Chapter 9: Biography and Memoir

What is biography?
- Story about sometimes life written by another person
What is autobiography?
- Story about ones own life
What is memoir?
- Special type of autobiography
- Includes facts and events in the life of the author that are selected and
arranged
- Brings out a particular theme or personality trait
- Based upon and interpreted through memory
Defining Biography and Memoir
- May be episodic author may highlight a particular part(s) of a life to
illustrate the subjects character or to explore an important event in
the life of the subject
Episodic Biographies
- Writers can present a number of details within a manageable length,
providing young readers the details they enjoy without sacrificing
authenticity
- It is often presented in a picture book format; the illustrations offer a
way for the essence of the subject and emotions of the episode to be
captured without words
Collective Biographies
- Biographies about several individuals
- Usually focus around a theme or other unifying principle
Brief History of Biography and Memoir for Young Readers
- Biography was once regarded as an opportunity for young people to
read about people they might emulate
- Biographies in the 19th and early 20th centuries wrote only good quality
of their subjects
- Early biographies did not often include source material
- It was difficult to separate fact from opinion because most biographies
did not attempt to do so.
- Because of this, accuracy was less important than story, it seemed.
- Fortunately, we not view biography not as an opportunity for moral
enlightenment, but as a chance for children to learn about themselves
 as they learn about the lives and times of people who made or are
making a significant impact on the world
- Memoirs are an increasingly popular form of autobiographical writing in
which an individual explores his or her own life.
- They are truthful, without necessarily being completely true
- Today, most biographies for young readers are authentic biographies,
well-documented stories about individuals in which even the dialogue
is based on some record of what was actually said
- Todays biographies also often rely on illustrations to convey
information, whether in picture books or full-length formats
- Picture book biographies are increasingly popular and present a subject
through both text and art
Considering Quality in Biography and Memoir
1. Accuracy and Social Details
a. The story is grounded in fact and source material is noted for
biography
b. The facts and storyline are seamlessly integrated
c. The details are vivid, accurate, and linked to the individuals
accomplishments
2. Portrayal of the Subject
a. The subjects character is well developed and multidimensional
b. The author avoids stereotypes
3. Style
a. The writing style is comprehensible and engaging
b. Complex topics are explained adequately
4. Theme
a. There is a unifying theme that highlights the special qualities of
the subject
5. Illustrations
a. Illuminate the character of the subject
b. Help the reader visualize the time and space
c. Illustrators can create their visions through oil paintings, cartoon
panel art, collages, or photographs
Variety in Biographical Subjects
1. Political and Military Leaders
2. Philosophers and Religious Leaders
3. Scientists and Inventors
4. Adventurers and Explorers
5. Practitioner of the Arts
6. Sports Heroes
7. Extraordinary Ordinary People
Biography and Memoir in the Classroom
- Building a Biography Collection
- Using Biography with other Genres to Study and Era
- Organizing Biography by Theme
o Struggle for Human Rights
o Extraordinary People
o Historical Americans
o Black Americans of Achievement