Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Is Alexander's day really all that bad? We mean, really?
- Are we supposed to sympathize with Alexander or think he's overreacting? Can we do both?
- Judith Viorst wrote this book for kids in the 1970s, and tons has changed in our society since then. Has childhood changed with it? Can kids today relate to Alexander in the same way they did back in the day, or the same way adults do?
- Is Alexander a victim in the book? Are bad things happening to him, or is he bringing them on himself in some way? Is anyone to blame, and if so, who?
- How does Alexander feel at the end? Is there some sort of transformation? Is he happier? Does it matter if he is?