B.J. Novak Short Story Lesson Set (4 Stories: Reading, Analysis & Writing Practice)

Bring humor, quirkiness, and depth into your classroom with this ready-to-teach 4–story lesson set from B.J. Novak’s One More Thing.

This pack includes reading questions, classwork activities, and writing/discussion prompts for:

• "All You Have to Do" – a playful look at love and choice in relationships.
• "The Beautiful Girl in the Bookstore" – exploring longing, social awkwardness, and chance encounters.
• "The Impatient Billionaire and the Mirror for Earth" – a witty allegory for social media and the internet.
• "Missed Connection: …" – a companion to All You Have to Do, offering a fresh perspective on communication and connection.

Two Versions Available

✨ Version 1 – Reading & Analysis Pack

1. Reading questions (print + digital)
2. Classwork activities and mini slide decks
3. Perfect for close reading, discussion, and analysis without extra writing prep

✨ Version 2 – Reading, Analysis & Writing Prompts Pack

Includes everything in Version 1, PLUS:

1. A writing practice worksheet with ready-to-use analytical paragraph prompts (print + Google Docs)
2. Analytical paragraph rubric to guide grading and feedback
3. Flexible prompts for in-class practice, homework, or bell ringers
4. A seamless way to extend reading lessons into Claim–Evidence–Reasoning writing

Why Teachers Love It:

• High-interest text with quirky humor and irony students “get”
• Explicit support for literary analysis skills (tone, mood, irony)
• Flexible design: choose discussion-based or writing-based instruction (or both!)
• Ready to print or assign digitally

Classroom Goals:

• ✔ Explore how tone and diction shape theme.
• ✔ Compare perspectives and their impact on relationships.
• ✔ Practice analytical paragraph writing with built-in scaffolds.
• ✔ Build discussion skills with flexible prompts for whole-class or small-group work.

These lessons are short, engaging, and accessible — perfect for mid-unit practice, substitute days, or filling gaps with high-interest material.

What's Not Included?

Please note that this unit includes scaffolded reading questions AND writing practice materials for 4 short stories in the collection, One More Thing by BJ Novak, but I do not own the rights to distribute the stories themselves.

You will need a copies of the stories.

I recommend purchasing a copy of the text to use for yourself, previewing the text here, or borrowing from the library.