HISTORICAL FICTIONAllison Cook

Rachel Hodges

What is Historical Fiction?

How much time must pass for a book to be considered historical fiction?

Does the book need to be about a specific historical event?

Do the characters need to represent a famous person from history?

Overview

Form of fiction Based on historical events or events that

are accurate for the time period Authentic setting Characters portrayed in realistic manner Some characters may be actual people

from history, but the story is fictional Artistic mix of fiction and historical fact

Categories of Historical Fiction

Ancient Times Medieval Times Colonial Times Revolutionary Era Early frontier Era Civil War

Post Civil WarWorld War IGreat DepressionWorld War IIPost – World War IICivil Rights Movement

(Johnson)

Evaluation CriteriaElement Criteria

Setting Are authentic details provided to bring the setting to life?

Plot Are the conflicts in the story appropriate for the time period in which the story is set?

Characters Are the characters believable for the time period in which they lived?

Style Do historically authentic language patterns keep with the mood and characterization of the story?

Theme Are the themes representational of larger historical concerns?

Historical Accuracy and Cultural Authenticity

Does the story accurately present historical information and cultural details? Does the story authentically reflect the culture depicted?

Authority Is the author an insider who is writing about his or her own culture or an outsider?

(Johnson)

Teaching with Historical Fiction

Piques kids curiosity

Levels the playing field

Presents a personal side to history

Offers multiple viewpoints

(Scholastic)

Consideration

Authors of historical fiction and teachers must take into consideration the maturity of the child.

Ensure the child can understand and cope with the meaning of the story.

“The past can not be ‘tidied up’ in such a way as to mask the truth, accuracy, and importance of historical events.” (Johnson, 215)

Textbooks vs. Historical Fiction

Textbooks Historical Fiction

Important sources of background information

Dramatic elements engage children

Broad coverage Helps to develop historical empathy

Can be more accurate Easier to relate to

Great Depression Grades 6-82004

A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards' families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.

World War II Grade 9 and up 2006

Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Turn of 20th Century Grade 8 and up2003

In 1906, sixteen-year-old Mattie, determined to attend college and be a writer against the wishes of her father and fiancé, takes a job at a summer inn where she discovers the truth about the death of a guest. Based on a true story.

Seventeenth Century Grade 9 and up1850

This tale of an adulterous entanglement that results in an illegitimate birth, reveals concerns with the tension within society.

Revolutionary War Grade 7 and up1974

Recounts the tragedy that strikes the Meeker family during the Revolution when one son joins the rebel forces while the rest of the family tries to stay neutral in a Tory town.

Civil War Grade 6 and up1990

During his service in the Civil War a young Union soldier matures to manhood and finds peace of mind as he comes to grips with his conflicting emotions about war.

Discussion

What role do you think historical fiction should play in

education - specifically the social studies, world cultures,

and history classroom?

References

Johnson, D. (2009). The joy of children's literature. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Lindquist, T. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/why-how-i-teach-historical-fiction.

Teen historical fiction. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/476.Teen_Historical_Fiction.