So what exactly is
narrative nonfiction? It’s a book that tells a true story. It may cast real
people as characters. It may use real, documented statements as dialog. There is
a clear, identifiable setting.
In most cases, the
story is told as a series of scenes that bring the reader up close alternating
with expository links that link scenes by provide background information and
putting events in context.
One of the best ways
to see the difference is to compare Red-eyed
Tree Frog by Joy Cowley to my book Frog
or Toad: What’s the Difference?:
Here’s a short sample
of Red-eyed Tree Frog:
“Evening comes to the
rain forest.
The macaw and the
toucan will soon go to sleep.
But the red-eyed tree
frog has been asleep all day.
It wakes up hungry.
What will it eat?”
See, it’s a story.
A very short, very simple story. The book ends when the frog has a full belly and night turns back to day.
Here’s a short sample
of Frog or Toad: What’s the Difference
“Which of these
animals is a frog? Which one is a toad? Do you know?
A frog has wet, slimy
skin. It needs to live close to water.
A toad has drier,
bumpy skin. The skin keeps water inside the toad’s body. That’s why toads can
live farther from water than frogs.
A frog has long,
strong back legs. They are perfect for jumping or swimming.
A toad has short back
legs. Toads walk or take small hops.”
See, the book
presents fact after elucidating fact. No story in sight. By the end of the
book, we have a solid understanding of the differences between frogs and toads.
Want some more
examples? I’ll provide reading lists next week.
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2 Responses
The important thing is that the character is "real" and the writer doesn't put words in its mouth or give it actions that it wouldn't normally do. Can't wait for the reading lists!
Exactly right, Sue. Nothing is made up in nonfiction, whether it's narrative or just-the-facts.