Calling All Citizens! In 1984, a man's heart sank as he drove down the highway. James Evans was a Texas state worker. He was sad to see litter blowing from a truck. He thought of all the litter along highways. It was ugly. It was bad for the environment. Costs of cleaning up litter were getting higher too. Something needed to change. Evans had an idea volunteer groups could help. Each group could adopt part of a highway and keep it clean. Evans asked several groups to help. Sadly, they weren't interested. Then Billy Black, another state worker, got involved. He set up a program with simple rules. A group of volunteers would care for two miles of highway. The state would equip and train the volunteers. A sign showing the group's name would go along the part of the highway the volunteers kept clean. It would be called the Adopt-a-Highway program. In 1985, the first group signed up. The members kept their word. They cleaned a stretch of highway, proving that the program could work. In time, most U.S. states and a few other countries started programs. Many people were working hard. They were keeping roads clean and helping to save millions of dollars! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Litter is ugly and bad for the environment. b. A group of volunteers cared for two miles of highway. c. State workers came up with a way to keep roads cleaner. 2. What was on the signs that went up along the highway? a. the names of the volunteer groups b. a list of the program's rules c. the number of states that created programs 1 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word train mean in this story? a. to point or aim b. to teach c. a way to travel 4. Why did Adopt-a-Highway help save millions of dollars? a. because the program had simple rules b. because the volunteers worked for free c. because a sign showed each group's name 5. Explain why Billy Black's simple rules worked. 6. Match each word with its definition. citizens garbage left on the ground litter agree to care for stretch people living in a region adopt length or distance 2 Level 3.0 Stories
Destructive Builders Many people know that termites are destructive insects. Termites like to eat wood. They eat through things like telephone poles, houses, and even large buildings. But termites do more than just destroy things. They are also impressive builders. Termites build enormous mounds using chewed wood mixed with sand and clay. These mounds may get as high as 20 feet that's taller than some houses! The mounds are durable too. Many mounds last years after the termites have died. A mound is only a small part of a termite nest. Most of the nest is underground. The termites build a giant system of tunnels and rooms connected to a large chimney. Air moves through the tunnels and up the chimney. The moving air helps control the temperature of the nest. Each termite in the nest has a job. Some build and repair the nest. Some gather food. Others take care of the eggs and young termites. And the queen keeps busy laying eggs. The queen can lay about one egg every three seconds. As a result, one nest can be home to millions of termites. It's a good thing termites know how to build such immense nests! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Termites are impressive builders. b. Termites destroy things made of wood. c. Millions of termites live together. 2. What do termites like to eat? a. sand b. clay c. wood 3 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word mounds mean in this story? a. underground tunnels b. hills or piles c. mountains 4. Why is it good that termites are able to build such immense nests? a. because the nests help them gather food b. because the tunnels are connected to a large chimney c. because the queen lays so many eggs 5. Explain two different jobs termites do in their nests. 6. Match each word with its antonym. mounds helpful enormous tiny destructive holes impressive ordinary 4 Level 3.0 Stories
Electric Eel The electric eel isn't really an eel. It's a long, snakelike fish that looks like an eel. But real eels can't send out electric shocks. The electric eel, on the other hand, is famous for its shocks! The electric eel uses electricity for self-defense. It can send out strong shocks. These shocks can reach up to 500 volts. That's enough electricity to kill or stun most animals nearby. Even the fiercest animals will avoid the electric eel. It has no natural predators. The electric eel also uses electricity for hunting. With no predators of its own, the electric eel can be a ruthless hunter. It sends out small electrical waves. These waves help it sense what's nearby. If prey is close, the electric eel sends out stronger waves of electricity. It sends out shocks until the prey is stunned or dead. Then it consumes its meal. This deadly predator lurks in the fresh waters of South America. It feeds mostly on fish and small animals. Still, it can kill much larger animals. Few animals are safe when swimming with an electric eel! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. The electric eel is a fish whose electric shocks can kill or stun most animals. b. The electric eel is a long, snakelike fish that looks like an eel. c. The electric eel lives in the fresh waters of South America. 2. What does an electric eel mostly eat? a. very large animals b. plants and grasses c. fish and small animals 5 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word consumes mean in this story? a. stuns b. eats c. hunts 4. Why doesn't an electric eel have any natural predators? a. Its shock can kill almost any animal. b. It isn't really an eel. c. It uses electricity to sense things. 5. Why are few animals safe when swimming with the electric eel? 6. Match each word with its definition. fiercest willing to harm ruthless most dangerous electricity power avoid stay away from 6 Level 3.0 Stories
