Genre Comparison Chart

Directions: Using the topic materials and your own research, complete each section of the chart. Complete Part 1 during Topic 2 and
Part 2 during Topic 3. Refer back to this chart for assignments throughout the course.
Part 1: Children's Literature Genres

Genre Description
Genre
(In 1-2 sentences
summarize the genre and
its specific
representative of the genre
characteristics.)
Book/Story Examples
(List at least two
kindergarten to Grade 5
books or stories
content to be taught about
including the grade level
and book/story title. One
of the books/stories
should be a multicultural
selection.)
Activities
State Standards
(In 1-2 sentences
(List one state content summarize one activity
area standard that that could be implemented
describes the specific with students when
studying the genre.
the genre/genre Indicate the state standard
characteristics in to which the activity
kindergarten through aligns.)
Grade 5.)

Adventure Adventure is a genre
characterized by exciting
and often dangerous
journeys or quests
undertaken by the main
characters. It typically
involves challenges,
exploration, and the
pursuit of a goal, often set
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Where the Wild Things
Are" by Maurice Sendak
Multicultural Selection:
"The Name Jar" by
Yangsook Choi
In California, a state
content area standard for
Adventure in kindergarten
through Grade 5 might
include: "Analyze the
elements of an adventure
story, including the main
character's journey and the
Students can create their
own adventure story
maps, identifying the main
character, setting,
challenges, and the
ultimate goal. This
activity aligns with the
state standard mentioned
 in exotic or unfamiliar
settings.
Genre Description:
Biography is a genre that
presents the life story of a
real person, highlighting
their achievements,
struggles, and impact on
Biography
the world. It provides a
factual account of a
person's life.
Drama is a genre
characterized by plays,
scripts, or performances
that involve dialogue,
acting, and theatrical
Drama elements. It often includes
conflicts, character
development, and various
themes.
Fantasy Fantasy is a genre known
for its imaginative and
magical elements, often
set in fictional worlds or
featuring mythical
creatures. It allows for
creative and otherworldly
storytelling.
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"The Boy Who Loved
Math: The Improbable
Life of Paul Erdos" by
Deborah Heiligman
Multicultural Selection: "I
Am Malala: How One
Girl Stood Up for
Education and Changed
the World" by Malala
Yousafzai
"The Gingerbread Man"
(as a play adaptation)
Multicultural Selection:
"The Jungle Book" (as a
play adaptation)
"Where the Sidewalk
Ends" by Shel Silverstein
Multicultural Selection:
"The Chronicles of
Narnia: The Lion, the
Witch and the Wardrobe"
by C.S. Lewis
challenges they face."
In New York, a state
content area standard for
Biography in kindergarten
through Grade 5 might
include: "Identify and
describe the key events
and contributions of
individuals in
biographies."
In Texas, a state content
area standard for Drama in
kindergarten through
Grade 5 might include:
"Participate in dramatic
play and performances,
demonstrating an
understanding of
character, plot, and
dialogue."
In Florida, a state content
area standard for Fantasy
in kindergarten through
Grade 5 might include:
"Identify and explain
elements of fantasy
literature, such as magical
creatures and enchanted
above.
Students can research and
create a biography
presentation about a
notable individual,
summarizing their life,
achievements, and impact,
aligning with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can act out a
scene from a play or
script, focusing on
character development
and dialogue. This activity
aligns with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can create their
own fantasy creatures and
describe their
characteristics, habitats,
and magical abilities,
aligning with the state
standard mentioned above.

