4 Point of View Name Date

The Record Setter

Read the humorous story.
Then follow the directions in the Text Marking box.

My brother, Alex, is generally considered to be

a reliable, clever, thoughtful fellow. I say “generally”

because of things like what he’s doing right now.

Picture this and you’ll understand. While I, Nate,

sit here playing a video game and texting with half my

friends—two perfectly normal things to be doing for

amusement—what is he occupied with? Alex is standing

over there, counting softly to himself 79, 80, 81, 82. . .

while he repeatedly bats a rubber ball attached by an

Text Marking
elastic string to a wooden paddle. This is nonsensical
Identify the main character
behavior, is it not?
in this story. Read for clues
You might think I’m being too hard on Alex, as about point of view.
brothers sometimes can be to one another. On the
Box signal words
contrary, I’m being lenient. You see, this time it’s paddle-
that suggest who tells
ball batting, but the last time—and I refer to just a few the story.
weeks ago—the challenge was standing on his head for
how the story is told.
as long as he could, with a timer set up on the rug.
first person
Of course, he had to read it upside down, but I suppose

he got better at it day by day. Maybe he should’ve put the third person

timer upside down, too. Circle the name

Frankly, I’m getting a bit concerned. What if one of the main character.

of his goofy pals introduces him to alligator wrestling?

________ Underline words
Or what if he gets enticed to take up tightrope walking or phrases that describe
from skyscraper to skyscraper? I tell you, for Alex, these the main character.

ideas are not too far-fetched!

Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
20 © Scholastic Inc.
4 Do More Name Date

The Record Setter

, Answer each question. Give details from the humorous story.

! To amuse himself, Nate likes to . . .

t A. . . . wrestle alligators. t C. . . . play table tennis.

t B. . . . praise his brother. t D. . . . play video games.

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

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" Which is a synonym for lenient?

t A. easygoing t B. critical t C. loving t D. harsh

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

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# How does Nate use exaggeration to get across his point about his brother’s behavior?

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$ Imagine Alex describing Nate. How might the story be different?

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Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
21 © Scholastic Inc.
5 Setting/Mood Name Date

The Beach House

Read the suspense story.
Then follow the directions in the Text Marking box.

The water was glistening in the summer’s morning

sunlight and the surf was cool on their feet as Krin and

Paula happily strolled along the water’s edge. Collecting

shells and skimming stones as they went, the brother and

sister were having a ball exploring what appeared to be

a never-ending beach.

After a while, they stopped and looked back. Their

parents and the umbrellas, chairs, and crowds were a long

way off. But just ahead, nestled amongst sea grape trees,

stood a run-down house. It appeared to be unoccupied; Text Marking

curious, they went to investigate.
Think about the setting and mood
The steps creaked as they ascended them, as did the porch of the story.
when they stepped onto it. The shutters and porch railing
Box WHEN it takes place.
were weathered and broken. The front door was ajar so they

squeezed through and cautiously entered. The place was in WHEN the story is set.

total disarray, chockablock with dust, sand, dead leaves, and past
overturned, splintered furniture. They’d taken but a few steps
present
when the door unexpectedly slammed shut behind them.
future
Startled, Krin and Paula spun around. Before they could

even utter something like “Uh-oh,” the window shutters Circle WHERE
it takes place.
clapped closed, too. And if this wasn’t scary enough, the

stairs to the second floor squeaked. When a light in the back ________ Underline details

bedroom flickered, that was absolutely the final straw.

that set the mood.

“Let’s get outta here, Paula!” And out they ran, all the

way back to those wonderful umbrellas, beach chairs, and crowds.

Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
22 © Scholastic Inc.
5 Do More Name Date

The Beach House

, Answer each question. Give details from the suspense story.

! Who is telling the story?

t A. Krin t B. Paula t C. a narrator t D. a ghost

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

" Things that are chockablock are ____________________.

t A. full of blocks t B. crowded together t C. run-down t D. broken

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

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# Why did Krin and Paula end up viewing the crowded beach as wonderful?

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$ Summarize the setting and moods of the story. How does the mood change?

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Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
23 © Scholastic Inc.
6 Setting/Mood Name Date

Mile-and-a-Quarter Monkey
Read the descriptive story.
Then follow the directions in the Text Marking box.

It had taken us nearly five hours from the river to

reach Three-Mile House that hot summer day in the

Grand Canyon. We were already tiring from the hike,

and knowing that a relentlessly uphill slog still lay ahead,

we gratefully rested there.

