Historical Fiction Book Buzz at the Movies by Mary Louise Sanchez

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 Movies have been on my mind lately, perhaps because we watched a few during the holidays. Also, we recently visited Palm Springs, California and side-stepped around the stars on the sidewalks honoring movie stars and various people in the entertainment business.

Recently  I was browsing the collection of movies at our local library and noticed it had E.T. the Extra-terrestrial.

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Even though I've seen the movie, I didn't think our seven and nine-year-old grandchildren had seen it. So, I checked the movie out. Our grand kids gave it glowing reviews. It got me thinking that I should now browse the library more intently for children's movies based on history.

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The 2016 Oscars will be broadcast on February 28.

This brings to mind the fact that many fine movies were first children's books—specifically historical fiction. There are other fine movies which are animated or were television shows that also help teach history. You can rent these movies or even purchase them. Many fine documentaries and some movies are even on YouTube. I encourage you to look at reviews and the ratings to see if these are appropriate for your children.

Be aware that movie producers and directors take artistic license when these movies are produced, and the movies may not be accurate portrayals of the historical events or people. They may also veer from the original book. While watching the movie, children could note where they think history may have been fictionalized; and then they could search for the facts. Even so, movies make the time periods come alive with the costuming, settings, and often the language and music. 

In the past I have hosted Oscar parties for our family, which included young children. Everyone was requested to attend the party dressed in their "red carpet attire." Our granddaughters and nieces came dressed in their Disney princess Halloween costumes.

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(That's one way to get more use from the costumes.) We also had a red cloth at the entry way, complete with paparazzi (husband with a camera). We have played many games at various

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Oscar parties, but one game that was particularly fun was where everyone, including children, had to find something in our house that called to mind a prop in a movie. The rest of us had to figure out which movie the prop was in. What Oscar parties have you had or attended that were memorable? What are your ideas for an historical movie family/classroom premiere?

 My favorite historical fiction movie was made for adults and is based on the book  Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. 

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Here are some movies based on children's historical fiction books, and my nominees for an historical fiction film fest with your classroom or family. What are some of your favorite movies based on an historical event, time period, or person that would appeal to children?

Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

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Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

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 Miracle at Midnight (TV movie) based on Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

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Miracle at Moreaux based on, Twenty and Ten by Clair Hutchet Bishop

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