Historical Fiction is definitely a special genre of young adult literature. Young Adult historical fiction is focused on the past, usually centered around a certain time period of a historical event such as WWII. One would even go as far to say that historical fiction provides more than just a unique version of escapism for young adult readers because it allows them to go back in time. Historical fiction, which can be described as the author’s recreation of history (when based on actual historical evidence), can deliver history in a way that facts alone can’t. By placing relatable characters within this genre, young adult readers are presented with stories that open their worlds up to a different time period. This genre, for young adults, covers time periods dated all the way back to BC time with titles such as “Cleopatra Confeses” By Carolyn Meyer, “Cleopatra’s Moon” By Vicky Alvear, and “Forbidden” By Kimberly Griffiths Little.   Prior to the 1990s, teachers didn’t have much to choose from as far as assigning readings to their students as far as a historical fiction ya book. In “Young Adult Historical Fiction and Its Value” Iapwe (2017) discusses how important historical fiction is to young adult readers. Iapwe (2017) explains how the collection of historical fiction has grown over the years especially since “Dear America”: “However, from the mid-1990s onwards there has been a greater choice in historical fiction for this age group. Scholastic’s “Dear America” series boosted the genre’s popularity, and genre-bending fiction offered non-history loving YA readers a different reading experience”. Even though this genre provides a lot of room for variation, there are certain chronological and geographical settings that tend to dominate historical fiction. Also, historical fiction does tend to involve white characters so having other ethnicities present in this genre gives a more well-rounded feel to the genre. In “Beyond the History Books: Genre Guide to “Off the Beaten Path” Historical Fiction” Yalsa (2014) explores the genre of historical fiction in depth. Yalsa (2014) points out valid facts concerning the genre of historical fiction: “In the process of creating history, many voices have been silenced, forgotten, or shoved aside. Good historical fiction-like all good fiction –weaves an absorbing story with complex characters, providing us with an opportunity to counteract simplifies or biased versions of history”. By reading fiction, readers have a chance to learn about unfamiliar cultures or see an exploration of their own heritage.

 

Iapwe. (2017). Young Adult Historical Fiction and Its Value. Retrieved from https://iapwe.org/young-adult-historical-fiction-and-its-value/

Yalsa. (2014). “Beyond the History Books: Genre Guide to “Off the Beaten Path” Historical Fiction”. Retrieved from  http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2014/05/26/beyond-the-history-books-genre-guide-to-off-the-beaten-path-historical-fiction/