Biography A Biography is a type of narrative nonfiction that tells the story of one person’s life in chronological order. While this genre is nonfiction, it is also narrative in that it focuses on narrative elements such as character and conflict and the author uses literary devices to add interest

Elements of Biography Describe and discuss the life of real person. Information is based on fact. First person accounts are used when available Incidents, dialogue, and people are accurate and from a reliable source. The person's life story is told with respect to other people and events of the time in which they lived. Develops an understanding of the people, place, times, and events in which the person lived. Tells the story in a style and tone that the reader/listener can relate to the person and believe in their humanness.

The 10 Elements 10 Birthdate and place Family Members Childhood and School Life Hobbies, Interests, and Activities Anecdotes Career Reason for Fame Later Life/Old Age Death Photos and Likenesses 10

Birthplace and date When was the person born? Where was the person born? Why was the family in that location at that time? Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthplace, Atlanta, GA

Family Members Birth Order Spouse, Children Any other members of the family who were notable in some way

Childhood and School Life Interesting stories about childhood or school Early achievements Any events that had an impact on their later life

Hobbies, Interests, and Activities Do the person’s hobbies or activities make them more interesting? Do the hobbies/activities have a bearing on why they have a biography about them? Do the hobbies/activities relate to other aspects of their life?

Anecdotes Interesting stories about why they are famous Interesting stories about the impact they have had on others

Career Is their career why they have a book written about them? Is their job similar or different from their hobbies and activities? Have they made significant contributions to mankind through their job?

Reason for Fame What did they do that caused someone to want to write a book about them? At what point in their life did they become famous?

Later Life/Old Age What did they do near the end of their life? Commodore Grace Hopper, USN Later Life/Old Age What did they do near the end of their life? Did they contribute to society, enjoy life, continue working? Were they honored in their lifetime for their achievements?

Death When and where did they die? Was there anything unusual or significant about their death? (Ex. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826)

Photos and Likenesses Photographs or artists’ renderings of the person may be included

Where are biographies found in the library? The 900’s