KATIE MILLER MIRANDA MITCHELL KATIE MIX CHRISTINA MORRIS Historical Fiction

Definition: literature written to portray a time period or convey information about a specific time period or a historical event.

Well Known Titles Catherine, Called Birdy by: Karen Cushman The Midwife’s Apprentice by: Karen Cushman The Watsons’s go to Birmingham-1963 by: Christopher Paul Curtis Bud, Not Buddy by: Christopher Paul Curtis Little House on the Prairie by: Laura Ingalls Wilder Number the Stars by: Lois Lowry The Book Thief by: Markus Zusak

Bud, Not Buddy by: Christopher Paul Curtis It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Times may be hard, and ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but Bud's got a few things going for him: Bud, Not Buddy is full of laugh-out- loud humor and wonderful characters, hitting the high notes of jazz and sounding the deeper tones of the Great Depression.

Little House on the Prairie by: Laura Ingalls Wilder A family travels from the big woods of Wisconsin to a new home on the prairie, where they build a house, meet neighboring Indians, build a well, and fight a fire. Includes a detailed account of how the novel was written and published.

The Book Thief by: Markus Zusak Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist: books. With the help of her accordion- playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids - as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

What Distinguishes Historical Fiction? Unlike non-fiction, historical fiction has elements in it that are not facts, though they are based on facts. Historical Fiction is a type of realistic fiction, but it is also based on historical evidence. Unlike fairy tales, the story should not be over the top and must be believable at the ordinary human level. The language in historical fiction also varies in order to mimic the tone of the historic period.

Essential Elements of Historical Fiction Depictions of real historical figures in the context of the challenges they faced. Depictions of real historical figures in imagined situations. Depictions of fictional characters in documented historical situations. Depictions of fictional characters in fictional situations, but in the context of a real historical period.

What makes a historical fiction story especially good is: The setting should be a real slice of history (like we saw in "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" which was based around an accurate historical event) Should contain a precise historical timeline with authenticity in (clothes, appropriate technology, correct language, etc.) In depth-detailed descriptions

What makes a historical fiction story especially good is: All of this will help the reader to feel as though it's a true story and perhaps even make them feel as though they are IN the story Should raise curiosity making the reader want more Should be close to reality so the reader can relate to the story Essentially, historical fiction should explain a story behind the facts

Elements to keep in mind when writing Historical Fiction Choose a time period or historical event that interests you as a writer. Do a lot of background research so that your reader knows they can trust the accuracy.

Teaching Historical Fiction The historical fiction you choose should: present a well-told story that doesn't conflict with historical records portray characters realistically present authentic settings artfully fold in historical facts provide accurate information through illustrations avoid stereotypes and myths.

Activities Practice writing newspaper headlines from different perspectives within the historical books. Have students act out certain important scenes of a book. Brainstorm events that happened during the time period to predict what the story is going to be about.

Activities

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