Writing a children’s book set in a specific time and place is an adventure into the past, filled with opportunities to entertain, educate and inspire young minds. Novels set in a historical time period need to be treated differently from writing non-fiction. You need to do a huge amount of research - but for one - you throw much of the research away.
Ensuring accuracy in the different types of children's books is crucial. The challenge lies in balancing storytelling with factual integrity. Historical fiction allows young readers to explore the deeper questions of our past, offering imagination over hard facts. By encountering different stories from the same time period, children can grasp the uncertainty of truth while cultivating a genuine interest in the historical period itself.
Today I am sharing my step-by-step guide into researching accurately for a historical children's book for budding authors - fictionalised history and non-fiction.
First, here’s the takeaway before we explore it in more detail.
Short film made by my son Jonathan Salariya in 2012, Jonathan had created the text in the video so that was transferred to the book design so all the design elements linked together.
The sand was from the garden centre and the gladiator helmet and sword came from Germany. So ancient Rome was recreated in my garden.
Research and Accuracy
To research for accuracy in a historical children's book, use primary sources, consult secondary sources, visit historical sites, engage with experts, cross-reference information, avoid anachronisms, include diverse perspectives, verify details through reputable sources, and seek feedback from historians and children.
Ok so with the short answer covered let's get started.
Gladiator School
1. Choosing the Right Period and Topic
First, select a period and topic that resonates with your interests and those of your intended readers. Whether it's the Tudor era, Victorian times, or World War II, your passion for the subject will shine through in your writing in the case of the Gladiator School series - it was the Ancient Romans - book covers (above).
Gladiator School
I had the idea of creating a series set in ancient Rome in a Gladiator School, a blood, sweat and sandals epic. The You Wouldn't Want To be a Roman Gladiator book published in 2000 had been extremely popular. I knew the years to set the books in, starting in AD 79 - the Colosseum in Rome was being built and volcano Mount Vesuvius would bury Pompeii in ash killing 2000 of the inhabitants. I created a new author too 'Dan Scott', based on the surname of 'Scarrow' - the Sc was to be able to be catalogued next to 'Simon Scarrow' the famous author of novels for adults set in Ancient Rome.
I met with Rachel Moss and we talked round the ideas and options of how to get a youngish boy into a Gladiator School where the events in the book would be seen from his point of view. Spartacus the famous gladiator died 71 BC so if he had a son to follow in his footsteps - the time period did not work. What would be the kind of event that would catapult a young teenager to become a gladiator - a profession usually forced onto bankrupts, slaves or any other person who might have fallen on hard times or out of favour - an extreme form of being 'cancelled'!.
Our solution was that our main character's father Aquila was a senator who was accused of being a traitor, he disappears leaving the family distressed and without income - with Quin the eldest son choosing to become a gladiator as a way of seeking fame and fortune - this means the younger brother Lucius then finds a job in the Gladiator School as a sort of helper. So having figured out how to start the book - Rachel created a 'bible' with character descriptions, relationships, family tensions, politics, background information about the time period - then wrote a plan of how the story arcs would work in the wolumes - one story to be completed in one book and a background story arc going on in the background of three books, so that readers would come back for more. Rachel wrote volume I and then Alex Woolf took over to write the subsequent five volumes.
Which aspects of the era might appeal to children?
Consider which aspects of the era might appeal to children, such as the daily lives of children, notable events, or unique cultural practices. For children it is always the elements in a 21st century child's life which would be identifiable or relatable - education, pets, food. Look at how much food plays a part in the Harry Potter books as well as Enid Blyton (it's obvious by the amount of food described in the Redwall series by Brian Jacques that he was a child of WWII rationing) ; play and games and in the case of Gladiator School it was the 'school' word which was important for making a link from the 21st century .The main character's elder brother - the Gladiator was 'Quintus' which was shortened to 'Quin'.
2. Start with General Research
Begin with a broad overview of your chosen period. This foundational knowledge will guide your more detailed research.
Look for reliable sources:
Books: Visit your local library or bookshop. Look for books written by historians or published by reputable publishers. Some recommended authors for books built around history and factual references include Phillipa Gregory, Simon Schama, and David Starkey.
