Historical Fiction
Genre Study
Historical Fiction is a genre that is made up of imaginative stories that are based on past events or people. Stories and books in this genre may include real dates, styles, and customs from the past. It is important when using these books with students to make sure they know what parts of the story are completely true and what parts are subject to the author's creativity. Students may read a historical fiction book and think that everything in the book actually did happen, even though it is only loosely based on history. One key feature to look for in historical fiction books, is an author's note. Authors often use these to explain how and where they got their research from. Using historical fiction with students allows them to get a glimpse into the life like it was in the past and compare it to how we live today. Historical fiction is a great way to get students excited about history and other social studies concepts. These types of books allow students to get to know and relate to historical figures. This is a much more memorable approach to learning about history than memorizing dates and facts.
Awards
Authors
Genre Resources
Teaching Tools
Books that I Recommend
One Crazy Summer
Reference information for accessing the text (APA Citation): Garcia, R. (2010). One crazy summer. New York, NY: Amistad.
Grade level span where the book would be considered “complex text.”: 4-5
Grade level span for use as a class read aloud: Short passages can be used as a read aloud in the 2-3 span.
Major themes addressed in the book: Civil rights movement. African Americans. Moving. Poets. Family.
Qualities of the writing that are worthy of note: Very catchy cover page. Won three awards (Coretta Scott King, National Book, Newbery Honor)
Connections to authentic local, national, or global issues: National issue of prejudices against African Americans. Talks about the civil rights movement.
Facets of the book that may be difficult for students and require support: Length of book may discourage some students from reading this book.
Support that may be needed by students because of the difficult components of the book: Read aloud a few passages to get students interested in content of book.
White Socks Only
Reference information for accessing the text (APA Citation): Coleman, E., & Cohn, S. (1996). White socks only. Morton Grove, Ill.: A. Whitman.
Grade level span where the book would be considered “complex text.”: 2-3
Grade level span for use as a class read aloud: K-1
Major themes addressed in the book: Civil rights movement. African Americans. Family.
Qualities of the writing that are worthy of note: Click Here to watch a video where the story is read aloud. Includes beautiful illustrations.
Connections to authentic local, national, or global issues: National issue of prejudices against African Americans. Talks about the civil rights movement.
Facets of the book that may be difficult for students and require support: May not know much or understand why people are treated differently because of their skin color.
Support that may be needed by students because of the difficult components of the book: Build prior knowledge of civil rights movement and what predjudice is.
