Taken as a part or as a whole, once teachers have used historical novels and their sub-genres as a teaching/learning strategy in their History lessons, they come to appreciate the huge contribution they can make to their students’ appreciation of history. Many students immediately engage with their historical novels, and this is, I suggest, not surprising.

Historical novels currently enjoy huge popularity amongst the readership of the Australian public, as does children's historical fiction through the writings of such fine authors as Jackie French. While some commentators may lament this rising tide of popularity for historical fiction, with the onset of the National History Curriculum, History teachers in Australian schools are poised to make full use of the genre in their pedagogy. Certainly, this is the message given at recent HTAA conferences. The use of historical novels in the classroom is more than a device simply to pique the interest of History students, who may otherwise be losing their interest in the topic being taught. Historical novels are able to provide deep understanding of historical events and personages, as well as assisting in the development of historical literacy.

The field of historical novels and its sub-genres is ever increasing, and at the same time greatly enriching the historical understanding of readers. This provides a marvellous opportunity for the teachers of History from the beginning of schooling through to the senior years.