Historical Fiction ~ Learning History Through Literature
I am a big believer in using historical fiction to teach history, as well as to learn about history myself. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres of literature!
This is a landing page for all the historical fiction related articles I have written. I will continue to write about historical fiction, and thus will add to this page as I do. Please Pin for later and check back for more great historical fiction resources.
Historical Fiction
Why Read Historical Fiction
Learn American History Through Literature: Chasing Lincoln’s Killer
Learn about the assassination of President Lincoln from the events leading up to the assassination all the way through the capture of John Wilkes Booth. Including a FREE Printable Chasing Lincoln’s Killer Timeline.
Learn American History Through Literature: Ghosts of the Titanic
Learn about the sinking of the Titanic from an unusual perspective, from those sent out to clear the bodies from the water. Engage in discussion questions and complete many fun extension activities related to the sinking of the Titanic.
Historical Fiction Series ~ Titanic
A list of historical fiction set around the Titanic, as well as related activities and a FREE Printable Titanic Timeline.
Learn American History Through Literature: Pedro’s Journal
Pedro’s Journal is a great story for children to put themselves smack in the middle of Columbus’s journey on the Santa Maria in 1492.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
Historical Fiction Series ~ Columbus
Learn American History Through Literature: The Holocaust
Historical Fiction for the Civil War
Historical Fiction for the American Revolution
Salem Witch Trials
This article includes activities and questions for a teen themed book club. The two books included are The Witch of Blackbird Pond and The Shape of Mercy.
Historical Fiction Book Reviews
Teaching Middle School History Through Literature – A Beautiful Feet Curriculum Review
Book Review: By The Light of the Silvery Moon
Remember the Titanic 100 years after its doomed voyage with Tricia Goyer’s fictional portrayal of one woman’s journey. To Amelia Gladstone, this ship means promise of seeing family again. To Quentin Walpole, the Titanicrepresents a new start in America…if he can get onboard. All seems lost until Amelia offers him a ticket, securing his passage—and bringing him face-to-face with his railroad tycoon father and older brother, Damian. As Amelia works to reconcile father and son, she finds herself the object of both brothers’ affection. Can she choose between two brothers? Or will she lose everything to the icy waters of the Atlantic?
Book Review: How Huge the Night
Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon-the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust-How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history (the Holocaust) and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.
Sophie’s Choice
Ronald Reagan: Cowboy and Commander in Chief
Other Literature Suggestions
Check out my High School Literature Lists:
Picture Books & Read Alouds:
I have a Picture Books & Read Alouds Pinterest board where you can find tons of great literature, and lists of books in categories like, for boys/girls, those that love science, etc.
April 2, 2015 @ 10:25 am
We also LOVE to learn history through reading a combination of historical fiction and nonfiction. This year, my boys realized that we’d spent lots of time learning about ancient history through the Civil War… and they wanted to jump forward and focus on WWI to present. So they’ve been reading all sorts of stuff including lots of biographies. They’ve enjoyed history more this year than they ever have before!
January 3, 2020 @ 3:30 pm
Would you be interested in considering my historical fiction for YA, The Falconer’s Apprentice? Readers have told me that it would be suitable for homeschooling. It is set in Germany and Italy in the 13th century. The story revolves around a boy and a falcon, and it includes historical figures such as Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen as well as a wealth of historical details from the times.