Non- Fiction

Book Club
The Plan
• Will run from March 26th- April 25th ( 5
weeks)
• The weekly structure will be similar
( reading, mini-lessons, discussions).
• You are responsible for reading all of
your book and completing the assigned
work.
Week 1
(March 25-28)
March 25-26: Choose
Books
March 27: Get into your
book
March 28: Mini-Lesson and
discussion questions.
 Book Club Discussion #1
1. Who was your favourite teacher in elementary school?

2. What attracted you to choose your book for this book club? WHY?

3. If you had a motto to define your life… what would it be?

4. How do you think non-fiction differs from fiction in terms of storytelling (besides it being real)?

5. If you could have a lifetime supply of one thing (besides money), what would it be and why?
Week 2 (April 2-5)
Exploring themes
and identifying the
author's purpose.
April 2- Mini-Lesson
April 3- Reading
April 4- In-Class Writing Assignment
April 5-Discussions
 Exploring themes and identifying the author's
purpose.
Objective: Analyze the themes and author's purpose
in non-fiction texts.

• Theme: a theme refers to the central, recurring

idea or concept that the author explores,
discusses, or argues throughout the work.
• Unlike fiction, where themes can be more abstract or
symbolic, themes in non-fiction texts are typically
based on:
• Analysis
• Interpretation of real-world phenomena.
• Broader societal issues, individual experiences, moral
dilemmas, or philosophical inquiries.
Examples of Themes in Non-Fiction
Texts
• Tuesdays with Morrie
• The meaning of life and death
• The importance of human connections and relationships
• Acceptance and embracing vulnerability.
Book Club
Discussion
 Book Club Discussion Questions
Answer the following questions with your group.
(you do not need to write down the answers,
simply have a conversation)

1. What themes are emerging in your non-fiction

book? How do they relate to real-life experiences?
2. Describe the author’s purpose behind writing your
novel.
3. How does the author's purpose influence the
narrative and structure of the book?
4. How does the author's background or personal
experiences shape their perspective in the book?
 Discussion Evaluation
• Now that you have done your discussion it is time to be critical of
those in your group. Fill in the evaluation chart and write a few
sentences about how well each member of your group did in the
discussion.
• EXAMPLE: In our book club chats, I've noticed how Mr. Rand always
had interesting things to say such as how he mentioned that the
author’s purpose in Tuesdays with Morrie was_____________. They
really understood what they’re reading and made it easier for all of us
to understand too. I like how they listened to everyone and shared their
ideas without making anyone feel left out. Mr. Rand also asked good
Week 3: (April 8-12)
Character Development and
Narrative Techniques

• April 8: Read
• April 9: Mini-Lesson
• April 10: Read/Writing Prompt
Preparation
• April 11: Discussions
• April 12: In Class Writing Assignment
Character
Development
and Narrative
Techniques
Objective: Examine how non-fiction authors
develop and employ narrative techniques.
Narrative Techniques in Non-
Fiction Writing and how they
develop characters.
4 types of Nonfiction narrative techniques
(There are actually 10)
Chronological Order: Following events in the order in which they occurred. Often
used in historical accounts, biographies, and memoirs. (Into Thin Air- Jon
Krakauer)
Flashbacks and Flash Forwards: Author gives context of events that happened
before the storyline or events that happen after the main storyline. It is to help
readers understand the significance of past or future events. (Educated- Tara
Westover)
Interweaving of Research and Narrative: Helps support storytelling with factual
information. It helps to enhance the credibility of the narrative. (David vs.
Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants- Malcolm Gladwell).

Emotional Appeal: Used to evoke sympathy, empathy or other emotions in readers.

