YA Lit Textbook ch 10 review

Ch 10 Historical Fiction

Historical fiction refers to any book/story that is set in the past. This makes the definition of historical fiction be harder to set a certain age to, what may be contemporary fiction to one reader, is considered past to another. The example used was the events of September 11, 2001, that may be contemporary to us graduate students while to our elementary students this is something that occurred before they were born, and therefore in the past.  Historical fiction allows for students to read vicariously, using those books as windows as was read in chapters 1 and 6. There is a list of 5 criteria points to be used when evaluating books that may fall into that historical fiction sub-genre. Books should be able to effortlessly blend the history into the story itself, provide accurate information about the historical period, should allow the values of the time period to be brought to life, keep everything consistent historically, and have a theme that appeals and relates to the contemporary readers.  Keeping those things in mind will allow a media specialist/librarian to make the best judgement call when suggesting books, buying books and organizing books.  

Take Away

I am a fan of historical fiction and enjoy reading it.  I like the vicarious learning that occurs when reading it. When I have had students ask questions about a time period or event in the world, I like suggesting historical fiction for them to read.  Using the criteria points for evaluating historical fiction books is great to have, for when buying more books in that sub-genre, and when deciding which books to week (I inherited a large collection).  I especially appreciate evaluating the book with the lens of theme and how current readers are to relate. It has already been stated that students can learn much about themselves, actions and consequences, and experiencing life vicariously through books. We need to expose them and encourage them to read books that will help them.