Gorilla Gorilla! The very word may bring up scary images in your mind. To many people, gorillas seem frightening. They are large animals, and people often think they look mean. But actually, gorillas are shy. They do not want to eat people. They eat mostly fruit and leaves. Gorillas sometimes pound their chests. But they are not trying to start a fight. Gorillas use chest pounding to avoid fights. When an enemy comes near, a gorilla makes noise and tries to look frightening. The enemy may get scared and run away. If the enemy does not leave, the gorilla usually will. Actual fights are uncommon. Gorillas usually live in small groups. A mature male gorilla protects the group and decides where the group should go. Female gorillas spend a lot of time with their babies. They also groom the others in the group. They use their fingers and sometimes their teeth to clean the other gorillas' hair. This grooming helps the group members bond. Gorillas are certainly not the aggressive beasts that some people think. In many ways, they are more peaceful than humans! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Gorillas are peaceful animals. b. Gorillas often live in small groups. c. Gorillas sometimes pound their chests. 2. What do gorillas mostly eat? a. their enemies b. people c. fruit and leaves 7 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word pound mean in this story? a. to hit or stomp hard b. a place for lost animals c. an amount of weight 4. How does a gorilla try to avoid fights? a. by pounding its chest b. by living in a small group c. by grooming other group members 5. In what ways are gorillas more peaceful than some humans? 6. Match each word with its definition. aggressive forceful uncommon pictures groom not often seen images to make clean 8 Level 3.0 Stories
Ida Lewis A boat capsized in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. Four men fell into the cold water. From the lighthouse, a girl was watching. She jumped into her boat and rowed out to sea. She saved all four men. This rescue was the first of many for Ida Lewis. She was only a teenager, but she had started a career that would make her famous. Ida's family had moved to Newport Harbor's Lime Rock lighthouse in the 1850s. Her father was the lighthouse keeper. When he fell ill, Ida and her mother took over his work. They kept the light burning. They also kept watch for people in distress. Ida worked at the lighthouse her whole adult life. During that time, she made many rescues. Once, she rescued three men and their prized sheep. Another time, she rowed out into a storm to save two soldiers. For her brave work, Ida received the Gold Lifesaving Medal. She was the first woman in America to get this medal. Many people went to the lighthouse to meet Ida. Even the President went! Some people called Ida "The Bravest Woman in America." Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Ida Lewis became famous for making many rescues at sea. b. Ida Lewis received the Gold Lifesaving Medal. c. Ida Lewis saved some men when she was a teenager. 2. How many men did Ida save during her first rescue? a. two b. three c. four 9 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word keeper mean in this story? a. a person who doesn't throw things away b. a person who watches or operates something c. something worth saving for a long time 4. Why did some people call Ida "The Bravest Woman in America"? a. because she kept the light burning b. because she risked her life to save others c. because she met the President 5. Why did people go to the lighthouse to meet Ida? 6. Match each word with its definition. career job done for a long time prized made a boat go rowed thought of as important keeper person taking care of a place 10 Level 3.0 Stories
Painting With Eggs An Italian Renaissance painter gathered his materials. He got stones, eggs, brushes, and a wooden panel to paint on. Why did he need stones and eggs? And what about his paint? Artists during this time period made their own paint. For color, they used many different pigments. Some pigments came from minerals like stones. Other pigments came from plants and animals. Some pigments were toxic, so artists had to be careful! The artist ground each pigment into a fine powder. Then he mixed it with egg yolk and a little water. Soon he had a palette of colors. This kind of paint was called egg tempera. Egg tempera dried quickly, so the artist had to work fast. He also had to make just the right amount of paint. If he made too little, he would have to mix more. It would be hard to match the color. On the other hand, materials were expensive. The artist had to be careful not to make too much. Most Italian artists used egg tempera until the 1500s. At that time, oil paints became more popular. But the egg tempera paintings of the Renaissance have lasted for centuries. They are some of the most famous paintings of all time! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Oil paints became more popular than egg tempera in the 1500s. b. Egg tempera dried quickly, so artists had to work fast. c. Artists of the Italian Renaissance had to make their own paint. 11 Level 3.0 Stories
2. To make paint, what did artists mix with the fine powder? a. egg yolk and water b. wooden panels c. minerals and water 3. What does the word ground mean in this story? a. soil or earth b. crushed c. stirred 4. Why were artists careful not to make too much egg tempera? a. because materials were expensive b. because it would be hard to match the color c. because it could be toxic 5. What problem would an artist have if he did not make enough paint? 6. Match each word with its definition. Renaissance able to cause sickness toxic period of time in Europe materials things used to make something expensive costing lots of money 12 Level 3.0 Stories
