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The Best Mentor Texts For Teaching Opinion Writing

Take a peek at my list of the best mentor texts for teaching opinion writing to elementary students. These 12 titles will be a game-changer for your students to better understand the expectations of writing an opinion piece. Plus, they get to hear great literature!

mentor texts for teaching opinion writing

Why do you need to use opinion mentor texts in the classroom?

First up, let’s just acknowledge the importance of using mentor texts when teaching writing. The simple truth is that WE know what we expect our students to do, but our students have no idea! Students need to be exposed to examples of the writing genre we are teaching.

Mentor texts aren’t just great for exposing students to the genre; they are also powerful for explicitly teaching the structure and features. For example, we can show examples of reasoning. We can show an author’s use of transition words. Overall, mentor texts can be compelling.

Let’s dive into my recommendations! FYI, I recommend these books in my third-grade opinion writing unit (which you can check out here).

opinion writing unit for third grade
opinion writing unit for third grade

Let’s check out the best mentor texts for teaching opinion writing. Please note that this blog post features Amazon affiliate links (if you purchase, I make a small commission, at no cost to you).

‘Duck! Rabbit!’ by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Can you decide whether it is a duck or a rabbit? In this book, students are presented with an optical illusion that could look like a duck or a rabbit. Students will quickly see one or the other. Will they be able to let their guard down and see the other animal, or will they just want to argue?

Teaching idea- This book presents students with the concept of right and wrong. As well as when to let go of an argument.

You can check out the book here.

12 opinion mentor texts for teaching opinion writing in third grade

‘Which Would You Rather Be?’ By William Steig

This is a great book to use for opinion writing because it asks simple ‘would you rather?’ questions to the reader. Students must pick a side. Would you rather be a rock or a stick? They are simple, silly questions, but students will learn to defend their opinion and practice hearing the other person’s argument.

Teaching idea- Use this book to give your students opinion writing ideas or just to practice forming and defending an opinion verbally.

Click here to look at the book.

12 opinion mentor texts for teaching opinion writing in third grade

‘My Favorite Thing’ By E. Lockhart

Alberta is a feisty little girl with LOTS of opinions! She only likes small dogs, gummy candies, and baths, but do you know what she loves best of all? Students will love reading the story to find out the thing Alberta loves the best, and I bet they will have lots of guesses too!

Teaching idea- Have students write or verbally share the things they love the best. To take it a step further, you could have students find someone that shares one of their favorite things.

Check out the book here.

storybooks for teaching opinion writing

‘Dog Vs. Cat’ By Chris Gall

I am sure your students will have an opinion about this topic; dogs or cats. In this story, Dog and Cat find out they have to share a room, but how can they possibly get along? They try to be on their best behavior, but Dog howls too much and Cat primps too much. They hit a breaking point and just can’t get along. Will they be able to solve their issues?

Teaching idea- Have students pick a side and write about why that animal should get the room to themselves. Have students share aloud and see if anyone changes sides.

You can find the book here.

storybooks for teaching opinion writing

‘My Teacher For President’ By Kay Winters

A boy shares his nomination for president; his teacher. He gives many reasons why his teacher would make a great president, like she wants peace, is followed around at school, and goes to meetings all the time. The illustrations are excellent in this book, with the teacher being drawn into the white house and other presidential scenes.

Teaching idea- Have students make a presidential nomination and give reasons why that person would make a great president.

See the book here.

storybooks for teaching opinion writing

‘The Perfect Pet’ By Margie Palatini

Most students will relate to this story since wanting a pet is a phase most children go through. Elizabeth wants a pet; she really doesn’t care what it is; she just wants one! So Elizabeth sets out to convince her parents she needs one, but they just get her a cactus. Then one day, Doug shows up. Doug is a bug, and he makes the perfect pet for Elizabeth.

Teaching idea- Students will have an opinion about what animal would make the best pet! Students can write and share their opinion pieces about which animal is the best,

Check out the book here.

picture books for teaching opinion writing

‘Emily’s Perfect Pet’ By Jonathan Shipton

It is Emily’s birthday, and she wants a pet. Her parents aren’t too keen on the idea, but they are willing to hear her reasonings. This book does a great job showing students the importance of gathering thoughts and being organized in your opinion pieces. Will Emily be able to convince her parents she can get a pet?

