Canadian Historical Fiction Authors

Reading books by historical fiction authors can open doors to opportunities for learning. One might learn things such as:

• Key dates in history
• Locations of historical sites and events
• Important figures and events in history
• The writing style of historical fiction authors

In Canada, we are blessed with writers who have shared through their writing both fiction stories as well as personal and autobiographical experiences of life in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are even fun field trips you can make to learn more about some of these authors! Some of those authors are

• Lucy Maud Montgomery
• Catherine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie
• Adelaide Hunter Hoodless
• Stephan G. Stephansson

Lucy Maud Montgomery (PEI and Ontario)

Lucy Maud Montgomery, the writer known for Anne of Green Gables and the Chronicles of Avonlea, was born in 1874 on Prince Edward Island (PEI). She was raised by her grandparents, studied literature at university in Nova Scotia, and taught on PEI. Later, after her marriage, she moved to and lived in Ontario with her husband and sons. 

Places to Visit

Readers who enjoyed Anne of Green Gables will appreciate the opportunity to visit Green Gables Heritage Place on PEI and the Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site and Historic Leaskdale Church in Ontario. 

Catherine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie (Ontario)

Catherine Parr Trail was born in 1802 in England and came to Canada in 1832. Catherine’s younger sister, Susanna Moodie, was born in 1803 and also came to Canada in 1832. While living in England, Catherine wrote children’s books. Once in Canada, Catherine wrote and was the author of works including The Backwoods of Canada, Canadian Wild Flowers, and Studies of Plant Life in Canada. Susanna is the author of Roughing It in the Bush.

Both sisters lived with their families in Ontario and wrote about what life was like in rural Canada in the 19th century.

Adelaide Hunter Hoodless (Ontario)

Adelaide Hunter Hoodless was born in Ontario in 1857. From her experiences of running a household and family life in 1897, she was asked to and wrote a textbook for domestic science courses which became known as the Little Red Book.

Places to Visit

The Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead is a museum in Ontario which shares more about Adelaide’s life. The museum is located in Adelaide’s childhood home.

Stephan G. Stephansson (Alberta)

Stephan G. Stephansson was born in Iceland in 1853. He first went to the United States in 1873 and came to Canada in 1889. When he came to Canada, Stephansson settled with his wife, sons, and extended family in the Markerville area of central Alberta. Stephansson enjoyed writing poetry and also wrote many letters, essays, short stories, and articles.

Places to Visit

Plan a trip to the Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site. Visitors will be able to see Stephansson’s poetry at the house.

Discussion Prompts: Canadian Authors and Historical Fiction

By learning about some of Canada’s historical fiction authors, it can lead to many topics for discussion as a family. Below are a few questions that can become prompts on subjects to discuss.

• What historical events took place in Canada during the lives of these authors? What historical events took place around the world?
• How can a setting or location affect a story?
• What influence do others (family members or characters in stories) have on both personal history and in historical fiction?
• What do you like about the writing styles of Canadian historical fiction authors? What differences do you notice between their writing styles?
  

Unit Studies

As you study Canadian authors and historical fiction, you may decide to look for or create a unit study. For example, reading Catherine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie’s writings can be turned into a unit study that would include many subjects.

• English: Write a story or play about a character moving to or settling in Canada in the 19th century.
• Science and Botany: Learning about the plants that grow in Ontario.
• Geography: Where did Catherine and Susanna live in England and where did they settle in Ontario?
• History: What historical events were taking place in Canada during the lives of Catherine and Susanna? Is there a historical site nearby that you can visit to learn more about what life was like during the 19th century?
• Arts: With the play that you wrote, practice and stage or perform the play for family.
  

Developing an interest in historical fiction and nonfiction authors can lead to children and parents alike learning more about Canadian history, nature, improvement of writing skills, and thankfulness to God for His guidance throughout history.

This article has been written by homeschooling staff writers of The Canadian Schoolhouse (TCS). Enjoy more of our content from TCS contributors and staff writers by visiting our themes page that has a new theme topic added every month!