HISTORICAL FICTION FOR THE Modern Classroom.

Historical fiction; Empathy; Books & reading; Reading interests of students; Weedflower (Book); Last Cherry Blossom, The (Book); Stereotypes

The author relates how the use of historical fiction in classrooms can help develop empathy among students. Topics covered include the impact of "Weedflower," a middle-grade historical fiction about Japanese internment by Cynthia Kadohata on the author, reasons for her decision to write "The Last Cherry Blossom," about a 12-year-old Japanese girl during World War II, and how historical fiction can help students realize the humanity of characters and dispel stereotypes attached to other people.