Documentaries and Educational TV Programs: The BBC has a wealth of historical documentaries that are both engaging and informative.
Online Resources: Websites such as the BBC History website and the British Library's digital collections can be invaluable.
3. Dive into Primary Sources
Primary sources are the bedrock of historical accuracy. They offer first hand accounts and direct evidence from the period you're writing about. Here’s where to find them:
Archives: The National Archives in Kew holds a treasure trove of documents, from letters and diaries to official records. Many of these are available online.
Museums: Institutions like the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum have extensive collections of artefacts and documents. Many museums offer online databases.
Historical Societies: Local historical societies can provide insights and access to lesser-known sources. They are particularly useful for local and regional history.
4. Use Secondary Sources for Context
Secondary sources interpret and analyse primary sources, providing context and a broader understanding of the period.
These include:
Historical Analyses: Look for books and articles written by historians that focus on your specific topic.
Biographies: These can provide detailed insights into the lives of key figures from the era.
Academic Journals: Journals like The English Historical Review offer peer-reviewed articles that delve deeply into specific historical questions.
5. Visit Historical Sites
Visiting historical sites can provide a tangible sense of the past that books and documents alone cannot.
Walking through a Roman Villa, a medieval castle, a Victorian workhouse, or a World War II air raid shelter can help you visualise settings and understand the atmosphere of the time. Many sites have educational resources and guides that can provide additional information.
I was inspired to commission the Gladiator School series from visits to the Colosseum in Rome and it was the 'gladiator training facility' in Pompeii with 120 gladiatorial inscriptions, which was once the headquarters of the gladiator corporation however 'Gladiator Training Facility' isn't a good name for a children's book and 'Gladiator School' gives a child a ready identifier or something 'school' which is familiar today. After an earthquake in 62 AD the 'Gladiator Training Facility' became a private residence.
6. Engage with Experts
Think about reaching out to historians, museum curators, and archivists. They can offer valuable insights and may point you towards resources you might not have discovered on your own. When I was writing my first book about the Vikings I wrote to David Wilson the Director of the British Museum at the time to ask him if he would read my manuscript and be consultant on the book I was working on and he agreed.
Sir David Wilson
Sir David Wilson, FBA, is a British archaeologist, art historian, and museum curator and expert on the Viking Age and Anglo-Saxon art. He was the Director of the British Museum from 1977 to 1992; he had earlier been an assistant keeper at the British Museum from 1955 to 1964.
Work with Experts
I always felt that it was wise to work with experts in their field as the books would then be authoritative in their catagory. When librarians, teachers and parents are looking for good quality material that they can trust having an expert as a consultant reasures's the reader that what they are reading has been carefully checked - so do not trust a children's non-fiction book which only has an author and an artist - unless that author is a subject expert. It may have been the editorial assistant who has hammered the manuscript out on a slack Thursday.
Many universities have history departments with specialists in various eras of history who are often happy to help enthusiasts.
7. Verify the Details
Children’s non-fiction books, especially historical ones, need to be engaging and accessible. However, every historical detail should be accurate conversely novels are novels and are not being written to be factual in the extreme, Michelle Magorian's 'Goodnight Mr. Tom' brilliantly captures the experience of being an evacuee in WWII for young readers, even if it takes some liberties with dates and facts - it is a novel.
Here are some tips to ensure accuracy:
Cross-Reference Information: Verify facts by checking multiple sources. This reduces the risk of perpetuating myths or inaccuracies. Jacqueline Morley who I worked with on many books including the Spectacular Visual Guides series was rigerous in research and would look for multiple references and authentic sources at a time when research meant lugging heavy volumes from libraries and creating multiple photocopies. Jacqueline when working on the Timelines costume book could not find source reference for the often quoted idea that "18th century wigs were infested with mice" - so that was not used.
Use Academic and Reputable Sources: Stick to well-regarded sources. Be cautious with information from websites which lack credibility.