Folktales, fables, and fairy
tales are genres featuring
short stories often passed
down through generations.
Folktales, They typically contain
Fables, and moral lessons, mythical
Fairy Tales elements, and archetypal
characters.
Narrative is a genre that
tells a story, which can be
fictional or based on real-
life events. It typically
includes characters,
Narrative
setting, a plot with a
beginning, middle, and
end, and a central theme
or message.
Nursery rhymes are short,
rhythmic, and repetitive
poems or songs often
designed for young
Nursery
Rhymes children. They are
traditional and serve
educational and
entertainment purposes.
Mystery Mystery is a genre
focused on solving
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settings."
"The Tortoise and the In Illinois, a state content
Hare" (Aesop's Fable) area standard for
Folktales, Fables, and
Multicultural Selection: Fairy Tales in
"Anansi the Spider: A kindergarten through
Tale from the Ashanti" by Grade 5 might include:
Gerald McDermott "Identify and explain the
moral lessons and cultural
aspects in folktales and
fables."
"The Very Hungry In Ohio, a state content
Caterpillar" by Eric Carle area standard for Narrative
in kindergarten through
Multicultural Selection: Grade 5 might include:
"The Empty Pot" by Demi "Identify the elements of a
narrative, including
characters, setting, and the
sequence of events."
"Humpty Dumpty" In Georgia, a state content
area standard for Nursery
Multicultural Selection: Rhymes in kindergarten
"Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" through Grade 5 might
include: "Recite and
discuss nursery rhymes as
a form of oral tradition."
"Nate the Great" by In Michigan, a state
Marjorie Weinman content area standard for
Students can read and
compare different versions
of the same folktale or
fable from various
cultures, discussing the
moral lessons conveyed,
aligning with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can create their
own narrative stories,
ensuring they include
characters, setting, and a
clear sequence of events
with a beginning, middle,
and end. This activity
aligns with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can learn and
recite nursery rhymes,
discussing their meanings
and origins. This activity
aligns with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can read a
mystery story, make
 puzzles, crimes, or
enigmatic events. It often
involves suspense, clues,
and a central mystery that
needs to be unraveled.
Poetry is a genre
characterized by artistic
and structured language. It
often focuses on the use of
rhythm, rhyme, and
Poetry
figurative language to
convey emotions, ideas,
and vivid imagery.
Part 2: Adolescent Literature Genres
Genre Genre Description
(In 1-2 sentences
summarize the genre and
its specific
characteristics.)
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Sharmat Mystery in kindergarten
through Grade 5 might
Multicultural Selection: include: "Identify and
"The Secret of the Old explain the elements of a
Clock" (Nancy Drew mystery story, including
Mysteries) by Carolyn clues, suspects, and the
Keene resolution of the mystery."
"Where the Sidewalk In Pennsylvania, a state
Ends" by Shel Silverstein content area standard for
Poetry in kindergarten
Multicultural Selection: through Grade 5 might
"Brown Girl Dreaming" include: "Identify and
by Jacqueline Woodson
analyze the use of
figurative language, such
as similes and metaphors,
in poetry."
Book/Story Examples
State Standards
(List at least two Grades
6-12 books or stories (List one state content area
representative of the genre standard that describes the
including the grade level specific content to be that could be implemented
and book/story title. One taught about the
of the books/stories should genre/genre characteristics
be a multicultural in Grades 6-12. Indicate
selection.)
predictions about the
outcome, and discuss the
clues and suspects. This
activity aligns with the
state standard mentioned
above.
Students can explore and
write poems that use
similes and metaphors to
describe objects,
emotions, or experiences.
This activity aligns with
the state standard
mentioned above.
Activities
(In 1-2 sentences
summarize one activity
with students when
studying the genre.
the state standard
to which the activity
aligns.)
 Autobiography is a genre
where individuals write an
account of their own life,
offering insights into
Autobiograph personal experiences,
y reflections, and growth.
Graphic novels use a
combination of text and
visual elements, including
illustrations and panels, to
Graphic tell a story. They are
Novels diverse in genre and offer
a visually engaging
storytelling experience.
Historical fiction is set in
a specific time period in
the past, while science
fiction involves
Historical and speculative and futuristic
Science elements.
Fiction
Horror Horror is a genre designed
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Grades 6-12: "The Diary In New York, a state
of a Young Girl" by Anne content area standard for
Frank Autobiography in Grades
6-12 might include:
Multicultural Selection: "Analyze how an author's
"Dreams from My Father: choices concerning how to
A Story of Race and structure a text contribute
Inheritance" by Barack to its overall structure and
Obama meaning."
Grades 6-12: "Maus" by In California, a state
Art Spiegelman content area standard for
Graphic Novels in Grades
Multicultural Selection: 6-12 might include:
"American Born Chinese" "Analyze the impact of the
by Gene Luen Yang author’s choices regarding
how to develop and relate
elements of a story or
drama."
Grades 6-12: "All the In Texas, a state content
Light We Cannot See" by area standard for
Anthony Doerr (Historical Historical and Science
Fiction) Fiction in Grades 6-12
might include: "Analyze
Multicultural Selection: how an author's choices
"Kindred" by Octavia concerning how to
Butler (Science Fiction) structure a text contribute
to its overall structure and
meaning."
Grades 6-12: "It" by In Florida, a state content
Students can create their
own autobiographical
timeline, emphasizing key
life events and personal
growth. This activity
aligns with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can create their
own short graphic novels,
focusing on effective use
of both text and images to
convey a narrative. This
activity aligns with the
state standard mentioned
above.
Students can research and
present on a specific
historical event or
scientific concept featured
in the fiction they read.
This activity aligns with
the state standard
mentioned above.
Students can create their
 to evoke fear and suspense Stephen King area standard for Horror in own spooky short stories,
in readers. It often Grades 6-12 might focusing on building
includes supernatural Multicultural Selection: include: "Analyze how an suspense through
elements, psychological "Mexican Gothic" by author’s choices descriptive language and
thrills, and a sense of Silvia Moreno-Garcia concerning how to plot twists. This activity
impending danger. structure specific parts of aligns with the state
a text contribute to its standard mentioned above.
overall structure and
meaning."

Humor is a genre designed Grades 6-12: "The In Illinois, a state content Students can analyze
to entertain and amuse Hitchhiker's Guide to the area standard for Humor comedic techniques in
readers, often through Galaxy" by Douglas in Grades 6-12 might literature and create their
satire, wit, and comedic Adams include: "Analyze how an own humorous short
elements. author’s choices stories or scenes. This
Humor Multicultural Selection: concerning how to activity aligns with the
"Crazy Rich Asians" by structure specific parts of state standard mentioned
Kevin Kwan a text contribute to its above.
overall structure and
meaning."

