WHERE DO THE ZOMBIE BOOKS GO? GENREFYING FICTION

Terri Lent, Librarian Hanover County Public Schools

Realistic fiction • Contemporary setting and time period • True to life issues • Plausible outcomes

• Coming of age themes • Social issues and problems

• Guides reader to fuller understanding of themselves and others

Realistic Fiction Subgenres • • • • • • •

Mystery Romance Historical Military/War Sports Thrillers/Suspense Humor

Mystery • • • • • •

Solutions to secret, problem or crime Suspenseful, fast paced Cliffhangers Foreshadowing Often in series Emphasis on plot

Humor • Meant to entertain • Humor found in serious situations • Sense of humor helps protagonist to mature

• One or more characters act as foil to protagonist • Quirkiness • Messages of "you are not alone" and "you can survive"

Romance • Focus on mutual love and attraction between characters and on their relationship • Conflict and climax directly related to relationship • "Happily ever after" endings • Often combined with other genres

Classics • "Distinguished examples of penmanship of a particular period of history" • Relevant to broad scope of humanity • Universal themes and experiences • Cross-cultural • Timeliness, effective language • Influential to future literature • Time-honored or modern (pre-1980)

Thriller/Suspense • Previously called Action/Adventure • Fast paced, suspenseful • Involves risk and physical danger

• Generally contemporary or realistic setting but not always • Hero frustrated by villain, natural forces or other people but wins in the end • Quests, journeys or extreme situations • Characters exhibit quick thinking, problem solving and inner strength

Thriller/Suspense Subgenres • • • • • • •

Legal Medical Political Psychological Survival Crime Spy

Historical • Characters and events in historical setting • Based on dates, peoples or events that were real • Accuracy of detail is essential

• Protagonist is often fictionalized • War, social history and political instability often feature

• May include author notes on research • Conflict allows reader to compare past with present to better understand the present

Military/War • Sub-genre of historical fiction • Primary action or characters focused on military service

• May be set in past or present • Includes Holocaust fiction • Combat, POW camps, accounts of the home front, demobilization and veterans returning to civilian life

Sports • • • •

Characters participate in sports Emphasis on team sports Themes of team building and sportsmanship Often has motivational character who pushes protagonist to use talent

Fantasy • Also called speculative fiction • Invite suspension of reality • Depends on the impossible or inexplicable

• Strange or otherworldly characters • Theme is vitally important (often good vs. evil) • Values of goodness, truth, courage or wisdom • Use of myth, legend and folklore to add depth and texture to story • Readers must enter writer's world to understand story

Fantasy, continued • • • • • • •

Light fantasy Romantic fantasy High fantasy Magical realism Urban fantasy Sword and sorcery Fairy tale retelling

• Science fiction and Horror are subgenres of fantasy

Science Fiction • Set in time that technological or scientific advance might make possible • Future societies often portrayed, usually on Earth

• Good vs. evil, often involving technology • Creates connections between real and imaginary worlds

• Superhuman qualities that are humanly possible (extreme intelligence, psychic abilities, etc.)

Science Fiction Subgenres • Dystopian • Steampunk • Alternative histories

• Cyberpunk

Horror • Primary purpose is to frighten or disgust • May feature the supernatural, monsters or the occult • Includes Gothic stories • Publishers are using terms like "dark fantasy" and thriller instead of horror for marketing

Rules of Thumb • Keep series together • Keep multiple copies together • Remember that this is all about MARKETING • Think about where the book will circulate most (where will kids look for the book) • Be willing to change genres based on reader experiences and preferences

Practicalities • Determine genres • Order supplies (Demco label protectors)

• http://www.demco.com/goto?BLS169479&ALL000 0&es=20141028070820923329 • Determine timeline (10 days to label, 3 hours to shift books for 5500 books)

Genre Circulation

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

Sept.-Oct. 2013 Sept.-Oct. 2014

Fiction Circulation 1200

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400

200

Genrefied

0 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14

Jul-14 Aug-14 Sep-14 Oct-14

Works Consulted • • •

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"Adventure Fiction." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . Borck, Denise. "What's Your Fiction Genre?" Life in the Library. N.p., 23 Sept. 2014. Web. 02 Nov. 2014. Breitsprecher, William P. "Genres." Genres. N.p., 2003-2005. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . Currie, Tina. "FANTASTIC BOOK REVIEW: Book Chatter (8) Favorite Genres." FANTASTIC BOOK REVIEW: Book Chatter (8) Favorite Genres. N.p., 5 Sept. 2011. Web. 02 Nov. 2014. "Fiction Genre Definitions." Fiction Genre Definitions. Writing to Publish, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genre - Sports Fiction." Wiki-land.wikispaces.com. York Community High School, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genre Definitions." Albemarle County Public Schools Language Arts Curriculum. Albemarle County Public Schools, 1996. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. .

