The Historical Fiction Genre are fictional stories that takes place in a particular time period in the past. Often the setting is real but the characters are made up from the author’s imagination.
By reading historical fiction, children experience life in the past
vicariously, gain opportunities for critical thinking, make judgments
about the past with insights from a historical perspective, see the
interdependence of humankind, and develop a feeling for the continuity
of life. The writing style of historical fiction is of two types. Some
fictional stories are based on actual people and recorded events of
history. Other stories are based on social history with no reference
given to actual people or recorded events. The former style is based on
reconstruction of the past through research; the latter is based on
recreation of the past through memory. Both forms are fully acceptable,
but the stories based on real people and events must adhere to greater
standards of accuracy. Some works of fantasy include travel to
historical times and events.
Kiefer, Barbara Z. (2010). Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature.New
York, McGraw-Hill.
As students begin to understand fiction and nonfiction, introduce the genre of historical fiction which includes examples of both. These lessons and activities show you how.
