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Memoir article and lessonSee how Gabriel Garcia Marquez transforms memories of his grandparents into an unforgettable memoir. (PDF)

Memoir article and lesson: See how Gabriel Garcia Marquez transforms memories of his grandparents into an unforgettable memoir. (PDF)

"Memoir vs. Personal Narrative " Staff Developer, Linda Bausch explains the difference between the personal narrative genre and the memoir genre.

The difference between a memoir and personal narrative

A unique aspect of children's memoir writing is that their collection of memories, wisdom and value is limited. That is not to say these memories do not exist. Children should be given the opportunity to develop an understanding of who they are and where they come from, and how this is connected to the past & future, the near & far away. A memoir study focusing on location as a theme can provide this opportunity.

"Writing the Memoir (with help from Barry Lane)" Focuses on "baby steps" and "thoughtshots"

6 word memoirs--genius!

Read Memoir Click on a column heading to sort by student name, state or title. Click a title to read the selection.

Memoir search on Scholastic.

Memoir

One of my favorite genres in childrens' literature is memoir. I only recently learned of the power and beauty of memoir. Five years ago, I had the privilege of spending two weeks in New York City at Columbia University. It was there at Lucy Calkin's Teacher's College Writing Project for teachers that I learned of the power of this genre.

Memoir unit resource

These sites explain how to write memoirs and include ideas for getting started. There are also some writing examples and lists of recommended children's books that use this form of writing. There is a link to eThemes Resource on Personal Narrative Writing.

You will be writing about yourself, about something that happened to you. It doesn't have to be about something big. Often the most interesting stories are about little things-fishing one afternoon with your cousin, getting ready for your first dance, meeting your new stepfather for the first time, meeting your best friend, making a little mistake but learning a big lesson. Everyone has little moments that stick out in his or her mind. You will be writing about one of those moments and learning how to make your writing interesting.

In this unit, students will explore the genre of memoir. They will see that writers write about the ordinary happenings of their lives and that their own lives are packed with meaningful experiences and memories that can form the basis of their own writing. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon the significance of remembered events and to keep a notebook of their thoughts and feelings.

First French Kiss (memoir)

Recommended mentor text

Memoir feature articles

Author of short story--memoir--"Let's Go to the Videotape" in the book: Boys Read

memoir unit--author study

Great for memoir unit

Memoir

Activity 1: Introduction to the Genre of Memoir: Writing a Comparison/Contrast Essay, ONCE I WAS; NOW I AM (adapted from BEAT NOT THE POOR DESK, by Marie Ponsot and Rosemary Deen, Boynton/Cook Publishers, Portmouth, N.H., 1981).