Works Consulted, Consulted •

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"Genre Definitions." English Language Arts. Newfoundland Labrador Canada Department of Education, Nov. 2008. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genre Fiction." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genres for Young Adult and Young Fiction." Services to Schools. National Library of New Zealand, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . Haloin, Marcie, Gaylynn Jameson, JoAnne Piccolo, and Kari Oosterveen. "Genre Characteristics." Eastern Illinois University, 2005. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . Ives, Rachel. "What Makes a Classic Novel a Classic?" Web log post. Suite101. N.p., 10 Feb. 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . James, Steven. "6 Secrets to Creating and Sustaining Suspense." Elements of Suspense. Writer's Digest, 14 May 2013. Web. 02 Nov. 2014.

Works Consulted, Consulted • •

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"List of Literary Genres." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Literary Fiction Genres." Literary Fiction Genres. Writing to Publish, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Thriller (genre)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Thriller/Suspense Subgenre Definitions." Thriller/Suspense Subgenre Definitions. Writing to Publish, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "War Novel." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. .

HCPS Libraries Genre Definitions – Secondary Genre Historical Fiction

Definition Characters and events in a historical setting

Military/War

Story where the primary action takes place in a field or armed combat or in a domestic setting where the characters are preoccupied with preparations for, or recovery from, war. Subgenre of Historical Fiction

Thrillers

Defined by extraordinary situations that summon an emotional thrill. Characters are swept beyond a humdrum life by unforeseen circumstance

Frequently Found Elements  Based on dates, people or events that really happened  Accuracy of detail is essential  Protagonist is often fictionalized  War, social history and political instability often feature  May include author notes on research  Conflict allows reader to compare past with present to better understand our world  May be set in past or present  Includes Holocaust  Primarily focused on the first and second world wars, but also other subsequent wars, such as Vietnam, as well as smaller conflicts.  Includes not only portrayals of combat, but stories set in POW camps, accounts of the home front, and depictions of the difficulties of demobilization and the veteran returning to civilian life.

Examples  Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson  Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel

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HCPS Libraries Destiny Focus Group

Previously called Action or Adventure High level of anticipation, adrenalinerushing, fast paced Hero frustrated by villain, natural forces, other people but wins in the end Person vs. person, nature or self Red herrings, plot twists, cliff hangers, Involves risk and physical danger Generally, a contemporary or realistic setting but not always Characters face situations that require quick thinking, problem solving and inner strength Main character may go on a quest or journey and may face extreme conditions Adventure may or may not involve history but has plenty of action May include Legal, Medical, Political, Psychological, Survival, Crime or Spy thrillers

Last updated 3/17/2014

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The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Code name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum Congo by Michael Crichton The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown Downriver by Will Hobbs Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz

HCPS Libraries Genre Definitions – Secondary Genre Fantasy

Definition Fiction that invites suspension of reality; fiction that depends on magic or the impossible or inexplicable; fiction with strange or otherworldly characters.

Frequently Found Elements  Characters often wrestle with the nature of good and evil and ultimate values like goodness, truth, courage or wisdom  Readers must enter the writer’s real to understand this other world  Magical elements  Importance of theme  Use of myth, legend and folktale to add depth and texture to narrative  May include light fantasy, romantic fantasy, high fantasy, magic realism, urban historical or heroic fantasies, sword and sorcery and fairy tales

Science Fiction

Set in a time period that scientific or technological advances could or might make possible. Subgenre of Fantasy

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Horror

Sports Stories

Primary purpose is to frighten or disgust. Subgenre of Fantasy Events and activities within the story deal with the characters’ participation in sports.

HCPS Libraries Destiny Focus Group

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Story make take place in outer space where the technology of the future is predicted Future societies are often portrayed, usually on earth with or without the presence of aliens Themes frequently deal with good or evil, often involving technology May include many dystopian, steampunk, alternative history or cyberpunk Creates connections between the real world and imaginary Superhuman qualities that are humanly possible (extreme intelligence, bravery, psychic abilities)

Examples  The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein  Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling  Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan  Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White  Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt  Cinder by Marissa Mayer  Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card  Divergent by Veronica Roth  The Giver by Lois Lowry

May feature the supernatural, monsters, or the occult Includes Gothic

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Stephen King Dean Koontz

Characters struggle with issues related to sports Emphasis on team sports Themes of team play and sportsmanship Often has motivational character who motivates protagonist to use talent

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Bleachers by John Grisham The Big Field by Mike Lupica

Last updated 3/17/2014

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HCPS Libraries Genre Definitions – Secondary Genre Romance

Mystery

Humor

Definition Stories focus on mutual love and attraction between characters and on their relationship Stories deal with the solution of a secret, problem or crime, and involving suspense or intrigue

Frequently Found Elements  “Happily ever after” endings  Conflict and climax directly relate to the relationship  Often combined with other genres

Examples  Twilight series by Stephanie Myers

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Suspense Cliffhangers Foreshadowing Detective stories and spy novels Often in series Emphasis on plot Fast paced style

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Stories are meant to entertain, causing the reader to smile or laugh out loud.

