Historical Realities In Fiction For Children 2017

Build a deeper understanding of the role fiction plays in understanding our shared history.

In order to authentically represent history in fiction rather than to fictionalize history, today’s writers must come to the page with great sensitivity and an accurate base of knowledge. Children must have a window into the past realities of religious intolerance, immigration, and the degradation of the environment, and they must have a chance to discuss how their lives knit into our complicated history.

Writing a picture book or novel set against one of these historical realities allows our readers to learn from the past and see the needs of the world today. But this writing must be done with great care.

Join professor, linguist, and author Donna Jo Napoli with her special guest, Professor of Latino/a Literature and Culture and Youth Literature and Media, Marilisa Jiminez Garcia, as they work with you to build an understanding of the role of writing stories to process historical narratives. There will be daily lectures from the faculty paired with one-on-one feedback on your own writing. “Learn to honor history in your work and make it come alive for readers of all ages!”