FAIRY FOLLOWERS

Drawing is my passion. I draw the land around me, and lands I make up
in my head. I draw people I see, and fictional creatures. I draw
anything and everything that gives me inspiration. Lately, though,
something strange is happening with my drawings.
I have a desk set up in my bedroom, with my art supplies and other
decorations that my parents helped me buy for motivation. Whenever I
leave a drawing there overnight, it disappears! I search everywhere for
my drawings, but I can never find them!
Something has to be done, I don’t want to keep losing my favorite
pieces of artwork! I decide to enlist my brother’s help. He loves to read
spy novels, and he might have some good ideas to help me discover
where my missing drawings are.
“Tony, I need your help! My drawings keep disappearing, and I really
don’t want to keep losing them. Can you help me spy on my desk
overnight?” I ask.
“Sure, sis. I think I might be able to set up my tablet to record video all
night so we can see what’s happening,” he answers.
“Awesome!”
Tony gets to work setting up his spy station. I have a hard time falling
asleep because I can’t wait to see what we’ll find out in the morning!
“Jamie, get up! It’s time to check the video!” Tony prods me awake.
We walk over to the tablet and Tony pulls up the video from the night
before. It’s a long time before anything happens, but when we see how
my drawing disappear, we stare in disbelief.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

“Did you see what I just saw? Are you sure you set up the tablet
correctly? That can’t be real!”
Tony replies, “I can’t believe it either, but I’m sure I set it up correctly!
What do we do now?”
We had seen fairies take my drawing! Four of them, one for each corner
of the paper. Fairies! They picked up my paper, and a little door
appeared right next to the window by my desk! If I didn’t know that
Tony had set it up correctly, I would have thought it was some sort of
prank.
“I wonder if they can read, maybe we should leave them a note. I want
to find out more about them, and why they’re taking my drawings!” I
tell Tony. We sit down at my desk and draft a note to the fairies. I draw
a little picture on it for good luck. The note says, “Hi Fairies, We’re
Jamie and Tony. Why are you taking my drawings? I hope you like
them! We’d love to meet you, so please come visit again! From, Jamie
and Tony.”
Again, I have trouble sleeping because I’m so excited. The next
morning, I see a paper still on my desk. I hope it’s a note from the
fairies, and not our note from last night! I go get Tony before I look. We
look at the paper together, and it’s a note back from the fairies!
“Dear Jamie and Tony,
Hi! We’re sorry for taking your drawings, we thought they were for us.
They are beautiful and we hang them all over our fairyland. Would you
like to see them? Meet us here at midnight!
Love, The Fairies”
All day Tony and I can’t stop talking about what the fairyland will be
like. Will it be filled with magical creatures? Will the trees look like our
trees? What do fairies eat? We are filled with questions and
excitement.
We camp out in my bedroom, playing games to keep us awake until
midnight. As the clock turns from 11:59 to 12:00, we see a light by my
window. It’s the door opening! Out fly the same 4 fairies that we saw
on the
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com camera! They introduce

themselves to us, and ask us if we’re ready for an
adventure. Of course we are!
“But, I’m not sure how we’re going to fit through your little fairy door.
We’re bigger than you are,” I say.
“Don’t worry,” the smallest fairy replies, “Just imagine yourself getting
smaller with every step you take towards the door.” Tony and I look at
each other and nod. We walk towards the door, thinking small with
each step.
Suddenly, we’re through the little fairy door, in a world like nothing
we’ve ever seen. There are little houses and shops and trees like in our
world, but mixed in are unusual plants and animals. Some of the trees
have blue leaves and purple trunks. Some of the flowers are in the
shapes of stars and hearts and even animals! Somehow it all works
together, and the land is beautiful. We cannot wait to go explore and
find out more about the fairies.
Answer each question:
1. How would the story be different if Tony had not agreed to help
Jamie?
2. Retell the story in your own words.
3. What does “enlist” mean in this story? How do you know?
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com 4. How would a different point
of view have changed the story?
5. What do you think Jamie and Tony will learn about the fairies and
why they take Jamie’s pictures?

MYSTERY OF THE BROKEN PIE

The sun was shining on the sparkling grass. It was morning, and the
grass was still wet from the dew. We were excited to see the sunshine
after days of rain! Sydney and I were tired of being stuck inside.
“Mom, can we go out and play?” I shouted.
“You and Sydney need to clean your rooms first. I’m excited to get
some fresh air in the house, it’s time for a good spring cleaning!” Mom
answered.
Sydney and I looked at each other and groaned. We wanted to get
outside, not be stuck inside cleaning. But we knew we could go play as
soon as we finished cleaning. We decided to make it a race to see who
could clean their room the fastest. But we had to clean up the right
way, otherwise Mom would make us redo it.
“3... 2... 1... GO!” we shouted. I picked up all my clothes and put them
in my hamper. I tucked in my sheets and pulled the comforter over my
bed so it looked like a magazine picture. All of my books went back on
the bookshelf, and my toys and games went back in the closet.
“DONE!” I heard Sydney shout from her room down the hall.
“Aw, man, I was just about to shout it out. Good job, Sydney,” I said.
Sydney jumped up and down. “I never finish cleaning before you,
Aiden!” she exclaimed. She looked so excited I couldn’t even be mad at
my little sister.
“Let’s go outside,” I said. We walked into the kitchen, where my mom
had all the ingredients out to make her famous apple pie. “Can we go
play now?” I asked Mom. “Sure! I’m just going to get this pie in the
oven and
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com start cleaning. Make sure you

stay in the yard, and if you play nicely, you’ll
get some pie in a few hours!” she replied.
Sydney and I played in the yard. We rode bikes, played on the swing
set, and made up adventures to go on. A couple of hours later, we
could smell the pie in the air. “Mmmmm,” Sydney said. “I’m hungry.
Let’s go see if that pie is ready.”
When we got in the house, we could hear Mom vacuuming in the living
room. Sydney and I walked to the kitchen to see if the pie looked
ready. Mom had set the pie to cool by the kitchen window. We peered
up at the pie and gasped. It was a mess! The crust on top had holes in
it, and the filling was all over the place.
“What happened?” Sydney asked. “Mom’s pies never look like that!”
“I don’t know, but we’d better figure it out before Mom sees the pie and
thinks we did it!” I answered. We ran back outside and sat down under
the tree. “What do you think could have happened, Sydney?”
“Hmmm... maybe Mom dropped the pie when she took it out of the
oven.” Sydney replied.
“Is there evidence for that?” I asked.
“I don’t remember, we’d probably have to go back and check around
the oven to see if there’s a mess.”
“Let’s think of other possibilities first, then we can go back and search
the scene of the crime. I would say that maybe the cat got into the pie,
but we don’t have a cat, so that can’t be it...”
Sydney and I sat outside for a while, trying to think of ideas. Birds kept
flying in and out of the tree above us. They gave me an idea. I looked
toward the kitchen, with the wide-open window.
“Hey, I bet that some birds smelled the pie and wanted a piece! It’s
right by the open window! We should go check for little bird footprints,”
I said.
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com “You’re right!” Sydney

