Historical Fiction Book Report
Due Dates: Group 1 (1/27), Group 2 (2/3), Group 3 (2/10), Group 4 (2/24)
Historical fiction is a kind of realistic fiction based on a historical period or event.
It may portray real people in invented situations or invented people in historical
situations. The time and place of the setting are portrayed authentically.
For this book review you will recall important events from the historical fiction
book you will read. You will create a time line of events, using your imagination to
create a powerful visual. Then, you will write a summary of the book, being sure to
include the historical significance of the text.
Steps to follow:
1.
Use the graphic organizer (see attached) to list the most important events
that occurred in the story. The last item should be the concluding episode in the
book. (If possible, use actual dates, or time of year. If not, include the chapter. Ex.
Ch 4, or mid-chapter 6). Use bullet form to add details about each event.
2.
After completing the graphic organizer, use the information for each event to
write a brief summary for your timeline. Be sure to change the bulleted details
you have written into complete sentences.
3.
Then, you will write a summary of the story. Use the graphic organizer to
help you. Fill in the boxes. Be sure with the main characters that you describe
who they are, and what they are like (including how they act), not just what they
look like.
4.
Only when your events and summary are complete, can you start on the
construction of your timeline. BE CREATIVE!! Use whatever resources you have
to create your timeline. Think about your book. What time period is it set in?
What country? Who is it based on? What are they doing? Can you think of any
ideas to pull into your timeline? You can use poster board, oak tag, 3D objects, or
whatever else you can think of. (Example: If you read a book about the Titanic,
you could use a piece of poster board and draw a large ship on the background.
Your “timeline” dates could be written on lifeboats hanging from the ship.)
Rubric for Assessment
Due Dates: each portion of the project was turned in on time.
1
2
3
4
Poor
5
6
7
8
9
Fair
10
Excellent
Graphic Organizer: the organizer is neatly written, turned in on time and is filled out
completely.
1
2
3
4
Poor
5
6
7
8
9
Fair
10
Excellent
Content: the content of the graphic organizer and timeline entries is good. There are many
details to support each event.
1
2
3
4
Poor
5
6
7
8
9
Fair
10
Excellent
Timeline: The timeline has a good theme, or uses pictures/graphics to relate to the text. The
timeline is creative and shows that effort was put into it. It is neat and legible.
1
2
3
4
Poor
5
6
7
8
9
Fair
10
Excellent
Following Directions: All directions were followed for both the written pieces and the
timeline.
1
2
3
4
Poor
5
6
7
8
9
Fair
10
Excellent
Summary: The summary includes a brief description of the setting, main characters and action
of the story. It states why this is a historical fiction, it explains the connection to the past.
1
Poor
2
3
4
5
Fair
6
7
8
9
10
Excellent
Graphic Organizer for TIME LINE Events
Event 1(beginning of book):
Event 2:
__________________________________
__________________________________
Date/Chapter:
Date/Chapter:
__________________________________
__________________________________
Details:
Details:
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
Event 3:
Event 4:
__________________________________
__________________________________
Date/Chapter:
Date/Chapter:
__________________________________
__________________________________
Details:
Details:
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
Events five and six are listed on back
Event 5:
Event 6(last BIG event in book):
__________________________________
__________________________________
Date/Chapter:
Date/Chapter:
__________________________________
__________________________________
Details:
Details:
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
Graphic Organizer for Written Summary
Title of book:
Main Characters with
descriptions:
1.
Author of book:
2.
3.
Setting:
Time:
Place:
Solution or Conclusion:
Problem: