Most fiction books begin by introducing somebody, the main character. Then a want or goal of that character is expressed, but something or someone gets in the way. So, the character then has to do something to try to solve the problem. Then the book normally has some sort of conclusion.
After showing the students this easy way of summarizing by using the book Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon, they worked on their own or with a partner to practice this summarizing strategy using a book at their level.
And, they got it! Hip Hip Hooray!