Historical fiction is a genre in which a fictional plot takes place in the setting of particular, real historical events.

The context is the surrounding details that help you understand what you're reading.

An afterword is a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections after the main content.

Introducing the context of 'Escape from Pompeii'

English

In 'Escape from Pompeii: reading’, pupils read and discussed a historical fiction book. In ’Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover: reading’, pupils will read and discuss another historical fiction text and will deepen their understanding of the genre.

In 'The Pebble in my Pocket: reading’, pupils discussed the features of a non-fiction narrative. In ’Escape from Pompeii: reading’, children will broaden their knowledge of genre and read a historical fiction story set during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79CE.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the historical fiction text, 'Escape from Pompeii'. They explore characterisation across the text and build comprehension through rich discussion. Finally, pupils discuss and engage with key themes in the text.

'Escape from Pompeii': reading

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Which genre is 'Escape from Pompeii' best described as being?

Pompeii is located in which part of Italy?

a genre where a fictional plot takes place in a real event

the surrounding details that help you understand what you're reading

a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

'Escape from Pompeii' is written and illustrated by which person?

True or False? Historical fiction texts are entirely fictional and made up.

volcanic rock with small holes allowing liquid or air to pass through

a person who studies past societies or history

Match the new vocabulary from the afterword to its meaning.

when there are lots of texts with the same characters

a genre of text which presents real events, information, or knowledge

a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels

Which of the following best describes a non-fiction text?

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Based on their front covers, which of the following are non-fiction texts?

a form of text that presents news and information about current events

a text that contains multiple poems by one author or on a particular subject

a genre in which a fictional plot takes place in the setting of real events

Which of the following best describes a historical fiction text?

Based on their front covers, which of the following are historical fiction texts?

Place the following dates in chronological order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Introducing the context of 'Escape from Pompeii'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.