Selection: G-4

G-4

Grade level: 7

Word count: 1872 words

Author: Mike Buchanan and Diane Lang

Synopsis: A teenager learns to view her life in a new light.

Excerpt: "Will you take me to the park again, even though I ran into the street?" he asked.

"Yes, we'll go to the park, but first we're going to talk Mom into getting us a puppy. Then you won't be scared of dogs."

"Puppies are so cute. I want a puppy!" Lucas cried excitedly.

Question: Why does Olivia think a dog would be a good pet for Lucas?

1. It would cure his fear of dogs.
2. It would teach him responsibility.
3. It would help him communicate better.
4. It would show him the consequences of his actions.

Selection: G-13

G-13

Grade level: 7

Word count: 1532 words

Author: Beth Renaud

Synopsis: Gwendolyn Brooks wrote about the people and places around her.

Excerpt: After attending a theater performance that featured street gangs on the South Side, Brooks became so inspired by their raw talent that she organized a poetry writing workshop for gang members. In the workshop, she showed them how to write poetry and express their feelings. Soon her home became a meeting place for young people interested in art and politics, particularly those interested in mixing black art with the ideas of Black Power.

Question: This excerpt shows that Brooks was a person who

1. strived to give back to her community.
2. earned privileges because of her reputation.
3. liked to be recognized for her talent.
4. shined brightest in a college classroom.

Selection: G-12

G-12

Grade level: 7

Word count: 1893 words

Author: Anonymous

Synopsis: A plan has been made to trick the Frost King to return the hammer, but will it work?

Excerpt: But Thor held up his hammer and shook it gently as he admitted, "Look now, Loki, it was an excellent joke, and so far you have done well, after your crafty fashion. But now I have my hammer again, and the joke is done. From you, nor from another, I brook no laughter at my expense. Henceforth we will have no mention of this masquerade, nor of these rags which now I throw away. Do you hear?"

Question: Even though the plot was successful, Thor was embarrassed because he

1. had allowed himself to be disguised as a woman.
2. had eaten so much food at the banquet.
3. had kissed the giant so as not to undermine the plot.
4. had been caught stealing the wedding gift.

Selection: G-23

G-23

Grade level: 7

Word count: 1834 words

Author: Luke Cooper

Synopsis: Your taste buds work hard to help you enjoy your food.

Excerpt: A sweet taste is produced by sugars and a few other things in the food and is mostly regarded as a pleasant taste. That is one of the reasons why ice cream tastes so good. It has a lot of sugar in it! A sour taste is produced by the acid in the food and is mostly found in fruits such as lemons, grapes, and grapefruit. A salty taste is produced by salt and other things in the food. A bitter taste is mostly regarded as a sharp and unpleasant taste, which is present in poisonous plants as well as in foods such as coffee, cocoa, and olives.

Question: How can the sense of taste protect people from harm?

1. A bitter taste can warn people a food may be poisonous.
2. A sweet taste can induce people to finish their meals.
3. A sour taste can attract people to eating healthy fruits.
4. A salty taste can make people want to drink more fluids.

Selection: G-33

G-33

Grade level: 7

Word count: 1677 words

Author: Lionel Beasley

Synopsis: Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova had different personalities and styles of play, but their matches thrilled millions of tennis fans.

Excerpt: Navratilova charged the net behind a powerful serve. She was superior to Evert on the courts that played to these strengths, such as the lawn at Wimbledon or the types of carpets used on the indoor courts. Evert was known for her baseline game, and she avoided the net in favor of sharp ground stokes. She was superior to Navratilova on the courts that favored her game, such as the clay courts used by the U.S. and French Open tournaments.

A comparison of personalities shows similar contrasts. Evert showed little emotion during matches. Navratilova was known for her explosive nature. She argued with the judges over calls, chatted with the courtside fans, and scolded herself over errors. Their differences even extended to the hands they favored. Evert was right handed and Navratilova was a lefty. What they had in common was a drive to be the very best in the game.

Question: What can you conclude from these two excerpts about Evert and Navratilova?

1. They had different personalities and strengths on the court.
2. They had absolutely nothing in common when it came to tennis.
3. They used the same proven strategies to outplay each other.
4. They preferred playing matches indoors rather than in outdoor stadiums.