Historical Fiction
Historical fiction teaches children the importance of the past. It allows them to better understand events in history and connect with those who came before us. This genre is defined by having relatable real or fictional characters and situations and real-life historical events set in the past. It can help children better understand and explore people’s motives, their moral development, and choices.
Rylant, C., Goode, D. (1985). When I Was Young In the Mountains. Penguin.
One of my favorite historical fiction stories is When I was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Diane Goode. In this story the narrator tales of a childhood in the Appalachian Mountains about 100 years ago. Remembering the happiness in her simple country living. The theme of this story is to be content with the simple things in life.
The historical elements include an outhouse, using candles and lanterns, walking to a general store to get a mound of butter and pumping pails of water to heat and fill the bathtubs. The rich illustrations not only enhance the story but provide more insight into the historical elements of the story.
When I Was Young In the Mountains has received many awards and accolades since its publication. It was named a best children and young adult book of 1982 , and an American Book Award in 1982. Diane Goode's illustrations won the book a Caldecott Honor for children's literature.
I like this story because it reads as if told by a Great-Grandmother to her great grandchildren. It reminds me of spending time listening to stories from my own grandmother. When I Was Young in the Mountains is best suited for children K-3rd grade.
In Red Kite Blue Kite, Ji-Ii Jiang tells the story of his
family friend when he was young. The young boy (Tai Shan) and his father (Baba)
during China's Cultural Revolution. During this scary time of unrest Tai and
his father are separated when his father is taken to a labor farm and Tai must
stay with Granny Wang (a kind farmer). Schools are closed and Baba is only
allowed to visit Tai Shan on Sunday. Tai
Shan and Baba enjoy flying their kites together and when they are no longer
allowed to visit, they fly their kites to greet each other every day to stay
connected and “talk with their kites”.
This is a beautiful story of a father/son relationship, love, history, and hope. In the author’s note at the beginning of the story we learn a brief history of the China in 1966-1976.Greg Ruth’s beautiful double-page spreads are done in ink and watercolors. They are large, realistic, they are a real feast for the eyes. The illustrations add to an already moving and visually descriptive story really bringing it to life.
I love this story and, in the end, when the father and son are united, everyone in the village flies red and blue kites is very moving. It is a powerful story that teaches children about the Chinese culture and history at the same time.This historical fiction tale has won many awards including the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature.
Ways to expand on the books
- Point out the Appalachian Mountain range (that runs from Maine to Georgia) on a map.
- Have the children ask there parents or grandparents what they liked to do when they were young.
- Why didn't Baba fly his kite for three days?
- Looking at the cover ask children to make a prediction, What do you this this story is about?
Questions to ask your students
- Where did Grandfather work?
- Has anyone been to a mountain before?
- Create kites in class.
- Fly a kite outside.
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