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Lesson 1 (from Chapters 1 and 2)

Objective

Chapters 1 and 2

This novel is in the historical fiction genre. The objective of this lesson is to understand historical fiction.

Lesson

Lead the class in a discussion of historical fiction. Have the students compare and contrast the real life of Janey Larkin and her family with that of people who actually lived during the Depression era in America. What similarities do they find? What differences do they see? How closely does the author mirror the real people who were forced into itinerant work due to the devastating state of the economy? What liberties does she take with the fictional Janey?

Divide the class into small groups and have them research the concept of historical novels. Historical fiction is usually based on events which have occurred in the distant past. Why would Doris Gates be drawn to this topic? Why did she feel the need to bring...

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