Historical Fiction... ...is realistic fiction that takes place in the past.

Historical Fiction Characteristics-
  • Takes place forty or more years ago. (ex. Revolutionary war, Holocaust)

  • Has a lot of background information on the time period the story is about

  • Has fictional characters in a real(istic) period of time.

  • Sometimes has old language (like ma'am, sir...)

  • Sometimes have a prologue and monologue to provide extra background information about the historical event, if most information is not embedded in the story.

  • Usually takes place in an important event or time in history (ex. World War I, segregation times...)


Some Books to Read (Click on the Pictures to get a summary!)

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt-
Won the National Book Award for Fiction.  Now a Movie!
Won the National Book Award for Fiction. Now a Movie!





Out of the Dust by Karen Heese-
During the Great Depression. Won a Newbery Award
During the Great Depression. Won a Newbery Award





The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne-

During the Holocaust.  Now a Movie!
During the Holocaust. Now a Movie!





Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis-
Won a Newbery Award
Won a Newbery Award








Click the play button above to hear me talk!


Try a Historical Fiction word search I made! Click here!