YA Timeline

  http://www.epicreads.com/blog/the-age-of-ya-a-timeline-of-historical-fiction

I think historical fiction should complement the social studies curriculum, as the books bring characters to life who were alive during the time that is being studied. It's similar to having a primary source, albeit a fictional one. I think ELA and SS teachers should collaborate to bring historical fiction books and the SS curriculum together. I know it would have helped me understand more about history and what the people were like during that time. My interest is piqued more by personal experiences and human interactions than what can seem more like isolated facts with no context. I'm sure there are many students who feel the same way. 

The notes at the bottom of the list caught my attention, especially the sentence that stated the majority of the books on the list were published after 2005.  I find it a little odd that the creators of the list would not fill each decade with books as I'm guessing many more books exist. The 1890s, 1940, and 1980s were the three most popular decades on the list and I would say most historical fiction books that I have read are set in the 1940s as the Holocaust and WWII were such monumental events in recent history. I was a teenager in the 1980s so it struck me as funny that this decade is popular, especially when compared to the 1940s. It also makes me feel very old! I am not sure what was so compelling about the 1890s and the books on the list look to be more like fantasy than historical fiction. 

When reading over the list I noticed that women were featured on the covers of almost every book on the list. It would seem the "lesser" sex is actually more interesting! Surprise, surprise! Kidding aside, I think women play such important roles throughout history and I feel that their underdog status makes their stories more appealing. 

It wasn't until recently that I realized historical fiction is my favorite genre. Previously, I had always contended that I did not have a favorite. Perhaps, it is because historical fiction seems to hide within realistic fiction. For me, historical fiction has helped me understand on a deeper level the events that have taken place in history. I find it has also opened the door to me reading more nonfiction and memoirs. I believe access to many interesting historical fiction titles would bolster its popularity with students.