Author Judith Viorst in Charlotte Thursday

Like many readers, I discovered Judith Viorst through her wonderful children's book, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."

But Viorst, who speaks in Charlotte Thursday, is also known for poetry, adult novels and nonfiction, including the bestselling "Necessary Losses: The Loves, Illusions, Dependencies, and Impossible Expectations That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Grow."

The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte's Women's Division hosts Viorst at its annual spring lecture at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 22, in the Main Hall of Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road.

Tickets are $40 for the lecture plus dinner, which starts at 6:15 p.m., and $18 for the lecture only. This Jewish Federation fundraising event also requires a minimum $50 pledge to the 2012 Annual Campaign.

For tickets, call 704-944-6757 or go to www.jewishcharlotte.org.