A World of Fiction: Global Insights in Fictional Literature.

Expanding student knowledge of basic geographic concepts through fictional literature is the goal of this instructional guide. During a 2-week Global Studies Institute, held at Sturbridge, Massachusetts, teachers and librarians selected motivational books of contemporary and historical literature appropriate to middle school students and developed instructional activities to teach basic geographic concepts. The following criteria were used to select 10 books: (1) the geographic or historic elements; (2) the appeal of the characters to middle schools students; and (3) the literary quality of the fictional work. In each book, physical and/or cultural geography was to be a key factor influencing the story. The activities are designed to teach five basic geographic concepts: (1) climate; (2) economic situations; (3) physical features and distances; (4) cultural patterns; and (5) historical backgrounds. Skill development activities emphasize map reading, reading, and writing skills. (SM)