Poison Dart Frog One of the world's deadliest poisons is in the body of a tiny frog. A poison dart frog is no longer than one of your fingers. But just a drop of its poison is enough to kill a person. There are many species of poison dart frogs. Not all of them are poisonous. But the species that are poisonous are some of the world's most toxic animals. Tribes in South America would use the frogs' poison on their darts. First they would put a frog over a fire. The poison would then come out of the frog's body. One frog had enough poison for about 50 deadly darts. The tribes would go hunting with the darts. They could kill a large animal with a single shot! Most poison dart frogs have shiny, brightly colored bodies. These bright colors are a warning. They tell predators to stay away. Very few predators can withstand the frogs' poison. Poison dart frogs may be deadly in the wild, but most are harmless in captivity. The frogs make poison from the food they eat. In captivity, people give them different food. Then the frogs don't make any poison. Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Poison dart frogs have bright, shiny bodies. b. A tiny frog carries one of the world's deadliest poisons. c. Most poison dart frogs are harmless in captivity. 2. How did tribes remove the poison from a frog's body? a. by stabbing it with a dart b. by giving it different food c. by placing it over a fire 13 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word drop mean in this story? a. a small amount of liquid b. to let go of something c. a cliff or ledge 4. Why are the frogs unable to make poison in captivity? a. They are held over a fire. b. They don't live long enough. c. They eat different food. 5. How do the frogs' colors serve as a warning to other animals? 6. Match each word with its synonym. species survive harmless safe withstand groups poisonous harmful 14 Level 3.0 Stories
Puffer Fish Imagine you're about to bite into a hamburger. Suddenly, it grows twice as big! Now you know how it feels to be a predator about to eat a puffer fish. Puffers can take water or air into their bodies. The water or air makes them expand. They expand so much that they appear too big to eat. Many predators will leave. When the puffer is safe, it releases the water or air. Then it swims around like any other fish. This trick helps the puffer, but it does not always succeed. Sometimes a predator can't resist a puffer. But the puffer could be the predator's final meal. Puffers are among the most poisonous fish in the world. Still, some people love to eat puffers. Special cooks spend years learning how to prepare the fish. They learn how to remove all the poisonous parts. But if the cook misses any, the person who eats the puffer could die. Maybe it's safer to stick to hamburgers! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Puffers are poisonous fish that can puff themselves up. b. Some people love to eat puffer fish. c. Chefs can be trained to carefully cook puffer fish. 2. How do puffer fish get twice as big? a. They eat bigger fish. b. They take in water or air. c. They stick out their fins. 15 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word stick mean in this story? a. a piece of wood b. stab suddenly c. to stay with 4. When does a puffer fish expand? a. when it sees a predator b. after a predator leaves c. when a cook prepares it 5. Why do you think some people risk eating a puffer fish? 6. Match each word with its definition. predator hunter imagine do what you tried to do succeed stay away from resist picture in the mind 16 Level 3.0 Stories
Reaching for the Stars Many children dream of going into space. Ellen Ochoa was not one of them. She had the kinds of skills NASA wanted. But she didn't think a woman could be an astronaut. When Ellen was young, NASA's space program was limited to men. Instead, Ellen used her strong math and science skills to study engineering. She did well in engineering school. She helped invent new science tools. Then, in 1983, NASA sent its first woman astronaut into space. Ellen realized she could be an astronaut too. She applied to NASA's space program. The people at NASA were impressed by Ellen's skills. They liked the things she had invented. Still, Ellen had to convince NASA to choose her over hundreds of others. It took five years, but Ellen kept working hard. At last, NASA accepted her. Ellen became the first Hispanic woman astronaut. She made many trips into space. She faced new situations that put her science and engineering skills to work. She earned many awards from NASA. Ellen talked to children about her work. She told them, "Only you put limitations on yourself about what you can achieve, so don't be afraid to reach for the stars." Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Many children dream of going into space. b. Ellen Ochoa earned many awards from NASA. c. Ellen Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman astronaut. 17 Level 3.0 Stories
2. What did Ellen help invent? a. new science tools b. NASA's space program c. engineering skills 3. What does the word applied mean in this story? a. added something b. asked to be part of c. tried very hard 4. When did Ellen decide to try to become an astronaut? a. when the first woman went into space b. when she invented many science tools c. when she went to engineering school 5. What did Ellen mean by "reach for the stars"? 6. Match each word with its definition. impressed make people think something convince rather than instead made to think well of a thing limitations things that stop something 18 Level 3.0 Stories
