The definition of historical fiction is as follows: Historical Fiction presents readers with a story that takes place during a notable period in history, and usually during a significant event in that period. This type of writing evokes a world where there is strong connections to our own experiences. In the text, Winters and Schmidt state the following," The writer of historical fiction creates another world, but it is a world firmly rooted in the real world and, in creating it, to allow the reader to see his or her own world more fully, from more perspective, from deeper inside."
My interpretation of this quote is that Historical Fiction works create a place that makes people see history more clearly, and these readers are able to make connections to their own lives in the process.
Another way to look at Historical Fiction is by noticing that it: conveys a sense of life as it was lived, happens to ordinary people, broadens perspectives, and helps children to understand that the present and future are linked to actions of the past. (Johnson, 209)
Gone With The Wind, written by Margaret Mitchell and Pat Conroy, is a great example of a Historical Fiction work. My favorite section in this chapter of the text is early on, when Johnson talks about how historical fiction helps children realize they are not just outsiders looking in, that they can connect with a character and have a deep experience about the time, and their role in the future.
Outlined are Categories of Historical Fiction.
1) Ancient Times- Stories of ancient civilization including Greece, Rome and Egypt. Examples: The Thieves of Ostia,by Caroline Lawrenence and The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare.
2) Medieval Times- Stories taken place during the Middle Ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire. Examples: Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman and A Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli.
3) Colonial Times- Stories of the settlements of Jamestown, Plymouth, and Boston. Examples: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare and The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alica Dalgliesh.
4) Revolutionary Area-Stories about the events of the Revolutionary war. Examples: Early Thunder by Jean Fritz and Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen.
5) Early Frontier Era- Stories about the move westward before the Civil War. Includes different perspectives of settles and Indians. Examples: Lyddie by Katherine Paterson and Adaline Falling Star by Mary Pope Osborne.
6) Civil War- Books that describe the antebellum period, slavery, and the war between the states.Examples: Charlie Skedaddle by Patricia Beatty and Nettie's Trip South by Ann Turner.
7) Post Civil War- Stories about the move westward and the Industrial Revolution, and immigrants. Examples: Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Immigrant Girl by Brett Harvey.
8) World War 1-Stories surrounding events of World War 1 and its aftermath. Focuses on different countries characters. Examples: Summer Soldiers by Susan Lindqust and No Hero for the Kaiser by Rudolph Frank.
9) Great Depression- Stories surrounding the economic depression in the 1930's. Books often portray the hardships faces by main characters. Examples: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse and Bud,Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis.
10)World War 2- Stories surrounding World War 2, Hitler's rise and fall, and Japanese Military Activity. Often focuses on characters who struggle with effects of war. Examples: Number The Stars by Louis Lowry and Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi.
11) Post-World War 2- Stories about the continued conflict in Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia. Examples: The Wall by Eve Bunting, and Grandfather's Dream by Holly Keller.
12) Civil Rights Movement- Stories about the fight for civil rights that took place from the late 1800's through the mid-1960's. Focuses on the discrimination in the South and the struggle for equal rights. Examples: Francie by Karen English and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor.
Later in the chapter, the role of historical fiction in literacy development is explained as the knowledge that children need in the primary and intermediate grades in history. At this time, it is said that the students have little prior knowledge of history. Effective ways to teach historical fiction can be by reading outloud, showing pictures, and viewing drama events such as movies and plays. (Johnson, 222)
Another great aspect that always interested me while I learned in Social Studies was viewing artwork. In the past we have so many different ways people expressed their lives, emotions, and feelings. A great way of doing this is by viewing these paintings, photos, drawings, or whatever you can get your hands on as a classroom teacher. Every county has some sort of museum or historical place that you can take your students to learn and explore pieces or artwork to connect them to the material talked about in class.
Lee County- Historical Sites to Visit
Places to see:
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