1.    As a class, read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.  Discuss with students the genre of the book (realistic fiction set in schools).  Ask students what they think characteristics of realistic fiction are.

2.    Divide students into literature circle groups.  Pass out books to each group.

3.    Have students predict what they think their book(s) will be about.  Have students predict how they think their book(s) may be similar to Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.