Teaching Historical Fiction With Ready-Made Literature Circles for Secondary Readers

Bernadowski (early childhood and elementary education, Robert Morris U.) and Morgano, an early childhood and elementary teacher, show secondary history and literature teachers and library media specialists how to teach historical fiction using literature circles that involve discussion, cooperative learning, and active participation. They detail related research on these circles and a framework for implementation in the classroom and library, then present 14 historical fiction titles for grades 7 through 12, with bibliographic information, annotations, vocabulary, discussion and guided reading questions, post-reading activities, web extensions, read-alikes, and lessons for before, during, and after reading. Titles include Elijah of Buxton, Chains, The Devil's Arithmetic, Esperanza Rising, and Fallen Angels. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Carianne Bernadowski, PhD, is assistant professor of early childhood and elementary education in the Department of Education and Social Services at Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, PA. Her published works include Linworth'sTeaching with Books that Heal: Authentic Literature and Literacy Strategies to Help Children Cope with Everyday Problems;Research-Based Reading Strategies in the Library for Adolescent Learners; andTeaching Literacy Skills to Adolescents Using Coretta Scott King Award Winners.

Kelly Morgano, MS, is an early childhood and elementary teacher with 15 years of experience in the classroom. She uses literature circles in her classrooms.