Writing: Historical Fiction
Learn more about the genre of historical fiction. There are definitions and listings of recommended children’s books, plus lesson plans and classroom activities. Includes links to eThemes Resources on various historical fiction books.
Grades
- 3,
- 4,
- 5,
- 6
Links
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Scholastic: Why & How I Teach with Historical Fiction
This site offers tips for teaching social studies by using historical fiction.
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ReadWriteThink: Esther Forbes, author of Johnny Tremain
In this unit, students learn about the historical fiction genre by reading selections from the American Revolutionary period. A selected reading list is given. Additional teaching units involving historical fiction are provided.
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ReadWriteThink: The Tale of Despereaux: Fact of Fiction?
After reading "The Tale of Despereaux", students select a portion of the book and research medieval times to compare events in the book and what they learned from their research.
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ReadWriteThink: Podcast of Historical Fiction Novels
Listen to a podcast of three historical fiction novels. The author of one of the books, "Winnie's War" discusses why she chose the time period and how she wove the historical facts into the story.
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ReadWriteThink: "Blending the Past with Today's Technology: Using Prezi to Prepare for Historical Fiction
In this lesson, students will research various aspects of a setting's decade taken from their selected novel. Using the information gathered, students create a Prezi to present findings.
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S.O.S. HIstorical Fact and Fiction
In this unit, students will be able to recognize the historical fiction genre, read a historical fiction novel, and conduct research.
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ReadWorks.org: Riding Freedom
This unit provides step-by-step plans for a historical fiction genre study. This unit is tied to the Common Core State Standards for Language Arts.
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ReadWorks.org: The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963
This unit provides step-by-step plans for a historical fiction genre study. The unit is tied to the Common Core State Standards for Language Arts.
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eThemes Resource: Literature: "Dear America: Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie" by Kristiana Gregory
These sites are about the book "Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie" and corresponding classroom activities.
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eThemes Resource: Literature: "Dear America: Christmas After All" by Kathryn Lasky
These sites have lessons and activities for this "Dear America" book, plus biographies about author Kathryn Lasky. Includes information about the people and activities that were popular during the Great Depression.
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eThemes Resource: Literature: "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and "Skylark" by Patricia Maclachlan
These sites have activities and discussion questions about "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and its sequel, "Skylark." Also includes information about author Patricia Maclachlan, the state of Maine, and life on the prairie.
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eThemes Resource: Literature: "Sign of The Beaver" by Elizabeth George Speare
These sites include book reviews, author information, and sample activities to go along with the book. Learn about Native Americans in Maine. There are also online games and quizzes.
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eThemes Resource: Literature: "And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?" by Jean Fritz
These sites are about the book "And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?" by Jean Fritz. Includes activities to go along with a study of the American Revolution.
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eThemes Resource: Literature: "Dear America Book: West to a Land of Plenty" by Jim Murphy
These sites are about the book "West to a Land of Plenty" that chronicles an Italian immigrant family's journey west. Also has information about author Jim Murphy.
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eThemes Resource: Literature: "Dear America" and "My Name is America" Civil War Books
These sites have discussion guides and activities for two books: "Dear America: When Will This Cruel War Be Over? The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson" and "The Journal of James Edmond Pease: A Civil War Union Soldier." There is also information about the authors and about daily life in a Civil War camp. Topics include food, entertainment, and the importance of letter writing.
Education Standards
