Distinguishing Characteristics
- Subset of non-fiction, because it is a factual account of someone’s life, not a fictional adaptation.
- Watch for engaging, award-winning titles that include a captivating narrative. “School Report Oriented”
- biographies tend to be less engaging.
- A biography can help students connect with a historical or current event or place. It can also be motivating to read about someone they find inspiring or can identify with.
- Autobiography are written by the person it is about/in their own voice.
- Memoirs are more limited than biography, in that they tend to focus on a single theme, event or time period.
- Picture book biographies are a great way to broaden perspective and experience of younger children, or to start a conversation or inquiry with older students.
