From: Kimberly M. King <cc496>
Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 08:45:09 -0400 (EDT)

What a grand topic to discover within my email this crisp NYC morning! Indeed, I love reading historical fiction and booktalking it with the kids. Karen Cushman is one author whose skill I admire greatly. Bull Run is another winner in my estimation. The Juggler by John Morressy is great too, though the time period, while clearly medieval, is still a bit nebulous. Given these, though, there is also The Great Brain series, the Soup series, Anne of Green Gables, Twain...(and hey, let's not forget the Golly Sisters! :) )

After several conversations with other children's librarians, I have come to discover that my definition of "historical fiction" is a bit more generous than that of many peers. Some books that were contemporary when written, are historical novels to me now, in 1997. Another thing too...when I booktalk historical fiction, I usually do not bill it as such. Perhaps a little underhanded, but it has worked so far! Catherine Called Birdy is a great example... I focus on the aspects that kids today can relate to: the fact that her parents are pressuring her into doing something she really doesn't want to do, her learning to swear like a soldier, the prospect of marriage at a young age and her reaction to that.... The fact that the author has skillfully placed it in history is an extra bonus. :)

Just some thoughts on this glorious fall day....

Kimberly M. King Children's Librarian, Port Richmond Branch NYPL cc496 at freenet.buffalo.edu



"The Earth has music for those who listen."
Received on Thu 23 Oct 1997 07:45:09 AM CDT