Evaluating Informational and Historical Fiction Books

Most students show little or not interest in reading historical fiction.  Many children feel that reading about history is "boring."  According to Charlotte Huck, historical fiction "dramatizes and humanizes" the past for us.  Informational books may also be hard to promote to children.  As media specialist, we must select historical fiction and informational books that are written from different perspectives to allow students to see themselves in history.  Offering books that may spark interest in the facts behind the story, will provide opportunities for promoting informational books on a particular subject.  Authenticity is one of the most important elements in  evaluating high quality historical fiction books  Literary elements such as characterization, plot, setting, theme, and style are also important when evaluating historical fiction. A different criterion is used to evaluate informational books such as accuracy, organization, design, and style.  Providing current and interesting resources to children can be vital in helping them realize what they can learn through historical fiction and informational books.