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Lesson 1 (from Chapter 1, June 1861)

Objective

Chapter 1, June 1861

Although the character of Charley Goddard was real, 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 Charley and his family with that of people who actually lived during the Civil War period in America. What similarities do they find? What differences do they see? How closely does the author mirror the real people of Minnesota and those Charley encounters during the war? What liberties does he take with the real Charley Goddard?

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 Gary Paulsen be drawn to this topic? Why did he feel...

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