Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is a type of story set in a real time period from the past. The characters and some events are made up, but the setting and background are based on real history. These stories help you learn about the past in an exciting way. They make history come alive through characters you care about.

What Makes It Historical

Historical fiction is set at least 50 years or more in the past. The author does lots of research to get the details right. The clothes, food, language, and daily life match the time period. Real historical events may happen in the background of the story.

Popular Historical Fiction

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is set during World War II. The Magic Tree House series takes readers to many different time periods. Little House on the Prairie tells about pioneer life in the 1800s. These books teach history while telling a great story.

Fun Facts

• Authors of historical fiction sometimes spend years researching before they start writing.
• Historical fiction can be set in any time period, from ancient Egypt to the 1960s.
• Some historical fiction books include real people as minor characters in the story.

Did You Know?

Many kids say they learn more about history from reading historical fiction than from their textbooks.