2.  Born: September 20, 1878 - Baltimore, Maryland  Died: Nov. 25 - 1968, Bound Brook, New Jersey  He taught himself to read at age 5.  His father moved him and family to NY at the age of 10  Went to New York City College at the age of 14 because of his academic achievements, then Columbia University for law, but never got his degree  *wrote in newspapers and magazines to pay for schooling*

3.  Paid his parents a regular income by 17 years old  He was a socialist candidate for congress in 1906 in New Jersey.  In 1934, he ran for governor of California as a democrat, but lost  SOCIALISM WAS POPULAR  Inspired by Karl Marx and Frank Norris  Discussed problems (Sacco and Vanzetti trial)

4.  He was very young  Had dime novels and magazines by the age of 14  Lived in poverty, so was inspired to write boys’ stories at the age of 16

5.  Gave his life to writing at a young age  Went to politics, then back to writing at age 21  Ran for governor of California as a Democrat, but lost

6.  The 1906 meat packing industry was what the novel The Jungle was about

7.  A theme is a topic or concept that the author is trying to convey through words  The theme of The Jungle would be how horrific the 1906 meat industry was

8.  Sinclair stood out from other authors because of his political views, his writing topics, his honesty, and his determination.  Made several unsuccessful bids for office under Socialist tickets  Held unpopular political views and beliefs  “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on not understanding it.”

9.  In 1904, Sinclair spent seven weeks in disguise  devoted his writing career to documenting and criticizing the social and economic conditions of the early twentieth century  he never gave up his activism  He caused President Roosevelt to suggest that congress should pass a law establishing the Food and Drug Administration to set up federal inspection standards for meat