2. Ten Elements of Biography

3. Turn and Talk  When you read a book or see a movie about a famous person’s life, what do you expect to learn about that person?  The person whose birthday is closest to July 27 th will make a list for the group.

4. Non-Fiction Books about People  Biography  Autobiography  Memoirs

5. Biography bi·og·ra·phy : n. pl. bi·og·ra·phies An account of a person's life written, composed, or produced by another: a film biography of Adlai Stevenson; an oral biography. Biographies considered as a group, especially when regarded as a genre. The writing, composition, or production of biographies: a career entirely devoted to biography.

6. Autobiography n. pl. au·to·bi·og·ra·phies  The biography of a person written by that person

7. The 10 Elements  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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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?

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

13. 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?

14. 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?

15. 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? Commodore Grace Hopper, USN

16. 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)

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

18. Where are biographies found in the library?