Mentor Texts For Forms of Writing K-8
Narrative Writing
Narrative writing relates a clear sequence of events that occurs over time. Both what happens and the order in which the events occur are communicated to the reader. Below is a selection of children's stories that provide an example of narrative writing that are available through Lakehead University Library. Click on the title to determine the location and availability.
Children's Books that Model Narrative Form of Writing
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by On a day when everything goes wrong for him, Alexander is consoled by the thought that other people have bad days too.
Come on, Rain by A young girl eagerly awaits a coming rainstorm to bring relief from the oppressive summer heat.
Diary of a Fly by A young fly discovers, day by day, that there is a lot to learn about being an insect, including the dangers of flypaper and that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Enemy Pie by It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy! In this funny yet endearing story one little boy learns an effective recipe forturning a best enemy into a best friend. Accompanied by charming illustrations,Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends. The perfect book for kids learning how to make friends or deal with conflict Ideal as a read aloud book for families or elementary schools
Fireflies by A boy catches fireflies one evening, but when their light grows dim, he releases them.
Fly Away Home by A homeless boy who lives in an airport with his father, moving from terminal to terminal trying not to be noticed, is given hope when a trapped bird finally finds its freedom.
The Harmonica by When the Nazis invaded Poland, a family is split apart. The parents are sent to one concentration camp, their son to another. Only his father's gift, a harmonica, keeps the boy's hopes alive and, miraculously, ensures his survival. Tony Johnston's powerful story, inspired by the life of a Holocaust survivor, is enhanced by Ron Mazellan's luminous artwork. A testament to the human spirit and the transcendent power of music.
Last Stop on Market Street by Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them. This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Pena’s vibrant text and Christian Robinson’s radiant illustrations.
Ollie's Geometry Adventure by This book tells the story of a curious circle who comes upon the polygon world. Since this place is so unlike his world, he is fascinated about the different polygons in his day adventure.
Owl Moon by Celebrating 30 years of the beloved classic Owl Moon from renowned children's book author Jane Yolen and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator John Schoenherr! Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird. But there is no answer. Wordlessly the two companions walk along, for when you go owling you don't need words. You don't need anything but hope. Sometimes there isn't an owl, but sometimes there is. Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind's close relatiohship to the natural world. Wonderfully complemented by John Schoenherr's soft, exquisite watercolor illustrations, this is a verbal and visual treasure, perfect for reading alound and sharing at bedtime.
The Paperboy by A boy and his dog savour the silence of the early morning as they deliver papers.
Ralph Tells a Story by Nothing ever happens to Ralph. So every day when it's time to write stories, Ralph thinks really hard. He stares at his paper. He stares at the ceiling. But he has no stories! With the help of his classmates, Ralph realizes that a great story can be about something very little . . . and that maybe he really does have some stories to tell. Debut author/illustrator Abby Hanlon's endearing text and charming watercolor and colored pencil illustrations prove that writing can be fun!
Roller Coaster by Clickity, clackity. Clickity, clackity. The roller coaster car is going up, up, up to the highest spot. And at least one of the people in the car has never ridden on a roller coaster before . . . ever. Wheeeeeeee! Get ready to experience the thrill of riding a coaster for the very first time in this vibrant new adventure from acclaimed picture book creator Marla Frazee.
The Sandwich Swap by A celebration of friendship, tolerance and cultural differences, inspired by Queen Rania's own experience. Lilly and Salma are best friends. They play together and stick together through thick and thin. But who ever thought that such a simple thing as the difference between peanut butter and hummus could come between them? Lilly and Salma don't quite understand each other's tastes but does that mean that they shouldn't be friends? They understand far better than grown-ups that these things hardly matter - friendship is the most important thing of all.
Shortcut by The train tracks ran right by Bigmama's house in Cottondale, and the children were warned to stay off the tracks. But one night they were late, and the tracks were a shortcut, so they started off. And when there was no turning back, they heard the train coming.
Stella Tells Her Story by She has a story to tell. (Ms. Merkley says everyone does.) "Today," Ms. Merkley announced, "is the perfect day to start writing narratives." Max has the story about his puppy, and Tineka is ready to retell her catfish adventure. But what topic will Stella choose? The time she got cupcake batter in her hair? Her trip to the amusement park? And how will she write it? What happened first, next, last . . . ? Stella loves to write. Go with her on a writing journey as she relives and retells a heartwarming story.
Tight Times by A touching story told by a small boy whose father loses his job. The child and his father come to understand the sacrifices and compromises a family must make. The illustrations are full of human detail, and reveal a loving family with subtlety. Age 6+ 32 pages
Two Bad Ants by The three-time Caldecott medalist tells the tale of two ants who decide to leave the safety of the others to venture into a danger-laden kitchen.
