Teach children the who, what, where, when, and why of major events and how they shaped the world by filling your classroom with historical and realistic fiction.

• Historical fiction refers to books with plots that take place in the past. 
• Realistic fiction refers to books with stories that could have happened to real figures or in real settings and times.

When you’re teaching about topics that might be difficult for students to fully understand, these books can serve as a gateway to another time and place. 

For instance, you can use the Show Me a Sign Trilogy by Ann Clare LeZotte to teach about the history of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, disabled, and marginalized youth. Spark more conversation in your classroom with this Ann Clare LeZotte discussion guide, which includes questions and extension activities for each of the three books in the trilogy: Show Me a Sign, Set Me Free, and Sail Me Away Home. 

Meanwhile, you can teach students about immigration, activism, and social injustice with the Front Desk novels by Kelly Yang, which tell the story of a young girl who moved to America from China with her parents. Plus, download this free PDF teaching guide to engage your students in a conversation about the important themes raised in the novels. 

Additionally, Wildoak is a compelling middle-grade novel that delves into intricate connections between humans and the natural world, and raises themes of friendship, confidence, and resilience. Download the Wildoak teaching guide for discussion questions, research topics and prompts, and other activities to support your students’ understanding of the book.

There is also Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the Holocaust, a gripping historical fiction graphic novel that explores the Holocaust and Jewish cultural history. Use this resource guide to kick off important discussions about hope, resistance, courage, and history with your students.

Lastly, introduce students to the realistic fiction read The Parker Inheritance. The discovery of a lost letter vaults Candice into a mystery and a multigenerational truth about a contemporary Southern town's racist past. This free discussion guide for The Parker Inheritance includes activities and resources to address important topics and increase engagement with the text.

After reading these books, have your students imagine what they would do if they were in a certain character’s shoes. Ask them how they would feel in similar circumstances — or how a character might react if they lived in today’s world.

Shop historical fiction and realistic fiction titles for your classroom library below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.