I guess I already did my historical fiction post a week early (I was confused!) titled Hattie Big Sky, but here are my thoughts on the reading this week:
First off, I love historical fiction! I used to read all of Ann Rinaldi's books. I really found the lists of books useful (I want to read a lot of them), especially in how they categorized them by historical time period and/or social issue they cover. This would really help in intergrating LA with other classes, especially SS or psycology and humanities. Using the books in lit circles also might prove helpful while reading a classic work of literature. For example, my freshman are reading to Kill a Mockingbird, and if in lit circles they were reading a piece of historical fiction about the civil rights or the Depression, they could make the connection in class and on their own.
I completely agree with the idea that historical fiction is all about the "human experience." Instead of being upset that the students might learn some incorrect facts about specific time periods, we should be glad they are interested in reading and learning about the human condition. The past should not be forgotten and what better way to have students remember than to read a fun ficition piece about it? I thought it was beautiful how it said in the book that historical fiction made history "human" and come and alive, it gives it dimention, not just facts on a page.
This is how I felt about Hattie Big Sky. I didn't know much about WWI and probably wouldn't read a "boring" old history book and try to find out, but now that I know more about it, Id like to find out more. The book was heartwarming and entertaining because it had a good plot and real characters I could relate to. Obviously it was fiction and I knew that but the facts woven in about WWI made me so interested I want to look up how Germans were persecute and ask my mom about her grandfather who was German preacher at this time in an all German-congregation. I also learned that my fiance's grandpa lived in Mexico as a boy to escape the predjucice, and he lived in Oregon!
I would like to try some more of the think alouds on p. 286 with my students while they read TKAM. This week I tried summarizing, questioning, clarifying and predicting. It came so natural I didn't realize I was doing it but it was quite easy and they understood so much better! ( hopefully their hw reflects that this week!:))
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My female student is reading “Hattie Big Sky.” I observed her trying to read other books and she usually quit reading them after a chapter or two. She still reads this book and I asked her about it. She smiled, saying she liked it. Since she will graduate in few weeks, it would be her last book. She made me so curious to read it this summer.
ReplyDeleteBesides this book, have you started thinking about nonfiction book that I can read for our group assignment?
HI group, have we thought of a book choice? I am okay with anything that you guys would like, just let me know and I will start reading it! :)
ReplyDeleteI am pretty indecisive so okay with anything:) In going over some selections in chapter 10, the following possibly look interesting:
ReplyDeleteLies My Teacher Told Me (I have always wanted to read this but it might be a bit long?)
Angela's Ashes (again, have always wanted to read)
Running with Scissors(I think it was also a movie)
Yeah Yeah Yeah! The Beatles, Beatlemania, and Music That Changed the World (Because I like music and esp the Beatles:))
I too love historical fiction, from almost any time frame. I am partial though to Medieval times. I can get lost in those .
ReplyDeleteSue