Well, it could be that in the 1st grade story, maybe the main character lost their favorite toy. That would make things seem worse for a first - grader. Losing something precious can be a big deal at that age.
Perhaps in the story, the first - grader had a fight with their best friend. This would make things worse as friendship is really important at that age. They might feel lonely and sad without their friend, and it could affect their whole day at school and how they interact with others.
In a 1st grade story, things could be worse if there's a change in the classroom environment. For example, if a beloved teacher is replaced or if the classroom is moved to a different location. First - graders are very sensitive to changes. They might feel uneasy and less comfortable in the new situation. It can disrupt their routine and make learning and having fun at school more difficult.