(The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind).
Setting and its role in nonfiction narratives
Historical Significance: The
Cultural Context: The setting of a
historical setting of a non-fiction
non-fiction narrative can provide
narrative can lend depth and
important cultural context that
richness to the story by placing
influences the characters' beliefs,
events within a broader historical
values, and behaviors.
• For example, a memoir set in a • For instance,context.
a memoir set during
rural farming community will a specific historical period, such
likely explore themes related to as World War II or the Civil
agricultural traditions, family Rights Movement, will explore
dynamics, and community life, the impact of historical events on
while a narrative set in an urban the lives of the characters and the
metropolis may focus on issues broader society.
 Symbolism and Metaphor: The
Physical Environment: The
setting can serve as a powerful
physical environment of the
symbol or metaphor that conveys
setting can influence the mood
deeper meaning in a non-fiction
and atmosphere of the narrative.
narrative.
• For example, a memoir set in a • For example, a dilapidated old
remote wilderness area may house may symbolize the decay
evoke feelings of isolation, of family relationships or the
freedom, and connection to passage of time, while a pristine
nature, while a narrative set in a natural landscape may represent
bustling cityscape may convey a purity, renewal, or escape.
• Conflict and Resolution: The setting can create or
intensify conflicts in a non-fiction narrative,
driving the plot forward and shaping the
characters' choices and actions.
• For example, a memoir set in a war-torn region will
explore themes of survival, resilience, and moral
choices, while a narrative set in a close-knit community
may focus on interpersonal conflicts and social
dynamics.
Writing Assignment
• Writing Prompt: Compare and contrast the
portrayal of characters in your non-fiction book
with those in a fictional work you've read. How do
the authors approach character development
differently? This should be two paragraphs in
length. The first paragraph will be about your
Nonfiction book and the second should be about a
different fictional book.
• Due Dates and exemplar will be on D2L
Character Development
Methods that Authors use in
nonfiction works.
1. Telling Stories: Authors share stories from the characters' lives, like
memorable events or challenges they've faced, to help readers connect with
them.
2. Using Real Conversations: Authors include real conversations the characters
have had with others, giving readers a sense of their personality and how they
interact with people.
3. Describing Their Backgrounds: Authors explain where the characters come
from, their family, upbringing, and experiences, so readers can understand
what shaped them.
4. Showing Changes Over Time: Authors highlight how the characters have
grown or changed throughout their lives, demonstrating their development.
5. Including Others' Perspectives: Authors include what others say about the
characters, like friends or experts, to provide different viewpoints and insights
into who they are.
Character Development
Methods that Authors use in
Fictional works.
1. Thoughts and Feelings: Authors let readers hear what characters
are thinking and feeling, so we understand their thoughts and
emotions better.
2. Dialogue and Interaction: Characters show who they are by talking
to each other and being with others. Through these conversations,
readers learn about their personalities and relationships.
3. Actions and Decisions: Characters do things and make decisions
that affect what happens in the story. These actions show what
kind of people they are and how they change.
4. Backstory: Authors tell us about characters' pasts, like where they
came from and what they've been through. This helps us
understand why they act the way they do.
Example
• In "Becoming," Michelle Obama uses back stories to present her effective memoir. Through her back story, she presents
her upbringing on the South Side of Chicago, presenting a picture of both trials and triumphs. As she remembers her
childhood, Obama reflects, "Our modest bungalow on the South Side of Chicago sat at the center of my world and
provided the perfect safe harbor" (Obama, 27). This quote demonstrates the significance of her home as a sanctuary
amidst the busy city, illustrating the role it played in shaping her identity. Furthermore, Obama looks into the complexities
of her familial relationships, offering insights into the areas that influenced her growth. Recounting moments of warmth
and guidance, she recalls her father's words, "Failure is a feeling long before it becomes an actual result. It's vulnerability
that breeds with self-doubt and then is escalated, often deliberately, by fear" (Obama, 50). Through her father's wisdom,
Obama highlights the transformative power of resilience and self-belief in overcoming adversity.
• "In 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Harper Lee portrays the moral compass of Atticus Finch through his actions and decisions in the
town of Maycomb, Alabama. Despite facing intense social pressure and threats, Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black
man wrongly accused of raping a white woman. His unwavering commitment to justice and empathy for the marginalized
members of society is evident in every choice he makes, from his respectful treatment of others to his refusal to succumb
to bigotry. Through Atticus's courageous deeds, Lee illustrates the power of compassion and integrity in the face of
prejudice.
Week 4 ( Apri 16-
April 19)
• April 16: Mini Lesson
• April 17: Reading
• April 18: Writing Prompt and
Discussions Preparation.
• April 19: Group Discussions
Week 5 (April 22-
April 26)
• April 22: Mini Lesson Week 5
• April 23: Reading and applying materials
from mini-lesson
• April 24: Writing Prompt
• April 25: Discussion Preparation
• April 26: Group Discussions.