I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff

Book Genre: Realistic Fiction

Publishing Info.: Putnam, 32 pages

Awards or Honors Received: None

Summary: This is a story about a little boy Alex, who would like to have his friend’s iguana when he moves away. Throughout the book, Alex is writing letters to his mother, with reasons why he believes he should have this iguana. Alex's mother then writes him back to his letters, counteracting each one of his arguments. After many letters, and brief conversation between Alex and his mother, Alex is given a note from his mother telling him to look on his dresser. He goes into his room and there is an iguana on his dresser. His persuasive letters to his mother had worked!

Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This is a really fun story, showing the determination of a child and the love of a parent. The author did an awesome job of using humor and persuasive arguments of a child to tell the story of a boy and his desire to have an iguana.


Reading Level: 2.7

Interest Level: K-3

Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be a really good story to use when teaching a unit on letter writing. In second or third grade, it could be used them teaching and practicing persuasive writing skills.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: There are not too many problems of difficulties with this book. Before reading the story, students may need to be taught a little about iguanas, and what they are, as some children may not be familiar with them. The book also talks about his little brother burping and pooping, which may cause too much laughter with some younger grades.