Fiction or Nonfiction for Kids: Made Up Stories vs Real Facts (Grade 3 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Every book in the library is either fiction or nonfiction. Knowing which kind you are reading helps you understand it better. Let's become book detectives today!

Fiction is made up. An author invents the characters, the setting and the plot. A fiction story might be about a talking fox or a kid who finds a dragon egg. Its purpose is to entertain.

Nonfiction is true. It gives real facts about real things, people, places or events. A nonfiction book might explain how sharks hunt or tell the life story of a famous inventor. Its purpose is to inform.

Look for clues. Fiction usually has characters, dialogue and a problem to solve. Nonfiction often has headings, labeled diagrams, photos, a glossary and an index. These text features help readers find facts.

Be careful! A story can include real places or real animals and still be fiction. A bear who bakes pies in Chicago is made up, even though Chicago and bears are real. Ask, could this really happen?

Let's try one. The Moon has no air, so astronauts wear space suits. That is nonfiction, because it is a true fact. Lily rode a rocket to the Moon for lunch. That is fiction.

Now it's your turn. A book has headings, a glossary and photos of real volcanoes. Is it fiction or nonfiction? Pause and try. It is nonfiction. Headings, a glossary and real photos are clues to true information.

Great job! Fiction is made up to entertain. Nonfiction is true and informs. Look for clues like characters or headings. Practice fiction or nonfiction in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!