Historical Fiction: Modern Times (Middle Grades Series)

This online course offers an engaging way for middle school students to explore 20th-century modern history through historical fiction. By analyzing award-winning novels, students will gain insights into various historical eras, including the post-WWII era, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and 9/11. The course also fosters an appreciation for elements of literature, such as setting, plot, characterization, and poetry. Additionally, it encourages critical thinking and creative responses through regular writing assignments and multimedia tools in a supportive, interdisciplinary learning environment.

The course, titled "Historical Fiction Literature Series", carefully selects six young adult novels that complement the "History of US" series. These include "The Lions of Little Rock", "Countdown", "One Crazy Summer", "I Love You, Michael Collins", "Inside Out and Back Again", and "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story". The course emphasizes that while some books may be easier to read and analyze than others, certain historical topics might be emotionally challenging for younger or more sensitive readers. Therefore, it provides the option for students to skip reading and associated webinars for specific books.

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