Biography Autobiography and Memoir Jessica Dockter University of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memoir & Autobiography for Adolescents I

For Your Book Report for the 4 th 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