Biography, Autobiography,

and Memoir

Jessica Dockter University of MinnesotaAdapted 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 4th 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