Literary Genres & Forms
Elements of Literature
Poetry & Language
Informational, Multicultural, and Nonfiction
Teaching & Reading Connections
100

This genre includes imaginative worlds and impossible events governed by their own internal logic.

What is modern fantasy?

100

This element refers to the time and place in which a story occurs.

What is the setting?

100

This sound device repeats initial consonant sounds in words close together—like “Peter Piper.”

What is alliteration?

100

Books written to explain factual information and concepts are also called this type of writing.

What is expository writing?

100

Books created mainly for enjoyment and general readership are called this.

What are trade books?

200

Books that tell stories of real people’s lives but include invented dialogue or dramatized scenes fall under this category.

What is fictionalized biography?

200

The main idea or message the author wants readers to take away from the story.

What is the theme?

200

A five-line humorous poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme is called this.

What is a limerick?

200

The most important criterion in evaluating an informational book is this.

What is accuracy of information?

200

A reading program that includes graded readers, workbooks, tests, and a teacher’s manual.

What is a basal reading program?

300

These short tales often end with a moral and feature animals that act like humans.

What are fables?

300

The sequence of related events in a story is known as this.

What is the plot?

300

The repetition of vowel sounds within a line of poetry is known as this.

What is assonance?

300

A high-quality multicultural book presents this kind of cultural representation.

What is authentic and accurate portrayal of culture?

300

The first Caldecott Medal book featuring an African American protagonist was this one.

What is “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats?

400

A story that grows by repeated phrases or accumulated details, such as “The House That Jack Built,” is known as this.

What is a cumulative tale?

400

When an author gives hints about events that will happen later, they are using this literary device.

What is foreshadowing?

400

When a word sounds like the noise it describes—such as buzz or crash—it is called this.

What is onomatopoeia?

400

Unlike informational books, animal stories that use human speech or feelings rely on this literary device.

What is personification?

400

In reading instruction, a balanced literacy program should always include this daily teacher-led activity.

What is a read-aloud?

500

A narrative that weaves real historical settings with imagined characters or events is called this.

What is historical fiction?

500

This term describes a struggle between opposing forces—such as person vs. self or person vs. society.

What is conflict?

500

A poem that takes the shape of its subject (like a tree or heart) is an example of this form.

What is a concrete poem?

500

Translated children’s books should maintain this element of the original work to respect the author’s intent.

What is the flavor and tone of the original language?

500

In literature circles, this is the main instructional purpose for students.

What is discussing and responding to texts collaboratively?

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