Authentication projects, particularly for historical fiction, provide a means for students to explore literature and history while practicing critical literacy skills. The authors 1) present benefits and cautions for historical fiction use in elementary classrooms, 2) introduce authentication projects as a means to mitigate risks and enhance benefits of using historical fiction, 3) document the use of authentication projects with pre-service teachers, and 4) provide guidelines for implementing authentication projects with elementary students. (Contains 4 tables and 4 resources.)