Must Read (Super Fantastic Bubble Plastic) Mentor Text!

If you are using the Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop model like me, you know that mentor texts are the absolute heart-and-soul of the program.

My Sweet Thirdies and I have been writin' our little hearts out on everything from small moments narratives to informational/expert texts.

And then...cue the ominous music...we ran headfirst into...opinion essays!  

It's that bad.  'Nuff said.

The most frustrating part is that there just aren't that many really great mentor texts that are written in the "full-on, in your face" opinion essay style. 

And then the heavens opened up and a beam of light burst forth from the clouds...bearing...

A real opinion essay in an engaging book form!

Oh my stars!  A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea is such a remarkable book in that is written in ACTUAL OPINION WRITING FORMAT!  It's true!  My kiddos could pick out everything from the thesis to the supporting details PLUS the author uses a generous sprinkling of great transitional words (which we have been having a heckuva time with!).  A strong grabbing lead and a terrific wrap-up closure make this book just that much more appealing!

It's about time.  That's all I'm sayin'.

The author of this remarkable specimen is none other than this guy...Michael Ian Black.  (You might recognize him from shows like "Ed.")  He's a pretty funny guy and this book is just great!

Anywho...Those Collaboration Cuties, Amanda and Stacia, have put out this great linky partay and I've decided to join in on the fun.  Go ahead...you know you want to go over there and get a little crazy!  Get ready to start pulling more books into your Amazon.com wish list!  It could get expensive!  

Happy Reading!

Nikki

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