Children’s historical fiction is one of the most enjoyable genres to read but one of the most challenging to write. That's because good historical novels for kids are believable, hold the reader's attention, and make dull history shine. Pulling off all three criteria not only takes time and talent, it requires careful planning. Here are some important steps to follow before beginning to write a historical fiction novel for children that will meet their demands.
Know the Book's Setting Well
Studying the time and place of the novel is key to avoiding anachronisms, those errors in chronology that can make a reader question the credibility of the story. So writers need to make sure they have their facts straight. For example, if home mail service wasn’t available in 1860 in Pittsburgh, the story shouldn’t mention a mailman delivering a letter then and there. Knowing the book's setting well also makes it easier to re-create the scenes and details of the story.
So how does a writer research the book's setting? There are a number of ways to find information on time periods and places in history, including:
- Visit county, state, and other historical societies
- Tour museums
- Read history books, including biographies of people who lived during the time period
- Watch documentaries or other movies set during the time period
- Research online history and genealogy sites
- Take a trip to the place where the story is set
Create a History-based Plot When Writing Historical Fiction
Another important step to take before beginning a children’s historical fiction novel is to make sure the story has a reason to be called historical. If history doesn’t play a part in the plot, the novel might be better off written as realistic fiction. For example, a story about a family’s struggle during wartime could be set during any number of time periods, including today. But a plot that revolves around the rules and circumstances of Nazi Germany, like that of The Book Thief, has to be written as a historical work.
Plots for historical fiction novels are usually devised one of two ways:
- By writing the story around a true historical event or real people
- By incorporating details of the time period into a story with fictional characters and events
Note that plots involving a true historical event or real people may require more research, since the writer will need to study the event or people as well as dig up everyday details of life during the time period.
Sketch Out Credible Characters
A children’s historical fiction book should also include characters that children connect with, so it’s important that writers use kids as the main characters and that they’re relatable and believable. Here’s how:
- Give them similar struggles as those that kids face today
- Make the characters solve their own problems, with minimal adult help
- Use dialogue, including slang, that is in sync with the time period
- Assign the characters names that are historically appropriate
- Describe the characters using historically accurate details
It helps to draft a short sketch or character profile on each character and then study it well. By getting to know the characters, including their dress style, language, and personality, writers will lend consistency and credibility to their stories. This is especially important for historical fiction novels told from a character's the point of view.
Draft a Workable Outline for Children's Historical Fiction
Once the setting, plot, and characters are determined, it’s time to draft an outline detailing how the novel will play out. Outlines are just a guide, however, and subject to change. While some writers prefer to work from a brief outline when writing a children's book, others draft a lengthy, chapter-by-chapter story map.
Any children's historical fiction book outline should include these key elements: a working title; an enticing opening or introduction; the storyline and subplots, including a climax or turning point; a satisfying conclusion; and a list or sources. Keep in mind that outlines are places to jot down ideas only, not complete scenes or paragraphs.
Writing a historical fiction novel for children involves many steps, even before beginning chapter one. But by studying the story’s setting, devising a strong, history-based plot, sketching out characters that kids connect with, and drafting a workable outline, a writer is well on the way to creating an exciting book that will meet kids’ demands.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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