A Remarkable Friendship In 2004, a tsunami hit the coasts of countries near the Indian Ocean. It killed hundreds of thousands of people and animals. Victims of the disaster included a family of hippos. All were lost except one baby hippo. People rescued the hippo and named him Owen. Owen was not likely to survive alone, so people brought him to a nature park. The workers at the nature park worried about him. He seemed frightened and lonely. They didn't know if he would survive. Then Owen made a friend. He began to follow a 130-year-old male tortoise named Mzee. Owen acted like Mzee was his mother. At first, Mzee seemed unsure about the baby hippo. But soon Mzee warmed up to Owen. Mzee showed Owen where to find food. The two animals learned to communicate with each other. They swam, ate, and took naps together. If Owen thought Mzee was in trouble, he moved to protect him. Owen no longer seemed frightened and lonely. His friendship with Mzee had changed everything. People from all over the world came to see Owen and Mzee. The friendship between a baby hippo and an old tortoise brought joy to many people. Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. In 2004, a tsunami killed many people and animals. b. People from around the world came to see Owen and Mzee. c. A tortoise's friendship changed a baby hippo's life. 19 Level 3.0 Stories
2. How did Owen help Mzee? a. Owen showed Mzee where to find food. b. Owen moved to protect Mzee. c. Owen warmed up to Mzee. 3. What do the words warmed up to mean in this story? a. liked and trusted b. heated or made hotter c. slept next to 4. Why did people worry about Owen's survival at first? a. because he seemed frightened and lonely b. because he was 130 years old c. because he began to follow a tortoise 5. What kinds of things did Mzee do to make Owen feel better? 6. Match each word with its definition. tortoise share information communicate turtle victims ones who have been hurt disaster terrible event 20 Level 3.0 Stories
Trapdoor Spider For an insect, wandering near the home of a trapdoor spider can be a fatal mistake. Many spiders spin webs to trap their prey. But the trapdoor spider is different. This spider makes an underground home with a trapdoor. To make its home, the trapdoor spider digs a hole deep in the ground. Then the spider uses dirt and silk to make a door. Silk hinges on one side of the door allow it to open and close easily. The spider covers the door with dirt, making it hard to see. At night, the spider waits inside the door. When the spider feels the vibrations of an insect close by, it throws open the door and grabs the insect. It pulls the insect to the bottom of the burrow. Then the spider enjoys its supper. The trapdoor spider uses its home for more than just catching prey. The underground burrow is a good place to hide from predators. The female uses it as a nest too. Young spiders live there for many weeks. Then the female opens the door and pushes them out. Soon they will build their own trapdoor homes. Unsuspecting insects, beware! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. A trapdoor spider keeps its young underground for weeks. b. A trapdoor spider uses its home to catch food. c. A trapdoor spider does most of its hunting at night. 2. What does a trapdoor spider use to cover its trapdoor? a. silk b. webs c. dirt 21 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word spin mean in this story? a. to form a web by making a thread b. to quickly move in a circle c. to make up an interesting story 4. What does a trapdoor spider do when prey is near? a. It makes an underground home. b. It opens the door and grabs the prey. c. It traps the prey in its web. 5. How are trapdoor spiders' homes useful to them? 6. Match each word with its definition. prey causing death fatal hunted animal female watch out beware able to be a mother 22 Level 3.0 Stories
The Tree of Life The majestic kapok tree stands tall over other trees in the forest. In Mayan myths, this tree is known as the "tree of life." It has been an important symbol in Mayan culture. The kapok tree has been important to other people too. The fruit of the kapok tree has many useful qualities. This fruit is a pod filled with fluff. The fluff is also called kapok. Kapok keeps its shape over time. It holds in heat and muffles sound. These qualities make it good for stuffing things. In the early 1900s, kapok was often used to stuff beds, pillows, and stuffed animals. At that time, even baseballs were filled with kapok! Kapok has another useful quality. It floats! It is light and repels water. People found that it made good stuffing for life jackets. Until the end of the Second World War, most life jackets were stuffed with kapok. Kapok likely saved many sailors' lives. Maybe these sailors didn't know about Mayan myths. Yet for them, the kapok was also a tree of life! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Kapok trees saved many sailors' lives. b. Kapok has been used to stuff many things. c. Kapok trees have been important to different people for different reasons. 2. What was the kapok fruit used for in the early 1900s? a. eating b. stuffing things c. tying things 23 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word majestic mean in this story? a. old and trusted b. large and important c. sweet and tasty 4. Why was the kapok a tree of life for sailors? a. It kept them from sinking. b. It kept them from getting cold. c. It helped them fight the war. 5. Why is kapok good for stuffing things? 6. Match each word with its definition. myths object standing for something muffles beliefs of a group of people culture stories to explain things symbol makes quieter 24 Level 3.0 Stories
