When evaluating, critiquing, and choosing historical fiction for children, it's important to remember that history is relative and different generations are going to consider "history" differently. Reading historical fiction will allow children to experience a time period that they were likely not even alive for.
There are many important elements of historical fiction that we can look for when evaluating this type of literature. Sometimes when we say "history," kids are probably a bit turned off and uninterested. However, the great thing about historical fiction is that it reads like a story, but the background information and time period should be factually accurate. It's also important to recognize that the values of the time period are there. For instance, as it pertains to women's rights, civil rights, and religious aspects, you want to make sure the historical evidence portrays the cultural climate accurately. What about the clothing, language, habits, past times, laws? They should be factually accurate relative to the historical period as well. Lastly, is the theme universal, despite the change of time period? Do the lessons ring true for today, as the time period?
By utilizing these characteristics of historical fiction, we can better equipped ourselves and our young readers to explore this genre.
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