In this chapter you will:

• Identify five recent trends in the publishing of historical fiction.
• Read five values that historical fiction offers readers.
• Define historical fiction.
• Learn the distinction between historical fiction that uses real persons and events and historical fiction that uses little reference to recorded history or real persons.
• Read "Guides for Evaluating Historical Fiction."
• Find several points of view from which stories about Native Americans are told.
• Note the recurring themes in historical fiction that span time frames.
• Learn the viewpoints of critics who comment on historical fiction about African-Americans.