Historical Fiction RI.8.3: Analyze how text makes connections & distinctions between individuals, ideas or events RL.8.2: Determine theme or central idea of text & analyze development; summary SL.8.1: Engage effectively in collaborative discussions on grade 8 topics, texts, & issues Essential Question: How can historical fiction enrich our understanding of the past? Goal: I will be able to compare a piece of historical fiction with historical data to examine the details of the setting, evaluate the way the historical characters are presented, and analyze the accounts of real events.

Class Activities Read and analyze several types of data sources about the Battle of Shiloh. This sources include a web page entry, a data bank, a map, a photo, and a chapter of a nonfiction book, “Drumbeats and Bullets.” Take notes from these sources identifying details. Utilize a graphic organizer, a concept web, to assist with note taking. Use these sources to access the historical accuracy of a historical fiction short story, “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh.”

Class Activity Use the chart on page 202 to compare the historical data from Drumbeats and Bullets on page 197 to “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh”, the historical fiction piece, on page 203. First, complete the chart with the data. Then read the historical fiction piece. As you read, complete the chart.