Historical Fiction and Nonfiction Book Talks Historical Impact on the Reader Mrs. Cameron’s 8 th grade Reading

Historical Fiction or Nonfiction These are books set in a time period in the past. This can be in the distant past or the more recent past, but it is not set present day. Although, some books can have a present day narrator who tells the story through a form of flashbacks or time travel. These types of books usually spans more then one genre, such as historical fiction/fantasy. Example: The Devil’s Arithmetic: The main character is a teen in present day who does not appreciate her families religious customs. She is then transported, in a dream, back to the day her family is taken to a concentration camp. She learns the struggles her family went through to survive, and is later transported back to present day with a better understanding and appreication of her heritage.

Historical Impact How has the historical elements of the novel impacted your enjoyment and understanding of the text? Places to look for historical impact: Setting Characters Conflict

Setting What is the setting of the story? Where does it take place? In the hull of a ship, on a plantation, on a battlefield, on a freedom riders’ bus… What is the time period? Middle Ages, during the Civil War, in the 1960’s… How does it impact the story plot? How does it drive the story? Do you know your history? Do you know the outcome already as the reader?

Historical Characters Do the characters have “period” names? Do the characters use language that gives you (the reader) insight to the time period? Do the character perform actions or duties that are historical in nature? Loading a musket, using a butter turn or driving a horse drawn wagon

Impact on the Reader How has the historical setting, characters and conflict impacted your understanding and enjoyment of the story? What did you learn? What connections did you make? Could your story be told during a different time period? Did the historical background hinder you from understanding or enjoying the story? Did you need more background knowledge or the time period to enjoy the book?

Historical Conflict Is the main conflict in the story based on a historical event? Such as: war, segregation, historical nature disasters, historical movements or events Do real historical facts drive the conflict and the characters’ motives?

Good Historical Teen Reads

Book Reflection Assignment Students are to write a five paragraph essay on the historical impact their book had on them as a reader. The essay should include: An introduction paragraph that include the title of the book, the author, and the historical period A three paragraphs one setting, characters and conflict A conclusion paragraph that includes your rating of the book (out of 10) and a suggestion of what type of reader would enjoy this book.

Introduction paragraph Include the title of the book, the author and the historical period/where the main setting took place Include a sentence summarizing the historical impact of the book End the paragraph with a sentence that introduces the three topics of your body paragraphs: the setting, characters and conflict

The Devil’s Arithmetic written by Jane Yolen is a historical fiction novel set in 1945 Poland.. The historical period of World War II drove the storyline of the novel. The story tells the tale of a teenage girl, Hannah Stern and her grueling and heartbreaking struggle to survive a Jewish concentration camp. Through the detailed setting, well done character development and suspenseful conflict building the reader understands what it means to be a Polish, Jewish citizen in 1945 Europe.