Selection: E-7

E-7

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1577 words

Author: Kate Carter

Synopsis: A skateboarder's life takes a tricky turn when she finds a stray puppy.

Excerpt: Nicki's mother was making lunch when they got home, and she could see the girls walking up the driveway.

"Girls, where are your bikes, and WHERE did you get that puppy?"

"Mom, we found it--her--at the bus stop, and she was all alone and crying, and, well, we thought we should bring her home because it's not safe there, and she has no tag, and--can I keep her?"

"Someone must love and miss her very much, so you have to try to find her owner. Maybe it's a little girl like you, and she is looking everywhere and is very sad because she can't find her dog," her mother said. "Carla, you can stay for lunch, and we will discuss this. After you eat, I think you should probably use the computer to look up what to do when you find a lost puppy."

Question: How does Nicki's mother react when the girls bring home the puppy?

1. surprised but supportive
2. shocked and angry
3. calm but annoyed
4. excited and curious

Selection: HiE-1

HiE-1

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1716 words

Author: Kerry Mescallado

Synopsis: President Theodore Roosevelt was one of America's most prominent and energetic leaders. But to his children, he was just a big kid.

Excerpt: "Has the lordly Ted turned up yet? Is his loving sister able to reduce the size of his head, or does she need any assistance from her male parent? Your affectionate father, The Tyrant."

Question: In this excerpt, Roosevelt described his son, Ted, as "lordly" and asked his daughter, Ethel, if she needed any help "to reduce the size of his head." What do these lines say about Ted and Ethel?

1. Ted would act bossy, like a king, and Ethel would try to get him to stop.
2. Ted refused to try any new foods unless Ethel tried them first.
3. Ted was afraid to travel and Ethel had to comfort him.
4. Ted took care of the stray animals he found, but Ethel thought they were dangerous.

Selection: E-55

E-55

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1842 words

Author: Mike Ciecierski

Synopsis: When it's time to think about a career, follow your interests. Work is more pleasant if you get to do something you enjoy.

Excerpt: At last, the director yelled, "Cut! We're done!" Nick was relieved. The director looked at him and said, "Well, you held the bounce board perfectly. I wish you could work on all the ads I make."

Nick was speechless. He could not believe he just helped to make a TV ad. All he could do was smile at the director and nod his head.

"You know what, kid?" the director said, "You should think about a career making ads or movies. I'm someone who recognizes talent. You clearly have it."

Nick smiled as he walked home. He had a talent for making movies!

Question: Which character was most encouraging about Nick's career in movies?

1. the director
2. the woman in the car
3. Nick's mother
4. Nick's friend Andrew