Riding the Reading Roller Coaster:
Read and Write Historical Fiction
 
Regardless of whether the story occurs in Ancient times, the Middle Ages, or the early 1900's, historical fiction is timeless. This genre provides you with the opportunity to explore the setting and time period of a book in-depth. Explore some book ideas at Carol Hurst's US History and World History section. Also, try some Native American stories. Learn about how to teach with historical fiction literature.
 
Explore some activities that link books and websites:
Looking for other good books? Read the list called Traveling Through American History With Juvenile Fiction Picture Books - 3rd and 4th Grades.
 
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Patricia MacLachlan,
Sarah Plain and Tall

As you read Sarah, Plain and Tall, try the following simple activities:

  • Make a simple list of wildflowers or things in Maine.
  • Build a chart including the characters and places discussed in the book.
  • Compare life in Maine and in Kansas.
  • Describe life on the prairie.

Try the cyberguides for Sarah, Plain and Tall CyberGuide and Connecting Ideas Guide.

Christopher Paul Curtis
Bud, Not Buddy

When reading a historical fiction book, you may just think about the historical aspects of the story. Bud, Not Buddy has lots of curriculum connections. Check out the online teacher and student resources.


 
Select a historical fiction book set in a particular time period. Select an event or situation in each chapter that reflects the time period. Use the resources below to help students better understand that time period.
Ask students to write their own historical fiction. Read the guidelines and the student projects. Create your own project.

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Created by Annette Lamb, 1/01