Literary Analysis Biographies

Bibliographic Information: Cohn, A., & Schmidt, S. (2002). Abraham Lincoln. New York:
Scholastic Press.
Plot: Basic outline of Abraham Lincolns life, from the day he was born till the day he died. Has
a short outline of his life on the last page.
Setting: 1809-1965.
Theme: Learning about the United States of Americas past president and his life.
Characterization: Lincoln and his different faces throughout his life.
Style: Story book style that gives important points about Lincolns life.
Point of View: Narrator
Reflections: This could give good information for grades second- third. I could see myself using
this as a read aloud if it fit with the curriculum.

Literary Analysis

Bibliographic Information: Edgers, G., & Brien, J. (2007). Who was Elvis Presley? New York:
Grosset & Dunlap.
Plot: Elvis was a famous singer, but he didnt start out famous.
Setting: 1935-1977
Theme: Elvis made rock and roll.
Characterization: Elvis through all his changes and phases throughout his life.
Style: Respectful yet realistic biography.
Point of View: Narrator
Reflections: For a student who wants an interesting, yet more realist story, I would recommend
to a third- fifth grader depending on their level.

Literary Analysis

Bibliographic Information: Kudlinski, K., & Lewin, T. (1988). Rachel Carson: Pioneer of
ecology. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking Kestrel.
Plot: The books starts off with the 7 year old Rachel Carson when she was fascinated by the sea
and words. She loved to write and won money doing it. She grew up with academics as her
priority and she ended up getting a scholarship to go to college. She didnt have money like the
other girls in college. She ends up getting a biology degree instead of a English degree which
was a shock to everyone.

Setting: Starts out in 1914 (7 years old) and ends in 1964 (the year she dies).
Theme: The life of Rachel Carson. Determination and hard work can accomplish everything.
Characterization: Rachel Carson: A scientist, a writer, and a woman who supports her family.
Style: Biography.
Point of View: Narrator, 3rd person
Reflections: Not too bad of a story, while giving a lot of information on a woman scientists life.
Have hard realities of the times people lived with and the strength it takes to accomplish your
dreams even with the odds against you.

Literary Analysis

Bibliographic Information: Greenberg, K., & Halebian, C. (1996). Zack's story: Growing up
with same-sex parents. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications.
Plot: Zacks Story is about a boy named Zack, who is 11 years old. He lives with his mother and
her partner Margie and his cat, they are his family. He talks about his family, school life, sports,
friends, his parents jobs. They go to pride parades every June and sponsored events for gay
parents and their children. Then it talks about his relationship with his father and how his mom
and Margie are going to have a child together. There is an information about gay and lesbian
parents section at the end of the book.

Setting: No exact setting pointed out.

Theme: To tell a childs perspective when having same-sex parents.
Characterization: Zack: A normal 11 year old boy, he just has same-sex parents.
Style: The book felt very relaxed and matter of fact.
Point of View: 1st person point of view from the eyes and voice of Zack.
Reflections: I dont know if I would have this book in my classroom just because Im not sure if
students would care or be interested. The book is pretty bland and he is not a popular person. It
may be good to show students that the life of someone with same-sex parents is no different than
theirs, but I think there might be a more up to date way of expressing that idea.