Exploding Toads Mystery In April 2005, hundreds of toads living near a lake in Germany suddenly died. They died in a strange way. They puffed up and exploded! In some cases, their insides landed three feet away. What had happened? Scientists looked for evidence of disease, but they didn't find anything. They also tested the lake water. It seemed fine. One scientist found a hole in each of the dead toads' bodies. On each body, the hole was in the same spot and about the same size. And each dead toad was missing its liver! What could cause this pattern? The scientist thought it was crows. Crows are smart, and they like eating toad livers. When attacked, toads puff up. Maybe crows pecked holes in the toads' bodies to get their livers. The toads puffed up. Puffing up caused their insides to explode out of the holes. This theory seemed possible. Still, people had questions. Crows are active in the day, but the toads exploded at night. People reported seeing the toads explode. Did anyone see crows attack them and eat their livers? In the end, many people were left with more questions than answers. The toads stopped exploding as suddenly as they had started. Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Scientists tried to figure out why toads exploded. b. Toads puff up and explode when they are attacked. c. Crows are very smart and like to eat toad livers. 25 Level 3.0 Stories
2. What did scientists find in each dead toad's body? a. a hole b. a disease c. a liver 3. What does the word pattern mean in this story? a. shapes in a row b. something that is repeated c. a pretty design 4. Why are the exploding toads still a mystery? a. Scientists could not be sure about the cause. b. Some of the toads' insides landed three feet away. c. Some scientists thought the cause was crows. 5. Name three strange things about the way the toads died. 6. Match each word with its definition. puffed up burst picked at illness exploded swelled disease pecked 26 Level 3.0 Stories
Fashion Police A store owner is walking down the street. Suddenly, he's arrested. What's his crime? He's wearing purple. Such a situation might have happened in 16th-century England. Laws there said how people could dress, right down to the buttons! All people could wear wool. All could wear brown. Few could wear silk. Even fewer could wear purple. People who didn't follow dress codes could be fined or arrested. What was the purpose of these laws? England's rulers wrote them to help guard industry and wealth. Many fine fabrics came only from faraway lands. Dress codes pushed people to buy fabrics made in England. They also stopped common people from buying things they couldn't afford. They helped guard the nobles' status too. Rulers didn't think common people should dress better than nobles. And no one should dress like one of the king's family! Dress codes were important for a time. But they were hard to enforce. Over time, such laws died out. Purple-lovers in England can rest easy it is now legal to wear the color! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Many years ago, England had laws that said how people could dress. b. Many years ago, a man was arrested for wearing purple in England. c. Many years ago, fine fabrics did not come from England. 2. Which of the following could anyone wear? a. brown wool b. purple silk c. purple wool 27 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word rulers mean in this story? a. measuring sticks b. people with power c. laws people follow 4. Who could be fined in 16th-century England? a. common people wearing wool b. nobles wearing brown c. a store owner wearing purple 5. Why did England's dress codes die out? 6. Match each word with its synonym. guard reason wealth protect fined riches purpose charged 28 Level 3.0 Stories
Frida Kahlo When Frida Kahlo was 18, a bus crash changed her life. She broke her leg, her back, and her pelvis. Frida's recovery was slow. A cast covered most of her body. For months, she had to stay in bed. With little else to do, she turned to painting. Using a mirror, Frida painted the one thing she had easy access to: herself. Even after she could walk again, Frida kept painting. Painting was an outlet for her. It helped Frida express her feelings. Frida's body was in a lot of pain. In all, she had over 30 operations. Still, the pain did not go away. Many of her self-portraits show this pain. Some of Frida's paintings show another kind of pain. Frida felt a lot of emotional pain too. Because of the bus crash, she was not able to have children. It made her very sad. While many of Frida's paintings show pain, many also show strength and pride. Frida was proud of her Mexican heritage. She painted herself in traditional Mexican dresses. She used Mexican symbols and painted with bright colors. Frida's paintings affected many people. Today, people remember her as one of the greatest Mexican painters. Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Frida Kahlo used painting as a way to express her pain. b. Frida Kahlo had to wear a cast covering most of her body. c. Frida Kahlo painted herself in traditional Mexican dresses. 29 Level 3.0 Stories
2. Why did Frida start painting? a. She did not have much to do while she was in bed. b. She was sad because she was unable to have children. c. She wanted to be one of the greatest Mexican painters. 3. What does the word recovery mean in this story? a. a bad injury b. a healing process c. a way of moving 4. Why did Frida use Mexican symbols in her paintings? a. She was proud of her Mexican heritage. b. Painting was an outlet for her. c. She was a great painter. 5. Why do people remember Frida as a great Mexican artist? 6. Match each word with its definition. cast hard bandage access respect for yourself affected ability to use something pride changed one's feelings 30 Level 3.0 Stories
