Historical Fiction for Children

Historical ficiton is very popular with readers and publishers alike. Teachers routinely use historical fiction to add interest and understanding in many subject areas across the curriculum. Much of the more contemporary ( if that is a correct term) deals with topics often left out of the classics. Multicultural perspectives,women's issues and events that had been neglected in the past are now given a fresh perspective by writers of historical fiction. A good example is the "Dear America" Series. These are popular with readers and teachers alike.

The correct definition of historical fiction can be as diverse as the events in history. Althea Reed, characterizes novels that include historical characters whose purpose is to reveal history and the true character of historical figures. In historical fiction written for children and young adults the protagonists are usually fictional adolescents or younger. Usually the main job of these characters is to triumph in the face of overwhelming difficulties. Often the characters go against the prevailing social or political edicts of their time. Many times these characters are rendered powerless by their youth, gender, race or class and they are often exploited by those in power.

Writing historical fiction carries with it the fine line each writer must contend with. How much history and how much fiction? This can be an especially thorny problem for the chilren's writer. The writer needs to engage the reader quickly, but the narrative must not override the historical accuracy. A sense of time, character and place needs to be conveyed to the reader slowly through the details gleaned in the research. The need to keep the narrative going while conveying information at the same time is the tight rope that writers must walk. It is critical for the writer to know their characters intimately and possess a thorough understanding of there historical period, especially the social norms. After all, it is the people who make the history. Characters need to have strong personalities driven by passions and beliefs that are challenged to create the conflict of the story. The events of the time help to create the characters, but they must be strong and interesting enough to stand alone in spite of historical details.

Certain elements of writing remain the same no matter what time period you set your novel. The story must be told through solide, strong and multi-faceted characters. The theme needs to be timeless and relevant to readers. Every work meeds to be married to the theme.

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