As we all know, kindergartners are full of opinions! However, teaching them how to write an opinion writing piece can be somewhat of a challenge. As part of our opinion writing unit, I always like to use a variety of opinion writing mentor texts to help guide us through the writing process. Below, I have compiled some of my favorite mentor texts for teaching opinion writing to young writers, along with some of my favorite opinion writing activities.

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Opinion Writing Mentor Texts

The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

The crayons have officially gone on strike! Duncan’s crayons have various complaints about how they are being used or misused. For example, some crayons feel overworked and underappreciated, while others are upset about the way they are used for coloring. The crayons decide to quit and write letters to Duncan to let him know how they feel. Duncan discovers the letters and realizes that he needs to address the concerns of his crayons. He comes up with creative solutions to make each crayon feel valued and appreciated, leading to a resolution that brings harmony back to the box of crayons.

This is one of my favorite opinion writing mentor texts! So much so that I have created a ten-day opinion writing unit that includes lesson plans, opinion writing graphic organizers, anchor charts, and an adorable opinion writing craft which you can learn more about here!

Red is Best by Kathy Stinson

Not only does the ten-day opinion writing unit center around “The Day The Crayons Quit,” but it also features another one of my favorite opinion writing mentor texts, “Red is Best!”

Kelly insists that “red is best” in various aspects of her life. She firmly believes that red is the best color, whether it’s for her boots, her dress, her cup, or even her teddy bear. Throughout the book, Kelly’s mother suggests alternative colors, but the girl remains steadfast in her belief that red is the best. The story highlights the way children can have strong, independent opinions and preferences, even in the face of differing perspectives from adults.

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Farmer Brown has a big problem! His cows have found a typewriter and they are demanding better living conditions. When Farmer Brown refuses their demands, the cows decide to go on strike. Eventually, the other animals on the farm get in on the action as well.

As the negotiations between the animals and Farmer Brown continue, the typewriter keeps clicking and clacking with messages, and the humorous situation escalates. The animals use their newfound power of written communication to push for better conditions, creating a lighthearted and entertaining story. “Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type” is one of the best opinion writing mentor texts to introduce how to write a persuasive letter.

Hey, Little Ant by Phillip M. Hoose

“Hey, Little Ant,” always seems to be one of my students’ favorite opinion writing mentor texts. The story begins with a boy about to squish an ant with his thumb. However, before he does so, the ant speaks up and asks the boy to spare his life. The ant makes a case for why he should be allowed to live, describing his own perspective on life and the value of every living creature, no matter how small.

The book, then, unfolds as a dialogue between the boy and the ant, with the ant pleading for its life and the boy contemplating the ethical implications of his actions.

The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini

Elizabeth has a strong desire for a pet, whether it be a horse, a dog, a cat, or even a turtle. However, her parents are opposed to the idea of having a pet and, instead, gift her a cactus. Despite the cactus proving to be a good listener, Elizabeth still yearns for a traditional pet. As Elizabeth persistently searches for the ideal pet, her family envisions some amusing and unconventional possibilities, until they encounter Doug. Doug is undeniably the most peculiar yet perfect pet, a bug! He’s not large like a horse or noisy like a dog. Doug doesn’t scratch, shed, or leap onto furniture, and he requires hardly any food.

To increase engagement as students construct their own opinion about which animal would make the best pet, pair the opinion writing mentor texts “The Perfect Pet” and “I Wanna Iguana.”

I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff

As with the above opinion writing mentor texts, Alex, the main character, is determined to persuade his mom to let him have an iguana, so he compiles his arguments in writing. He assures her that she won’t need to handle its care or even see it if she prefers not to. However, his mom envisions the challenges of living with a massive iguana that devours everything in sight. The comedic negotiations unfold through notes, with Alex’s assurances and his mom’s witty responses.

After reading this hilarious story, the students can use the opinion writing graphic organizers to complete their own opinion letter and “I Wanna Iguana” craft with this opinion writing activity.

I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman Orloff

If your students love “I Wanna Iguana,” they are sure to love its companion… and dare I say one of the most funny opinion writing mentor texts. Since their baby sister arrived, Alex has been forced to share a room with his younger brother, Ethan, and it’s become a chaotic experience. Ethan has a knack for breaking things, snores loudly, and even engages in quirky behaviors like inserting crayons into his nose. In his quest for personal space, Alex goes back to writing letters to his mom, determined to secure his very own room.

Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson? by Lois Grambling

“Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson?” is another humorous opinion writing mentor text to add to your collection. It follows a young boy in his pursuit to bring a pterodactyl to school. His creative pleas to his teacher and the teacher’s responses are sure to capture your students’ attention, as they learn about providing reasons to support their opinion.

I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty

“I Don’t Want to Be a Frog” serves as an excellent choice for opinion writing mentor texts, as it encourages young writers to express their preferences and opinions with humor and creativity. The story features a frog who resists accepting his amphibian nature, and would rather be any other animal but a frog. Throughout comical interactions, the frog gives several reasons why he does not want to be a frog, while his father counters with several reasons why he can’t be each of those animals. As the story unfolds, the frog learns to appreciate and embrace his unique characteristics.

Dog vs. Cat by Chris Gall

Dog and cat do not get along, but they are forced to share a room with one another. The two try their hardest to be on their best behavior, but dog won’t stop sniffing and cat won’t stop primping. It seems like they will never understand each other’s differences in order to share a room. Who do you think should get the room? Cat or dog?

