1. Ten Elements of Biography

2. Non-Fiction Books about People
Biography
Autobiography
Memoirs

3. 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.

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

5. Memoirs mem·oir (m m wär , -wôr ) n.
An account of the personal experiences of an author.
An autobiography. Often used in the plural.
A biography or biographical sketch.
A report, especially on a scientific or scholarly topic.
memoirs The report of the proceedings of a learned society.

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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?

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

12. 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?

13. 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?

14. 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?

15. 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)

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

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

18. 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