Harriet Tubman Life could be harsh for slaves in the U.S. Slaves had to help their owners even when the owners were cruel. In the 1840s, Harriet Tubman was a slave in Maryland. When she was about 20, she had had enough. She escaped. She traveled almost 100 miles to Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, no one was a slave. Harriet was free. She wasn't satisfied, though. She wanted her family and other slaves to be free too. Harriet knew it would be dangerous to go back for them. Her old owner had put up a big reward for anyone who caught her. Still, Harriet left Philadelphia. She traveled back to Maryland to help other slaves escape. Over the next ten years, Harriet made the same dangerous trip 19 times. In all, she helped emancipate about 300 slaves. Harriet got to know the land well from her trips. When the Civil War started, she found another way to help free her people. She was a scout and a spy for the Union Army. In this way, she helped the Union Army fight the slave-holding states. Harriet devoted her life to helping others. Many think of her as one of the bravest people in U.S. history. Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Harriet Tubman helped slaves escape and used her skills in the Civil War. b. Harriet Tubman helped the Union Army fight the slave-holding states. c. Harriet Tubman traveled back to Maryland many times. 31 Level 3.0 Stories
2. About how many miles did Harriet travel to escape to Philadelphia? a. 20 b. 100 c. 300 3. What does the word emancipate mean in this story? a. capture b. free c. help 4. How did Harriet help fight the slave-holding states? a. She became a soldier with the Union Army. b. She traveled back to Maryland 19 times. c. She gave information to the Union Army. 5. What made Harriet one of the bravest people in U.S. history? 6. Match each word with its antonym. escape remain cruel unhappy dangerous safe satisfied kind 32 Level 3.0 Stories
Horned Lizard A horned lizard might seem like easy prey. It moves slowly and likes to lie out in the sun. Yet many predators find that a horned lizard is not easy prey at all. A horned lizard has many ways of defending itself. One defense is camouflage. A horned lizard is close to the same color as the ground. When it sees a predator, it sits very still. Many times it will go unnoticed. Other times, a horned lizard will use its prickly appearance to protect itself. A horned lizard's body is covered in spines. If a predator gets too close, a horned lizard can puff up its body. Puffing itself up makes it look larger and even pricklier. Many animals will avoid something that looks so hard to eat. A horned lizard also has horns on its head. It can jab these horns into a predator. Some horned lizards have yet another defense. They can shoot blood from their eyes! The blood hits a predator in the face. It tastes bad and confuses the predator. After this distasteful meeting, the predator may leave to find an easier meal. For many predators, a horned lizard just isn't worth the trouble! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Horned lizards move slowly and like to lie in the sun. b. Horned lizards have many ways of defending themselves. c. Horned lizards can puff up their bodies to look larger and pricklier. 2. What can some horned lizards shoot from their eyes? a. blood b. spines c. horns 33 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word spines mean in this story? a. backbones b. sharp spikes c. long hairs 4. Why is camouflage useful for the horned lizard? a. It covers the horned lizard's body with spines. b. It hides the horned lizard from predators. c. It allows the horned lizard to puff up its body. 5. Name three things a horned lizard does to protect itself. 6. Match each word with its antonym. distasteful seen prickly smooth avoid seek unnoticed pleasant 34 Level 3.0 Stories
A Hot Invention In the 1940s, a curious man did an experiment. The results led to an invention. The invention led to a huge change in the way people cooked. The man was Percy Spencer. He worked for a company that made tubes called magnetrons. Magnetrons used tiny radio waves, called microwaves, to track planes. One day, as Percy stood near a magnetron, a candy bar in his pocket melted. Percy was curious. What would happen if he put other foods near the magnetron? He got some popcorn. Within seconds, it popped. Later, Percy got an egg. The egg heated up quickly and then exploded. What was going on? Percy learned that microwaves can reach inside food. They heat food inside and outside at the same time. As a result, microwave heat cooks food much faster than regular heat. In 1947, the company Percy worked for made the first microwave oven. It stood nearly six feet tall and weighed around 700 pounds. It cost thousands of dollars. Few people wanted to pay so much. Later, companies made smaller, less expensive microwave ovens. Now many people use them every day. These people can thank Percy Spencer for his curiosity. Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. A man's curiosity led to the invention of the microwave oven. b. Microwaves heat food inside and outside at the same time. c. The first microwave oven was almost six feet tall and seven hundred pounds. 2. What heated up in Percy's pocket? a. a candy bar b. an egg c. popcorn 35 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word track mean in this story? a. to know where something is b. a footprint in the dirt c. a path through the woods 4. How are microwaves able to cook food so quickly? a. Microwave ovens are very large. b. They heat food inside and out at the same time. c. Microwave ovens cook smaller amounts of food. 5. How did a man's curiosity lead to the invention of the microwave oven? 6. Match each word with its synonym. curious interested expensive ordinary exploded costly regular burst 36 Level 3.0 Stories