exclaimed. “And if there aren’t any footprints, we can
look for other clues while we’re in the kitchen.”
We walked back into the kitchen. Mom was still vacuuming. Sydney
and I tiptoed over to the pie to search for evidence. Next to the pie, we
saw the filling, and one small footprint.
“That looks like a bird footprint, right?” I asked Sydney. She agreed. We
heard the vacuum turn off, and Mom walked into the kitchen.
“What are you two doing by the pie?” she asked.
“We came back in from playing outside and wanted some pie, because
it smells delicious. But when we got in here, the pie was a mess!” I
said. Sydney added, “We had to solve the mystery of why it’s broken in
pieces, because your pies are always beautiful. Aiden had an idea that
some birds might have gotten into it! Look, there’s a little footprint!”
“Oh goodness,” Mom answered, “you guys are right. I guess I’ll have to
get a screen back on this kitchen window. Well, what do you guys think
about going out to get ice cream since the birds ate our pie?”
“Yay!!!” we shouted, and dashed off to the car. Solving mysteries sure
makes you hungry!
Answer each question:
1. How did Sydney and Aiden feel when they saw the messed-up pie?
Highlight evidence from the text that supports your answer.
2. Retell the story from the mom’s point of view.
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

3. Why did Sydney and Aiden run back outside after they saw the
messed- up pie? How would the story have changed if they’d gotten
their mom instead?
4. Do you think Aiden is a good big brother? How can you tell?
5. Create another piece of evidence that could have helped the
characters figure out how the pie got messed up.

The Best Vacation Ever

Winter break was fast approaching, and all Scott wanted to do was go
snowboarding. Unfortunately, Scott’s parents had different plans. They
had booked a weeklong tropical cruise. Scott hated warm weather and
asked if he could just stay at his best friend’s house so he could
snowboard every day with his buddies at the local mountain. His
parents didn’t want to hear anything of it. He kept debating them about
the topic, but they would not change their minds. Family time was
important to them, and it was tradition that they spend winter break
together.
The week of the cruise arrived, and Scott continued to mumble his
complaints as he and his family left their house to head south. Scott’s
dad told him that he would only make the vacation worse for himself if
he didn’t change his attitude and open his mind to a new experience.
Scott still couldn’t stop thinking about all of the snow he was leaving
behind.
When they arrived at the port to board the ship, Scott had a hard time
admitting that he was actually impressed with the size of the ship. He
had seen the brochures but seeing the ship in person was a whole
different animal. Then he remembered that the brochure said
something about a surfing pool. Maybe surfing would be somewhat like
snowboarding. After all, it involved riding a board.
Scott climbed aboard the ship with his parents, and then they walked
around to check everything out. He couldn’t believe how extravagant
the accommodations were. The dining room looked like a royal hall; the
game room had all of his favorite games and then some; the ship’s
deck had several different swimming pools for different purposes. Then
Scott saw the surfing pool. It was incredible. It wasn’t a big pool, but it
had big waves, and the girl who was demonstrating how to ride the
waves made it look like a ton of fun.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Scott asked his parents if he could go put his swim shorts on so that
he could try surfing. They said, “Of course.” They wanted to put their
swim suits on as well, and, much to Scott’s surprise, they wanted to try
surfing too.
When Scott and his parents had their swim suits on, they headed back
to the surfing pool. There was a line, but it wasn’t too long. Scott’s dad
went first and only lasted about five seconds before he wiped out. Then
it was his mom’s turn. She actually made it longer than his dad did.
When it was Scott’s turn, he was excited and nervous. He hopped on
the board and took a stance similar to his snowboarding stance. Then
the waves started. It felt similar to snowboarding but different at the
same time. On his first ride, Scott rode for almost 30 seconds before
wiping out. He was hooked though.
A lot of the passengers tried surfing the first day of the cruise, but only
eight people or so really took to it, so for the remainder of the cruise
the lines weren’t very long, and Scott got to know the regulars quite
well.
By the time the weeklong cruise was over, Scott had new friends he
planned to keep in touch with, a new hobby, and great memories. He
apologized to his parents for initial moaning and groaning, and told
them it was his best vacation ever.
Answer the Questions:
1. Basedonthecontext,whattypeofclimateisconsideredtropical?
2. What do you think the word tradition means?
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

3. The phrase A whole different animal is an informal way of saying

what?
4. Why do you think Scott was surprised that his parents wanted to try
surfing?
5. Based on the context, what do you think the word extravagant
means?
6. Why would Scott have wanted to apologize to his parents?
Finders Keepers
It was the middle of the day on a bright sunny Saturday, and Jay and
his friends Mike and Tony were riding their dirt bikes on one of their
favorite off-road trails. They usually didn’t ride early in the day or in the
evening because hikers and runners liked the trail too, but the hikers
and runners generally used the trail in the mornings and evenings.
The trail twisted and turned through some incredible foliage.
Occasionally Jay and his friends would stop to climb a tree and find a
comfortable branch to sit on so they could take a break from riding in
the heat. They also like to observe the newer bikers as they rode over
of the unpredictable bumps on the trail and wiped out. Jay, Mike and
Tony did have their mischievous sides.
On this particular day, Jay and the boys were perched in one of their
preferred trees when Jay spotted something shiny on the ground.
“What do you think that could be?” he asked Mike and Tony as he
pointed out the object reflecting the sun.
They all hopped down from their individual branches and went to take
a closer look. What they found was incomprehensible to them. It was a
gold money clip holding five hundred dollars.
Mike immediately exclaimed, “Awesome! We can split up the money,
and we will each be much closer to being able to buy the new bikes we
want.
“Not so fast,” said Tony. “Jay was the one who spotted the cash. To be
fair, he should get more than us. He should get three hundred dollars,
and we should each get one hundred dollars.
“What are you guys, crazy?” asked Jay. “We can’t keep the money. It
isn’t ours. Aren’t we more mature than to play finders keepers like we
did when we were kids?”
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

