First, consider the historical accuracy. Check if the events, settings, and characters are well - researched and portrayed realistically. Second, look at the writing style. Is it engaging and able to transport you to the historical period? Third, analyze the characters. Are they complex and believable? For example, in 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, the historical details are rich, the writing is immersive, and the characters like Thomas Cromwell are multi - dimensional, which makes it an excellent historical fiction.
Well, NPR often looks at how historical fiction can bring history to life in new ways. For instance, a book like 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It's set during World War II and NPR probably noted how it weaves together the stories of a blind French girl and a German boy in a beautifully written narrative that gives a different perspective on the war. And there are many other such books in NPR's reviews that offer insights into different historical periods.
I also recommend 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' by James Hogg. This novel delves deep into the religious and moral climate of 18th - century Scotland. It's a complex and somewhat dark exploration of a man's struggle with his faith and his own sense of self, all set against the backdrop of the Scottish landscape and society.
One great 6th - grade historical fiction book is 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry. It tells a story about a girl in Denmark during World War II. The characters are well - developed, and it gives a vivid picture of what life was like under Nazi occupation. It's easy for 6th graders to understand and really makes them feel the courage and friendship in difficult times.
One must - read is 'Gone with the Wind'. It vividly portrays the American South during the Civil War. Scarlett O'Hara's character is complex and captivating. Another is 'The Pillars of the Earth' which gives a detailed look at building a cathedral in the Middle Ages. And 'Wolf Hall' is great too, as it shows Thomas Cromwell's life in Tudor England.
One important aspect is the historical setting. It should be vividly described so that readers can picture the time and place. Another is the character development. Well - developed characters make the story more engaging. For example, in 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, the descriptions of Paris and London during the French Revolution are detailed, and the characters like Sydney Carton are memorable.
The narrative structure is another important aspect. A good historical fiction should have a story that flows well and keeps the reader engaged. Whether it's a linear narrative or one that jumps back and forth in time, it needs to be done in a way that makes sense and adds to the overall story. Kirkus Reviews would assess how effectively the author uses the narrative structure to tell the historical story.
One of the most popular historical fiction novels with great reviews is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. Many reviews praise its beautiful prose and the way it weaves together the stories of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. Another popular one is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Reviews often mention how it gives a unique perspective on Nazi Germany through the eyes of a young girl who loves books.
Historical fiction can bring history to life. For example, when reading about a specific time period in a historical novel, we can see how people lived, what they ate, and how they interacted. It makes the dry facts from history books more relatable.
We can also learn about different writing styles in historical fiction. NPR reviews might discuss how an author uses language to make the historical setting come alive. For instance, if an author uses archaic language in a story set in the Middle Ages, the review could talk about whether it enhances or detracts from the story. Moreover, we can discover books that offer unique perspectives on well - known historical events. A book might tell a story from the point of view of a minor character in a big event like the Industrial Revolution, and NPR's review could highlight this interesting take.