Author Biography - Research the Life, Accomplishments, and Writings of This Author
Author Study
For this project, you are selecting an author to research, analyze, and read their books. As you are reading and researching about this author, look for similar characteristics within the novels, details or experiences in the author’s life that may have influenced his/her writing, and analyze the appeal these novels have to you and/or a specific audience.
Author Biography - Research the life, accomplishments, and writings of this author.
o Keep track of your sources for proper documentation: use in-text citations and complete a works cited page following MLA format.
o Look for the interesting details that make your author unique and contribute to your author’s writing style and qualities.
o You need to use at least three different sources of information. Don’t forget to search online databases like Infotrac and Proquest, and the Media Center Card Catalog for information about your author. Don’t focus only on websites.
o Your biography section should be 2-3 pages, typed, and double-spaced.
o Go further than just basic dates and vital statistics about the author.
Novels: Choose two to three different novels, depending on the length, to read.
Critical Review Essay: You will write a critical review of one of the novels. The essay will have an introduction, clear thesis statement, evidence and supporting details and conclusion.
Reflection Papers: Complete a one-page reflection paper for each of the novels you read that includes a brief plot summary and a recommendation for or against the book and why. Use details from the novel to support your ideas….specific not general comments are expected.
Author Portfolio - Combine your entire project in the form of a binder, report folder, etc.
o Your final portfolio needs to include the following:
§ Author biography
§ Critical Review
§ Two to Three Novel Reflections
§ List of author’s accomplishments and publications
§ Rubric, project checklist, title page, table of contents, section dividers, and Works Cited page.
Portfolio Presentation (Speech) – Each person will present on his/her author.
o Your final presentation needs to include the following:
§ Share some interesting facts about your author.
§ Share the titles and a few tidbits about the novels you read.
§ Presentation should be organized and 3-5 minutes long.
§ Presenter needs to use proper volume, eye contact, and rate.
§ Visual aid is expected to enhance the presentation
§ Extra points will be given for creativity and interactive elements that get the class involved.
Biography of Author
Write a “2-3 page” typed and double-spaced biography using a minimum of 3 sources. Create a Works Cited page using MLA documentation.
Things to think about and include in your biography:
· What makes this person special or interesting?
· What kind of effect did he or she have on the world? other people?
· What has this person contributed to the world of adolescent literature? Notable accomplishments, awards, etc?
· What are the adjectives you would most use to describe the person?
· What examples from his or her life illustrate those qualities?
· What events shaped or changed this person's life? this person’s writing?
· Did he or she overcome obstacles? Take risks? Get lucky? If so, what?
· What about this person’s writing makes him or her unique to the world of adolescent literature?
· Was he/she influenced by any individuals?
Reminders:
ü Include an introduction, body, and conclusion.
ü Includes a clear thesis statement – what are you proving about your author’s life, style, writing habits, etc.?
ü Remember to think about what makes this person unique to the world of adolescent literature.
o Include more than just vital statistics
o Do not tell everything, just the information relevant to your purpose
ü Always use 12 point font and double-space
ü Write in third person
ü Write information chronologically
ü Write in the past tense, unless you are referring to present events.
ü Refer to author by last name after first identified
ü DOCUMENTATION!!! – Cite sources internally
o Full sentence quotes must have speaker identified
o Only quote specific and unique information – opinions/comments/etc.
o Use a variety of sources
o Place parenthetical reference after quotation marks or summarized/paraphrased information. (ALN). or (“Title”).
ü Works Cited page for references used
ü Rather than including awards and books written in the biography, create a separate document that lists novel titles, dates, and awards received.
Author Study Rubric
Author Biography
______includes an effective introduction that hooks the reader and includes a thesis statement toward the end of the first paragraph. (5)
______the body presents ideas in an organized manner – needs to be chronological. (10)
______the conclusion summarizes main points/restates thesis and leaves a final closing thought. (5)
______speaks in a convincing and knowledgeable way. (Formal Tone) (5)
______discussion offers an interesting and unique look at topic. (5)
______flows smoothly from one idea to the next. (5)
______observes the basic rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. (5)
______follows the appropriate formatting guidelines, including documentation and works cited page. (10)
______Total points (50 x 2 points)
Critical Review Essay
______includes an effective introduction that hooks the reader and includes a thesis statement toward the end of the first paragraph. (5)
______the body presents ideas in an organized manner. (5)
______the conclusion summarizes main points/restates thesis and leaves a final closing thought. (5)
______contains supporting details and examples from the three novels.(5 )
______maintains a clear and consistent view from start to finish. (5)
______speaks in a convincing and knowledgeable way. (Formal Tone) (5)
______discussion offers an interesting and unique look at topic. (5)
______flows smoothly from one idea to the next. (5)
______observes the basic rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. (5)
______follows the appropriate formatting guidelines, including documentation. (5)
______Total points (50 x 2 points)
Novel Reflections (*Number determined by length of books)
N1 N2 N3
______includes brief plot summary. (5)
______includes details and reactions to the novel. (10)
______includes recommendation for reading.(5)
______observes the basic rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.(5)
______Total points (*25 points each)
Speech/Portfolio presentation
______includes brief summary of author biography.(10)
______includes brief highlights of each book read. (10)
______is 3-5 minutes in length. (10)
______is organized, uses appropriate eye contact, volume, and poise.(20)
Includes a visual aid that enhances the presentation. (20)
Presentation is entertaining and shows student’s enthusiasm (20)
Effort is apparent (10)
______Total points (100 points)
Final Score
______Author Biography (100)
______Critical Lens (100)
______Novel Reflections (*75)
______Speech (100)
______Elements Checklist (25)
______Overall Appeal – Portfolio (works cited page, novel list, divider pages, etc.) (50)
______TOTAL POINTS (450 points)
Author Study Elements Checklist
Name: ______
Author: ______
Novel #1: ______
Novel #2: ______
Novel #3: ______
Final Checklist for Presentation/Author Study Project
All items for the Author Study Project should be organized in the following order in a three-ring binder, folder, or report cover. Use page covers for Section dividers only.
______Author Study Rubric – neat, clean, free of all markings
______Author Study Checklist – neat, clean, free of all markings
______Title Page
______Table of Contents
______Section dividers and/or pictures (Author, Novels, Sources)
______Final Draft of Author Biography
______List of novels written and awards received by author
______Novel Reflection #1
______Novel Reflection #2
______Novel Reflection #3
______Final Draft of Critical Lens Analysis
______Speech and visual
______Works Cited Page
______Organized in this order
______Total Points (450 points)