Welcome to the Hollow Hills Library!

Exploring Genres

There are different genres that you may like to read. I think it's important to balance your books, like reading one non-fiction, one fiction, or one graphic novel and then a mystery. Reading different types of books helps you to learn what you like and don't like. It also lets you experience different styles of writing.

Realistic Fiction books have characters, settings and events that are made up but could be real. Examples of realistic fiction include Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems, Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, Sports series books by Matt Christopher and Tim Green, the Ramona series by Beverly Cleary, Front Desk by Kelly Yang.

Fantasy Fiction books have stories that are not true and could never be true. The book may take place in an imaginary world, have fantastic creatures, and have ordinary people or animals that can do extraordinary things. Examples of fantasy fiction include the Wings of Fire Series by Tui Sutherland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, The Warriors Series by Eric Hunter and Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

Mystery and Suspense books have made up stories about a mysterious event which is not explained or a crime that is not solved until the end of the story to keep the reader in suspense. Examples of mystery books include the Encyclopedia Brown Series by Donald J. Sobol, Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene, The Sisters Grimm Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley, Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanan.

Science Fiction books have futuristic technology and blend scientific fact and fictional elements. Examples include Pie in the Sky by Wendy Mass, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, The Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson, The Galaxy Zack series by Ray O'Ryan, The Star Wars Jedi Academy series by Jeffrey Brown, Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt.

Historical Fiction stories take place during a particular time in the past. The basic setting is real but most of the characters are fictional. Examples include The I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis, Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, The Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborne, A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson, Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say, The Babe and I by David A. Adler.

Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Tall Tales and Fables have been handed down from generation to generation, usually through word of mouth. While folk tales are based on historical figures, there are fictional elements to the stories. The story Stone Soup is considered a folk tale. Fairy tales often have a magical element and good triumphs over evil. The main character in tall tales is bigger than life (like Paul Bunyan). The Tortoise and the Hare is a fable. Fables contain a moral lesson.

Graphic Novels are popular choices in the library. They are stories told through vivid color panels with short bursts of text. They can be fiction OR nonfiction. While they may have a lower AR level (2nd or 3rd grade), the content of some should be considered for upper grades. Younger students enjoy the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey. Sisters and Guts by Raina Telgemeier are good choices for 3rd grade and up. They are nonfiction books. So is El Deafo by Cece Bell. White Bird by Patricia Palacio is historical fiction and is best suited for 5th and 6th graders.

Picture Books are favorites of both children and adults! Why? Some tell funny stories, some have adventures, some have morals, some inform. There are both fiction AND nonfiction picture books. Their AR levels range from Kindergarten to 6th grade. Some don't have any words at all. Many have beautiful illustrations. If you need a quick break, it's nice to sit down and read (or share) a picture book.

Just The Facts!

The Brands We Know series by Sara Green is popular with our students. It exemplifies informational text - which is nonfiction writing with the intention of informing the reader about a specific topic. This series also employs charts, pictures, graphs and engages the reader.

Compare/Contrast

Learning about one thing while learning about another can be fun. Which one is stronger, a lion or a tiger? Which bird is faster, a turkey or an ostrich? These kinds of books usually have charts and helpful displays.

Biographies

Biographies are true stories. They can be about famous people, or ordinary people who have led interesting lives, or made some kind of impact in the world.

Sports

Sports books can contain information about how to play them, about key championship events like the Stanley Cup or The World Cup, or about specific professional athletes.

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