Historical Fiction
Lesson plans and teaching resources

| Reading Historical Fiction | | Writing Historical Fiction |

Reading Historical Fiction

A college professor discusses the strengths and drawbacks of incorporating historical fiction in the classroom.

In this extensive unit plan, middle-school students read Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman to analyze character traits of a real historical figure, develop criteria for historical fiction, evaluate a variety of historical perspectives, and gain an understanding of an important period in American history. Includes handouts and assessment.

A fifth grade teacher explains the value of integrating historical fiction into a unit.

Writing Historical Fiction

This article includes warnings against insufficient research, losing story focus, and other potential dangers.

Discussion of the role of primary and secondary sources, research tools, and snares to avoid. This page will work well for middle school and older.

This article offers good specific examples of what to avoid. My favorite part: "You can get absolutely everything you need from just one source: Wikipedia. Okay, just kidding."

A list of 8 tips and — scroll down — a warning and good precaution.

Suggestions for using a story map.

Good advice for all grade levels.