Historical Fiction…Everyday snapshots of a Medieval Culture
Due _______________________
Description: In our unit Regional Civilizations, one of our essential questions is How do
place and time shape everyday life? Because we know that history is not just about
kings, queens, emperors and dictators, we are going to take a closer look at the
“everyday” people and habits that made up these civilizations (a.k.a. social history).
In this culminating project, you will provide insight into everyday life in one of the
following social classes, times and places.
LEVEL
Europe
(~800 - 1200)
A
B
 Nobleman/knight
 Merchant or artisan
China
(Tang, Song, or
Mongol)
 Gentry
 Merchant or artisan
C
 Peasant
 Peasant
Japan
(Classical or
Medieval)
 Daimyo/Samurai
 Peasant or
artisan
 Merchant
Format:
A children’s historical fiction short story (see attached suggestions)
Your children’s story should tell a story, not just list facts. Your central character
should represent your given social class and lifestyle. Your narrative, while fictional,
should demonstrate extensive research by incorporating historical facts (ranging from
diet, housing and clothing to schooling, daily rituals, and forms of entertainment).
Illustrations: You must include three to four illustrations with your story. This is a
short story as opposed to a picture book, but the illustrations should help capture the
story and the historical setting you have established.
Author’s note: At the end of your story, you should have a half-page to one-page
author’s note about the historical setting, the basis for the character(s), and any other
information that fills in the story.
“Story Time” and Author’s Synthesis:
Once the books are complete, we will have “story time,” during which several people
will read their stories. You will then complete a comparison between your central
character(s) and one from the same class in another civilization.
Requirements: The project is divided into four sections: Story, Illustrations, Author’s
note, and Bibliography.
 The product length will vary, but should probably be 8-12 pages to demonstrate
adequate research.
 Illustrations will be woven throughout the children’s story, but remember to focus
on the story.
 Your author’s note should set the scene or provide the historical background so that
your book can focus on the story.
 You should have a bibliography at the end of your entire story.
 You MUST use scholarly sources: books, databases or educational websites. If you
have any questions about your sources, ASK!
 This is an original work of historical fiction; keep track of your sources, and do not
cut and paste.
Schedule: We will meet in the Library/Media Center on Monday, 1/4 and Tuesday, 1/5
and begin with BOOKS. Mrs. Snyder will show you some good resources for these
historical times and places. We will schedule two more library days later in the
month, but then you are on your own.
THE PROJECT IS DUE ON __________________________
Ideas
Remember the elements of culture we
a carnival or another religious festival
have learned about such as poetry,
traveling to or attending a trade fair
painting, architecture, inventions, and
opening a new shop
public works
a knighting ceremony
a castle siege or battle
traveling to see a relic/seeking shelter in a monastery
schooling or training to take on new responsibilities
preparing for a royal visit
a wedding, funeral or other rite of passage
negotiating a feudal contract
a medical emergency
a journey on the Silk Road
escape from a natural disaster
visiting an important landmark, palace, or temple
a mysterious visitor to a farming/fishing village
a samurai ceremony
building a new house
learning how to live at court
learning how to be a servant at court…