Creative Writing and Novel Study for Middle School: Historical Fiction

In this class, students will read and discuss the Newberry Honor Award novel “The War That Saved My Life" by Katherine Brubaker Bradley. She is one of the premier authors in middle-grade historical fiction.  As they read, students will be writing and editing their own pieces of historical fiction.

Each week we will read a section of the novel, discuss it, and then apply what we are learning about setting to our own stories. Students will write their own historical fiction story, workshop other students' work, and then revise and present their own.  As the instructor, I will read, edit, and offer feedback on every story.

This is the perfect class for students who enjoy creative writing and are ready to try historical fiction.

Students' stories will need to be "school" appropriate.  Stories with graphic language, sexual content, or graphic violence are not acceptable in the class.  In other words, all submitted stories need to be "pg." If you anticipate this being a problem, please contact me ahead of time. 

This is a discussion-intensive course that includes constructive criticism and editing of their peers. All students are expected to interact with respect and civility.  I understand that the topics and themes can be controversial and invite disagreement. However, kindness facilitates productive and persuasive conversation. 

If a student needs accommodations, I am more than willing to help. Learners will never be required to read aloud in class and are welcome to access the novel via audiobook. Please contact me before the semester begins to discuss your learner’s needs.