Rationale
Sibling rivalry is one of the most fundamental and universal human conflicts, and many children experience it firsthand. Even children without siblings are exposed to the idea through literature, television and movies, and can relate to it through their relationships with their cousins and classmates. Realistic fiction as a form gives students freedom to incorporate as much truth and reality into their writing as they like, while allowing them to also explore the world of their imagination.

Overview
The story describes a “day in the life” from a fourth grader’s point of view. The story makes a circle, physically and emotionally. We start at home on a “normal” day. Situations arise to put the siblings in conflict. Things get blown out of proportion. Finally, the siblings resolve their conflict just in time to end the day, so that the next day will seem normal again.

The basic plot includes five parts:
1. Introduction: At the start of the day, the Main Character is having an ordinary day. Then a Parent says or does something to potentially cause the Sibling to ruin the MC’s day.
2. Trouble: The Sibling causes the Problem by jeopardizing something that is precious to the MC. (Event, Object, or Personal Relationship.)
3. Complication: The MC tries to fix the Problem, which only gets worse.
4. Big Emotional Blowout. That night at home, the MC gets very upset because no one understands.
5. Reconciliation: Something causes the siblings to make up. The MC learns a lesson and arrives at a positive conclusion from his/her experience.