Teaching History Through Fiction

Which best describes what historical fiction is?

• a story set in the future with made up characters
• a story that contains a mystery to be solved with lots of suspense
• a story set in the past with made up characters
• a story with ghosts in it

What are some examples of historical fiction?

• Charlie Brown
• I survived the "Sinking of the Titanic-1912"
• Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham
• Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians

Historical Fiction takes place in the past, but cannot contain the names of real people.

• True
• False

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of historical fiction?  

• To let the reader experience the thoughts and feelings of people in the past. 
• To teach the reader about the time period in which the story is taking place.
• To persuade the reader that the time period in which the story takes place is more exciting that the present.
• To help the reader "escape" into adventures from the past. 

Which of the following are features of historical fiction?

• The story takes place in an authentic historical setting.
• The story is told from a first-person or a third-person point of view.  
• The events did occur or could have occurred in the setting.  
• All of the above are features of historical fiction.  

What is the definition of historical fiction?

• Completely true story

• Made up story

• Story based on historical past events

• Unrealistic story

Which setting would NOT work in a historical fiction book?

• Story set in Ancient Greece

• Story set during the Revolutionary War

• Story set during the Dust Bowl

• Story set in Bedford, Iowa today

If our story was set during Ancient Rome, what time period details would you expect to see?

• Horses

• Cars

• Swords

• Sweatshirts

Is historical fiction considered fiction or nonfiction?

• Fiction

• Nonfiction

In Historical Fiction, can some things be true?

• Yes
• No