“Stop being such an advocate for honesty,” groaned Mike and Tony.
“Whoever lost the money wasn’t very responsible and should learn a
lesson about walking around with that much cash on them anyhow,”
added Mike.
“Let’s all go home and think about this,” said Jay, knowing that he
could have made the call because he was the one who spotted the
money clip in the first place.
Mike and Tony agreed to Jay’s suggestion. Jay kept the money, and
they all rode their bikes home. They decided to meet up after dinner at
the head of the off-road trail.
Mike and Tony lived on the same street so they rode home most of the
way together. They were able to talk a bit more without Jay’s input.
The more they talked, they came to see Jay’s point. They also thought
about how upset they would be if they accidentally dropped and lost
something that was important to them.
When Jay, Mike and Tony met back up after dinner, Mike and Tony
conceded that Jay was right. They all rode their bikes to the police
station together to turn in the money clip and its holdings. The police
officer who took the report about the found money clip told them that
he was impressed with their honesty. He also said that if no one
claimed the lost item, it would rightfully be theirs. He took Jay’s phone
number just in case.
Jay left knowing he did the right thing. Mike and Tony even felt better
about the situation.
The next morning, a man called the police station to report his lost
money clip. When he found out it had been turned in, he was thrilled.
He asked who turned it in and learned about Jay and his friends.
Shortly thereafter, Jay received a phone call asking him to go to the
police station. He was a bit nervous, but when he got there, he learned
that the money clip had been claimed, and the owner wanted to reward
the individuals who turned it in.
When Jay got to the station, the police officer handed him a gift
certificate from the local bicycle shop for one hundred dollars.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Jay met up with Mike and Tony later that day and told them what
happened. Mike and Tony thought about their initial reactions to the
find and realized that it is far better to not be a keeper. Neither of them
had even thought that there would be a reward, so it was it was a
happy ending for all involved.
Answer the Questions:
1. How do you think sitting in a tree would provide a break from the
heat for Jay and
his friends?
2. Why would watching newer bikers wipe out indicate that the boys
have mischievous sides?
3. What do you think a synonym for the word “incomprehensible” might
be?
4. If the boys had split the money up evenly, approximately how much
would each boy receive?
5. When a person is an advocate for something, do they support or
oppose it?
6. Why was the ending happy for all involved?
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com
Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Read the passage. Then answer each question.
What Police and Detectives Do
Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal
investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents,
gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
Uniformed police officers typically do the following:
• Enforce laws
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls
• Patrol assigned areas
• Conduct traffic stops and issue citations
• Obtain warrants and arrest suspects
• Write detailed reports and fill out forms
• Prepare cases and testify in court
Detectives and criminal investigators typically do the following:
• Investigate crimes
• Collect and secure evidence from crime scenes
• Conduct interviews with suspects and witnesses
• Observe the activities of suspects
• Obtain warrants and arrest suspects
Online reading & math for K-5
www.k5learning.com

• Write detailed reports and fill out forms

• Prepare cases and testify in court
Police officers pursue and apprehend people who break the law. They
then warn, cite, or arrest them. Most police officers patrol their
jurisdictions and investigate suspicious activity. They also respond to
calls, issue traffic tickets, and give first aid to accident victims.
Detectives perform investigative duties, such as gathering facts and
collecting evidence.
The daily activities of police and detectives vary with their
occupational specialty, such as canine units and special weapons and
tactics (SWAT). Whether they work at a local, state, or federal agency
also determines job duties; and duties differ among federal agencies,
because they enforce different aspects of the law. Regardless of job
duties or location, police officers and detectives at all levels must
write reports and keep detailed records that will be needed if they
testify in court. Most carry law enforcement tools, such as radios,
handcuffs, and guns.
The following are examples of types of police and detectives who work
in state and local law enforcement:
State and Local Law Enforcement
Uniformed police officers have general law enforcement duties. They
wear uniforms that allow the public to easily recognize them as police
officers. They have regular patrols and also respond to emergency and
non-emergency calls.
Police agencies are usually organized into geographic districts, with
uniformed officers assigned to patrol a specific area. Officers in large
agencies often patrol with a partner. During patrols, officers look for
any signs of criminal activity and may conduct searches and arrest
suspected criminals. They may also respond to emergency calls,
investigate complaints, and enforce traffic laws.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Some police officers work only on a specific type of crime, such as

narcotics. Officers, especially those working in large departments, may
work in special units, such as horseback, motorcycle, canine corps,
and special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams. Typically, officers
must work as patrol officers for a certain number of years before they
may be appointed to one of these units.
Some city police agencies are involved in community policing, a
philosophy of bringing police and members of the community together
to prevent crime. A neighborhood watch program is one type of
community policing.
Some agencies have special geographic and enforcement
responsibilities. Examples include public college and university police
forces, public school police, and transit police. Most law enforcement
workers in special agencies are uniformed officers.
State police officers, sometimes called state troopers or highway
patrol officers, have many of the same duties as other police officers,
but they may spend more time enforcing traffic laws and issuing traffic
citations. State police officers have authority to work anywhere in the
state and are frequently called on to help other law enforcement
agencies, especially those in rural areas or small towns.
Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs enforce the law on the county level.
Sheriffs’ departments tend to be relatively small. Sheriffs usually are
elected by the public and do the same work as a local or county police
chief. Some sheriffs’ departments do the same work as officers in
urban police departments. Others mainly operate the county jails and
provide services in local courts. Police and sheriffs’ deputies who
provide security in city and county courts are sometimes called
bailiffs.
Detectives and criminal investigators are uniformed or plainclothes
investigators who gather facts and collect evidence for criminal cases.
They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of
suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives usually
specialize in investigating one type of crime, such as homicide or
fraud. Detectives are typically assigned cases on a rotating basis and
work on them until an arrest and trial are completed or until the case is
dropped.
[Via United States Department of Labor]
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Answer the Questions:

1. Why do you think it is important for police officers and detectives to
write detailed
reports?
2. What types of evidence might a detective need to collect from a
crime scene?
3. What is an example of community policing?
4. What advantages would a motorcycle have over a traditional police
car during the pursuit of a criminal?
5. Why do you think local police in a small town or rural area would
need the assistance of state police?
6. Who has a larger jurisdiction, highway patrol officers or deputy
sheriffs?

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
Alex and Amanda’s First Concert
The most popular teen band was coming to town, and both Alex and his
twin sister Amanda really wanted to go to the concert. They had never
been to a concert because their parents’ rule was that you must be in
sixth grade to go to a concert. Alex and Amanda were only in fifth
grade.
“Please, Mom and Dad. We will do anything if you let us go,” they
begged their parents.
Their two older sisters had both been to concerts before, and always
talked about how great it is to experience live music.
“Is there any possibility we can go? The production is supposed to be
amazing with lots of special effects. It is going to be the band’s best
show yet, and they aren’t going to tour again for three years,”
explained Alex with excitement.
“All of our friends are going,” added Amanda.
Their mom and dad said they would think about it, and asked Alex and
Amanda not to bring it up again until they had time to consider it. Alex
and Amanda agreed, and said they would not pester their parents. It
was very difficult for them though.
After about a week’s time, their parents brought the subject of the
concert up at dinner. They said they would reconsider their rule about
having to be in the sixth grade with a couple of conditions.
Alex and Amanda were thrilled. They both jumped up from the table to
hug their mom and dad. “You are the best!” they screamed as they
hugged their parents.
“Slow down,” said their dad. “You haven’t even heard the conditions
yet.” Alex and Amanda listened patiently as their dad went over the
conditions.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