The trail wound upward through awesome—in the

true sense of the word—scenery, rich with spectacular

rock formations. The other hikers in the hut, also fatigued

from their challenging climbs, seemed in an upbeat

Text Marking
mood. Eventually, we gathered our courage to resume the
Think about the setting and mood
twisting trail to the rim.
of the story.
Mile-and-a-Half House was our next stopping point,

and reaching it was a steady struggle. Our muscles ached, Box WHEN it takes place.

our gusto was diminished, and we were drained upon Circle WHERE
arrival. After a much-appreciated second rest, longer than it takes place.

our first, we reluctantly began the final leg of our ascent.

the setting.
The hike was not getting any easier in the heat, and
realistic
we paused continuously. While wishing the trek were over,
imaginary
we spotted it overhead: an immense monkey face! That’s

precisely what the eroded rocks looked like. We excitedly ________ Underline details
told everyone we passed about where to see Mile-and- that set the mood.

a-Quarter Monkey, as we named it. Each hiker gladly

promised to keep a lookout for it. Suddenly, amazingly, we felt a renewed bounce

in our step. Discovering the giant monkey face had put wings on our feet. Energized,

we practically flew out of the canyon, and that was awesome, too.
Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
24 © Scholastic Inc.
6 Do More Name Date

Mile-and-a-Quarter Monkey
, Answer each question. Give details from the story.

! What best describes the mood of the hikers as they approached their second rest stop?

t A. bored and miserable t C. exhausted and a little grumpy

t B. gloomy and disappointed t D. cheerful and full of anticipation

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

" Which would be a trek?

t A. a car ride to the mall t C. a skateboard ride down a hill

t B. a lengthy hike in the snow t D. a relaxing stroll around the block

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

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# What factors made the hike so challenging?

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$ Explain the reason for the hikers’ change in mood on the final leg of their ascent.

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Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
25 © Scholastic Inc.
7 Key Events & Details Name Date

Medieval Festival
Read the fantasy.
Then follow the directions in the Text Marking box.

Driving to the Medieval Festival, Mom sang old

folksongs while Gavin studied the long list of events.

There would be sword classes, blacksmithing, acrobats,

dancers, jesters, and more, but it was jousting that was

his top priority.

When the two entered the festival grounds, a whirl

of sights, sounds, and smells overwhelmed them. Sheep

and goats grazed beside horses and mules. The scent

of fresh cider perfumed the air while strolling jugglers

and musicians entertained the crowds. As Gavin pulled

Mom toward the jousting field, he was so busy gawking Text Marking
that he tripped and fell. When he arose, his mother
Think about the key events
was gone and his body felt unusually heavy. Yikes! in Gavin’s experience.
He was wearing a full suit of armor!
Circle at least 3
“Sir, your steed awaits!” announced a man in a
key events.
cloak, directing Gavin toward the stable. Too stunned
________ Underline details
to protest, Gavin clanked along, huffing under the
about each event.
armor’s weight.

“I think you’re mistaken,” Gavin sputtered.

“Not so!” replied the squire. “Queen Mab commands you to replace Sir Harry,

who broke his arm yesterday. Ride proudly to honor her!”

Gavin gulped, feeling equally confused and thrilled at this crazy turn of events.

He’d wanted to see a joust, but to actually participate in one? Zounds!

The squire paraded Gavin and his horse into position and handed him the long pole.

Across the field was his fierce opponent, fully armored and ready. . .
Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
26 © Scholastic Inc.
7 Do More Name Date

Medieval Festival
, Answer each question. Give details from the fantasy.

! What is the main purpose of a Medieval Festival?

t A. It is a great place to drink cider.

t B. It allows visitors to see farm animals up close.

t C. It lets people experience medieval events and activities.

t D. It provides a chance for people to practice battle skills.

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

" Which means nearly the same as gawking?

t A. staring t B. juggling t C. thinking t D. strolling

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

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# This story seems to take place in two settings and times. Explain this.

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$ Make an inference to explain Gavin’s mixed feelings upon finding himself a knight about to joust.

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Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
27 © Scholastic Inc.
8 Key Events & Details Name Date

Block Party Celebrity

Read the community story.
Then follow the directions in the Text Marking box.

Newly moved in and eager to meet their

neighbors, the Guerrero family had a great idea. They

would serve Rosa’s delicious elote, a favorite savory dip

made with corn and cheese, at the block party.

They set up their table in front of their house,

located at the quiet end of the block, far from the busy

avenue. The family was in a jovial mood as they set up

aluminum trays of elote, tortilla chips, plastic bowls,

forks, and napkins.

Despite the appealing aroma of corn, few people

strolled over, distracted by temptations elsewhere on

the block. With few neighbors to serve, Ms. Guerrero

Text Marking
permitted Yimi and Luisa to explore. When they
Think about the key events
returned, ice creams in hand, a commotion grabbed
of the story.
their attention. It was the town’s mayor, Elena Carillo-

Lopez, and her entourage. They had arrived at the Circle 4 main events
in the story.
Guerrero’s end of the block.

The mayor stopped first at their table, smiling ________ Underline details

warmly as Luisa heaped elote into a bowl, added

about each event.

some chips, a fork, and served it with a napkin.

“Holy guacamole, your elote is the best!” the mayor exclaimed, glowing with each mouthful.

Rosa blushed, saying, “Gracias, señora.”

Well, that did it. It seemed now that everybody else made a bee-line to the Guerrero table

for elote. They were newcomers no longer.

Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)

28 © Scholastic Inc.
8 Do More Name Date

Block Party Celebrity

, Answer each question. Give details from the community story.

