Looking for fun ways to help kids express their thoughts?
Opinion books for kids are perfect tools for building confident young thinkers!
These engaging stories show children how to share what they believe and back it up with solid reasons.
If you’re a teacher searching for classroom resources or a parent wanting to boost critical thinking at home, these books are a great choice.
They make learning persuasive skills feel like play.
As students connect with opinionated characters, they naturally develop their voice.
We’ll see how these special books can turn opinion writing from a challenging task into an enjoyable activity.
Why Opinion Books Are Important?
Opinion books are like brain workouts for young readers.
When you read about characters facing tough choices, you start asking, “What would I do?”
This builds your thinking skills naturally.
These books teach you how to back up your ideas with real reasons, not just saying “because I think so.”
You’ll also get better at understanding what you read by digging deeper into the story.
Plus, they give you tons to talk about with friends and classmates.
Have you ever changed your mind about something after reading a book?
What Makes a Great Opinion Book?
Great opinion books grab you with big questions that don’t have easy answers.
They feature characters you care about who face real problems, like choosing between friends or standing up for what’s right.
The best ones reveal different sides of challenging situations, allowing you to understand why people might disagree.
These books don’t tell you what to think. Instead, they make you wonder, “What’s the right thing to do here?”
Long after you finish reading, you’ll still be thinking about the choices the characters made.
What book kept you thinking for days?
How Books Can Support Opinion Writing Instruction?
Books make perfect tools for teaching opinion writing to kids.
Quality children’s books demonstrate to students how authors convey their viewpoints through clear reasoning and evidence.
Teachers can use these books as mentor texts to point out strong openings, transition words, and persuasive language.
Reading opinion-based stories aloud creates natural opportunities for class discussions where students can practice sharing their thoughts.
After reading, teachers might ask questions like “Do you agree with the character’s choice?” to spark friendly debates.
Students can also identify the author’s opinion and supporting details during read-alouds.
These activities help children see real examples of opinion writing before trying it themselves.
Opinion Books for Kids that Encourage Critical Thinking
These wonderful books help children learn to form and express their own opinions.
Each story features characters who want something and use creative ways to make their case.
As you read these books with kids, they’ll naturally begin to understand how to state what they think.
They’ll also learn how to back it up with good reasons.
1. The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems
The pigeon wants a puppy and tells readers exactly why.
He uses strong emotions, bold claims, and silly reasons.
This book helps kids understand how to express a clear opinion.
It also shows how opinions can change.
The story is fun and easy, making it great for teaching persuasive thinking.
2. I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff
A boy writes notes to his mom, trying to convince her to let him have an iguana.
He gives clear reasons and promises to be responsible.
The letter format makes it fun and personal.
This book teaches how to state an opinion, support it with facts, and respond kindly to others.
3. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
The pigeon wants to drive a bus and shares many amusing reasons.
He begs, pleads, and argues with the reader.
It’s perfect for teaching how to make a strong claim.
Kids also learn that some opinions may not be possible, even if they feel very real or important to them.
4. Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
A lonely dog writes letters to neighbors asking for a home.
Each letter includes polite requests and good reasons.
This book teaches how to write opinions in a kind and respectful way.
It also shows how to make strong points while staying hopeful and understanding rejection.
It’s touching and persuasive.
5. Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose
A boy wants to squish an ant, but the ant pleads for his life.
The story shares both sides clearly.
It helps kids understand different opinions and decide what they think.
It’s great for classroom debates and opinion writing.
The ending invites discussion, encouraging students to back up their own views.
6. Earrings! by Judith Viorst
A girl really wants earrings and gives many dramatic reasons.
She argues it’s only fair, stylish, and her right to make the choice.
The over-the-top voice makes it fun and bold.
Kids learn how to share strong opinions with feeling.
It also shows how to build a case, even if it’s exaggerated.
7. I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman Orloff
This sequel to I Wanna Iguana follows a boy writing letters to his parents again.
This time, he wants his own room.
He uses specific reasons and emotional appeals.
It teaches how to build a strong opinion using examples.
The playful tone keeps it light while modeling real persuasive writing.
8. A Pet for Petunia by Paul Schmid
Petunia insists that a skunk would be the perfect pet.
She gives loud, confident reasons for her choice.
But when she meets a real skunk, her opinion changes fast.
This book teaches kids how to state an opinion clearly.
It also shows that experiences can prompt us to reconsider our beliefs.
9. What If You Had Animal Teeth? by Sandra Markle
This book explores what it would be like to have animal teeth.
Each example gives fun facts and silly situations.
Kids compare animal traits with their own.
It helps build opinion writing by encouraging children to choose a favorite and explain why.
It mixes facts and imagination to support a clear viewpoint.
10. Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Two characters argue over whether the animal is a duck or a rabbit.
