Homeschool Fever

About this Genre: Historical Fiction uses the facts and events of history to create a time and place, so the author can set a fictional character or a fictional story plot in the middle.

Importance: This genre shows children a way of living outside of modern technology. It gives them a view into how their ancestors may have lived their own lives, independent of television, computers, and cell phones. It also introduces them to historical events and ideas, without pounding them with facts – such as in the book Fever: 1793, when the yellow fever raced through New England, killing thousands within 2 months.

Criteria to use when evaluating books from this genre:

Meets criteria for all good narratives
Events & attitudes are consistent with history and the time period
Social issues are portrayed honestly, without condoning racism and sexism
Setting is integral to the story
Story evokes a vivid historical setting consistent with historical and geographic evidence
Language patterns are historically authentic in keeping with mood and characterization, yet it is still understandable to the reader
Characters are well developed, with feelings, values, and behavior that reflect the period
Plot is based on authentic facts that are subordinate to the story itself
Theme echoes larger historical concerns
Illustrations enhance an understanding of the plot, setting, and characterization through the use of realistic detail

Major awards associated with this genre:

Geoffrey Bilson Award; Jefferson Cup; Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award

Fun Idea!

Compare Perceptions of Historical Events: Read various stories about major historical events and ask the children to think about how each character views that particular event, and what biases/beliefs play a part in their perceptions

Why this Genre is Important:

All children should have a good grasp of basic historical data – not necessarily the facts or dates, but the feelings and changes that have occurred in the world. Historical Fiction presents imaginative stories in settings that provoke the children into learning history without shoving textbook type knowledge at them. In my opinion, “living books” such as these are the best way to teach history to children and adults alike.