Historical Fiction: World War II (Middle Grades Series)

This online course, titled "Exploring World War II through Literature," is designed for middle school students, combining History and English Language Arts to provide a globally focused perspective on World War II. It utilizes award-winning historical fiction novels to engage students, fostering an appreciation for literary elements and insights into the past. The course covers diverse themes such as setting, plot, characterization, fiction vs. reality, and specific historical events like the European and Pacific theaters, the Holocaust, and the Japanese Internment Camps. Learning is facilitated through regular written communication, multimedia materials, web 2.0 tools, and live webinars.

The course materials include five novels: "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry, "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, "When My Name Was Keoko" by Linda Sue Park, "Weedflower" by Cynthia Kadohata, and "The Green Glass Sea" by Ellen Klages. Caution is advised for sensitive readers due to emotionally challenging historical topics and fictional protagonists facing perilous situations. Students can skipping disturbing content, ensuring the course accommodates various age groups and sensitivities.