Opinion writing is an important skill for students to develop. One effective way to teach and refine this skill is by using mentor texts. Mentor texts are examples of well-written pieces that serve as models for students to learn from and emulate. In this article, we will explore 19 mentor texts that can be used to inspire and guide opinion writing.

1. “I Wanna Iguana” by Karen Kaufman Orloff – This humorous book explores a child’s persuasive argument for why he should be allowed to have a pet iguana.

2. “Hey, Little Ant” by Phillip Hoose – This thought-provoking book presents two sides of an argument: should a boy squash an ant or let it live?

3. “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” by Jon Scieszka – In this twist on the classic fairy tale, the wolf presents his side of the story, challenging the traditional narrative.

4. “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr. – King’s powerful speech is a great example of persuasive writing, emphasizing the importance of equality and justice.

5. “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems – This humorous book can be used to discuss the persuasive techniques employed by the pigeon in his attempts to drive a bus.

6. “Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School” by Mark Teague – Ike, the mischievous dog, writes persuasive letters to his owner, Mrs. LaRue, trying to convince her to bring him back home.

7. “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt – Crayons write letters expressing their grievances, leading to an exploration of persuasive writing.

8. “Fox” by Margaret Wild – This book explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness, offering opportunities for discussing multiple points of view.

9. “The Recess Queen” by Alexis O’Neill – Students can analyze the persuasive techniques employed by the recess queen and discuss the effects of her actions on others.

10. “The Sandwich Swap” by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah – This book highlights the importance of embracing diversity and challenging stereotypes through persuasive writing.

11. “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” by Doreen Cronin – The cows on Farmer Brown’s farm use persuasive letters to negotiate better living conditions.

12. “The Great Kapok Tree” by Lynne Cherry – This ecological tale can be used to explore persuasive writing around environmental issues.

13. “Thank You, Mr. Falker” by Patricia Polacco – A heartwarming story of a girl who overcomes her struggles with reading, inspiring discussions about perseverance and the power of words.

14. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein – This classic book raises questions about generosity, selflessness, and the implications of one’s actions.

15. “Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio – Grace runs for class president, sparking discussions about leadership, representation, and persuasive campaign strategies.

16. “My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother” by Patricia Polacco – The narrator recounts her brother’s annoying behavior while ultimately recognizing his positive qualities.

17. “Dear Mr. Blueberry” by Simon James – In this book, a girl writes letters to her teacher, sharing her belief in the existence of a whale in her backyard pond.

18. “Enemy Pie” by Derek Munson – This book explores themes of friendship and conflict resolution through a recipe for turning enemies into friends.

19. “The Water Princess” by Susan Verde – This inspiring story based on the childhood experiences of supermodel Georgie Badiel raises important social justice and water conservation issues.

By using these mentor texts, educators can provide students with examples of effective persuasive writing, enabling them to develop their own skills and express their opinions confidently. The diverse range of topics covered by these books ensures that students can find connections to their own lives and interests, promoting engagement and deeper learning.