Biographies, not so boring, after all
Mini-Lesson 
Ellen Patrick 3/25/06

Biography definition:  (from the Greek words bios meaning life and graphein meaning write) is a genre of literature and other forms of media, like film, based on the written accounts of individual lives.  While a biography may focus on a subject of fiction or non-fiction, the term is usually in reference to non-fiction.  As opposed to a profile or curriculum vitae, a biography develops complex insight and highlights different textures of personality including intimate details of experiences.  A biography is more than a list of impertinent facts like birth, education, work, relationships and death.  It also delves into the emotions of experiencing such events.    (from Wikipedia)


Selection Criteria:
Pertinent to the curriculum
Appropriate for recommended levels
Accurate in content
Free of bias and stereotype
Literary Merit
Representative of differing viewpoints on controversial subjects
Reputation of Author



Teaching Resources:

Biographies in the Classroom  - Lesson Planning Article from Education World	Teaching with Biography  from A & E TV Biography Project for schools - Committed to help young people learn about the positive impact an individuals can have on society
The Biography Maker- How to write a biography	ALA Great Websites for Kids:  Biographies

Picture Book Biography Selection Aids:

Selection Tools: Picture Book Biographies Kidspoint.org List Compiled by LMS of Malcolm Bell School, Marblehead, MA Picture Book Biographies Website of Morton Grove Public Library, Morton Grove, IL Picture Book Biographies Jefferson Cup Award  honors a distinguished biography, historical fiction or American history book for young people

Authors/Publishers:

Jean Fritz
David A. Adler
Russell Freeman
Roald Dahl (autobiography)
Patria Press - Young Patriot's Series