Beware of Anachronisms: Ensure that language, technology, and social customs are appropriate for the time. For example, children in the Victorian era would not use modern slang, gadgets...or wrist watches.
8. Incorporate Diverse Perspectives
History is not monolithic. Including diverse perspectives enriches your narrative and provides a more comprehensive view of the past.
Consider the experiences of women, children, minorities, and other often-overlooked groups. For example, if you’re writing about World War II, include stories of evacuees, those on the home front, and soldiers from the British Empire...it is often forgotten the role that soldiers from the former British colonies served and died in both world wars in the 20th Century.
9. Making History Engaging for Children
I created and designed 'The Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate' The first volume in this series as a way of making historical novels using the device of a central character who was hopeless - so a formula of going from 'zero to hero' and the device was a way for the reader to learn about the period - the project was comissioned to Tim Collins and illustrated by Sarah Horne and later illustrated by Isobel Lundie The layout was designed to look like a diary with feature panels titled 'Get Real' where information that the protagonist would not know about was written.
To make history come alive for young readers, focus on storytelling techniques that capture their imaginations:
The Gladiator School series of six volumes set in Ancient Rome
Relatable Characters: If writing a historical novel, create characters that children can relate to. Even if they lived centuries ago, their emotions and experiences can be made relatable.
Exciting Plots: Weave historical facts into exciting plots. Adventures, mysteries, and challenges faced by young protagonists can keep children engaged.
Design: Gladiator School (see below) The design from cover to cover shows the complete thinking behind the series. Cover: the series title is given prominence at the top of the cover, with the number in the series directly under it. A symbol of a helmet and sword was created for chapter openings. Illustrations of the different types of Gladiators were commissioned to use in the book and as 'free' bookmarks. Maps are really useful in books and give the reader an idea of the setting. With names and relationships - a character list is incorporated. I liked to give a sample of the next book in the series - so the reader would be 'hooked', especially if we could have the new chapter closing on a cliff edge or, in this case, a knife edge. A QR code on the back cover linked to the YouTube video. Reviews were obtained from readers and Julia Eccleshare for quotes to use in the book by sending out advance copies we had printed. The cover of the next volume - in this case, Volume II - was printed inside the back cover. I was always keen to use any space to advertise or list other titles the reader might like. Why leave a blank space when inside the book you can make it work for you. The problem that you can have in the initial stage of starting a series like this is the time that it takes to commission - in that your readers are growing and changing in taste. Six months to a year is a long time in a young reader's life.
The Gladiator School series of novels. These novels have all the elements to try and entice a young reader, I designed the books to have a friendly look despite the subject matter so that the artwork by illustrator Matteo Pinetti didn't look frighteningly gory. Free bookmarks were inserted into the books and as well as having maps, a list of characters, I also felt that it was imprtant to put the number in the series on the front cover so that readers knew that this was a series. The
10. Editing and Feedback
Once you’ve drafted your story, rigorous editing is crucial. Ensure that your manuscript is free from anachronisms and factual errors.
Seek feedback from:
Beta Readers: Choose a few readers who are knowledgeable about the period to review your manuscript.
Historical Consultants: If possible, hire a historian to review your work.
Children: Get feedback from children in your target age group. They can tell you what they find interesting and if there are any parts they don’t understand. For more help head over to How to Handle Revisions and Feedback from Young Beta Reader
11. Educational Elements
Including educational elements can enhance the value of your book and help to reach more readers you might like to consider adding:
Glossaries: Define historical terms that might be unfamiliar to young readers.
Timelines: Provide a timeline of events to give context to the story.
Author’s Note: Write an author’s note explaining which parts of the story are based on fact and which are fictionalized, and why you chose to write about this period.
12. Publishing Your Book
Once your book is polished and ready, decide whether to pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing. Each route has its own set of challenges and benefits:
Traditional Publishing: Research publishers that specialise in children’s and historical books. Prepare a strong query letter and synopsis.
Self-Publishing: Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allow you to publish your book independently. This route gives you more control over the process but requires more effort in terms of marketing and distribution.
