Alien Invaders”
is an example of
this.