Advanced Reading Literary Nonfiction Project
Objective: Students will read a biography, autobiography, or memoir and nominate that
individual for president. They will then create a campaign poster that describes the
candidate’s qualities and background.
Note: If the subject of the biography was actually a president at one time, they still can complete this project.
Imagine that the subject of your book has decided to run for president and has asked you to
create a campaign poster. Look back through the book and think about whether or not the
subject of the biography, autobiography, or memoir would make a good candidate for
president. What qualities and characteristics would make this person a good leader? What
leadership experience has this person had?
Materials: 14 X 11 or 14 x 20 (approximate sizes) poster board or large sheet of construction
paper; markers, crayons, paint, or map pencils; glue; scissors; colored construction paper;
picture of the person.
Directions: Posters should include the following on a 14 x 11 [quarter-size] or 14 x 20
[half-size] poster board sheet:
Drawing or photo of the candidate
Information about the person’s background
Write in a style that is upbeat and persuasive. Including the following information:
 Person’s name in large letters [for example, “Harriet Tubman for President”]
 Hometown
 Family
 Education
Work/Leadership experience
Write in a style that is upbeat and
persuasive. Think about what
experience(s) the person has had
that would prepare him/her for the
role of president. Make sure to
explain your reasoning.
Traits and qualities that make
this person a good leader
Write in a style that is upbeat and
persuasive. Think about three
personal characteristics the person
has shown and what they might
accomplish as a president. Make
sure to explain your choices.
Advanced Reading Literary Nonfiction Project Rubric
Extra Credit (10 points): no later than Friday – May 13th
Regular Credit: Monday, May 16th – Thursday, May 19th
Book Approval (5 points) – due April 22 [biography, autobiography, memoir]
Title of Novel: _______________________________________________________
Author: __________________________________________Teacher initials:______
Information (30 points)

Photo/drawing of candidate

Background information

Work/Leadership experience
Persuasion (30 points)

Goals as president

Traits and qualities that make the candidate a good leader

Thoughtful and reasonable

Convincing information
Visual Presentation (20 points)

Creative and colorful

Neat

Layout is carefully planned

Good use of space (balance between two many blank spaces and too much
writing)
Mechanics (10 points)

Correct sentence structure

No fragments or run-on sentences

Verb tenses are correct
Neatness (5 points)
Grade:
5 points will be deducted if rubric is not attached.
Comments: