teaching historical fiction

Teaching Historical Fiction: A Journey Through Time

Historical fiction is a captivating genre that allows readers to delve into the past and experience historical events through the eyes of fictional characters. Whether you are an educator looking to engage students in history or an avid reader seeking to expand your knowledge, historical fiction novels offer a unique blend of entertainment and education. In this article, we will explore the beauty of teaching historical fiction and highlight some remarkable novels, authors, and websites to enhance your reading experience.

1. Why Teach Historical Fiction?

Integrating historical fiction into the classroom can breathe life into history lessons and cultivate a deeper understanding of past events. By connecting readers to characters, settings, and narratives set in a specific period, historical fiction helps students visualize history in a more personal and relatable way. Moreover, it fosters critical thinking, empathy, and analytical skills as readers encounter different perspectives, cultural nuances, and social dynamics from varying time periods.

2. Must-Read Historical Fiction Novels

(a) "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, this remarkable novel follows the story of a young orphaned girl named Liesel Meminger. Throughout the book, readers witness Liesel's transformation as she navigates the power of words, love, and survival amidst the backdrop of war.

(b) "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: With themes of racial inequality, justice, and morality, this classic novel set in 1930s Alabama is an essential read for any historical fiction enthusiast. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, Harper Lee explores the challenges of growing up and the deep-rooted prejudices that existed during that time.

(c) "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett: Travel back to 12th-century England as Ken Follett weaves a gripping tale of ambition, politics, and the construction of a magnificent cathedral. This epic novel delves into the intricacies of medieval life and the struggles faced by individuals seeking power and purpose.

3. Notable Historical Fiction Authors

(a) Philippa Gregory: Known for her captivating historical novels set during the Tudor period, Philippa Gregory brings to life the powerful women who shaped British history. From "The Other Boleyn Girl" to "The White Queen," her works offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of royalty, court intrigue, and the complexities of power.

(b) Bernard Cornwell: With a talent for storytelling, Bernard Cornwell has gained acclaim for his historical fiction series such as "The Saxon Stories" set in the Viking Age and the "Sharpe" series during the Napoleonic Wars. His meticulous attention to historical detail combined with compelling characters makes his novels a must-read for history enthusiasts.

4. Online Resources for Historical Fiction

(a) Goodreads (www.goodreads.com): Goodreads is a popular online platform that provides book recommendations, author interviews, and reader reviews. It has an extensive collection of historical fiction novels and allows users to connect with fellow readers to discuss their favorite books.

(b) Historical Novel Society (www.historicalnovelsociety.org): The Historical Novel Society is a treasure trove of resources for historical fiction lovers. Their website features reviews, author interviews, and articles on various historical periods, ensuring you never run out of options to explore.

In conclusion, teaching historical fiction opens doors to the past, enabling readers to bridge the gap between the present and history's rich tapestry. Through engaging novels like "The Book Thief," "To Kill a Mockingbird," and "The Pillars of the Earth," readers can immerse themselves in different time periods, cultures, and perspectives. Authors like Philippa Gregory and Bernard Cornwell continue to captivate readers with their masterful storytelling. With online resources like Goodreads and the Historical Novel Society, the world of historical fiction is at your fingertips. So, embark on a journey through time with historical fiction and discover the wonders that await!
My Seventy Years Fiction
My Seventy Years

Synopsis of "My Seventy Years": "My Seventy Years" is an autobiographical historical novel. The story chronicles the ups and downs of "me" from childhood to youth, to middle age, and to old age, presenting a magnificent historical panorama spanning over seventy tumultuous years from the turn of the century to the end of the century and the beginning of a new century. It praises the selfless and fearless patriotic sentiments of an old soldier who dedicates his youth, life, wisdom, and strength to the beloved frontier construction, displaying an unwavering commitment to serving the nation until the end of his days.

475.26 Million words | 2022-10-23 06:03Update

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Song Shixing. Fiction
Song Shixing.

