How the story paper, a popular 19th-century literary form, can be used to teach secondary students about the historical experience of women between 1840 and 1890 is described. The historical background of the story paper is discussed. A student handout explaining how to write a story paper is included. (RM)

Presents a class activity that uses the dime novel in a critical mode as an avenue to increase student's knowledge of the concepts and themes of women's experiences during the nineteenth century. Provides background of the dime novel. Asks students to compose their own dime novel, and provides a student handout that outlines the process. (RW)