Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What historical fiction novels have you read? What makes historical fiction different from a history topic or historical nonfiction?

Teaching Suggestion: The historical context of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle greatly matters to Charlotte’s changing ideas about class and gender. Introducing students to historical fiction can lay the foundation for helping them understand the nuances of the genre.

• BookRiot has a 101 guide on historical fiction.
• Reading Middle Grade has compiled a list of 30 YA and middle grade historical fiction novels.

2. List 8-10 of the most significant differences between life today and life in the 1800s. Share your list on the board or aloud. What common factors do you notice about your list and others in the class?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may naturally point out the differences in modern conveniences and technology, but it will be beneficial to guide them to understand that societal structure is also different. This activity will help to introduce some of the struggles that Charlotte experiences with gender and class.