! Why did the Guerreros set up a table at the block party?

t A. They wanted to meet the mayor.

t B. They wanted to open a restaurant.

t C. Their house was located at the end of the block.

t D. They hoped the block party would help them meet their neighbors.

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

" What happened after the mayor tasted the elote?

t A. Ms. Guerrero voted for the mayor. t C. The children finished their ice creams.

t B. Many others came over to try it. t D. The mayor left to get a beverage to wash it down.

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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# What caused the Guerreros to no longer feel like newcomers?

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$ Explain the meaning of the title. Who is the celebrity at the block party?

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Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
29 © Scholastic Inc.
9 Sequence of Events Name Date

Painted Sneakers
Read the crafts story.
Then follow the directions in the Text Marking box.

Packing my van by 7 AM gives me time to get to

the lake for this autumn’s crafts market. The winding

drive will be lovely, as will the reunions with my

fellow craftspeople, folks I see once a year.

Before coffee and chit-chat, I set up my booth.

First, I assemble the lightweight aluminum poles that

frame my protective canopy. After all, the market

takes place come rain or shine. Then I set up my

tables and racks to hold my one-of-a-kind, hand-

painted sneakers. I put my most popular superhero

and cartoon pairs on racks so their designs attract

customers. Next, I set out other items—wild laces, Text Marking

goofy flip-flops, hair ornaments—neatly in trays.
Mark the sequence of events
After that, I set out an album showing all my designs in the story.
for customers to flip through, and a sign-up book for
Box at least 7 signal words
people who want to get on my mailing list.
about sequence and time.
Customers start arriving by 11 AM , so everything
________ Underline some key events
must be ready. My last task is to activate and test
in the painter’s day.
my wi-fi payment machine so I can accept cash and

credit cards. At that point, my sneakers and I are 1-2-3-4-5 Number the events
in order.
prepared for the market to open.

I stand most of the day—wearing my favorite

sneakers—but rarely feel tired. Most shoppers are friendly and curious, which encourages me to

tell more about my work. Occasionally, I slip away for a quick snack. Once in a while, I even sit

down . . . ! At 6 PM , when the market closes, I pack, load my van, and return home.
Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
30 © Scholastic Inc.
9 Do More Name Date

Painted Sneakers
, Answer each question. Give details from the crafts story.

! Who is telling this story?

t A. a narrator t B. a reporter t C. the painter t D. a customer

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

" Which statement best captures the meaning of come rain or shine?

t A. Weather is difficult to predict. t C. It takes rain and shine for crops to grow.

t B. The event will happen in any weather. t D. It never snows in that part of the country.

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

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# In what ways are the beginning and the end of day similar for the craftsperson?

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$ Make an inference. Think about the events the sneaker painter describes.
About when would you expect this person to get home? Explain.

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Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)

31 © Scholastic Inc.
10 Sequence of Events Name Date

The Relief Pitcher

Read the sports story.
Then follow the directions in the Text Marking box.

Wilson is clearly in trouble—he has walked two

batters in a row, has been taking too much time between

pitches, and looks weary. Recognizing this, the team’s

manager and pitching coach exchange worried glances

and confer softly. The coach picks up the phone in the

dugout to call the bullpen coach, step 1 in the relief-

pitching process.

Next, there is action in the bullpen behind left field.

Two pitchers, a righty and a lefty, get up. After doing

a series of gentle stretches, each hurler grabs his glove,

stands on a mound, and begins to toss the ball softly

to his catcher. After briefly warming up, both relievers

start throwing harder, expecting that one of them will Text Marking
likely be called into the game.
Mark the sequence of events
Then there is more trouble for Wilson. Another walk in the story.
draws the manager from his perch by the dugout railing.
Box at least 7 signal words
He’s had enough. On his way to the mound, he waves
about sequence and time.
his left hand, signaling the bullpen. Seeing this, the lefty
________ Underline some key events.
stops throwing, opens the bullpen gate, and jogs to the

mound to replace Wilson. 1-2-3-4… Number the events

When the manager reaches the mound, he takes the in order.

ball from the struggling pitcher, who leaves the field with

his head down. Next, the manager greets the incoming reliever, and gives him the ball and some

encouragement. Finished, the manager trots back to the dugout, hoping he’s made the right choice.

Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)

32 © Scholastic Inc.
10 Do More Name Date

The Relief Pitcher

, Answer each question. Give details from the sports story.

! What is the manager’s first step in the process of relieving his struggling pitcher?

t A. He has the coach call the bullpen to get pitchers warming up.

t B. He begins tossing the ball softly.

t C. He walks another batter.

t D. He walks to the mound.

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

" Why are the manager and coach concerned?

t A. It is raining. t C. There is action in the bullpen.

t B. They don’t know what to do. t D. They think that their pitcher is tiring.

What helped you answer? ______________________________________________________________

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# Make an inference about the narrator of this baseball story?

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$ Summarize the events in this story, focusing on the conflict and its possible resolution.

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Literary Passages: Close Reading (Grade 5)
33 © Scholastic Inc.