In the sixth year of Xuanhe, he arrived at the capital city of Dongjing. Two years away from the disgraceful Jingkang Incident, Yu Yin stood by the Wuzhang River, at a loss. Is Dongjing a dream of prosperity, or a dream of illusion? The once magnificent buildings are now on the verge of collapse, while the streets are filled with vibrant colors... In this crumbling world, Yu Yin stumbles forward. But with a sudden turn, he realizes that history has changed without his noticing. A brand new era silently unfolds!++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

160.65 Million words | 2023-03-29 22:55Update

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The Rise and Fall of Weiyang Fiction
The Rise and Fall of Weiyang

Original novel of 'The Scheme of a Beauty'. Who will dominate in the Han Dynasty? Xiao Qingyi, a small woman, manipulates a conspiracy involving the nine-year-old empress dowager's false childbirth, but little did she know that in the end, she would be the one caught in her own trap! The greatest pains in life are suffered by people, even the Emperor himself cannot control everything! Emperor Liu Ying of Han, a tragicomedy involving the marriage of his uncle to his niece, is a lamentation of the Han Dynasty! This book is a lengthy novel set in the early Han Dynasty, starting with Empress Lv Zhi's pardon and appointment of Xiao Qingyi as a virtuous daughter to a vassal state. Meanwhile, Prince Liu Heng of Dai forms an alliance with her, based on trust and intelligence, to build their empire together. From then on, she calmly steps towards the pinnacle of power, eventually becoming the legendary woman of the Western Han Dynasty, who held the imperial seal of authority for four dynasties.

299.26 Million words | 2022-08-11 06:16Update

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The Three Kingdoms Grand Voyage. Fiction
The Three Kingdoms Grand Voyage.

Li Zongwu said, Liu Bei is generous, Cao Cao is cunning, Sun Quan is both generous and cunning. Faced with this uncle who is both generous and cunning, as the only son of Sun Ce, Sun Shao feels immense pressure. He endures and hides his clumsiness, but countless concerns prevent him from minding his own business. His vision surpasses the era, making it impossible for him to conceal his brilliance. Without strength, there is no dignity. Faced with the relentless pursuit of the generous and cunning uncle, Sun Shao slams the table and vows to fight him to the end. The east wind blows, war drums sound, who is afraid of the generous

205.71 Million words | 2022-06-11 16:20Update

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Clash of Small Town Fiction
Clash of Small Town

He hails from Xinghua, a water town in Jiangnan, In the verdant military camp, his hot blood boils, Entangled with beauties from various nations throughout his life, Amidst the shadows of espionage, he battles the killers of the evil sect. He is the successor of a thousand-year-old lineage, Obtaining ancient secrets in the quest for treasures. On the ethereal peak of Beiyue, he journeys like a wandering dragon, In our majestic Middle Kingdom, the dragon's roar shakes the heavens. After transitioning careers, he encounters the different struggles of local officials, Every day brings new excitement, shared with you!

290.81 Million words | 2021-11-10 14:48Update

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Armor of War: Three Kingdoms Fiction
Armor of War: Three Kingdoms

Give me a girl, and I cannot create a nation; give me a piece of wood, and I can instantly make a repeating crossbow. With the armor and weapon system in my hands, I have the three kingdoms under my control! What does the Wolf Cavalry of Bingzhou matter? Just watch how my three thousand aluminum helmets and armor lead the charge and conquer the world! What about the vanguard of Hebei? Just see how my Furious Edge Camp wields steel spring repeating crossbows to sweep across the Nine Provinces! What about the navy of Jiangdong? Just witness how my Yan vehicle and ship

208.08 Million words | 2023-05-31 00:39Update

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Special Forces King Fiction
Special Forces King

The ruffian soldier in the cooking squad rises to become the king of special forces. In the Soldier King Competition, he challenges the elites from various countries, rushes to the battlefield, kills enemies for his country, fights against mercenary groups, and takes down one person with ten steps. Life and death! Live and die together! Achieving the peak of infantry, he becomes the ace blade! "Special Forces King" Part two, "Mad Soldier Dragon King," starts with blood and carries on with a different story! If you're not satisfied, let's continue the excitement! How does the soldier who becomes the captain of the Blade Squadron train his team members? - See "Mad Soldier Dragon King" for details.

