Are you in the middle of a persuasive or opinion writing unit? Having students listen to books that model what their writing should sound like is an excellent strategy that many teachers often use, especially when beginning, or working through, units involving these writing forms. Adding hilarious characters, plots, and schemes to the narrative and storyline helps to illustrate the writing form perfectly. Check out our list below and you are sure to find a book for every occasion.
1. Click, Clack Moo, Cows That Type
This book not only has a hilarious premise, but it is a great example of persuasive writing. It also lets the kids know that writers have a purpose for being persuasive as they are often trying to get something, make something happen, or make something stop.
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2. The Perfect Pet
Are your students constantly asking for a class pet? They can have a lively debate, and then write about, their preferred choice of a class pet. Which do they think would be suited for their class and why? This story can introduce them to giving reasons to support their opinion.
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3. Chairs on Strike
The chairs have come to life! They are not happy. These chairs are fed up and frustrated. This book sparks many ideas for opinion writing about which furniture pieces they think would strike and why would they want to. You can even guess why the chairs are mad!
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4. I Wanna New Room
This book with become a favorite book for any kid who shares a room with a sibling or who is just hating their room design right now. Why should their family let them change rooms? You can have the students do a mini-lesson by writing from the character's perspective.
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5. Otto For President
Learning about the powerful tool of democracy and the public electing officials is another way to explain persuasive writing. Looking at the platforms of each candidate can help your students see why they need reasons to support their position. Otto Runs For President is definitely an engaging book.
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6. Can I Be Your Dog?
Can Arfy convince anyone to finally let him be their dog? This compelling book will have your students being sympathetic to Arfy while learning about the power of persuasion. It is a fantastic book for classroom discussions about the merits of Arfy and why he deserves a human.
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7. The Pigeon Wants a Puppy
Yet another wildly funny installment by Mo Willems. This adorable picture book illustrates the Pigeon convincing the reader why he wants a puppy and why he needs one. This book is for anyone who has ever tried to convince their parents to let them get a puppy.
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8. What if Everybody Did That?
This book checks off many boxes: social skills, the first day of school agreements, opinion writing and so many more. Discussing reasons to be kind and reasons not to be unkind are lessons that can be sparked by using this book as a read-aloud.
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9. Our Class Is A Family
Another first day of school, or gentle reminder throughout the year, book. It is worth adding to your ever-growing classroom library. This book can also serve many purposes and work in many different types of lessons teaching about various topics. An add-on mini-lesson could be to draw a family portrait!
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10. Don't Feed The Bear
This humorous book can be used when looking at a serious topic or it can be used to illustrate reasons to support an argument. An opinion writing mentor text such as this is a funny read-aloud or independent read if your students are able to.
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11. Pencils on Strike
Another awesome opportunity for your students to do some creative writing is by writing down exactly why they think pencils should or shouldn't go on strike. This demonstration of opinion writing in storybook format will have your students learning while they are entertained and engaged.
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12. Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson?
This lively story has the main story attempting to convince his teacher why he should be allowed to bring his pterodactyl to school. This book will give you the opportunity to have a fun writing lesson while reading about a situation so outrageous.
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13. Should I Share My Icecream?
How many reasons do you need to share your ice cream? This topic could result in some fun creative writing entries. Do students believe they should share their ice cream or not? Follow Piggie and Gerald as Gerald makes this important decision.
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14. Shark Vs. Train
Who do your students think will win this epic battle? Having these two inanimate objects come to life is already outrageous enough and to have them right will include some twists and turns they will never see coming!
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15. I Love Insects
This type of storybook is a great fit for students who love, or who are trying to love, insects. They can give reasons to support their arguments about why and how insects are amazing.
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16. I'm Trying to Love Spiders
Not only is this book a wonderful book of facts and educational information about spiders, but it also creates a solid foundation of why your students should love spiders. This book could kick off some creative writing prompt answers. Check it out!
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17. Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest
This book would make an excellent addition to any lesson regarding protests and causing social change. Dr. Coo and his pigeons have absolutely had enough of getting treated the way that they get treated. They want a change and are going to get it!
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18. Front Desk
This main character works so hard for her family at the motel where they live. Some students might even be able to relate if they also work for or with their families. You can pull out many different reasons to support different arguments when writing about this book.
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19. In My Opinion
What a great book to include in your next opinion writing and persuasive writing unit. This book could work as a read-aloud or independent study book as the main character goes on to state her strong opinions out loud. Your students will develop some strong opinions of their own.
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20. Stella Writes an Opinion
If your students are trying to petition for something in your classroom or school, this book will help support their efforts. Check out Stella, who makes reasonable arguments about why second graders should be able to bring a morning snack. She is very passionate about it!
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21. Can I Have A Stegosaurus, Mom?: Can I? Please?!
This book would make a great partner story to the one listed above about bringing another dinosaur to school. This book is for any student who has ever had an imaginary pet or is asking their parents for a real one.
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22. I Want A Cat: My Opinion Essay
Look at this lively debate between these cousins as they passionately discuss which type of cat is best for them to have as a pet. It is a piece of opinion and persuasive writing in a storybook format that your students can relate to.
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23. Southwest Sunrise
You could use this book as a comparison writing example when looking at 2 geographical locations or different landscapes.
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24. Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus
Get your students to write about why the pigeon should not be allowed to drive the bus or why he should be able to!
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