“First, work very hard and get an A on your next book report. Second,
pay for the concert ticket yourself. Third, find a responsible adult to
drive and go to the concert with you because Mom and I have a charity
dinner that night.”
Alex and Amanda smiled at each other because they knew they could
easily cover the first two conditions. The only problem was finding an
adult to go to the concert with them. Then a thought occurred to
Amanda, and she looked across the table at her oldest sister.
“Andrea, you could go with us. You are 18 years old which makes you
an adult, and you are responsible,” Amanda said with a pleading look in
her eyes.
Andrea thought about it for a couple of minutes. Then she said, “I
guess I could help my youngest siblings out, but I also have a
condition. I want you two to pay for my ticket and a ticket for a friend
of mine to go with us too.”
Alex and Amanda thought that sounded reasonable. They figured they
Alex would mow a couple extra lawns to make money, and Amanda
would take on a couple more babysitting jobs. They immediately
agreed to Andrea’s stipulation.
The day of the concert had arrived. Andrea, Alex and Amanda got into
the car and went to pick up Andrea’s friend Renee. Alex and Amanda
weren’t the only ones in the car who were excited. As they rode to the
concert, they listened to the band’s most recent release. Everyone was
singing and having fun.
When they got to the arena, they all went immediately to the
concession stand to get some goodies so they wouldn’t have to leave
their seats during the show if their stomachs growled. They also
stopped at another stand to buy t-shirts. They were more than ready for
the show.
Andrea and Renee let Alex and Amanda have the seats with the best
view. They all settled in and waited for the band to start. Alex and
Amanda could hardly contain themselves as the band took the stage.
Then the music began. It was so loud that they couldn’t hear each
other talk, but they didn’t mind. Now they knew what their older sisters
meant by experiencing live music. It was amazing watching the band
members
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

play the piano, guitar and drums, and hearing the elements of the
music coming together with the band’s voices.
The band played all of Alex and Amanda’s favorite songs. The show
lasted for almost two hours, and there were incredible special effects
like they had never seen. It was the most amazing experience Alex and
Amanda had ever had. Andrea and Renee agreed that it was a
spectacular show too.
On the drive home, Alex and Amanda thanked Andrea and Renee over
and over again for taking them.
“You owe me,” said Andrea with a laugh and a wink of her eye. “Me
too,” chimed in Renee.
The only bad part of the evening for all of them was that they would
have to wait another three years to hear the band live again.
Answer the Questions:
1. Based on context, what might a production involve other than
music?
2. Why would it be difficult for Alex and Amanda not to pester their
parents?
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

3. Why would Andrea want a friend of hers to go with them?

4. Basedoncontext,whatdoyouthinkastipulationis?
5. What types of goodies do you think concession stands sell?
6.
WhywouldAndreahavewinkedhereyewhenshesaidthatAlexandAmanda
owed her?

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
The Astronomy Project
Mrs. Lindsey was everyone’s favorite teacher at Lincoln Elementary
School. She was known for her entertaining teaching techniques. One
day she walked into the classroom and announced to the class that
they would all be seeing stars in their futures. She then asked, “Does
anyone know what astronomy is?”
Olivia raised her hand and said, “I’m a Libra.”
Mrs. Lindsey responded, “I can understand why you would think that
astrological signs are part of astronomy because astrology and
astronomy both deal with celestial beings. In fact, many of the
constellations in the sky have given their names to astrological signs”
Mrs. Lindsey then went on to explain that astrology is the belief that
the location and movement of stars and planets affect the way events
transpire on earth, which is why horoscopes are based on astrological
signs. Astronomy, however, is a branch of science that deals with
celestial bodies, the universe as a whole and space. “We are going to
be learning about astronomy in this unit, and that is why you will be
seeing stars in your future.”
“I love looking at the stars at night,” said Olivia.
When Mrs. Lindsey asked who else liked looking at stars, everyone in
the class raised their hands. She then passed out star charts and
asked the class to look at the sky that night and record the visible
constellations.
The next day in class, everyone was super excited to share their
observations. “I saw Ursa Minor,” announced Andrew enthusiastically.
“So did I.” said Olivia, “It looks like a dot-to-dot ladle.”
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

“That’s great,” responded Mrs. Lindsey, “and did you know that Ursa
Minor is also called the Little Dipper because it looks like a ladle?”
“Isn’t there a Big Dipper too?” asked Tim.
“Yes, there is, and it is called Ursa Major,” said Mrs. Lindsey.
Mrs. Lindsey then asked the class if they would like to become part of
the galaxy. They all agreed that that sounded like a fun idea, but they
wondered how it would work. Mrs. Lindsey explained that she would
assign each student a constellation, and that they would each make a
poster board illustration of their constellation over the weekend. “From
there on,” she said, “it will be a surprise.” She passed out one poster
board and one glow-in-the-dark marker to each student and wished
them all a good weekend.
When the students got to class Monday morning, they were brimming
with enthusiasm. Mrs. Lindsey used a poster board to demonstrate to
the students how she wanted them to punch two holes at the top of
their poster boards and then weave a piece of string through the holes
to form a necklace so that they could hang their constellations around
their necks and wear them.
After the students had completed constructing their wearable
constellations, they donned them and waited to see what would
happen next.
Mrs. Lindsey arranged the students around each other in a similar
fashion to the way the constellations appeared on the constellation
chart. Next she closed the blinds and turned off the lights. She asked
them to circle around the class room while making individual motions
as they went. They had now become the constellations dancing in the
nighttime sky.
“Awesome! We can all see each other glowing and moving around just
like the stars do,” the students said in unison.
All of the students agreed that it was their favorite lesson so far that
year. They especially liked the fact that Mrs. Lindsey had recorded
their version of the constellations so they could watch it over again
and show it to their parents.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Answer the Questions:

1. Select the best synonym for the word technique? a. talent
b. problem c. method d. delivery
2. What are celestial bodies?
3. Basedoncontext,whatdoyouthinkaconstellationis?
4. Why would Mrs. Lindsey want to keep the rest of the galaxy project a
surprise?
5. What do you think the word donned means?
6. Why would Mrs. Lindsey have had the students circle the room?
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
BEST FRIEND BLUES
Alexa and Brittany were best friends. They’d known each other since
Brittany moved next door in 2nd grade. They hung out almost every day
after school... when they were getting along, that is.
They were very different people. Alexa did great with her school work,
read a lot of books, and took ballet classes. Brittany, on the other
hand, would rather play soccer, chat with other kids at school, and
rarely sat still enough to finish reading a chapter of a book.
Often, Alexa and Brittany would play together at the park across the
street. They’d play on the equipment, play tag with a group of
neighborhood kids, or play soccer. If it was raining outside, they’d go in
one of their houses to make crafts, play video games, or do their nails.
Some days they could spend hours together without a single problem,
but other days they just could not agree on what to do.
“Come on, let’s play on the equipment. We’ve played soccer for the last
three days!” Alexa said.
“They just cut the grass, I love playing soccer when the grass is nice
and short. I don’t want to play on the equipment,” Brittany replied.
“We always do what you want to do Brittany, it’s my turn to choose.”
Alexa was getting frustrated.
“Fine, go play on the equipment by yourself, I’m playing soccer,”
Brittany shouted.
Alexa left. She was fuming. When she got home, she realized she still
had Brittany’s notebook. Well, I’m not giving it back today. I’m too mad
at her. Alexa thought.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