Teaching idea- Have students pick three pets and make arguments for each one. This involves students in the organizing aspect of writing opinion pieces.

You can get the book here.

picture books for teaching opinion writing

‘Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson?’ By Lois Grambling

This character wants to bring a pterodactyl to school! He has lots of arguments about why it should be allowed but will his teacher let him? Students will love this silly story about bringing a dinosaur to school. They will also see another great piece of literature written in an opinion format.

Teaching idea- Have students write an argument for bringing something else to school (cellphones, video games, pets, etc.).

See the mentor text here.

picture books for teaching opinion writing

‘Fact Vs. Opinion Vs. Robot’ By Michael Rex

Share with students the difference between a fact and an opinion. The robots do a fantastic job at giving readers lots of examples of facts and opinions and tips to figure out which is which. The robot characters are funny and help engage your students as they read or listen to the story.

Teaching Idea – Share some statements with students and ask them, ‘Is it a fact or opinion?’

Grab the book here.

12 opinion mentor texts for teaching opinion writing in third grade

‘A Fine, Fine School’ By Sharon Creech

Get students motivated to write an opinion essay when you tell them that they have to start coming to school every day of the year. This book shows both sides of the argument, and the students must make the principal change his mind!

Teaching idea- I love this story for opinion writing because students will be creative in their reasons for no school every day. Reluctant writers may even write longer pieces just to get their opinions heard about school all year long!

Check out the book here.

12 opinion mentor texts for teaching opinion writing in third grade

‘Stella Writes an Opinion’ By Janiel Wagstaff

Join Stella as she writes an opinion piece for her teacher. The book walks students through the steps and parts that must be included in an opinion writing essay. It is factual and informative but still tells a cute story about a girl wanting to bring snacks to school.

Teaching idea- Make a large poster about what to include in an opinion writing piece for the classroom while you read the book.

You can see the book here.

12 opinion mentor texts for teaching opinion writing in second grade

‘A Pig Parade Is A Terrible Idea’ By Michael Ian Black

Have you ever wanted to have a pig parade? The character thinks it is the worst idea ever! Pigs don’t like to wear the uniforms, they like the wrong kind of music, and so much more! Students will love this silly book for its incredible storyline and comical pictures. The character does a great job of giving many reasons why a pig parade is a terrible idea.

Teaching idea- Read this book and then have students think of something they don’t want to happen. Then have them write about this bad idea!

See the book here.

12 opinion mentor texts for teaching opinion writing in first grade

I hope this list of 12 opinion mentor texts is helpful in your classroom!

opinion writing mentor texts - persuasive writing storybooks - opinion writing picture books - read alouds

Need personal narrative mentor texts? Check out my post here about personal narrative mentor texts!

The books in this blog post are used in Unit 2 of my 3rd grade writing curriculum, ‘Opinion Writing,’ where students learn how to write opinion essays. Click here to check out the unit!

Terrific writing opinion unit for third grade

P.S. Click here to grab free activities from my free resource library!

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Hi, my name is Alex! I love creating fun, colorful, and engaging resources for the early years. I’ve taught 3rd and 1st grade and I’m passionate about creating interactive activities that engage all learners Read More…

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The first school that I ever taught at didn’t pr The first school that I ever taught at didn’t provide me with a writing curriculum, which sucks! But I hear stories of teachers being forced into using crappy curriculum…and yeah that sounds even worse 🤦🏼‍♀️

Share an emoji in the comments to tell me your thoughts? Which is worse? 
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I’m a former teacher and now a work from home mama. I play peekaboo most of the day and try to make teaching activities for my TPT store during nap time 😂

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Comment TACO below and I’ll send you a link to t Comment TACO below and I’ll send you a link to these delicious ‘how to’ writing prompts! 

There’s 13 prompts and they each come in 4 versions (dotted and plain lines, with and without ‘First, then, next, last’).

These are perfect for procedure writing lessons, but also as writing centers, morning work, early finishers, or homework!

