n these titles, relatable fictional characters learn about writing through everyday experiences. For example, Olivia and Oscar pen an opinion piece to try to save the job of a crossing guard who is going to be let go. This approach makes the content engaging. Steps to accomplish a writing project and/or tips are included in list form in the back of each title, which is helpful for quick reference...
School Library Journal, December 2013
A carefully written, sequenced writing approach to building an opinion piece is presented for students 8 and up. Olivia and Oscar are concerned about the proposed school board budget cuts that will result in losing some of the school’s safety crossing guards. Following a 10 step procedure, they carefully compose a well written opinion piece letter to the editor that presents their point of view and the argument in favor of keeping all the crossing guards. Some concepts and tools that are helpful to them include the cluster diagram, a hook, a clear topic choice, transition phrases, and considering and addressing arguments against their opinion by presenting convincing counterarguments. Finally, revision for clarity and brevity and collecting feedback from prereaders are two suggested techniques. In addition to brightly colored illustrations, a brief Glossary and Bibliography is included at the end. “Olivia nad Oscar Build an Opinion Piece” is an excellent reference tool from the Writing Builders series for juvenile authors. Other titles from this series that are also highly recommended include: “Jesse and Jasmine Build a Journal”, by Rachel Lynette and illustrated by Carolos Aon, “Will and Wendy Build a Website with Digital Tools”, by Darice Bailer, Illustrated by Sean O’Neill, “Neil and Nan Build a Narrative Nonfiction”, by Andrea Pelleschi, illustrated by Yu-Mei Han, “Rick and Rachel Build a Research Report”, by Sue Lowell Gallion, illustrated by Chi Chung, and “Frank and Fiona Build a Fictional Story”, by Rachel Lynette, illustrated by Jan Lieffering. All volumes in this series are also available as eBooks.
Midwest Book Review, October 2013