The next day at school, their teacher asked for their notebooks.
Brittany didn’t have hers, and asked Mrs. Stone if she could bring it in
tomorrow instead. Mrs. Stone let us have one late assignment a month,
but Brittany had already used hers. Brittany looked upset, and walked
quietly back to her desk. Alexa was having an internal conflict. She
knew she should tell Mrs. Stone that she had the notebook, but she
was still mad at Brittany for not compromising with her at the park
yesterday.
When it was time for lunch, Alexa hung back to talk with Mrs. Stone.
“Mrs. Stone, I have Brittany’s notebook. I should have said something
earlier, but Alexa and I had a problem yesterday, and I’m still mad at
her. Would you be able to help us solve our problem?” Alexa asked.
“Thank you for being honest, Alexa. I’m sure Brittany will appreciate
that you gave me her notebook when you could have made her get
another late mark instead. I’m glad you asked for help solving the
problem. It’s really hard to solve a problem by yourself when you’re still
feeling upset, so this is a good solution.”
At recess, Mrs. Stone sat and talked with the girls. They each revealed
that they get frustrated with the other person a lot because they don’t
always want to do the same things, but they realized that they never
really solved their problem. One of them just always went home. Mrs.
Stone helped them realize that maybe they didn’t have to play together
every day to be best friends. They decided to just play together a
couple times a week, and take turns picking the activity. Alexa and
Brittany were hopeful that this would solve a lot of the arguments
they’d been having lately!
Answer each question:
1. How were Alexa’s and Brittany’s experiences different?
2. Retell the story in your own words.
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com 3. What does “fuming” mean in

this story? How do you know?
4. How would a different point of view have changed the story?
5. What other solutions could Alexa and Brittany have decided on?
6. Which solution would you choose if you were in their position?
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
CURIOUS ABOUT CAREERS: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Do you like to build with blocks? Are you curious about how solar
panels turn sun rays into electricity? Have you wondered how planes
stay in the air? Do you wonder why putting gas into cars causes the
wheels to turn? Do you like to design and create new things? If you do,
a career in mechanical engineering might be right for you!
A mechanical engineer is responsible for coming up with and designing
mechanical systems. Mechanical systems can include machine design,
heating and cooling equipment, power generation, and product design.
Products like the latest cellphone begin with an engineer coming up
with the idea.
Mechanical engineers are in high demand right now. That means that
there are a lot of job openings for mechanical engineers, but there
aren’t enough people to fill those jobs. Because there is a high need for
engineers, and the work requires specialized knowledge, engineers get
paid more than some other careers.
To be a mechanical engineer, you need to graduate from college with a
bachelor’s degree. During your years in college, you will learn problem-
solving and critical thinking skills that will help you to succeed as an
engineer.
Problem solving is very important in the field of mechanical
engineering. People in this career need to be able to think about
problems in different ways to figure out the best solution. You also
need to be creative, because you may need to make something that’s
never been made before. Attention to detail is important, as well. Many
designs rely on a lot of little details that need to work together.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Mechanical engineers should also be very comfortable using a variety

of tools, such as calculators, high-speed cameras, measurement tools,
and computers to assist them in completing their job. There are many
computer programs mechanical engineers use to create designs in 3D,
run scenarios, and analyze calculations. Engineers also use computers
for research.
As with many other jobs, mechanical engineers need to be able to
meet deadlines and work well with other people. Some jobs can be
done with just one person, but more often mechanical engineers are
working on a team to complete a project. If an engineer cannot
manage his or her time well and misses a deadline, the entire team
gets delayed, which is not good for the company.
Some engineers work in an office, and some travel to different
worksites while a machine or product is being built, so they can help
solve any problems.
Mechanical engineering takes a lot of thought. It is a great career for
people who like to make objects and machines work, solve problems,
and be creative!
Answer each question:
1. What are two skills engineers should have to be successful?
2. Why is it important for engineers to be creative?
3. What does “high demand” mean in the 3rd paragraph? How do you
know?
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

4. A printing company may need engineers to design a machine to

make magazines. What other type of company might need mechanical
engineers?
5. Would mechanical engineering be a good fit for you when you grow
up? Why or why not?
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com
Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Read the passage. Then answer each question.
CURIOUS ABOUT CAREERS: TEACHER
Do you enjoy working with kids? Do you like helping people? Is learning
fun for you? Teaching could be the career for you!
Teachers need to graduate from college and get their teaching license
in whichever state they would like to teach in. This requires taking
some tests and working with another teacher for a few months to
make sure they understand the best ways to work with students.
Teachers need to be able to work well with other people. They need to
work with students, parents, other teachers, and other staff members
at the school. Sometimes the students may get frustrated if they don’t
understand the work, so teachers need to know how to help them calm
down and work through it. Other times the students might have
something unpleasant going on at home, so teachers need to be able to
listen and provide a safe place for those students. Teachers may plan
lessons with other teachers in the same subject area or grade level, so
they have to be able to work well with their colleagues. There are
many other staff members in schools who teachers also need to work
with, including principals, coaches, secretaries, and custodians.
As most kids know, teachers also have to do a lot of grading. They
grade math tests, spelling tests, and many other papers. But did you
know that a lot of teachers also have to create their own lessons,
worksheets, projects, and tests? Most teachers are told what
information they have to teach, but they may get to choose how to
teach it. Teachers may use technology, art, books, and experiments to
teach their topics, among other ways! They take a lot of time to create
lessons that will help their students learn.
Online reading & math for K-5
www.k5learning.com

Teachers have to continue to learn throughout their careers. They

attend workshops, take classes, read books, and research teaching
topics online. All kids learn a little differently, so there is always new
information to learn about the best ways to teach students!
Not only do teachers have to get along with many different types of
people, plan lessons, and keep learning, but they also have to keep
track of how students are doing so that they can offer extra help to any
students who are having a hard time learning. They look at test scores
and other data constantly to make sure their class is keeping up with
how students across the country are performing. They want to make
sure that students in all of the schools are learning as much as they
can, no matter where they live or which school they attend.
There is a lot of work to do as a teacher, both during school and after
school, but working with students is a lot of fun, too! Luckily teachers
get some time to catch up on all of their work over breaks. Many
teachers use their breaks to learn more about teaching, or create fun
activities for upcoming units. They also take some time to relax, too,
so they have more energy to share with their classes when school
begins again! Teaching is a great career for people who love to help
others, who love to keep learning, and who want to make the world a
better place.
Answer each question:
1. What do people need to do if they want to become teachers?
2. Why is it important for teachers to work well with others?
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com

