Autobiography/Biography
Genre Definition
An autobiography is a story a person’s life written by that person. Autobiographies are usually written in first person and contain personal thoughts. They may have real pictures and newspaper articles from when that person was growing up. A biography is a story of a person’s life written by another person. Biographies are usually written in third person. They may include quotes from interviews that were conducted.
Classroom Use
Reading Activity: Do a read-aloud or shared reading of a biography and an autobiography about a favorite author of your students. Let them learn more about their life and why they started writing children’s books. Put a focus on the point-of-view that is used. Compare autobiographies and biographies.
Writing Activity: Have students conduct interviews of one of their classmates and create a biography of their life.
Social Studies Activity: Have students read about a famous person in history (MLK Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Abigail Adams, etc.) and write a journal entry from that person’s point-of-view or have students create a "facebook page" for their assigned historical figure.
Art Activity: Have students create a silhouette collage. First, in pairs have them trace their silhouettes onto a sheet of construction paper. Then fill in the inside with drawings or pictures from magazines. Have them share with each other what each picture represents about themselves.
Selection Process
There are several things to look for when selecting quality autobiographies and biographies to use within your classroom. It’s important that when selecting a biography, that you select one that was well-researched and provides accurate information. Because biographies are written by another person, it’ important to fact check what they say to make sure they didn’t provide any faulty or skewed information. A big reason why autobiographies and biographies are so great is because they provide an authentic story of a person’s life. So make sure you select books that contain interesting and authentic images and newspaper clippings that help show the more personal side of the story--that oftentimes isn’t found in textbooks.
Texts that I Recommend
Summary: An autobiography of the author who wrote the popular Magic School Bus books and several others. Take a look into Joanna Cole's life and see where she gets her inspiration from for her books. Funny, personal and informative story. Get a new perspective-almost like a behind the scenes look- into the Magic School Bus series.
Text Features: This book includes real photographs. It is a humorous read. It is also a hardcover book.
Book Reviews: "A grand autobiography in the Creative Sparks series that is both accessible and entertaining. Cole, who has created so many funny characters is good company in her own right. Cole begins by talking about her father, a dyslexic who had trouble reading but loved to talk and debate... Readers get a real sense of the person behind the books and are also introduced to the process of writing."--Kirkus Reviews
APA Citation: Cole, J., & Saul, W. (1996). On the bus with Joanna Cole: A creative autobiography. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Lexile: NC1050L
Text complexity grade band: 9-10
Read aloud grade band: 6-8
Support:This is a good book for high achievers or TAG students because the lexile is higher than the intended audience. This means that it is marketed for and at the right appropriateness level for younger students, but is most likely going to be at the frustration level for elementary students. It will need to be read to them or only used with more capable readers.
Summary: An autobiography of Ruby Bridges and what it was like being the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school in the South during the 1960's. This would be a great book to use to cover social studies concepts. It gives students a different perspective to the civil rights era than is provided in most textbooks.
Text Features: This book includes real photographs and newspaper clippings that enhance the authenticity of the historical event. It's written in kid-friendly language that makes it relatable. Sidebars contain personal statements from Ruby's mother and her teacher, Barbara Henry.
Book Reviews: "[Ruby] gives voice to her six-year-old self. Sepia-toned period photographs join the sidebars in rounding out Bridges' account. But Bridges' words, recalling a child's innocence and trust, are more vivid than even the best of the photos. Like poetry or prayer, they melt the heart."--Publishers Weekly
"This eye-opening introduction to the civil rights movement, written on a child's level, is suitable for read-aloud and certain to provoke thoughtful discussion."--Bookbag Magazine
Awards: Jane Adams Children's Books Awards for Book for Older Children
APA Citation: Bridges, R. (1999). Through my eyes. New York, New York: Scholastic Press.
Lexile: 860L
Text Complexity grade band: 6-8
Read aloud grade band: 4-5
Support: Before using this book in your class, it may be necessary to do some vocabulary building and provide some background knowledge on the civil rights movement.
