Is Anyone Using Historical Fiction?

[bcolley13]

I've been having great success teaching students about the early stages of the American Revolution using the novel My Brother Sam is Dead...is anyone else using Historical Fiction for other time periods or topics? I'm looking to add more of these novels to my workshops.

[upnorthteacher]

I use historical fiction pretty extensively to integrate language arts and social studies. In fact, one of my fifth grade classes is also reading My Brother Sam is Dead right now. I have done extensive reading of novels to choose the ones that best fit my goals for social studies and are well-written and approrpriate for my students. One of the best resources I have on hand is a book called U.S. History through Children's Literature, by Wanda J. Miller. You can get it on Amazon. Amazon and Scholastic website also have nice search features that you can use to look for books on a particular subject and reading level. If you would like a complete list of the books I use, send me a PM with your email address. Hope this helps!

[hweber]

I teach fourth grade and use a book called "Aurora Means Dawn" about the first settlers in Aurora, Ohio. It is out of print, but you can still get it. I have also used a book about a Civil War battle field that becomes a housing development, but I can't think of the name of it. Good story, makes kids think. Good writing activities to go with it too.

[lynn bambusch]

I like to use Johnny Tremain because of the details of the people and the way of life during the early Revolutionary times, but it is a lot longer. One of the best books, ever, for the Civil War period is a picture book called Pink and Say. It isn't fiction, but as a one lesson introduction to the period, it is amazing. I can't get through it without crying. I'm a softie. Of course, The Cay is great, although it is old, my students always get very involved in the action. That was is Pre-American entry into World War II. Follow The Star is for WWII, and talks about the resistance and people being smuggled to safety. Good for upper elementary and middle school. As you can see, historical fiction, or history in general is my favorite!