3. What does “unpleasant” mean in the 3rd paragraph? How do you
know?
4. What are tasks that might be different for an elementary school
teacher versus a high school teacher?
5. Would teaching be a good fit for you when you grow up? Why or why
not?
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
DINNER DISASTER
“Ugh, meatloaf again? I hate meatloaf!” Matt yelled. “I’m not eating
this.”
Matt’s mom and dad looked at each other. Matt’s outbursts had been
happening at least once a week all summer long.
“You know what, Matt? We’re going to let you take over dinnertime
from now on. You can pick the meals and cook them, as long as they’re
healthy,” Mom said.
“Good, we’re going to eat good food every night!” Matt answered.
The next day, Dad sat down with Matt to make the
meal plan so he could go grocery shopping. Matt
had already been thinking about his favorite dinners. “We’re going to
have chicken tonight, and spaghetti tomorrow, and macaroni and
cheese the next day,” Matt started.
“Woah, hold on now,” Dad said. “What else are we going to have with
the chicken? We need to have at least one vegetable with each meal,
and usually we have another side to go with it.”
“Oh, yeah. Um, we can have corn with the chicken,” Matt said.
“Sophia does not like corn,” said Dad.
“Well, it’s my choice, so I’m going to make corn,” Matt replied.
“OK, but she might complain at dinner tonight. Are you ready for that?”
Dad asked.
“Yeah, whatever,” Matt answered.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Matt and his dad spent the next hour figuring out the whole week’s
meals and side dishes. It was a lot more work than Matt expected, and
almost every time he picked something out, his dad would tell him that
someone in the family wouldn’t like it. It was very frustrating.
“This is impossible!” Matt said, exasperated.
“Yes, it is hard. Your mother and I try very hard to make everyone
happy, but everyone has different tastes, and sometimes, we just can’t
please everyone.”
“Fine, we’ll have to just go with this plan this week. Next week I’ll try
to make everyone happy,” replied Matt.
When his Dad was finished grocery shopping, it was time for Matt to
make his first meal. His parents were both in the kitchen to help him,
since he didn’t know how to cook yet. They looked up the recipes
for chicken, rice, and broccoli with cheese. Wow, that’s a lot to do,
Matt thought, as he looked at the directions for everything. He was
usually playing video games or outside while his parents made dinner.
It took almost an hour to make dinner. There were so many steps! Matt
was tired and extra hungry when dinner was finished. He was also
proud of himself - he made dinner! And he knew he would like it
tonight!
“Ew, this rice tastes funny,” Sophia said. Matt took a bite. It did taste a
little funny. But he’d worked so hard! He felt like he might cry.
“It’s OK, Matt, cooking is hard. It takes a long time to figure it out.
Sophia, be nice and please take three ‘no-thank-you’ bites. Matt worked
really hard on this dinner,” Mom said.
The next day, Matt didn’t want to cook dinner. “It’s hard,” he explained
to Mom.
“It is hard, but your father and I do it anyway. How are we going to eat,
otherwise?” said Mom.
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com “We should just go out to eat

every night, then everyone can get what they
want and no one has to cook or clean,” Matt answered.
“I guess we need to work budgeting into this, too,” Mom quietly sighed.
“We spent about $190 on groceries this week. That was for 7 nights of
dinner, so if we divide that, it comes out to about $27 each night. Does
that make sense so far?”
“Yes,” replied Matt.
“Last time we went out to dinner,” began Mom, “we spent about $75.
How does that compare to the groceries?”
“That’s a lot more than $27.”
“It is, and that adds up. It would be really nice to go out every night,
but that would mean you couldn’t play soccer, and Sophia couldn’t do
gymnastics. We’d probably have to move to a smaller house and Dad
and I would have to share a car. Do you think that’s worth it?” Mom
asked.
“Oh, wow, I guess not. I’ll get started with dinner,” said Matt. Again, he
was tired and hungry when dinner was finally ready.
“I don’t like corn,” cried Sophia. Matt realized
then how his parents must feel every time he
complained about dinner. It took all of Matt’s
willpower not to yell at his little sister. He had worked so hard on
dinner, and it was impossible to make sure everyone liked every part of
every meal!
“I’m sorry, Sophia. I’m sorry, Mom and Dad. I shouldn’t have yelled at
you guys about dinner all the time. I didn’t know how hard it was to
pick out food everyone likes, and how hard it was to cook all of the
food. I don’t want to take over dinner anymore, I won’t complain,” Matt
remarked.
“Thank you, Matt,” Mom and Dad said. Dad continued, “We’ll take back
dinner responsibilities. You’ll have to do it enough when you’re grown
up!” Matt felt a lot better. He happily finished his dinner and never
complained about a meal his parents made again.
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com

Answer each question:
1. How would you describe Matt? Would you describe him the same
way at the beginning of the passage and at the end of it?
2. Retell the story in your own words.
3. What does “exasperated” mean in this story? How do you know?
4. Why do you think Matt’s parents decided to let Matt be in charge of
dinner for a little while? Did they expect this reaction from him?
5. Create a week’s worth of healthy meals for your family. Ask your
family if you can help prepare the meals!
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
FAIRY FOLLOWERS
Drawing is my passion. I draw the land around me, and lands I make up
in my head. I draw people I see, and fictional creatures. I draw
anything and everything that gives me inspiration. Lately, though,
something strange is happening with my drawings.
I have a desk set up in my bedroom, with my art supplies and other
decorations that my parents helped me buy for motivation. Whenever I
leave a drawing there overnight, it disappears! I search everywhere for
my drawings, but I can never find them!
Something has to be done, I don’t want to keep losing my favorite
pieces of artwork! I decide to enlist my brother’s help. He loves to read
spy novels, and he might have some good ideas to help me discover
where my missing drawings are.
“Tony, I need your help! My drawings keep disappearing, and I really
don’t want to keep losing them. Can you help me spy on my desk
overnight?” I ask.
“Sure, sis. I think I might be able to set up my tablet to record video all
night so we can see what’s happening,” he answers.
“Awesome!”
Tony gets to work setting up his spy station. I have a hard time falling
asleep because I can’t wait to see what we’ll find out in the morning!
“Jamie, get up! It’s time to check the video!” Tony prods me awake.
We walk over to the tablet and Tony pulls up the video from the night
before. It’s a long time before anything happens, but when we see how
my drawing disappear, we stare in disbelief.
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

“Did you see what I just saw? Are you sure you set up the tablet
correctly? That can’t be real!”
Tony replies, “I can’t believe it either, but I’m sure I set it up correctly!
What do we do now?”
We had seen fairies take my drawing! Four of them, one for each corner
of the paper. Fairies! They picked up my paper, and a little door
appeared right next to the window by my desk! If I didn’t know that
Tony had set it up correctly, I would have thought it was some sort of
prank.
“I wonder if they can read, maybe we should leave them a note. I want
to find out more about them, and why they’re taking my drawings!” I
tell Tony. We sit down at my desk and draft a note to the fairies. I draw
a little picture on it for good luck. The note says, “Hi Fairies, We’re
Jamie and Tony. Why are you taking my drawings? I hope you like
them! We’d love to meet you, so please come visit again! From, Jamie
and Tony.”
Again, I have trouble sleeping because I’m so excited. The next
morning, I see a paper still on my desk. I hope it’s a note from the
fairies, and not our note from last night! I go get Tony before I look. We
look at the paper together, and it’s a note back from the fairies!
“Dear Jamie and Tony,
Hi! We’re sorry for taking your drawings, we thought they were for us.
They are beautiful and we hang them all over our fairyland. Would you
like to see them? Meet us here at midnight!
Love, The Fairies”
All day Tony and I can’t stop talking about what the fairyland will be
like. Will it be filled with magical creatures? Will the trees look like our
trees? What do fairies eat? We are filled with questions and
excitement.
We camp out in my bedroom, playing games to keep us awake until
midnight. As the clock turns from 11:59 to 12:00, we see a light by my
window. It’s the door opening! Out fly the same 4 fairies that we saw
on the
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com camera! They introduce

