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