Historical Fiction

Historical fiction can be quite intimidating. Pay attention to the word “historical.” Who decides what history is? Is it based on our age? Or, any event that happened in the past is considered historical? Does it only apply to an event that changed the lives of the people who experienced it?

Well, to make history come alive and more palpable for our students, we can share with them books that fall under this category, historical fiction.   Presenting students with historical fiction picture books is an excellent way to show them what it was like to live in that period. They can see how people dressed, interacted, or even spoke to each other. They provide that scaffolding that they require to fully understand a period in which they did not live through.

Before we run and buy many historical fiction books, we first need to pay attention to the criteria for evaluating historical fiction for children. We must decide whether the author did a good job in telling a story and effectively incorporated history in the plot. We must always verify that it is written with accuracy and that everything presented in the book is consistent with the time in history it takes place in. And, even though the book takes place in the past, its theme must appeal to students.

As librarians, we need to be ready and provide teachers with those historical fiction books that will enrich the curriculum, provide a more balanced reading, and add spice to the basal! Also, we need to find historical fiction authors whose writing styles are entertaining and can prove to students that history does not have to be BORIIIIIIING!