themselves to us, and ask us if we’re ready for an
adventure. Of course we are!
“But, I’m not sure how we’re going to fit through your little fairy door.
We’re bigger than you are,” I say.
“Don’t worry,” the smallest fairy replies, “Just imagine yourself getting
smaller with every step you take towards the door.” Tony and I look at
each other and nod. We walk towards the door, thinking small with
each step.
Suddenly, we’re through the little fairy door, in a world like nothing
we’ve ever seen. There are little houses and shops and trees like in our
world, but mixed in are unusual plants and animals. Some of the trees
have blue leaves and purple trunks. Some of the flowers are in the
shapes of stars and hearts and even animals! Somehow it all works
together, and the land is beautiful. We cannot wait to go explore and
find out more about the fairies.
Answer each question:
1. How would the story be different if Tony had not agreed to help
Jamie?
2. Retell the story in your own words.
3. What does “enlist” mean in this story? How do you know?
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com 4. How would a different point

of view have changed the story?
5. What do you think Jamie and Tony will learn about the fairies and
why they take Jamie’s pictures?
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
THE GOOSE VOYAGE
“Are you ready Greg?” Shane asked. “It’s going to be one long
adventure!”
“I was born ready!” I answered. We were all getting ready for our yearly
migration south. The days were growing shorter, the weather was
getting colder, and we all just felt like it was time to move. Somehow,
we all knew there’d be more food and we’d be more comfortable if we
flew south for the winter.
This was mine and Shane’s first time migrating. We
were a little nervous about going, but everyone in the
flock reassured us that we’d know exactly what to do
when the time came. We had a lot of questions: why do
we go south every year; what happens on the way; and
how do we know when we’re there? We got a lot of
different answers, so we still weren’t exactly sure what to expect.
“Well, let’s go!” Shane said. We met up with the rest of the flock.
Shane’s mom was going to be the point of the flock first. We were all
going to fly in a “V” shape, because they all said it makes it easier on
everyone else to fly behind the point. Almost everyone would take a
turn being the point, so that no one goose would get too tired. Shane’s
mom took off, and we all followed.
Higher and higher we flew, then everyone started leveling off. We were
in our “V!” Flying always felt great, it was fun to look at everything far
below us, and it felt good to stretch out our wings. Soon enough, I
could see why we were flying in the “V.” Flying for this long was tiring,
but it was much easier to fly in the “V” than by myself! It was also
pretty cold up here, which wasn’t too bad, but wasn’t exactly fun
either.
On and on and on we went. Nothing exciting happened, we were just
flying along for miles. It was too hard to talk to each other, we just
followed the point. I was getting really hungry, and couldn’t wait for a
break. Finally, we
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com started heading down to land.

I knew somehow that this wasn’t our final
destination, but I was glad for the break.
I went to find Shane as soon as we landed, but my mom and dad
stopped me to ask how I was doing. “I’m fine,” I answered. “Migrating
isn’t as exciting as I thought it would be.”
“Be glad for that, Greg,” Mom answered. “If it’s exciting, that means
there are problems. Problems are great in stories you hear, but it’s
stressful to be in those situations. I’m happy with a boring migration!”
Dad agreed with mom. “OK,” I sighed, “I’m going to find Shane.” Shane
was by the water, eating some plants.
“How’s the migration going for you so far?” I asked him.
“I’m glad we have a break, we need it. I’m shaken up!” he answered.
“Shaken up? Why? It’s been pretty boring so far!” I said.
“Didn’t you see the eagle? It was coming after us! It almost got Lucy!”
Shane exclaimed.
“What? I didn’t see that! What happened?”
“Well, I must have been flying behind you if you didn’t see it. We were
just minding our own business, when my dad spotted the eagle. We
decided to move closer together, but Lucy didn’t notice. The eagle
started circling above her, then it dove! Luckily we all honked, and she
got out of the way, but it was a close call! I’m ready to be done
migrating,” said Shane. I thought about how terrified Lucy must have
been, and if I’d have seen it, I’d probably be just as shaken up as
Shane. I was glad I didn’t see it.
“Hopefully that will be the only crazy thing that happens during this
migration,” I said. “Let’s get some rest. We have another busy day of
flying tomorrow.”
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com

Answer each question:
1. How have Greg and Shane’s migration experiences been different
thus far?
2. Retell the story in your own words.
3. What does “final destination” mean in the 6th paragraph? How do
you know?
4. How would a different point of view have changed the story?
5. What problems could Greg and Shane encounter on day 2 of their
migration? Create your own ending, including the problems they
encounter and how they make it to their destination.
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
HENRY FORD
Henry Ford is famous for making cars easier for most people to buy. He
did this by producing the cars using an assembly line.
Henry Ford was born in 1863 in Michigan. He had 4 siblings, and his
family owned a farm. He worked on the farm when he was young, but
he soon discovered that he loved taking things apart to see how they
worked, then putting them back together again. He worked on watches
a lot, and ended up helping many people fix their watches. In 1879,
when he was 16 years old, he moved to Detroit to start working with
machines, though he did come home and work on the farm a little, too.
Ford got married to Clara Bryant in 1888, and worked on a sawmill. He
eventually became an engineer. Ford worked for the Edison
Illuminating Company and even got to meet Thomas Edison! Edison
encouraged him to keep working on his plans for his horseless
carriage, powered by a motor. Ford’s gasoline- powered horseless
carriage was called the Quadricycle.
He sold the Quadricycle and started his own company to continue his
work making vehicles. He did not stay with the first company for very
many years, but eventually started the Ford Motor Company. He spent
many years developing cars, which were made only a few at a time.
Ford was not the first person to create a car, but he was the one who
began to make them accessible to a lot of people in the United States.
His “Model T” car, released in 1908, was easy to drive and to repair,
which made many people want one. He needed to make a lot of cars
very quickly. His company, Ford Motor Company, hired skilled workers
to work on an assembly line. The car would move through the line, and
each worker had a job along the line. One worker might put on the
steering wheel, while at a different spot on the line, another worker put
on tires. Every Model T was
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com painted black. The company