88.53 Million words | 2020-12-27 13:57Update

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Door to Anywhere: Starting Point - Qin Shi Huang Enlightenment Fiction
Door to Anywhere: Starting Point - Qin Shi Huang Enlightenment

After graduating from college, Chu Feng refused to become a journalist and chose to be a farmer instead. However, strange guests would occasionally appear after nightfall. Emperor Ying Zheng: "Sir, please save Great Qin!" Emperor Li

18.87 Million words | 2020-08-06 16:58Update

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Hunting Three Kingdoms Fiction
Hunting Three Kingdoms

A formidable bow capable of shooting enemies from a thousand steps away; an invincible iron arm that can shatter anything in its path; an indomitable spirit that never admits defeat. Praised as the Heavenly Steed of Liaodong by admirers, feared as a wolf from the north by foes. Travelling through the Three Kingdoms, slaying a general each day, starting from Hebei, rising in Liaodong, casting eyes upon Central Plains, engulfing the world. This is the path of Ma Han. He may not be the greatest marksman in the Three Kingdoms, but he is unquestionably the top sniper. "Give me a good bow, a swift horse, and an abundance of arrows, and I can shoot, explode, and conquer the Three Kingdoms!" - Ma Han

587.83 Million words | 2021-05-15 16:12Update

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God-level Soldier King Fiction
God-level Soldier King

【Sensational Work】Once a top warlord who dominated the mercenary world, he returns to Huadu, engaging in a fierce battle of wits and strength. Carrying a mysterious mission, he treads on thin ice amidst the bloodshed. His iron fists are unmatched, he fearlessly takes on challenges, defeating arrogant youngsters with his fists and kicking second-generation elites with his feet. Yet

403.47 Million words | 2022-11-11 23:52Update

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The mountains and rivers as my pillow. Fiction
The mountains and rivers as my pillow.

When Wei Yun was fourteen years old, all the men in his family died on the battlefield, leaving their home in ruins. Only his mother and his new sister-in-law were left to support him. Wei's mother said to him, "It's not easy for your sister-in-law. She just got married and already lost her husband. When you become successful in the future, you must find a good match for her." At that time, he nodded and said, "Okay." When Wei Yun turned twenty, Gu Chusheng, the Minister of Rites, came to propose a marriage alliance with Wei's family. Wei Yun held a knife and entered the gates of the Gu family. He said, "Once I enter the doors of the Wei family, I will be a part of the Wei family for the rest of my life." Gu Chusheng sneered and said, "Your brother is already dead. Who does she belong to?" Wei Yun tightened his grip on the knife and answered, word by word, "She belongs to me, Wei Yun."

120.31 Million words | 2022-05-08 22:38Update

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The Terminator of Kingpins Fiction
The Terminator of Kingpins

It was a chaotic era of warlords, with fierce competition and brilliant heroes... Ling Feng, a famous playboy in Chuan Valley County, was unexpectedly drawn into this turmoil due to a sudden upheaval in his family. Let's see how his fate unfolds. They say extraordinary people do extraordinary things, and his father was one such exceptional individual. He came from another world, and Ling Feng inherited his father's dying wish, embarking on a journey with an unparalleled mission! They say conquerors are formidable and heroic figures, but he specialized in annihilating conquerors!

593.51 Million words | 2023-01-30 11:45Update

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Bright Blood Fiction
Bright Blood

Transferred to turmoil in the late Ming Dynasty? Heroes have their own ways of dying, and bears have their own paths to survival. A true man sheds his blood without fear of death! Mo Li said, nonsense, without me in this world, you will be lonely! Well, I mean, especially those graceful and charming beauties~ Dayu'er! I'm talking to you, what are you thinking? Come here and kneel down... Join Crazy Blue's QQ group, welcome everyone to chat nonsense together...

