By Lori Gentry
I Wanna IguanaBy Karen Kaufman
Mentor Text: I love this book! I Wanna Iguana is a great children's story of how a child trys to persuade his mother into letting him have a pet Iguana. I Wanna Iguana is about a boy named Alex who wants to adopt his friend’s iguana. He decides to write this desire down in friendly letter form, and give it to his mother. The book is told from both his and his mother’s perspective as they write friendly letters to each other. Point out that Alex doesn’t simply beg, but formulates convincing arguments why he and this iguana belong together. His mother replies firmly why he doesn't need one. Then after much persuasion an Iguana appears on his dresser.
Purpose: I chose this book because it has great examples of voice between the son and mother as well as word choice. I think that all children can relate to wanting something so badly that you try to persuade your parents for it. I Wanna Iguana is a great source to model persuasive writing for a young writer.
About the Author: Karen Kaufman is a children's author that has published I Wanna Iguana and If Mom Had Three Arms. She also writes a weekly journal article on family life for the Poughkeepsie Journal. She hasn't disclosed much personal information other than having a husband, two kids, an Iguana, and a guinea pig. For more information on Karen Kaufman her web site is http://www.karenkaufmanorloff.com/.
Lesson Plan: Read I Wanna Iguana. While reading point out the authors word choice and how the mother is thoughtful, but firm. Also, point out how Alex not only begs, but makes a good argument. After thinking aloud have students chose something they would like to have, whether it be a toy or a new pet. Then have students write a persuasive letter to their parent that models the book I Wanna Iguana.
Content Standard: Writing ProcessD. Use revision strategies and resources to improve ideas and content, organization,
word choice and detail.
E. Edit to improve sentence fluency, grammar and usage
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