Young Adult Historical Fiction in the Middle Grades Social Studies Classroom: Can Literature Increase Student Interest and Test Scores?

This research study explores the correlation between the purposeful inclusion of young adult historical fiction novels and middle school students’ academic achievement and attitudes towards social studies. The researchers designed an afterschool program for 6th grade students to voluntarily participate in a book club about ancient Greece. A group of sixth grade students met after school once per week for six weeks to discuss related novels and how the texts portrayed Greek culture. Pre and post interest surveys and tests were evaluated, and student quizzes and unit tests were compared to previous assessments. Data analysis indicated an improvement in both student interest and test scores after participation in the intervention.