Focus on Genre: Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is based on real historical events or on real historical people, or on both. The author’s purpose is to both inform and entertain.

The author may create dialogue and tell the story from the point of view of a real person or a fictional character.

In 1940, my father was a diplomat, representing the country of Japan. Our family lived in a small town in the small country called Lithuania….

Real dates and other details provide factual information.

Then one early morning in late July, my life changed forever.

Suspense makes the story entertaining.

Your Job as a Reader: Reading Strategy: Make Inferences

As you read, add your own knowledge to important details to create meaning.

Illustration of the selection 2 title page, “Passage to Freedom”