Most of the literature curriculum for the upper elementary school students includes at least one historical novel. Historical novels play an important part in the literature that students are exposed to. Historical novels bring to life a period in history that students might otherwise find dull and lifeless. Reading a historical novel gives students a taste of the culture, customs and lifestyle of the people who lived during that period.
History comes alive when the students can relate to the story.
Students who have been heavily exposed to a historical viewpoint through television and movies may have trouble differentiating between fact and fiction. After reading a historical novel or viewing a movie dealing with a certain period in history, students need to be able to separate what is real and what is made-up. Unless students can tell what is fact and what is fiction, and know where to go to get additional information, reading a historical novel will not help them assimilate any new information. The purpose of this display is to take one period of history, World War II and the Nazi persecution of the Jews, and through the use of related books, help the student to develop a better understanding of this period. After reading the novel, Number the Stars , and using the other related material found in geography books, history books and other fictional and non-fictional books, the student should have a good grasp of this period of history.