Legends are traditional Grades 6-12: "King Arthur In Ohio, a state content Students can compare and
stories that often explain and the Knights of the area standard for Legends contrast legends from
the origins of a cultural Round Table" by Howard in Grades 6-12 might different cultures,
belief or practice. They Pyle include: "Analyze how an identifying common
Legends may feature heroic author's choices themes and cultural
figures, mythical Multicultural Selection: concerning how to variations. This activity
creatures, and moral "The Ramayana" (Indian structure a text contribute aligns with the state
lessons. Epic) to its overall structure and standard mentioned above.
meaning."

Mythology Mythology involves Grades 6-12: "The Iliad" In Georgia, a state content Students can create their
traditional stories that by Homer area standard for own modern-day myths,
explain the beliefs and Mythology in Grades 6-12 incorporating elements of
© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
 practices of a culture,
often featuring gods,
goddesses, and legendary
heroes.
Narratives are stories that
recount a series of events,
often with characters, a
setting, and a plot. They
can encompass various
genres and formats.
Narratives
Plays are written works
meant to be performed by
actors on stage. They
often include dialogue,
stage directions, and
thematic elements.
Plays
Realistic Realistic fiction is a genre "The Fault in Our Stars"
Fiction that presents fictional
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Multicultural Selection: might include: "Analyze
"The Epic of Gilgamesh" how an author’s choices
(Mesopotamian Myth) concerning how to
structure specific parts of
a text contribute to its
overall structure and
meaning."
Grades 6-12: "To Kill a In Pennsylvania, a state
Mockingbird" by Harper content area standard for
Lee Narratives in Grades 6-12
might include: "Analyze
Multicultural Selection: how an author’s choices
"The Joy Luck Club" by concerning how to
Amy Tan structure a text, order
events within it, and
manipulate time contribute
to its overall structure and
meaning."
Grades 6-12: "Romeo and In Texas, a state content
Juliet" by William area standard for Plays in
Shakespeare Grades 6-12 might
include: "Analyze how an
Multicultural Selection: author’s choices
"A Raisin in the Sun" by concerning how to
Lorraine Hansberry structure a text, order
events within it, and
manipulate time contribute
to its overall structure and
meaning."
In Michigan, a state
content area standard for
mythology and cultural
significance. This activity
aligns with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can analyze
narrative structures in
literature and create their
own narrative outlines,
focusing on character
development and plot
progression. This activity
aligns with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can perform
scenes from a play,
focusing on interpreting
and delivering dialogue
effectively. This activity
aligns with the state
standard mentioned above.
Students can analyze
themes in realistic fiction
 stories that could happen
in the real world, often
addressing contemporary
issues and reflecting the
human experience.
by John Green Realistic Fiction in Grades
6-12 might include:
Multicultural Selection: "Analyze how an author’s
"The Kite Runner" by choices concerning how to
Khaled Hosseini structure specific parts of
a text contribute to its
overall structure and
meaning."
and create their own short
stories addressing real-
world issues. This activity
aligns with the state
standard mentioned above.

Short stories are brief
works of fiction that
typically focus on a single
plot or theme. They allow
for concentrated
Short Stories storytelling within a
limited space.
Grades 6-12: "The In Illinois, a state content
Lottery" by Shirley area standard for Short
Jackson Stories in Grades 6-12
might include: "Analyze
Multicultural Selection: how an author’s choices
"Interpreter of Maladies" concerning how to
by Jhumpa Lahiri structure specific parts of
a text contribute to its
overall structure and
meaning."
Students can analyze the
structure of short stories
and create their own,
focusing on concise and
impactful storytelling.
This activity aligns with
the state standard
mentioned above.

Resources

NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English). (n.d.). Teaching Autobiographies.

https://www.readwritethink.org/?_ga=2.264010124.1236496593.1699816895-744223841.1699816894

Teachers Pay Teachers. (n.d.). Autobiography Writing: Prompts & Template for Kids.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SLK5-Kindergarten-Common-Core-Worksheets-Activity-and-Poster-320078

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.

ReadWriteThink. (n.d.). Teaching with Graphic Novels.
https://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/podcast-episodes/introduction-graphic-novels#:~:text=Students
%20develop%20their%20reading%2C%20writing,graphic%20novels%20using%20comic%20software.&text=Students%20analyze
%20characterization%20by%20creating,with%20related%20gadgets%20and%20settings.

Facing History and Ourselves. (n.d.). Teaching Historical Fiction.

https://world101.cfr.org/CFRE-us-history-resources?
gclid=Cj0KCQiAjMKqBhCgARIsAPDgWlyoBEPBXzJOjuEuOL9BIKBgRlfdLZLO1F-
OkMuHctWkCiGsR7ses38aAgiQEALw_wcB

Reedsy. (n.d.). Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing Prompts.

https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/fantasy/

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