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Students love to write about magical and imaginary Students love to write about magical and imaginary things! 🌟 As well as extinct! 🦖 

I highly recommend getting your students to write stories about fairies, dinosaurs, aliens, unicorns, monsters, magicians, and pirates 🙌🏻

Also, if the season calls for it, leprechauns, witches, Frankenstein, etc!

This can be so engaging, especially if your students are interested in the particular topic ✅

Save this post for later! 💗

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Comment SPACE and I’ll send you a link to these Comment SPACE and I’ll send you a link to these sentence writing worksheets! 👽🪐

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Do NOT just dive into your first writing unit! ❌ Do NOT just dive into your first writing unit! ❌

Even with second and third grade, you need to review foundational skills first! 

You’ll be surprised how many students aren’t using capital letters or punctuation. Their sentences won’t make any sense! They may still be struggling with handwriting or phonics 😬

Jumping straight into your writing unit will be a disaster for everyone! You’ll be frustrated with what your students produce and your students will hate writing lessons 🥲

Instead, put off your writing genres for a sec. Spend a few weeks focusing on teaching sentence writing ✍🏻

If you teach second grade, I do have a sentence writing unit I think will really help! 

Comment SENTENCE below and I’ll send you a link 🙂

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If you’re a 2nd grade teacher, this is for you! If you’re a 2nd grade teacher, this is for you! 

My new personal narratives writing unit is here! 🎉 

If you like the look of this cute craft, comment UNIT below and I’ll send you a link so you can check out the unit 💗

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Whatever you do, don’t just jump into your narra Whatever you do, don’t just jump into your narrative unit or whatever genre you’re supposed to teach first.

Start with drawing and labeling for a while. Focus on teaching phonics and then take the time to explicitly teach sentence writing.

This will take a few months and that’s okay!

It is not developmentally appropriate to tell your kindergarteners to write a narrative straight away. ❌

Take it slow and teaching writing will be far more bearable! 🙌🏻

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Have you ever thought about becoming a virtual ass Have you ever thought about becoming a virtual assistant?

You can do this alongside your TPT store (to supplement your income) or instead of running a store (if it lights you up)! 🎊

My friend Chloe Tascoff is like the VA version of me 😂 she loves helping teachers become VAs! She's been on my podcast twice (if you want to see what she has to say).

Anyways, I'm SO excited to see that she's lauching a program to help teachers become VAs. 🙌

If you're a seller, you know how hard it can be to find good help sometimes! Chloe is gonna make sure she creates QUALITY VAs in the TPT space and I'm all for it.

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Comment below with any questions and @teachervamentor Chloe Tascoff and I can answer them :)

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Little Lily May is precious but oh so time consumi Little Lily May is precious but oh so time consuming 👶🏼😂

With such limited time to juggle everything, I have made the tough decision to take a hiatus from the podcast for a while 💔

This also means I’ll be a bit quieter when it comes to emails and Instagram posts.

Listen in to the farewell episode if you want to hear more about my decision.

The good news is that I’m still going to be around on Instagram stories and in my Facebook group. 

I hope you understand! 

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I earned $2.70 my first month on TPT! 😂🤦🏼 I earned $2.70 my first month on TPT! 😂🤦🏼‍♀️

I shared these kind of fun facts during last week’s podcast episode! 

As I was recording, I contemplated whether I should do an episode for years three and four and five and six etc someday, what do you think?!

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I’m SO embarrassed to admit this but… I used I’m SO embarrassed to admit this but…

I used to be anti flatpack. As in I ‘didn’t think you should pay to flatten and secure resources when you can do it for free’ (ten million times slower 😂).

I remember arguing with someone in a Facebook group about it 🤦🏼‍♀️😬

I had some real mindset issues back then around investing in my business. I wasn’t buying good quality clip art and I didn’t understand why people took courses or got coaching.

I didn’t treat TPT like a business and my sales reflected that 😭 thank goodness I came out the other side!

When I think of hugely successful TPT sellers, they always have a business mindset. 

Anyways, we are constantly growing and evolving as business owners.

I’m willing to admit that I was wrong and I don’t mind laughing about it either! 😂

Is there anything that you realize you were wrong about when you first started? 

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