Each gives reasons for their opinion. The story is simple but clever.
It teaches kids to listen to both sides and back up their ideas.
It’s a great way to start conversations and practice writing opinions with reasons.
11. The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach
A narrator tells a wild story about a bear stealing a sandwich, but something seems off.
This book helps kids think about truth, opinion, and storytelling.
It’s perfect for opinion writing because readers must decide if the story is true.
They’ll practice giving reasons to support what they believe really happened.
12. Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty
A bear and a ranger fight over signs in the park.
One wants food, the other says no.
This book shows opinions clashing in a funny way.
Kids learn to see both sides of an issue.
It encourages writing about what’s fair and using reasons to support a personal choice.
13. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Crayons write letters to their owner, each sharing a complaint or request.
Their voices are strong and filled with emotion.
This book is a fun way to explore opinions.
Kids see how each crayon gives reasons for wanting change.
It’s excellent for writing persuasive pieces from different perspectives.
14. Would You Rather Be a Bullfrog? by Dr. Seuss
This playful book asks lots of questions about what you’d rather be. Each choice has silly reasons.
It helps kids practice picking a side and giving reasons.
It’s fun, simple, and perfect for learning how to express preferences in writing.
Great for building early opinion writing with imagination and choice.
15. Red is Best by Kathy Stinson
A young girl explains why she loves the color red more than any other.
Her reasons are personal and sweet.
This story shows that opinions don’t have to be big; they just have to be true to you.
It’s a perfect model for writing simple, explicit opinions based on feelings and favorites.
16. Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
Elephant Gerald has to decide whether to share his ice cream.
He goes back and forth with reasons for and against.
This story helps kids see both sides of a choice.
It teaches how to explore a personal opinion and back it up with thoughtful reasoning.
Simple, sweet, and very relatable.
17. The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan
A little girl doesn’t want to share a bed with her dad.
So, she offers a bold solution. Her reasons are funny and well-thought-out.
This book helps kids see how to make a strong case for their opinions.
It’s a great example of persuasive thinking wrapped in humor and heart.
18. The Great Dog Bottom Swap by Peter Bently
At a fancy dog party, a funny tale explains why dogs sniff each other’s bottoms.
The story is imaginative and bold. It sparks big ideas from a silly setup.
Kids can write about what they believe really happened or why the story makes sense.
It encourages creativity in forming and defending opinions.
19. Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller
Arnie learns he was made to be eaten, but he disagrees!
He gives funny reasons for staying alive.
This book shows how opinions can be bold, creative, and persuasive.
It teaches kids to defend their ideas, use humor, and offer clear reasons.
Arnie’s voice makes opinion writing fun, smart, and heartfelt.
20. The Principal from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
A boy imagines the worst about his new principal.
His wild thoughts turn into silly, dramatic opinions.
This book helps kids understand how opinions form without facts.
It encourages them to compare imagined fears with real experiences.
It’s a fun way to teach writing opinions with voice, exaggeration, and final reflection.
21. The Dog That Dug for Dinosaurs by Shirley Raye Redmond
This true story follows a dog who helped uncover dinosaur bones.
It sparks great opinion questions like what makes a good helper.
Kids can form ideas about pets, teamwork, or science.
It’s a smart way to combine fact and opinion writing.
Students can use evidence and personal thoughts to support their views.
22. Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems
The pigeon wants to stay awake and gives many silly reasons why.
He uses feelings and excuses to build his case.
This book teaches how to share strong opinions and back them up.
Kids learn about tone, reasoning, and making arguments, even if they’re playful. It’s a perfect example of voice in writing.
23. Pick Me! by Greg Gormley
A dog tries everything to get adopted.
He offers fun, hopeful reasons to be chosen.
This story helps kids write about being special and making a case for themselves or others.
It’s great for teaching opinion writing with personal voice, kindness, and clear examples that support why someone deserves something.
24. The Bad Seed by Jory John
This seed used to be bad, but now he’s trying to change.
He explains his actions and choices clearly.
This story teaches kids how opinions about people can shift.
It helps them write about personal growth and behavior.
The strong voice and thoughtful tone support opinion writing with honesty and emotion.
25. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein
Beatrice is perfect, until she finally makes a mistake.
Her opinion about messing up changes by the end.
Kids can explore the pressure to be perfect.
This book teaches how opinions grow with experience.
It’s great for writing about failure, learning, and sharing strong thoughts with clear examples and a personal voice.
26. The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
One man wants to cut down a tree. The animals each give a reason to save them.
Their voices are passionate and clear.
This book teaches opinion writing through multiple viewpoints.
It encourages kids to support ideas about nature and care for others.
Emotional appeals and facts work together beautifully.
27. Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague
Ike writes dramatic letters from obedience school, begging to come home.
