The Top 5 Personal Recount Mentor Texts for Students
When it comes to personal recount writing, mentor texts can provide great inspiration for students. A good mentor text not only provides examples of strong writing but also helps students understand the important elements of the genre. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 personal recount mentor texts for students that teachers should consider using in their classrooms.
1. The Best Worst Thing by Kathleen Lane
The Best Worst Thing is a great mentor text for younger students. The story follows a girl named Maggie who is dealing with her parents’ divorce and must navigate a new school and make new friends. The book is a great example of how to write about personal experiences and emotions in a relatable and engaging way. Students can learn how to use sensory details and dialogue to make their writing more descriptive and interesting.
2. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir in verse that tells the story of the author’s childhood growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. The book is a great mentor text for older students who are learning how to write personal recounts with more complex themes and ideas. Woodson’s writing is powerful and evocative, and she uses structure and language to convey the emotions and experiences of her childhood.
3. El Deafo by Cece Bell
El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir that tells the story of the author’s experiences growing up deaf. The book is a great mentor text for students who are interested in using visual elements in their writing. Bell’s use of illustrations and text boxes to show her thoughts and emotions is a great example of how to combine text and visuals to tell a compelling story.
4. This I Believe edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman
This I Believe is a collection of personal essays written by people from all walks of life. The book is a great mentor text for students who are learning how to write personal recounts that express their values and beliefs. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from love and family to politics and social justice. Students can learn how to use their own experiences and beliefs to write persuasive and compelling personal recounts.
5. Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Hey, Kiddo is a graphic novel memoir that tells the author’s story of growing up with a mother who was addicted to drugs. The book is a great mentor text for students who are dealing with difficult situations at home and need a safe space to express their feelings and experiences. Krosoczka’s use of illustrations and text to convey his emotions is a great example of how to use art and language to tell a powerful personal story.
In conclusion, personal recount mentor texts can provide great inspiration and guidance for students learning to write in this genre. These 5 texts are diverse, creative, and engaging, offering teachers a range of options to choose from depending on the age, ability, and interests of their students. By using mentor texts, students can learn the important elements of personal recount writing and develop their own unique voice and style.