Head over to my other guides to discover more about the world of children's book publishing
Do Children's Book Publishers Provide Illustrators? : A Guide for Aspiring Children's Book Authors
How Do I Research for Accuracy in a Historical Children's Book?- Wrapping Up
Writing a historical children’s book requires meticulous research and a passion for storytelling!
By immersing yourself in primary and secondary sources, visiting historical sites, engaging with experts, and ensuring every detail is accurate, you can create a captivating and educational story for young readers.
Remember, the goal is to bring history to life in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.
Happy writing!
One of the first books I worked on at the beginning of my career was with Sir David Wilson as an expert on Vikings, one of the last books I worked on was the You Wouldn't Want To Sail on The Mary Rose with the experts from the Mary Rose https://maryrose.orgpublished during the pandemic, this ensured the book was as authoritative as it could possibly be. Fiona Macdonald and David Antram were scrupulous in fact checking and being patient with the Mary Rose Trust experts to ensure accuracy.
Find out more:
12 x 12 Writing Challenge https://www.12x12challenge.com/
A 12 month challenge to write 12 picture book synopsis in 12 months, offering opportunities for support, and webinars with industry experts.
BookTrust https://www.booktrust.org.uk
The organization is a UK-based charity that promotes reading for children, offering insights into children's books, reading lists, author interviews, and industry news.
Children's Book Insider https://cbiclubhouse.com/
This is a newsletter filled with tips, trends, and advice specifically for children's writers, including writing prompts, market updates, and insider knowledge.
Children's Literature Association https://www.childlitassn.org/
An academic resource focused on the study and encouragement of children's literature, ideal for those interested in theory and criticism.
CYNsations https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/cynsations/
Cynthia Leitich Smith maintains a blog that offers news, interviews, and resources for children's and YA writers, brimming with industry insights and advice.
Kidlitosphere Central https://blogs.slj.com/neverendingsearch/2009/02/02/kidlitosphere-central/
A network of blogs dedicated to children's and young adult literature, offering a resource for finding book reviewers, authors, and tips on writing and marketing.
KidLit411 https://www.kidlit411.com/
Comprehensive hub for children's literature enthusiasts, with articles on writing, publishing, agent directories, and a writer community.
Manuscript Wishlist https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/
This platform allows agents and editors to post what they're looking for in submissions, often with specific notes for children's books - great for tailoring your pitches.
NaNoWriMo https://nanowrimo.org/
NaNoWriMo, known as National Novel Writing Month, provides resources, forums, and motivation to help children's book writers achieve their goals in writing.
Query Shark https://queryshark.blogspot.com/
This is a blog (now closed since the death of its founder Janet Reid) that features real queries and critiques, the advice from Janet was to help writers define their pitches and understand what works.
SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) https://www.scbwi.org/
Offers webinars, workshops, local events, and connections with fellow writers and industry professionals.
SCBWI Discussion Board https://www.scbwi.org/discussion-boards
SCBWI forums provide advice, discussions, and networking opportunities for writers of children's books.
Storybird https://m.storybird.com/
This platform enables authors to craft visual narratives through an extensive art collection, perfect for exploring picture book concepts.
Sub It Club https://subitclub.com/about-the-club/
A community for writers and illustrators in the submission process, offering resources, advice, and a place to share experiences.
The Children’s Book Review https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/
A platform promoting children’s literature with book reviews, author interviews, and articles on writing and publishing.
The Write Life https://thewritelife.com/
This blog provides valuable insights on writing, publishing, and freelance work, with articles specifically tailored for children's book writers.
The Writing Cooperative https://writingcooperative.com/
A community of writers sharing experiences and advice, covering topics including tips for writing for children..
We Need Diverse Books https://diversebooks.org/
This website promotes inclusivity in children's literature, providing resources for writers focused on diversity and representation.
Writer’s Digest https://www.writersdigest.com/
This covers all genres with a robust section on children's literature, featuring articles on
publishing, marketing, along with prompts for writing.
The Institute of Children's Literature https://www.instituteforwriters.com/
An educational resource with articles, tips, and courses designed to help writers master writing for children. Creative writing courses since 1969.
Comentarios