Selection: B-52

B-52

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1249 words

Author: R. Bender

Synopsis: This old story teaches a lesson about listening to good advice.

Excerpt: They boy had never seen the bear look so nice. "Where are you going?" the boy asked.

"Don't go! Don't go!" cried the boy. "If you do you will never come back! You have the most beautiful fur in the world. It is the kind of fur that people want to use as a rug. The people at the wedding will be sure to harm you and take your fur."

"Where are you going?" the boy asked the wolf.

"Don't go!" said the boy again. "Your fur is so thick and warm. Winter is not far off now. The people at the wedding will harm you. They will take your fur."

Next the boy met the fox.

"You look very fine!" said the boy. "Are you going to the farmer's wedding?"

"You poor fellow," said the boy. "Take my advice. Stay at home. The farmer's dogs will tear you to pieces. They will be harming you to get your fur."

Question: In what way are the bear, the fox, and the wolf alike?

1. They all are in danger of being harmed by the people at the wedding.
2. They all change their minds about going to the wedding after talking with the boy.
3. They all got up early to brush their fur before the wedding.
4. They all met the boy for the first time when they went to the wedding.
5. They all decided to ignore the boy's advice and go to the wedding.

Selection: HiB-20

HiB-20

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1134 words

Author: Frank Scott York

Synopsis: Myles meets a mysterious swimmer while on a camping trip with his friends.

Excerpt: "I thought you'd be out there looking for her," he said, smiling. "No luck today?"

Myles stared at him. "I just left her," he said. "She lives in that big house on the other side of the lake."

The old man's smile faded. "No one has lived in the house across the lake in 10 years, not since the day the girl vanished." He shook his head. "I've been standing here watching you swim alone in the lake," he said. "There was no one else in the water but you."

Myles turned and looked out over the water. The sun was high now, and the girl was gone, somewhere in the brightness of the glittering lake.

Question: There are many ghost stories in cultures all over the world. Many ghost stories have strange things that happen in them, and they often take place in a lonely or quiet area with old buildings nearby. This selection can be called a ghost story because it tells about a

1. girl whom only certain people see, a quiet lake, and an old, empty house.
2. deep forest, a popular general store, and a man who tells stories.
3. young man, a busy vacation spot, and a bad accident.
4. camping trip, a bad decision, and three friends who run out of food.