Chapter 9: Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is a story set in the past.  As we age, we might have different ideas of what "historical" means.  As young kids, it might mean whatever happened prior to that exact moment (like 2 hours ago at lunch), older kids might think of it as something that happened when they were younger and adults tend to think of history as events that occurred before we were born.  We need to keep this in mind when we label books and place them within genre.  Historical fiction allows readers to vicariously experience a previous time and place.
In regards to 9/11 specifically, I remember my first year teaching and realizing that class of third graders I had, were born in 2011 and had no idea what it was.  It was the first time I had ever experienced that feeling that is hard to explain- I knew I wasn't old but I felt old and it was strange not being able to express all the feelings and emotions that went along with that day, to 8 and 9 year olds.  It made me realize how my parents felt about JFK's assassination.

Criteria for evaluating:

• Is it a good story that blends the history in the story?  
• Accurate facts-  Might have to rely on other resources for accuracy and authenticity.  Can refer to CBC's (Council on Books for Children) list of Notable Trade Books in Social Sciences
• Values of time brought to life- some time periods valued things differently than today and readers need to know this.  
• Consistency- clothing, architecture, music, speech can reflect the time period
• Theme- should apply to contemporary readers.  Should be universal.