Part 10: Historical Fiction

Part 10: Historical Fiction

Popular choices in YA Historical Fiction

Historical Fiction, while a literary format and not a genre, is one of those formats that defies categorization in the genrified library and may well give pause to those considering genrification of their collections. Graphic novels, poetry, and other formats of literature may be works of historical fiction, and likewise, “history” itself is a debatable term that may mean different things to different readers. Some consider historical fiction to be defined as something that must be written from historical records, while others believe it can be written from personal experience. Whether or not history can be defined as having happened before our individual lifetimes, we can agree that historical fiction depicts a story that is written in a prior time period, and that offers readers a window to an experience in the past that differs from their own.

In evaluating historical fiction, the Library Media Specialist should take into account whether the work is accurate in its depiction of all historical aspects discussed, be they clothing, setting, politics or social attitudes and conventions. If the educator evaluating the work is not well-versed in the time period, either research or trusted literary reviews should be consulted. The setting in historical fiction should ring true, though the story is fictionalized. Another criterion for evaluation includes questioning whether the story comes alive through the work, or whether it is overly factual and didactic. If students are not engaged by the characters and story than it offers little gain by way of introducing a different time period from a fictional standpoint.

In presenting an engaging and relevant story, historical fiction writers must put forth themes that are universal in nature. The themes must continue to be as relevant as they were at the time of writing or at the time in which the story is set. The idea that all human beings are inherently worthy of equal justice, dignity and respect is an ongoing theme through various works of historical fiction, whether set during another century, the civil rights era, or in more contemporary history. While some historical time periods present a greater contrast to examine this theme against, it will never cease to be a relevant concept.

While themes should remain consistent, it’s important to consider how works of historical fiction portray values of the time period. Values are where student readers should see differences between “then” and “now,” whereas contemporary morals and values should not be inaccurately projected onto time periods where they would not have been found. For me this is one of the greatest annoyances I experience with historical fiction, and one where I evaluate it the most critically. Like many, I probably take a bit too much delight in uncovering inaccuracies and accidents in both literature and film, and am not above clicking through “mistakes, goofs and bloopers.” However, I realize that it’s misleading at best to present such inaccuracies to students when they are using captivating books as windows to people’s differing realities that help them better empathize with others and internalize significant themes.

I also find it interesting that, while the importance of historical accuracy should be apparent, it is sometimes used as an objection and challenge to literature. To Kill A Mockingbird, a prime example, was published in 1960, set in the 1930’s, and yet still today draws criticism and gets removed from schools. Harper Lee herself noted that she utilized the uncomfortable language to be historically accurate and to show readers what the atmosphere was truly like in the South at that time, and yet too much honesty in literature repeatedly draws objections, no matter the message. That this still goes on in present day is proof enough of the importance of students immersing themselves in quality stories of other people and times, lest we forget the very real attitudes and real, personal experiences of our history, and are “condemned to repeat it.”