His voice is strong, funny, and full of opinions.
Kids learn how to write persuasive letters with emotion and reasons.
This book shows how to use personal experiences and creative thinking to make a case, and change someone’s mind.
28. I Wanna Go Home by Gordon Korman
Rudy hates summer camp and wants to go home.
He gives wild, funny reasons to leave. His voice is clear and full of personality.
This book helps older kids practice writing strong opinions with humor.
It shows how to build arguments using emotion, exaggeration, and clever reasoning to support a viewpoint.
29. Duck for President by Doreen Cronin
Duck is tired of chores, so he runs for office. He gives silly but strong reasons for wanting change.
This book teaches kids how to campaign with opinions and clear arguments.
It’s perfect for understanding leadership, voice, and responsibility.
The humor keeps it light while showing how opinions influence decisions.
30. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
The wolf tells his version of a famous tale. He gives reasons for why he isn’t guilty.
This book teaches how to look at different sides of a story.
Kids learn to form their own opinion and defend it.
It’s a fun way to write with voice and perspective.
31. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
The cows find a typewriter and begin making demands.
They write letters asking for better conditions in the barn.
This story is perfect for teaching opinion writing.
It shows how to express needs clearly, give reasons, and negotiate.
Kids learn how opinions can create change when shared with strong words and purpose.
32. One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul
This true story shows how one woman changed her village by recycling plastic.
It inspires kids to form opinions about pollution, action, and responsibility.
They learn how to express ideas about helping the earth.
It’s great for teaching opinion writing with facts, emotion, and a strong call to action.
33. What’s Your Favorite Animal? by Eric Carle & Friends
Authors and illustrators each share their favorite animal and say why.
Each answer is short, personal, and unique.
This book encourages kids to choose something they love and explain their opinion.
It’s perfect for early writers learning how to give reasons and write with voice, passion, and creativity.
34. The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers
Trees are vanishing in the forest, and the animals must find out why.
The story becomes a mystery with clear opinions and a problem-solving aspect.
Kids learn how characters express their beliefs and take action.
It’s great for writing about responsibility, teamwork, and justice using opinions supported by evidence.
35. Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
Told in short poems, a boy slowly shares his love for a dog and for writing.
His opinions change over time.
This book helps kids express feelings and thoughts with clarity and honesty.
It’s perfect for showing how opinions can grow, and how writing can help shape and share them.
36. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
This biography shows how Ruth Bader Ginsburg stood up for her beliefs.
She shared opinions with courage and clear reasoning.
Kids learn how to express strong ideas respectfully.
It’s ideal for teaching how to build opinions based on values, fairness, and determination, using powerful examples from real life.
37. The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics by Susan Hood
This nonfiction book shows how kids are helping to reduce plastic use.
It shares facts and personal stories.
Students are encouraged to form opinions and take action.
It’s great for writing about environmental topics using reasons and evidence.
A strong model for opinion writing with purpose and real-world impact.
38. If Sharks Disappeared by Lily Williams
This book explains what would happen if sharks vanished.
It uses facts to show why sharks matter.
Kids are encouraged to think about nature and form opinions about protecting animals.
It’s excellent for teaching how to use information to support a strong viewpoint and write persuasively about science and conservation.
39. What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
A child faces a problem that keeps getting bigger.
At first, he tries to avoid it then he finds out it holds an opportunity.
This book helps kids think about how to face problems with courage.
It’s great for opinion writing because it encourages reflection, personal ideas, and clear supporting reasons.
Strategies for Using Opinion Books in the Classroom
Teachers can utilize these practical strategies to help students learn opinion writing by using children’s books.
These simple activities build skills while keeping students engaged with the material.
- Create anchor charts during read-alouds to identify opinions, reasons, and conclusions.
- Provide writing prompts that ask students if they agree with the characters’ choices.
- Organize small group debates about book topics before individual writing time.
- Use graphic organizers to help students map out their opinions with supporting reasons.
- Have students highlight opinion words in texts to understand persuasive language.
These strategies help students see connections between reading and writing.
They also build confidence in expressing their own viewpoints with supporting evidence.
The Bottom Line
Ready to convert your students into confident opinion writers?
These carefully selected books and resources provide the perfect foundation for teaching persuasive writing skills.
From engaging picture books that spark debates to comprehensive lesson plans, you have everything needed to make opinion writing exciting and accessible.
Your students will use their voice, learn to support their arguments, and develop critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Start exploring these resources today!
Pick one book from our list and introduce it to your class this week.
Watch as your students light up with excitement to share their thoughts and defend their ideas.
Remember: every powerful voice needs practice to shine!
Want to explore more exciting reading topics and language mysteries?
Click here for more amazing blogs that will boost your reading superpowers!