Earrings by Judith Viorst

In the story “Earrings,” a young girl desperately wants to get her ears pierced. She presents various reasons to her parents, highlighting her desire for earrings. Of course, her parents counter with valid arguments of their own. She wants them. She needs them. She loves them. Beautiful, glorious earrings!

Duck! Rabbit! By Amy Krouse Rosenthal

“Duck! Rabbit!” is one of the most loved opinion writing mentor texts in my classroom. The story revolves around an ambiguous illustration that can be seen as either a duck or a rabbit, depending on how the reader looks at it. Two characters, who are not visible in the illustrations, engage in a lively debate about whether the creature in the picture is a duck or a rabbit. As the characters present their arguments, the reader is encouraged to view the image from different angles and consider both perspectives.

Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

The story begins with a bunny who has a box. When others inquire about the box, the bunny consistently responds that it’s “not a box.” Despite the box being a simple object, the bunny transforms it in their mind into various imaginative and playful scenarios. The illustrations depict the box becoming a race car, a mountain, a robot costume, and other inventive creations.

Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis

Similarly, this story focuses on the idea that a simple stick can become anything a child envisions. The book follows the adventures of a young pig who finds a stick. As others question why the pig is carrying a stick, the pig repeatedly insists that it’s “not a stick.” Through the imaginative eyes of the pig, the stick transforms into various objects and experiences, such as a sword, a fishing rod, a paintbrush, and more.

Both the “Not a Box” and “Not a Stick” opinion writing mentor texts celebrate the power of imagination and creativity, as students provide compelling arguments about the transformation of the box or stick.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! Mo Willems

Who doesn’t love Pigeon books?! In this particular opinion writing mentor text, the Pigeon is trying to avoid going to bed. The pigeon attempts various tactics and uses persuasive arguments to convince the reader to let it stay up late. The pigeon begs, bargains, and tries to make promises to delay bedtime. The book engages young readers by directly addressing them, and encouraging them to participate in the decision-making process regarding the pigeon’s bedtime.

A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech

Tillie attends a school that is so fine and admirable that the principal, Mr. Keene, decides to make it an even finer school by having classes every day, including weekends and holidays. The students and teachers find themselves overwhelmed by the increasing workload and lack of breaks. Tillie decides to speak up and express her concerns to Mr. Keene.

In a conversation with him, she explains the negative impact of the constant school schedule on the students’ well-being. Mr. Keene, although well-intentioned, realizes the importance of a balanced life and decides to make changes to the school schedule.

Stella Writes An Opinion by Janiel Wagstaff

Stella believes second graders should be allowed to bring a morning snack! However, merely expressing her opinion isn’t sufficient. She must substantiate her viewpoint with reasons and craft a compelling closing to reinforce why her opinion warrants consideration. Observing Stella’s journey as she constructs her argument can serve as a helpful model for students, while they navigate their own opinion writing endeavors.

Pick a Picture, Write an Opinion! by Kristen McCurry

From beginning with a topic sentence, providing reasons and examples, and ending with a conclusion and call to action, your students will discover how easy it can be to write an opinion piece. They will also learn the difference between a fact and an opinion, as well as how to use transition and linking words.

“Pick a Picture, Write an Opinion!” is one of the best opinion writing mentor texts for learning about the key features and parts of an opinion writing piece.

Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex

Understanding the difference between a fact and an opinion can be difficult for young learners. As with the prior opinion writing mentor texts, “Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots” uses humor to captivate students’ attention. The silly robots help students learn that a fact is something that can be proven true or false, while an opinion is something that you believe and feel. As the story unfolds, little learners are reminded about the value of being respectful while listening to others’ opinions, as well as the importance for standing up for the facts.

You Can Write a Terrific Opinion Piece by Jennifer Fandel

Like the previous opinion writing mentor texts, this book aims to guide young writers in crafting effective opinion pieces. Geared towards children, the book provides step-by-step instructions and tips to help them express their opinions in a clear, organized, and persuasive manner. Overall, it’s a great resource designed to empower young writers with the skills and confidence needed to effectively communicate their opinions in writing.

Activities for Opinion Writing Mentor Texts

The Day the Crayons Quit Opinion Writing Craft

Read the suggested opinion writing mentor texts “Red Is Best” and “The Day the Crayons Quit” to complete this ten-day unit on constructing an opinion.

Students work through the opinion writing process with graphic organizers, anchor charts, graphs, templates, rubrics, and more!

Then, they get to make their own adorable crayon craft to display their opinion writing piece.

You can learn more about how I use this ten-day unit in my classroom (complete with pictures) by heading to the full blog HERE!

I Wanna Iguana Opinion Writing

After reading “I Wanna Iguana,” students will enjoy writing their own persuasive letter to Alex’s mom with this “I Wanna Iguana” opinion writing activity and craft.

Alternatively, the students can complete a “Best Pet” graph and write an opinion piece about why that animal makes the best pet!

Digital & Printable Opinion Writing Journal Prompts

Pair these digital and printable opinion writing journal prompts with any opinion writing mentor texts, to help build writing confidence. There are fifty writing prompts included!

Each writing journal prompt includes a word bank to help build vocabulary, as well as a writing checklist to help writers apply everyday writing skills!

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