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Historical Fiction:
Books that are considered historical fiction are those in which settings and scenes are set in the past, that may have non-fictional characters but the story itself is fictional. Historical fiction books must have
1.) A creadible plot
2.) Historical authenticity
3.) Realistic setting
4.) Themes used within book fits with setting and plot
5.) The language used must fit with the time period
6.) Connects reader with the past
The genre of historical fiction came along as a result of the Romantic Movement in the 19th century. This genre became popular pre- WWI and its popularity declined post- WWI. One of the pioneers of historical fiction was James Fenimore Cooper, who wrote The Last of the Mohicans. I have not read the book but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the movie. Although it was a film I experienced, I felt as if I was in it, experiencing what the characters experienced; it is just the same when getting into a historical book. When you submerge yourself into an event that actually happened, you can relate to it and empathize with the characters. This genre gives insight to the readers as they take a look into the past.

I will enjoy introducing Historical Fiction to my students. I had an activity in mind…
I would chose a book that they class would assign to read, give them background information about the book and its time period, then I would have them research that specific time period. Each student would have to attain knowledge of the time so the book would already seem familiar to them, as they read. As students read, I would have them either concoct a character or use themselves to interject within the story; keeping the language, storyline and time period with that of the book. I would have them keep of log of the events and what their character did throughout the story. At the conclusion of the book, I would have each student create a summarized version of the book including their character, and present it to the class. I would have them answer questions such as: “Did your character play an important part in the history of the book?” “How much of an importance did he/she have to the book?” “If your character could have changed history, what would he/she do?” “Although history is in the past, can you at your current state be a history maker? If yes what could you do?”
I think by allowing the students to become involved in the historical fiction genre, they can relate to tragedy and heartache, joy and happiness, and learning from past mistakes in order to make a difference in the world. Maybe one day a historical fiction book will be written concerning them one day.