Invention in a Jail Cell An Englishman named William Addis sat in jail with a bone and some bristles. Was he trying to make some kind of escape tool? No, he was trying to make a toothbrush. William went to jail in 1770. Back then, toothbrushes were not common. In Europe, most people cleaned their teeth with rags. William wanted a better way to clean his teeth. One night, he saved a bone from his dinner. He also got some bristles from a guard. Then he figured out how to attach the bristles to the bone. Soon he had a toothbrush! William was not the first person with this idea. In ancient times, people used sticks with frayed ends to clean their teeth. Much later, the Chinese made teeth-cleaning tools by attaching pig hairs to bamboo sticks. But William was the first person to mass-produce toothbrushes. When he got out of jail, he founded a company and started selling them. Before long, toothbrushes were common around the world. Today, many companies sell them. They come in many colors and varieties. The toothbrush is now an essential tool for people all over the world. Can you imagine your life without one? Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. William Addis founded a company when he got out of jail. b. William Addis helped make toothbrushes common. c. William Addis made a toothbrush from a bone and bristles. 2. How did most people in Europe clean their teeth before the toothbrush? a. with bristles b. with rags c. with bamboo 37 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word founded mean in this story? a. set up or started b. looked at or noticed c. stole from or robbed 4. Why did William Addis mass-produce toothbrushes? a. He wanted them to come in many colors and varieties. b. He wanted everybody in jail to have one. c. He wanted to sell them for money. 5. How are today's toothbrushes different from the ones in ancient times? 6. Match each word with its definition. varieties worn at the edges frayed tall hard grass bamboo very old ancient different kinds 38 Level 3.0 Stories
Kinkajou It's nighttime in the rainforest. High above the ground, a small, furry animal swings from branch to branch. The animal stops and hangs from its tail in front of a big white flower shaped like a cup. It plunges its face into the middle of the flower. When the animal pops its face out again, it looks like it's wearing a powdery mask! What is this animal? What is it doing? The animal is a kinkajou. Kinkajous have sharp claws and teeth, so they are classified as carnivores. Sometimes, they do eat insects and other small animals. But kinkajous seem to prefer eating fruit. They also like to drink flower nectar. When kinkajous drink nectar from flowers, they act as pollinators. Pollen from a flower sticks to the kinkajou's furry face. Later, the kinkajou moves to another flower. Pollen falls from the kinkajou's face into the new flower. In this way, the kinkajou spreads pollen from flower to flower. Kinkajous are some of the only carnivores that pollinate flowers. In doing so, kinkajous help to keep the rainforest alive and healthy. The kinkajous benefit too nectar is a sweet treat! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Kinkajous are carnivores that have sharp claws and teeth. b. Kinkajous help pollinate flowers in the rainforest. c. Nectar is a sweet treat for rainforest animals. 2. What do kinkajous seem to prefer to eat? a. fruit b. insects c. pollen 39 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word classified mean in this story? a. put into a certain group b. made an advertisement c. kept something a secret 4. How do kinkajous help keep the rainforest healthy? a. by pollinating flowers in the rainforest b. by eating small animals c. by drinking sweet nectar 5. How are kinkajous different from most carnivores? 6. Match each word with its definition. prefer like dust plunges favor over another powdery meat eaters carnivores drops suddenly 40 Level 3.0 Stories
The Pig War In 1859, an American farmer on San Juan Island caught a pig eating in his garden. The farmer was angry and killed the pig. But the pig belonged to the British. They wanted to arrest the farmer. Over the next few weeks, British and American soldiers came to the island, ready to fight. Danger of a war grew. All because of a pig? What was going on? The two nations were angry about the pig incident. But they were mostly angry about land. In 1846, America and Britain had signed a treaty. It showed the boundaries for America's northwest border. But the treaty was not clear about the San Juan Islands. Both nations thought the islands belonged to them. So, there was a lot of tension between the Americans and the British living there. This tension is why the pig incident made people so angry. Thankfully, the leaders of both nations saw that war was a bad idea. The soldiers left without a fight. The nations agreed to share the islands until they reached a solution. In the end, America took ownership of the islands. Even though there was no war, people called the incident The Pig War. There was only one casualty the pig. Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. A pig was killed in the San Juan Islands. b. The killing of a pig added to tensions and almost caused a war. c. America took ownership of the San Juan Islands. 2. In what year did America and Britain sign a treaty? a. 1846 b. 1856 c. 1859 41 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word arrest mean in this story? a. force to fight in a war b. cause to feel angry c. use the law to catch and lock up 4. Why did the British think the San Juan Islands belonged to them? a. because one of their pigs was killed b. because the treaty with America was not clear c. because of tension between the Americans and the British 5. Why did British and American soldiers come to the island ready to fight? 6. Match each word with its definition. treaty areas of land border someone who is hurt nations an official agreement casualty a line dividing two countries 42 Level 3.0 Stories
