Historical Fiction

by Amber Miller

May 7, 2025

For teachers and children alike, historical fiction is a significant genre. When we give works of historical fiction to our children to read, the past, something vague and, perhaps, amorphous, comes alive. Children learn that people of the past had the exact needs we have -- for shelter, food, clothing, etc. (even if these physical aspects differ from our current lives) -- as well as emotional needs for love and support. Characters in historical fiction face the same grand questions: How should I behave in this situation? What is right and just? Whom should I support or follow? How can I accomplish my personal goals?

Historical fiction can change the way our students receive our social studies curriculum. Historical fiction often lets us tell the side of the story that may be only minimally present in the textbooks we read. It also enables our students to live through the journeys taken by individuals in the past and thus see social studies as something more vibrant and compelling than a dry study of dates, states, and capitals.

Accuracy and a deft hand in capturing the language and setting of those times are very important in historical fiction. But unless the works we share with children tell compelling stories, children will not ask that most important question: "Is there another book I can read that's like this one?"

Take a few moments to listen to award-winning children's author Jewell Parker Rhodes discuss historical fiction and her 2013 novel, Sugar.

Evaluating Historical Fiction

Consider these questions as you evaluate works of historical fiction:

• Does the author provide background information to help readers distinguish between fact and fiction?

• Does the author avoid any contradiction or distortion of known historical events?

• Are background details authentic?

• Does the story accurately reflect the values and norms of the culture depicted?

• How has the author depicted full, well-rounded, multidimensional characters?

• How has the author enabled readers to identify or empathize with the protagonist?

• How does the author use language to make characters vivid? Have they attempted to replicate the language of the period? Did it work?

• Has the author included or avoided actual historical figures?

• Does the story have a larger meaning or lesson?

• Is history presented in a developmentally appropriate way for the intended audience?

• Has the author approached any controversial topics with care?

Finally, check out the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction as another source for finding great books.