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NF10for10 2016: Nonfiction Books as Mentor Texts for Writing
This is the first time I’m doing a 10 for 10 post as a librarian instead of a classroom teacher. There are a few differences in this: 1) I’m in a position now where people are asking for book recommendations on a daily basis, and 2) I am in…
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Mentor Texts for Writers: Finding Authentic Voice in Cultural Mentor Texts by Keila Dawson
Keila and I share something in common. We are both Third Culture people. Keila is a TCA (Third Culture Adult) and I’m a TCK (Third Culture Kid). In other words, we’ve lived in countries that are different from our passport country. What I love about Keila’s approach to mentor texts…
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Nonfiction Picture Books about Virginia History as Writing Mentor Texts
We all know that students need to become more comfortable reading and writing non-fiction. Last fall, I did a post on 10 of my favorite fiction picture book writing mentor texts. For this post, I’m focusing on some non-fiction mentor texts–with a bent toward history, specifically American history, as…
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Mentor Text Spreadsheet: Picture Book Month in Review
Picture Book Month is officially over. But I have created one last thing to share with you on mentor texts. Each day, I shared a mentor text post with you featuring different ways that each of these books could be used to teach writing skills to young…
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Picture Book Month Day 18: Picture Books as Writing Mentor Texts Featuring CREAKY OLD HOUSE
CREAKY OLD HOUSE: A TOPSY-TURVY TALE OF A REAL FIXER UPPER by Linda Ashman Illustrated by Michael Chesworth Sterling, 2009 Summary: Nine people and a dog live in the creaky old house which needs a little work. When the doorknob needs to be replaced it sends the family…
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Picture Book Month Day 17: Picture Books as Writing Mentor Texts Featuring BUFFALO MUSIC
BUFFALO MUSIC By Tracey E. Fern Illustrated by Lauren Castillo Clarion, 2008 Summary: Inspired by the story of Mary Ann Goodnight, this historical fiction story is about a young lady who raised orphan buffalo in Texas and eventually sent them to Yellowstone National Park. Mentor Text Writing Skills:…
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Picture Book Day 5: Picture Books as Writing Mentor Texts Featuring THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT
THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT By Drew Daywalt Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers Philomel/Penguin, 2013 Summary: Each crayon in the box writes a note to Duncan complaining about being used too much or too little. Duncan has to think of a clever way to keep them all happy.…
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Picture Book Month Day 4: Picture Books as Writing Mentor Texts Featuring I STINK!
I STINK! by Kate and Jim McMullan Joanna Cotler/HarperCollins, 2002 Summary: The garbage truck speaks in this picture book, telling the reader of his nighttime adventures moving trash in the city. Mentor Text Writing Skills: * Specificity of language * Alliteration * Voice * Point of…
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Picture Book Month Day 3: Picture Books as Writing Mentor Texts Featuring ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT
ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT by Laurie Keller Henry Holt, 2003 Summary: Arnie the doughnut doesn’t realize that doughnuts are for eating. Told from Arnie’s point of view, we follow Arnie on his adventure to not be eaten. Mentor Text Writing Skills: * Specificity of language *…