Sacred Pets Many centuries ago, the Aztecs believed their gods had sent them a gift. The gift would heal and protect them. In return, the Aztecs took special care of the gift. And today, it is still around! It is one of the oldest breeds of dog: the Xolo. Xolos are also called Mexican Hairless dogs. They were sacred pets to the Aztec people. The Aztecs believed these dogs had special powers from the gods. They thought Xolos could heal people in pain. They also believed Xolos would keep them safe after death. Many Aztecs were buried with their Xolos. Others were buried with clay Xolos. Over time, cultures and beliefs changed. But Xolos as a breed changed very little. People still like to keep them as pets. Many still think of them as healers too. The Xolo's hairless body gives off a lot of heat. This heat can bring comfort to a body in pain. Xolos also continue to make people feel safe. They are loyal guard dogs in many homes. For centuries, Xolos have been special pets to many people. They are a gift indeed! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Xolos were sacred pets to the Aztecs and are still special to many people. b. The Aztecs believed Xolos would keep them safe after death. c. The Aztecs believed that Xolos had special powers from the gods. 2. Why did many Aztecs want to be buried with Xolos? a. Aztecs thought Xolos would keep them safe. b. Aztecs thought Xolos could heal people in pain. c. Xolos are one of the oldest breeds of dog. 43 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word breeds mean in this story? a. special rules b. different types c. expensive gifts 4. Why do people still think of Xolos as healers? a. Xolos are loyal guard dogs. b. Xolos were sacred pets to the Aztec people. c. The heat from a Xolo's body can bring comfort. 5. Why did people think Xolos were sacred pets? 6. Match each word with its definition. cultures ways of life protect 100-year time periods centuries holy or religious sacred keep safe from danger 44 Level 3.0 Stories
A Self Taught President Many people know that Abraham Lincoln was a great United States President. But many people don't know that he taught himself almost everything he knew. As a boy, Abe worked on his father's farm. He was always busy. He worked hard all year long. He went to school only when his father could spare him. Some years he didn't have the opportunity to go at all. Still, Abe learned as much as he could. He loved to read. He didn't own many books, but that didn't stop him. He borrowed books from friends and neighbors. He read whenever he got a chance. Abe's love of reading served him well. As a young man, he wanted to be a lawyer. He didn't go to college, but he read books about the law. When he was 27, he passed an exam and became a lawyer. Abe was a lawyer and politician for several years. Then, in 1860, he ran for the highest office of all and won. A self-taught boy grew up to become President of the United States! Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. Abraham Lincoln loved to read and learned many things on his own. b. Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States of America. c. Abraham Lincoln became a lawyer without going to law school. 2. How did Abraham Lincoln become a lawyer? a. He went to college. b. He worked on his father's farm. c. He passed an exam. 45 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word spare mean in this story? a. to give help to b. to keep busy c. to get by without 4. Why didn't Abraham Lincoln spend much time at school? a. He didn't own many books. b. His father needed him to work. c. He wanted to read books instead. 5. How did Abraham Lincoln's love of reading serve him well? 6. Match each word with its synonym. borrowed position exam used office test served helped 46 Level 3.0 Stories
Sloth "Quick as a flash!" That's one saying no one would ever use to describe a sloth. A sloth is one of the slowestmoving mammals on Earth. Moving 10 or 15 feet a minute would be fast for a sloth! Most of the time, a sloth doesn't go anywhere. It just hangs by its toes from a jungle tree. A sloth might reside in the same tree for many months. Now and then, a sloth will grab a few leaves to eat. Digesting these leaves will take most of the sloth's energy. The sloth doesn't have much energy left for moving. It spends many hours each day just drowsing. Some animals hunt sloths. It seems like it would be easy to catch a sloth. After all, the sloth can't outrun these animals. But the animals might have a hard time seeing the sloth. Algae grow in a sloth's fur. The algae make the sloth's fur look green. So, the sloth blends in with the moss and leaves around it. The sloth just needs to do what it is best at doing staying very still. Often, danger will pass by. Quiz Questions 1. What is the main idea of this story? a. A sloth can live in the same tree for many months. b. A sloth is slow-moving but surprisingly hard to catch. c. A sloth moves only 10 to 15 feet a minute. 2. What makes a sloth's fur look green? a. leaves b. algae c. moss 47 Level 3.0 Stories
3. What does the word still mean in this story? a. not moving b. in addition c. right now 4. Why is a sloth hard for many animals to catch? a. It moves slowly. b. It blends in. c. It hangs by its toes. 5. Why does a sloth sometimes live in the same tree for many months? 6. Match each word with its definition. digesting fuzzy ground plant reside live in a place energy power to work moss turning food into power 48 Level 3.0 Stories