Sixth Grade Historical Fiction Book Clubs
Starting in December, sixth graders enthusiastically launched into a Reading Workshop Unit on Historical Fiction. Previously during the Fiction Unit, students chose their own novels from the classroom library. Now they join together in Book Clubs, reading the same historical fiction novels. Two themes are addressed: 1) Challenges During a Time of Peace: Contemporary, Depression Era; 2) Challenges During a Time of War: Contemporary, World War II.
The novels range from stories about the 9/11 attack to drought conditions in Africa; from racial discrimination and the KKK in the 1930s to childhood slavery in Asia. World War II novels include the Holocaust and a Japanese internment camp. Each student reads at least three novels during the first five weeks of the unit and shares historical research related to the novels. Book Clubs meet and discuss characters and the challenges they face in a historical context. During the second five weeks, each class will switch themes and read the other set of novels. At the culmination of the unit, all students read a biography of Abraham Lincoln.
The novels range from stories about the 9/11 attack to drought conditions in Africa; from racial discrimination and the KKK in the 1930s to childhood slavery in Asia. World War II novels include the Holocaust and a Japanese internment camp. Each student reads at least three novels during the first five weeks of the unit and shares historical research related to the novels. Book Clubs meet and discuss characters and the challenges they face in a historical context. During the second five weeks, each class will switch themes and read the other set of novels. At the culmination of the unit, all students read a biography of Abraham Lincoln.
Located in Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens - gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.