Narrative Nonfiction isn’t a new genre, but it is new to many teachers. The good news is that a lot of the elements of creative writing are applicable to this writing type. The new part is teaching students how to use informational sources to create a narrative story.
What is Narrative Nonfiction Writing?
Narrative Nonfiction is telling a true story using narrative elements like plot, dialogue, and character development. Unlike Historical Fiction, all of the characters and events in Narrative Nonfiction are completely true.
Why Mentor Text?
With these mentor texts, you can point out the elements of Narrative Nonfiction to your students. You can also discuss how the reader got the factual information to incorporate into the story (informational sources and a lot of research!).
Narrative Nonfiction Mentor Texts
Pocket Full of Colors
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
Pop! The Invention of Bubblegum
Jars of Hope: How One Woman Helped Save 2,500 Children During the Holocaust
Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando
The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons
