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Teaching the Past through Fiction
By Holly E. Newton

Historical fiction is one of the best ways to teach children about the past. It brings history to life and enlightens them to make better choices from past mistakes. Here are some of the best books for ages 10 through adult on this subject from this past year.

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First, I want to rave about a book that was on the short list to win the coveted Newbery Award. I’ve read, and reviewed, the three winners and after reading this book, it’s really amazing that it didn’t win. Weedflower, by Cynthia Kadohata, is the only book I’ve read about the Japanese internment during World War II. Twelve-year-old Sumiko loves her family and their flower farm. She finds life hard at school where she’s the only Japanese in class but doesn’t seem to mind because she has her little brother and older cousins to keep her busy.

The story begins with her invitation to a classmate’s birthday party. This popular girl invited her entire class so Sumiko couldn’t wait to go in her prettiest dress. But upon entering the birthday girl’s house, the clatter of voices grew quiet as the surprised mother ushered her quickly back out the door. She spoke to Sumiko with a smile on her face but was emphatic that she didn’t know that her daughter had a Japanese girl in the class. It didn’t take long before Sumiko realized that she was “uninvited.” There she stood on the front porch alone, surprised and humiliated.

This sets the tone for how her family, along with many other Japanese families, felt as they were rounded up and walked away from their homes, their pets and their prized possessions. They were allowed to only take what they could carry and sell what they could but for a fraction of the price as they had to meet a deadline of when to leave.

The author creates the strong characters in the beginning part of the book so that when they are finally in the camp, you know, understand and empathize with the protagonist — Sumiko. She desperately misses her “weedflowers” — which is what her family grew back on their farm. She’s worried that she’ll suffer “ultimate boredom” because there’s nothing to do. There’s no school, the camp is located in a Native American Reservation in Arizona and it’s hot and dusty. But, she makes a few important friends. One is a Mojave boy about her age.

The story has many layers of how life is full of discriminations. Sumiko complains about how she misses her garden and her old life. Her new friend proclaims that at least she has electricity and running water. Kadohata writes with an exceptional talent because once you pick this interesting book up, you won’t want to put it down!

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The Legend of Bass Reeves, by Gary Paulsen, is another amazing and fascinating story that will shed light on a long ago era, the “Wild West.” Before reading about this great hero, you must begin with the foreword. The facts about legendary figures as people remember them and how they really were will astound you. For instance, Kit Carson is known as a “mountain man, trapper, explorer — who was said to have been one of the first white men to reach the Rocky Mountains.” But in reality, Kit Carson became well known because of his triumphs over the Native American people. He brutally attacked with men who had no scruples and were known for “committing atrocities." He “insisted on being called Colonel Carson, though he’d never been in the army." This is just one example of several “heroes” who really were self-absorbed criminals — which brought to mind that the West really was wild.

Bass Reeves, on the other hand, is completely unknown but deserves the hero status. He lived from 1824 to 1910 and was “the most successful federal marshal in the history of the United States.” He courageously arrested armed and dangerous criminals by himself and miraculously was never shot. He was honest and trustworthy. And he was African American.

Paulsen researched this great and noble man and found not a lot written about him. So, he took what little was written about him and formed a story that fit the man. This is a most captivating read! There are, however, a few mild swear words — which always seem unnecessary.

Meggiddo’s Shadow, by Arthur Slade, is an insightful look at war in Palestine during World War I. Sixteen-year-old Edward has joined the army after he lost his brother to the war. He feels an obligation to serve even though his father refuses to allow him to join. The story takes you through his training and breaking horses until he ultimately arrives in the battle zone to fight the Turks. The story reflects on his difficulties facing battle, and the agonies of war, but there are great friendships and much to learn along the way.

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The Black Pearl, by Scott O’Dell, won the Newbery Honor back in 1968 but continues to hold kids' interest through time. There is much to learn about life and superstitions along the Baja, California coast. A large and beautiful black pearl is said to be guarded by a giant sea urchin called Manta Diablo. When a 16-year-old discovers the pearl, will there be consequences. This fascinating book enlightens the reader to a completely different culture.

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