136.91 Million words | 2021-09-28 02:27Update

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The Immortal of the Aztecs Fiction
The Immortal of the Aztecs

In the heyday of the Aztec Empire in Mesoamerica, a soul from the future is transported back in time. His mission is to save the indigenous people from their impending doom and establish a new empire in Central America. Meanwhile, the Age of Discovery has just begun and European colonizers are exploring the unknown world. As Europe rises, they seek to conquer the fertile lands of the Americas and colonize the New World. However, an immortal soul intends to change everything. He aims to unite Central America under his rule, inherit the two-thousand-year-old Mesoamerican civilization, and resist the invasion of Western colonizers. With hundreds of years ahead, he leads the Aztec civilization towards a destined path of conquering the Americas. Without the lands and wealth of the Americas, what will become of the Westerners? And where will the world go from here? QQ Book Club.

326.31 Million words | 2020-09-26 20:07Update

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Rebirth of a Small Country in Europe Fiction
Rebirth of a Small Country in Europe

With the construction system, I am reborn after World War II and create a strong European economy. "The Marshall Plan provided us with a foundation, but it is not the core of Nord's rise." - Joseph III, Grand Duke of Nord. "I don't really like this person because he deceived the feelings of the American people." - President of the United States. "As an important member of the European Union, it is hard for me to imagine that this country can surpass us economically." - President of France. "If there is anyone who can constantly capture the hearts of numerous Hollywood actresses, it is undoubtedly the Grand Duke of Nord." - Founder of Playboy.

480.92 Million words | 2021-07-16 02:34Update

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The Rise and Fall of My Lord in Late Ming Fiction
The Rise and Fall of My Lord in Late Ming

"Rise and Fall of My Sovereign in the Late Ming Dynasty" Synopsis A young migrant worker from the north travels to Mount Wuling for sightseeing. After getting drunk, he unintentionally saves a spirit fox and receives its assistance. As a result, he travels through time to the late Ming Dynasty and becomes Zhu Youjian, the Prince of Xin. (Reader group ID)

395.69 Million words | 2022-07-30 15:24Update

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Tang Dynasty's Chu Ba Wang Fiction
Tang Dynasty's Chu Ba Wang

Tang Dynasty Diplomatic Declaration: 1. What's yours is mine, what's mine is still mine. 2. If I don't have it, I'll just take it from your house. 3. Anyone who dares to defy will be crushed to death.

20.70 Million words | 2023-02-27 17:30Update

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Emperor of the United States of America Fiction
Emperor of the United States of America

Research monk Li Mengyang, I don't know how it happened, but he ended up in the mid-20th century and, even more unfortunate, was sold as a "piglet" to America. This era was one of the fastest-growing periods in American history! A plethora of heroes emerged in this era! The times were ever-changing! Li Mengyang, who arrived in America naked, witnessed the Gold Rush, the Wild West, Native Americans, the emancipation of slaves, and the Civil War... But Li Mengyang never imagined that he, as a super-proletariat, would eventually become the Emperor of America. PS: This is not only a foreign history, but it will also be a part of Chinese history and world history! "The Black Car" is a completed work, and there are also "Red Master Director" and "Using the Brain to Play Ball" for those who enjoy this type of story. Please rest assured to collect it, as the quality of "The Black Car" is guaranteed. Thank you very much!

2.39 Million words | 2020-09-15 18:57Update

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I am really not the last emperor of the Wu Kingdom. Fiction
I am really not the last emperor of the Wu Kingdom.

In the late years of Dong Wu, there were internal troubles and external dangers, with smoke rising from all corners of the land. Treacherous officials held power. In Sun Hao's heart, he thought: "Since I have traveled to this tumultuous era, I will do my utmost to reverse the situation! I will not be the last emperor of Wu!"

35.14 Million words | 2020-08-09 15:54Update

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Empire of Excellence Fiction
Empire of Excellence

From an uncle crossing over to become a young man, he looks so thrilled. In the blink of an eye, he buys a soaring monkey. This is a history novel that is not too serious but still serious. Interested friends can join the book club to discuss and exchange ideas together.

138.93 Million words | 2022-08-07 12:32Update

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