Historical Fiction: World War II (Middle Grades Series)

Explore World War II through the lens of literature! By reading and analyzing historical fiction, young students will gain insights into World War II, as well as an appreciation for elements of literature. Reading selections are carefully chosen from a list of award-winning novels intended for middle school audiences. The book selections present WWII from a worldwide perspective

 

Reluctant historians who love to read will find a path to understanding the past. History lovers who remain skeptical of literature study will find a gentle introduction to literary analysis. This interdisciplinary course will provide readers with diverse interests and backgrounds ample fodder for discussion, critical thinking, and creative response.

This product is currently out of stock and unavailable.

Join Waitlist We will inform you when the class becomes available. Please leave your valid email address below.

Explore World War II through the lens of literature! By reading and analyzing historical fiction, young students will gain insights into World War II, as well as an appreciation for elements of literature. Reading selections are carefully chosen from a list of award-winning novels intended for middle school audiences. The book selections present WWII from a worldwide perspective

Reluctant historians who love to read will find a path to understanding the past. History lovers who remain skeptical of literature study will find a gentle introduction to literary analysis. This interdisciplinary course will provide readers with diverse interests and backgrounds ample fodder for discussion, critical thinking, and creative response.

Books in this series may be easier to read and analyze than those studied in Lightning Lit 7 and 8, but some historical topics may be emotionally challenging for younger or more sensitive readers. LL7, LL8, and Historical Fiction classes may be taken in any order. This literature series complements the History of US series nicely. Minimal writing skills are required.

Topics include:

  • setting
  • plot
  • characterization
  • fiction vs. reality
  • European Theater in WWII
  • Pacific Theater in WWII
  • Nazi Germany
  • The Holocaust
  • Japanese Internment Camps
  • Japanese Occupation of Korea
  • U.S. Development of the Atomic Bomb

Learning activities include regular writing to communicate ideas via the discussion forum, videos and multimedia materials to support learning, use of web 2.0 tools to illustrate new concepts, and weekly participation in live webinars.

Required Books:

Most books are readily available at your local library or can be purchased online. Students are welcome to read electronic versions of books as well.

Note for sensitive readers: This class is designed to be appealing and academically appropriate for a wide range of ages. However, some historical topics may be emotionally challenging for younger or more sensitive students. The fictional protagonists face perilous journeys and some do not survive the dangers they face. Please review the book selections carefully to determine the appropriateness of this class for your student. In addition, if the overall class is appealing but a single book selection is concerning, students may skip the reading and associated webinars for that book.

Topics Covered

setting
plot
characterization
fiction vs. reality
European Theater in WWII
Pacific Theater in WWII
Nazi Germany
The Holocaust
Japanese Internment Camps
Japanese Occupation of Korea
U.S. Development of the Atomic Bomb

Challenge Level

This is a middle school literature class appropriate for gifted students who can read comfortably at the 6th-8th grade levels. Elementary students who are strong readers may also find this course appropriate.

Time Commitment

Most students report spending approximately 2 hours per week on homework outside of the webinar.

Instructor

Headmistress Guinevere

Reading List

Book List:
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park
Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

Usually Offered

Spring Semester

Prerequisites

Student must be able to read fluently at the 6th grade level or above. Student should also be able to write basic sentences independently.


Available Sessions

Fall 2023 Tuesday 11am Pacific, Fall 2022 Friday 10am Pacific, Fall 2022 Thursday 9am Pacific, Fall 2021 Mon 11am Pacific, Fall 2021 Mon 9am Pacific, Fall 2020 Fri 11am Pacific, Spring 2020 Thursday 10am Pacific, Spring 2019 Monday 11am Pacific, Spring 2019 Monday 1pm Pacific