From: Sally Miller <derbymiller>
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:16:57 -0500

Laurie Draus wrote, "I haven't read it yet, but I've seen it classified as fiction. Would it work for a biography assignment, or is it too fictionalized, ala the "Little House" books?" Since I'm not teaching anymore, I don't know whether a teacher would accept it as a biography or not, but in my opinion he or she should. In her afterword, Carole Boston Weatherford calls it a "verse memoir," that "imagines her legendary life." However, Weatherford explains the many sources she drew upon to write the book, provides a comprehensive list of references, and a group of thumbnail biographies of musical greats who were influential in Billie Holiday's life and times.
    I know the orange biographies have fallen out of favor, and I understand a little of why that is, but I also know that they caught the interest of my own sons and gave them a sense that history is full of real people who were interesting and about whom it would be fun to learn more. And isn't this the main reason for assigning "a biography"? Teachers, I would love to hear your thoughts about this? Sally Derby
Received on Mon 30 Mar 2009 06:16:57 PM CDT