Personal Recommendations
Suggested Activities
Before reading a biography aloud, make
a web with the subject of the biography in
the center. Help students make
connections to what they already know and
list them on the web. After reading, add
new discoveries about that person to the
web.
Use a Venn diagram to compare and
contrast characteristics of individuals who
lived during the same time period.
Ask students to choose a biography to read
and report on. Encourage students to dress
up as the subject of the biography. Post
pictures of famous people students read
about on a timeline along with important
historical events of the time period. Lead a
discussion by asking if the people they
read about would have known each other.
Ask how the events of the time shaped
those individuals (Hurst, 2010).
Explore current titles in your public
library to assist with your selection.
Spark interest in biographies by
making a display of new titles along
with the question: Guess Who?
Include interesting facts about each
individual featured in the new titles.
Personal Favorites:
Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull
Jump! from the life of Michael Jordan by Floyd
Cooper
Amelia Earhart, Female Pioneer in Flight by Lori
Mortensen
26 Fairmont Avenue Autobiography by Tomie
DePaola
References
References:
Bishop, K. (2007). The collection program in schools:
Concepts, practices and information sources.
Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Encyclopedia Britannica (2010). Retrieved March 20,
2010 from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/65924/bio
graphy
Biographies have come a
long way, Baby!
Hurst, C. (2010). Carol Hurst's Children's Literature
Site. Retrieved March 20, 2010 from
http://www.carolhurst.com/subjects/biographies.html
Biographies for
Children
A Mini-Guide for the
School Library Media
Specialist
PLACE PHOTO HERE,
OTHERWISE DELETE BOX
Rebecca Bennett
EDIT 6340
Spring, 2010
Instructional
Uses
What is a Biography?
A biography is nonfiction literature about a real
person. Earliest known biographies were most
likely speeches written for funerals and grave
marker inscriptions. No longer are published
biographies only about ancient Greeks and
Romans, kings and war heroes. Biographies are
now available on subjects including famous
inventors, politicians, athletes, and the latest
pop singers.
Social Studies
Supplement the social studies curriculum to
help students see varying perspectives and
form personal connections with significant
historical events and individuals.
Vendors
Selection Criteria
Does the biography:
support the educational goals of the
school?
reflect accurate information?
have appropriate content for the intended
audience?
Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc.
http://www.btsb.com/
Follett Library Resources
http://www.flr.follett.com/
PLACE PHOTO HERE,
Discuss characteristics of biographies and
autobiographies and compare them to other
genres.
DELETE BOX
MackinOTHERWISE
Educational Resources
http://mackin.com/
Use as a model for biographic and
autobiographic writing activities.
Scholastic
http://www.scholastic.com/
Science
add value to the collection?
meet "quality standards in terms of
content, format, and presentation?"
(Bishop, 2007).
•
Language Arts
Useful Tips
Provide a wide range of subjects in your
biography collection including a balance of
historical figures as well as individuals that
are still living today.
Select various formats including picture books,
chapter books and easy readers.
Continue brochure text here. Continue
Explore the life stories of famous inventors
and scientists. Discuss how their contributions
to science have impacted our world.
Physical Education, Music
and Art
Share biographies of famous athletes,
musicians and artists to inspire students in
these areas.
Leisure Reading
Spark interest for reluctant readers. For
example, biographies of Michael Jordan and
LeBron James are sure to appeal to basketball
sports fans.