ela/history

1. Biography,
Autobiography, and
Memoir
Jessica Dockter University of Minnesota
Adapted from Beth Brendler 2008

2. Biography
A branch of nonfiction:
• tells the story of the life -- or part of the life
-- of a real person
• Focuses on the person’s relation to
historical events going on at the time

3. Now…
Writers / publishers view biography as a
chance for children to learn about the
lives and times of people who have
made a significant impact on the world

4. Biography
Contemporary people
living out their lives
One Boy from Kosovo
by Trish Marx

5. Biography
Villains:
The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler
by James Cross Giblin
Good Brother, Bad Brother:
The Story of Edwin Booth and
John Wilkes Booth
by James Cross Giblin

6. Biography
People like biographies about people they
are interested in.
Sports biographies are a wonderful way to
engage a non-reader.

7. Evaluating Biography
May include:
• List of resources
• Source notes
• Bibliography
• Glossary
• Photographs

8. Evaluating Biography
• Settings are clearly & accurately depicted
• Full of interesting social details
• Linked to the development of the subject’s
character & accomplishments

9. Evaluating Biography
• Plots blend factual background with a
good story
• Distinguishes between fact and opinion
• Subjects portrayed as multidimensional
– with strengths and weaknesses

10. Memoir
Based on events in the life of the author
The author selects certain events from their
life to bring out a particular theme (i.e
Holocaust memoirs)
Not meant to be a source of facts, but a story
of the subject’s life in the subject’s own words

11. Memoir and Autobiography
Memoir is less grounded in fact – based on
memory and perception
•Events are interpretive
•Usually have some theme
– growing up
– remaining true to culture
– determination

12. Memoir and Autobiography
• Autobiography and biography: typically
move between birth & fame
• Autobiography is written BY THE
PERSON THE BOOK IS ABOUT
• Biography can be written by anyone
• Memoir: a collection of moments, like
snapshots that bring out some truth
about the writer’s life

13. Memoir & Autobiography
for Adolescents
I

14. For Your Book Report for the 4th 6
weeks:
•You must choose and read a biography, autobiography or memior. This
book needs to be pre-approved by our librarian or approved by me.
•It needs to be reading level appropriate as well.
• You are to create a “suitcase” for the person you are reading about
•In this suitcase which can be a paper bag etc. You must include FIVE
items that represent your person or their life
•You will include a paragraph per item that explains why you chose to
include that item in their “suitcase.”
• On the front of your suitcase you will include a summary of your book
• Your items will have specific guidelines that are on your paper
•THIS IS DUE ____________________
•The best suitcases will be displayed