1. art and entertainment
2. books and literature
3. non-fiction

Ten Elements of Biography
Mrs. Youse
Non-Fiction Books about People
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Biography
Autobiography
Memoirs
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.
Autobiography
n. pl. au·to·bi·og·ra·phies
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The biography of a person written by that
person
Memoirs
mem·oir
n.
(m m wär , -wôr )
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.
The 10 Elements
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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
Birthplace and date
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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
Family Members
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Birth Order
Spouse, Children
Any other members of the family who
were notable in some way
Childhood and School Life
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Interesting stories
about childhood or
school
Early achievements
Any events that had
an impact on their
later life
Hobbies, Interests, and Activities
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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?
Anecdotes
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Interesting stories about why they are
famous
Interesting stories about the impact they
have had on others
Career
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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?
Reason for Fame
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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?
Commodore Grace Hopper, USN
Later Life/Old Age
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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?
Death
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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)
Photos and Likenesses
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Photographs or artists’
renderings of the person
may be included
Where are
biographies
found in the
library?
The
900’s
The 10 Elements
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
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
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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