A bit About YAL Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is defined as realistic literature "set in a time remote enough from the present to be considered history." (p. 79 Tomlinson & Lynch-Brown, 2010). The stories and characters may be imaginary, however, the time period must be presented authentically. In some historical fiction books real characters and events are intertwined with imaginary characters. 

Some key components of historical include:

Setting: authentic settings that convey the time period. For example clothing,  food, transportation, technology, etc.

Language: It can be problematic to use authentic language or dialects of the time. Writers must find a balance between conveying the time period through the language of the characters without losing credibility by using language that is too contemporary.

Bias: Much of history is written from one perspective or view point. Modern historical fiction is often written from the perspective of women or other marginalized groups with an attempt to provide other views to an historical era or event. However, regardless of  the perspective, characters must "behave in an historically accurate fashion" (p. 80 Tomlinson & Lynch-Brown, 2010).  

The use of historical fiction in the class room to supplement a social studies curriculum increases recall of historical facts as well as increasing active engagement in the curriculum. (p. 80 Tomlinson & Lynch-Brown, 2010).  

Of the 102 books listed by the Young Adult Library Services Association as the best books of 2013 only 10 of these qualify as historical fiction. The topics and time periods range from the Black Panthers, to World War Two and the Gestapo, to slave traders and the Civil War. ("2013 best fiction," 2013). At the web site GoodReads.com, a web site that invites its members to review and share their reading experiences, members recommended 542 new titles in young adult historical for 2013. (Good Reads Historical)

References:

(2013). 2013 Best Fiction for Young Adults. Young Adult Library Services Association, Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/yalsa/bfya/2013list
Good reads historical fiction 2013. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/23965.Historical_Fiction_2013?page=6

Tomlinson, C., & Lynch-Brown, C. (2010). Essentials of young adult literature. (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.