Judith Viorst is an American writer who has gained recognition for her poetry and children's books. Inspired by her own experiences with family, "Alexander, Who's Trying His Best to Be the Best Boy Ever" is one of her most cherished pieces. The protagonist of the tale is a young child named Alexander who wakes up grumpy and resolves to behave well the rest of the day. But as anyone who has ever tried to be flawless knows, it can be very difficult to stay on the straight and narrow.

This book was inspired by Viorst's observations of her son, grandson, and herself at times when they had all made the decision to do their best not to cause trouble or make mistakes. We begin our days with good intentions but soon find ourselves struggling against the pull of human nature. This is a sentiment that many people share.

Even if you have all the necessary abilities and knowledge, it would still be difficult to keep a kite flying high in a strong wind. Alexander's journey is similar to that kite in that, in spite of his willpower, he gets caught up in uncontrollable situations that cause him to revert to his old behavioral patterns.

Because everyone can identify with the conflict between wanting to be good and ultimately making mistakes, this story strikes a chord with readers. Viorst masterfully conveys this universal emotion, serving as a reminder that although striving for perfection is a noble objective, it's also acceptable to accept and grow from our flaws. As we deal with life's everyday obstacles, her work promotes empathy and understanding of both ourselves and others.