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Humor may be found in situations that are not particularly funny Send of humor helps the protagonist to mature Messages of “you are not alone,” “you can survive,” and “life is not so serious” One or more characters act as foils to protagonist Quirky characters

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Realistic characters with possible problems Outcomes are reasonable and plausible Settings are contemporary Themes of growing up and confronting personal and social problems Themes are contemporary and may be controversial Current political and social issues and kids’ problems may be explored Helps students move toward a fuller understanding of themselves and others

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Relevant to a board scope of humanity Universal themes and experiences Communicates across cultures Timeliness, effective language Influence of future literature May be time-honored or modern (pre1980)

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Realistic Fiction

A story that can actually happen and is true to life

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Classics

Books are “distinguished examples of penmanship of particular period of history.”

HCPS Libraries Destiny Focus Group

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Last updated 3/17/2014

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The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson Lois Duncan Joan Lowry Nixon Diary of a Wimpy Kid Sideways Stories

Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

HCPS Libraries Genre Definitions – Secondary Works Consulted "Adventure Fiction." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . Breitsprecher, William P. "Genres." Genres. N.p., 2003-2005. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Fiction Genre Definitions." Fiction Genre Definitions. Writing to Publish, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genre - Sports Fiction." Wiki-land.wikispaces.com. York Community High School, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genre Definitions." Albemarle County Public Schools Language Arts Curriculum. Albemarle County Public Schools, 1996. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genre Definitions." English Language Arts. Newfoundland Labrador Canada Department of Education, Nov. 2008. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genre Fiction." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Genres for Young Adult and Young Fiction." Services to Schools. National Library of New Zealand, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . Haloin, Marcie, Gaylynn Jameson, JoAnne Piccolo, and Kari Oosterveen. "Genre Characteristics." Eastern Illinois University, 2005. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . HCPS Libraries Destiny Focus Group

Last updated 3/17/2014

HCPS Libraries Genre Definitions – Secondary Ives, Rachel. "What Makes a Classic Novel a Classic?" Web log post. Suite101. N.p., 10 Feb. 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "List of Literary Genres." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Literary Fiction Genres." Literary Fiction Genres. Writing to Publish, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Thriller (genre)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "Thriller/Suspense Subgenre Definitions." Thriller/Suspense Subgenre Definitions. Writing to Publish, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. . "War Novel." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. .

HCPS Libraries Destiny Focus Group

Last updated 3/17/2014

Help! I Don’t Know What to Read! Dear Student; If you will fill out this simple questionnaire, the library will provide a bibliography prepared just for you, based on your interests and abilities. We can’t guarantee that you’ll love every title listed, but we promise that it will be a good start!

Our fiction section is divided into genres (descriptions can be found on the back of this sheet) Do you think you would like – (check as many as you wish)?

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Mysteries Fantasy Science Fiction Thriller Realistic Romance Historical Fiction Quick Reads Science Fiction Fantasy Military Fiction Horror Sports Fiction Classics Graphic Format

Nonfiction books are informational books written by credible authors. Nonfiction books explain how things work, tell facts about many different topics, and show us how to do various things. What are some things that you interest you (for example: sports, animals, countries, art, music cars, military, wars, vehicles, etc.)? Be as specific as you can and list as many as you like.

Is there a book you’ve ready that you really liked? If so, please tell me the title (or anything else you can remember about the book).

Is there a tv program or movie that you really enjoy? What did you like best about it?

Is there anything else that will help me make some good selections for you?

Student’s name _________________________English teacher _________________________ Block ___________

Realistic fiction are stories that are set in the present day. Characters encounter modern day dramas and problems or can strictly be just a slice of the daily lives of interesting characters. Mysteries are stories that involve a suspenseful event (often a crime of some sort). The reader uses clues from the story to gradually discover who committed the crime, solving the mystery by the end of the story. Thrillers are a type of realistic fiction that is exciting and usually has an aspect of adventure, action or danger. Romance stories are all about relationships, dating, crushes and love! Historical Fiction gives a historically accurate portrayal of life during a particular time in history. They have a strong sense of place and time. These can include books about people, events in history or historic places. Quick Reads are short novels that get right to the point of the story by focusing mainly on action and dialogue! Science Fiction covers stories that include futuristic societies, technology or blend scientific fact and fictional elements. This genre covers Steampunk, Dystopian, Alternative Realities and Cyberpunk, too. Fantasy is a type of fiction that contains elements like characters or settings that could not exist in life as we know it. Examples include dragons or animals with human characteristics or settings that are magical or other-worldly. Many fantasies cross over with other genres (paranormal romance, for example). Military Fiction focuses on the military experience (current or past) or even the experiences of families of soldiers during times of war. Horror stories are for readers who want to be scared to death. Readers should watch out for chills and nightmares! Sports Fiction covers lots of different sports, from team sports like football and basketball to individual sports like surfing and martial arts. Look for plenty of action in these stories. Classics have stood the test of time and still have plenty to say about universal themes. Students looks to prepare for AP exams or just to improve your mind should check out this section! Graphic Format covers classic comic giants like Marvel and DC Comics, manga, manwa, graphic classics, and more!