11th Grade U.S. History Literature Circles

World War II fiction novels offer high school teachers a powerful tool for engaging students in historical learning. These novels provide immersive experiences that transport readers into the tumultuous era of the 1940s, allowing them to witness the human experience amidst the chaos of war. Through compelling characters and gripping narratives, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the conflict, including its causes, consequences, and the diverse perspectives of those involved. Moreover, reading World War II fiction encourages critical thinking and empathy as students explore themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the impact of war on individuals and societies. By delving into these narratives, students not only enhance their historical knowledge but also develop important skills in analysis, interpretation, and perspective-taking, making World War II fiction an invaluable addition to any high school curriculum.

This list is by no means exhaustive but it contains newer as well as classic titles, many of which have been made into movies. Share this list with students for reading suggestions over the break or during the school year for book reports or other assignments. Or use for a student book club or even your own book club! World War II historical fiction is quite popular right now!!!

I admit that my own historical fiction novel, Hearts at War, is on the list! I wrote this novel with the high school student in mind, in order to delve deeper into life on the home front for those coming-of-age. The story centers around a Japanese-American boy and a Caucasian girl who grow up in Southern California and then follows how their lives diverge once Pearl Harbor is attacked. Students might be surprised to learn that Japanese-American Nisei served as secret translators in the Pacific theater of war during World War II. I wanted that piece of history to come to light which has been hidden for far too long.

Engage your students with a comprehensive Pre-Reading Historical Introduction to Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. This Digital Google Lesson seamlessly presents this novel’s significant setting with critical world events of the time. This resource greatly improves comprehension while aligning to standards, ensuring a richer literary experience for all learning styles.

For use with whole group, small group, or independent work for regular ed, learning support, ESL or virtual/homeschool classrooms

Google Slides:

1. **Author Photo and Short Biography** Providing students with a personal connection to the author, enhancing their engagement and understanding of the writer’s influence behind the story.

2. **Historical Fiction Genre** Preparing students to critically analyze how real-world events of the time-period are portrayed through creative storytelling.

3. **Audio Link to Book**Providing an additional resource to support diverse learning styles and ensuring all students can access and engage with the text.

4. **Location Facts, Photos, and Maps** Providing students with a concrete understanding of the setting, enriching their grasp of the historical and geographical context of the story.

5. **Time-period Facts, Photos and Links** Helping students visualize and comprehend the novel’s historical context, deepening their understanding of the events and culture depicted in the story.

6. **Link to Time-period Music** Immersing students in the cultural atmosphere of the era, promoting an emotional connection.

7. **Links to Historical Video Clips** Bringing history to life, providing visual imagery and helping students better understand the events and people of the time-period.

8. **List of Books Written by this Author** Reading other books by the same author is important because it allows students to explore similar themes and styles, fostering a greater interest in literature and a deeper connection with the author's body of work.

9. **Pre- and Post- Printable Assessments with Answer Key** Crucial for the digital introduction lesson helping to gauge students' initial knowledge and track their progress, ensuring their understanding of the novel.

DIGITAL USES IN THE CLASSROOM:

· Introduce new story

· Provide factual backstory to historical fiction text

· Stimulate group discussion

· Create predictions about text

· Use as distance learning resource

· Post on webpage

· Add to electronic notebooks

Please be sure to view the preview and watch the video for detailed images and descriptions of the lesson.

This lesson is also available in PowerPoint.

Enjoy!

-From Kiwious About Vocab

Engage your students with a comprehensive Pre-Reading Historical Introduction to Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. This Digital Google Lesson seamlessly presents this novel’s significant setting with critical world events of the time. This resource greatly improves comprehension while aligning to standards, ensuring a richer literary experience for all learning styles.

For use with whole group, small group, or independent work for regular ed, learning support, ESL or virtual/homeschool classrooms

Google Slides:

1. **Author Photo and Short Biography** Providing students with a personal connection to the author, enhancing their engagement and understanding of the writer’s influence behind the story.

2. **Historical Fiction Genre** Preparing students to critically analyze how real-world events of the time-period are portrayed through creative storytelling.

3. **Audio Link to Book**Providing an additional resource to support diverse learning styles and ensuring all students can access and engage with the text.

4. **Location Facts, Photos, and Maps** Providing students with a concrete understanding of the setting, enriching their grasp of the historical and geographical context of the story.

5. **Time-period Facts, Photos and Links** Helping students visualize and comprehend the novel’s historical context, deepening their understanding of the events and culture depicted in the story.

6. **Link to Time-period Music** Immersing students in the cultural atmosphere of the era, promoting an emotional connection.

7. **Links to Historical Video Clips** Bringing history to life, providing visual imagery and helping students better understand the events and people of the time-period.

8. **List of Books Written by this Author** Reading other books by the same author is important because it allows students to explore similar themes and styles, fostering a greater interest in literature and a deeper connection with the author's body of work.

9. **Pre- and Post- Printable Assessments with Answer Key** Crucial for the digital introduction lesson helping to gauge students' initial knowledge and track their progress, ensuring their understanding of the novel.

DIGITAL USES IN THE CLASSROOM:

· Introduce new story

· Provide factual backstory to historical fiction text

· Stimulate group discussion

· Create predictions about text

· Use as distance learning resource

· Post on webpage

· Add to electronic notebooks

Please be sure to view the preview and watch the video for detailed images and descriptions of the lesson.

This lesson is also available in PowerPoint.

Enjoy!

-From Kiwious About Vocab