Historical FictionNathan P. WellsGreenfield ElementaryFourth Grade

Definitions and Descriptions

Historical Fiction is realistic fiction set in a time remote enough from the present to be considered history, usually set apart by one generation (which is typically defined as twenty years).

Like all realistic fiction stories, historical fiction narratives are imaginary and the events and character’s actions must be within the realm of the possible.

In historical fiction, actual historical events, authentic period settings, and real historical figures blend with imaginary characters and plot. An imaginary story is constructed around the facts.

THINK – PAIR - SHAREComplete a Venn diagram detailing the similarities and

differences between realistic fiction and historical fiction.

There are 3 types of historical fiction.

The first type of historical fiction and the most common form has imaginary main characters, but some secondary characters may be actual historical figures. These stories usually depict a significant historical event, such as a war,

an economic depression, or a natural disaster

Example: Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes

Set in the Revolutionary War period, this story tells of Johnny, a fictitious character, apprenticed to a silversmith. In the course of the story, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere are introduced as minor characters.

The second type of historical fiction depicts the physical location of the story through descriptions of social traditions, customs, morals, and values of the period but with no mention of an actual historical event or actual historical figures as characters.

Example: The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare. The Puritan way of life in Connecticut in the 1600’s is

depicted in this story about a young Kit from Barbados who becomes involved in a witchcraft trial.

The third type of historical fiction is not actually realistic fiction.

In this type of historical story, elements of fantasy are found, therefore disqualifying it from realistic fiction.

Time warps, secret portals to another time, and other supernatural features are a subcategory of historical fiction which are categorized as historical fantasy.

Notable Authors of Historical Fiction: Avi

James Lincoln Collier and Christopher CollierKaren CushmanPeter Dickinson

Patricia Reilly GiffKaren Hesse

Kimberly Willis HoltIain Lawerence

Geraldine McCaughreanUri Orlev

Katerine PattersonRichard PeckAnn Rinaldi

Mildred TaylorLaurence Yep

The Scott O’Dell Award

The award was established in 1981 by author Scott O’Dell and honor what is judged to be the most outstanding work of children’s historical fiction published in the previous year.

The work must be written by a U.S. citizen and be set in the New World.

www.scottodell.com

Universal themes in historical fiction :Several reoccurring elements are pervasive throughout

modern selections of historical fiction. The most common themes are the effects of war, family

closeness in times of trouble, seeking refuge, opportunity through immigration, and economic challenges

In Conclusion:Through historical fiction, young adults have an

opportunity to learn by living vicariously through the lives of people long ago – people from different cultures and from different parts of the world.