Explaining our Genres

Storyworks 3 is a multigenre ELA magazine for growing readers. Genres featured in the magazine include Narrative Nonfiction, Fiction, Paired Texts, Play, Debate, Poetry, Mini Read, Time Machine, and Infographic. Here is an overview of what you’ll find in every issue!

Nonfiction

Every issue of Storyworks 3 offers a beautifully written and designed work of narrative nonfiction. Each six-page article delves into an important and highly engaging topic, often connected to social studies and science curriculums. Typical selections present natural disasters, significant events in history, and inspiring figures from the past or present.

Fiction

Storyworks 3 offers fiction by renowned children’s authors in every issue. Stories often have a social-emotional learning (SEL) focus and address issues relevant to elementary students, including friendships, fitting in, and family dynamics.

Paired Texts

Our popular paired-text feature offers two texts united by topic or theme; for example, two nonfiction articles, or a nonfiction paired with a timeline. Topics often draw on science, social studies, current events, or social-emotional learning.

Play

Every issue includes a read-aloud play, providing a perfect opportunity to practice fluency and learn about features of drama. Storyworks 3 plays are often adapted from myths, folktales, or biographies.

Debate

Every issue of Storyworks 3 includes a debate on a hot-button topic for kids; for example, “Is TikTok Good for Kids?” or “Should Kids Have Later Bedtimes in the Summer?

The debate comes with an online “opinion writing kit,” which guides students to write an essay supporting one side of the issue.

Poetry

Each issue has a classic or contemporary poem by an acclaimed poet, accompanied by stunning artwork. Storyworks Jr. poetry is complex enough for lively discussions and lessons while remaining accessible and appealing to children. Poetry selections can usually be paired, by topic or theme, with another feature in the issue.

Mini Read

Mini Reads presents a short, high-interest nonfiction article. The accompanying Fact Finder activity prompts students to find key details in the article that check comprehension; for example, "WHAT are wildlife crossings?"