This paper provides educators with information about the development of a literature-based unit for middle-grade students dealing with the Medieval period and Asian cultures, thereby creating interest in the content materials through the use of fiction and nonfiction materials. The paper's purpose is to encourage educators to use a literature-based focus to create a variety of situations within the classroom that can lead to ongoing research about students' metacognitive strategies, interest in reading, and shared information across grades. Materials in the paper include lists and examples of the literature used with the students, guidelines for developing questioning strategies, and the framework used in working with the various reading levels of the students. The paper also contains an appendix on social studies literature "focus units"; another appendix on guidelines for developing questioning strategies; a list of the 25 books used for the various units; and a figure illustrating major book choices with a breakdown according to recommended reading levels. (Author/RS)