could make many cars at a time this way,
which made them cheaper to produce.
In addition to using the assembly line to produce cars, Ford was also
known for paying his workers fair wages. Henry Ford died in 1947, but
his company is still around and making cars today.
Answer each question:
1. Create a timeline of events in Henry Ford’s life.
2. What adjective would you use to describe Henry Ford? Why?
3. What does “accessible” mean in the 5th paragraph? How do you
know?
4. Why do you think making cars on an assembly line is cheaper than
having groups of 3 or 4 people putting together one whole car at a
time?
5. If each paragraph had a heading, the heading for the 2nd paragraph
could be “Ford’s Early Life.” Create a heading for the 5th paragraph.
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
HORSES
Horses are beautiful creatures. They can be different colors, and can
run quickly. People like to watch horses because they are strong and
powerful.
Horses are mammals. Mammals are animals that have hair or fur, are
warm-blooded, and usually give birth to live young. The mother horse
generally has one baby in the spring, and feeds the baby milk. Horses
have long legs, and big eyes that can see almost all the way around
them. They can walk, trot, gallop and jump.
Young horses that are one year old or younger are called foals. A young
female horse is called a filly, and a young male horse is called a colt.
After 4 years, a horse is considered an adult. Many people think that a
pony is a young horse, but that is incorrect. A pony is a type of horse
that does not grow very large.
Horses can live up to 20 or 25 years. Sometimes people can tell how
old a horse is by looking at its teeth! They generally sleep standing up,
so that if a predator approaches, they can run away quickly. Horses
only need about three hours of sleep per day! Their hooves need to be
taken care of. Horse hooves are like our fingernails, which need to be
trimmed. If a horse is doing a lot of walking on hard ground, people put
horseshoes on them, then take off the horseshoes when the hooves
need trimming. New horseshoes are then put on.
For food, horses eat foods such as grass, hay, oats, corn, apples, and
carrots. They are herbivores, meaning they do not eat other animals.
Their stomachs are small, so they need small, frequent feedings.
There are wild horses, but many people have horses as pets, too. They
ride the horses and may teach the horses tricks. When people first
started to take horses as pets, they were just used for work. The
horses would pull carriages so people could ride places, or plows so
the farmers could more
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

easily tend their fields. Horses were also used to move goods from
place to place, by carrying objects on their backs. Some horses now
work as therapy horses. These horses help people with disabilities
become more calm and comfortable, or work muscles they might not
otherwise be able to work.
When these strong creatures are treated with care, they make
wonderful companions. What else do you know about horses?
Answer each question:
1. What is the difference between a horse’s diet and a human diet?
2. Why do horses sleep standing up in the wild?
3. What does “foal” mean in the 3rd paragraph? How do you know?
4. The first paragraph includes some opinions about horses. Highlight
the opinions. Replace them with facts that would still make sense in
that paragraph.
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

5. Did you have any misconceptions (something you thought you knew,
but found out to be incorrect after reading the passage) about horses?
What were they?
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Grade 5 Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
HOW TO MAKE ANIMATIONS
It’s Saturday morning. You wake up, grab a bowl of cereal, and relax in
front of the TV watching cartoons. Have you ever wondered how those
animated cartoons you enjoy are made?
The process begins with an idea. Artists make sketches and
put them up on a storyboard, to get an outline of the story.
Then writers create the script, and actors record the voices.
The sound needs to be recorded before the real animations, so
that the artists can draw the cartoons to match up with the
actors’ voices. A sound engineer or a computer program analyzes all
the sounds the voices make, what mouth positions match each sound,
and tells the artists how many different drawings to make. The artists
need to draw many pictures to show how the characters’ mouths move
while they’re talking, and how their bodies move.
There are usually about 12 to 24 drawings for every second of a
cartoon! That means, for a 20 minute cartoon, artists have to make
around 26,000 drawings - wow! When characters are moving or
speaking quickly, the artist will need more drawings. If the characters
are moving slowly, they won’t need as many drawings. Sometimes
artists draw the background just once, then use transparent sheets to
draw the characters. This saves the artists some time.
Once they have all of the drawings to match the sound, they use
computers to string all of the images together. When the computer
scrolls through all of the images quickly, it looks like the characters
are moving. The sound is recorded and played with the string of
images. The production team looks very carefully at the cartoon to
make sure all the sounds match up the right way, so the artists
sometimes may need to add extra pictures or change some pictures to
make sure it flows together smoothly.
Some animations are not drawn on paper, but are made using clay.
When artists want to use clay for animations, they use a technique
called stop
Online reading & math for K-5 www.k5learning.com

motion. These artists still make a storyboard and the soundtrack, but
instead of drawing all of the individual pictures, they make clay
characters. They place the clay characters in front of a camera, snap a
picture, and then move the character a little bit. They snap another
picture, maneuver the character again, and so on, and so forth. When
the pictures are uploaded onto a computer, the computer can string
them together and scroll through them quickly, which makes it look
like the clay characters are moving on their own. The artists move the
characters only a little bit, so when the pictures are played together
quickly, the movements look smooth. They might only move a
character’s arm a fraction of an inch in each picture, so that it takes
many pictures just for a character to raise its hand.
These are just two of the techniques used to create animated shows
and movies. They are extremely time consuming and take a lot of
dedication and inspiration. If you’d like, you can find apps that let you
make your own computer animations or stop motion animations!
Answer each question:
1. What are two of the ways to make animations? Which way sounds
more difficult to you? Why?
2. Name two similarities between cartoon animation and stop motion
animation.
3. What does “maneuver” mean in the 5th paragraph? How do you
know?
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

4. Look at the 3rd paragraph. Why would artists use transparent sheets
to draw the characters?
5. Do you know of another technique used to create animations? How
could you find out more information about animation?
Reading & Math at www.k5learning.com
Try our online reading & math program. 14 day free trial.
www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then choose the best answer for each question.
I WILL THINK OF IT.
"I will think of it." It is easy to say this, but do you know what great
things have come from thinking? We cannot see our thoughts, or hear,
or taste, or feel them, and yet what mighty power they have!
Sir Isaac Newton was seated in his garden on a summer's evening
when he saw an apple fall from a tree. He began to think, and, in trying
to find out why the apple fell, discovered how the earth, sun, moon, and
stars are kept in their places.
A boy named James Watt sat quietly by the fireside watching the lid of
the tea kettle as it moved up and down. He began to think; he wanted
to find out why the steam in the kettle moved the heavy lid. From that
time, he went on thinking and thinking, and when he became a man, he
improved the steam engine so much that it could do the work of many
horses with the greatest ease.
When you see a steamboat, a steam mill or a locomotive, remember
that it would never have been built if it had not been for the hard
thinking of someone.
A man named Galileo was once standing in the cathedral of Pisa when
he saw a chandelier swaying to and fro. This set him thinking, and it
led to the invention of the pendulum.
James Ferguson was a poor Scottish shepherd boy. Once, seeing the
inside of a watch, he was filled with wonder. "I should make a watch,"
he thought. But how was he to get the materials to make the wheels
and the mainspring? He soon found out how to get them. He made the
mainspring out of a piece of whalebone. He then made a wooden clock
which kept good time. He began, also, to copy pictures with a pen and
portraits with oil colors. In a few years, while still a small boy, he
earned enough money to support his father. When he became a man, he
went to London to live. Some of the wisest men in
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

England, and the king himself, used to attend his lectures. His motto
was, "I will think of it," and he made his thoughts useful to himself and
the world. When you have a difficult lesson to learn, don't feel
discouraged, and ask someone to help you before helping yourselves.
Think; and by thinking you will learn how to think to some purpose.
1. Which best describes James Ferguson? a. Rich
b. Gives up easily c. Clumsy
d. Curious
2. What is the passage trying to teach you?
a. Thoughts are not important since we can see or touch them. b. It is
important to try a challenge on your own.
c. Ask for help right away when things get hard.
d. Great people have great teachers.
3. Which idea from the passage is an opinion?
a. Isaac Newton discovered how the earth, sun, moon, and stars are
kept in their places.
b. It is easy to say, “I will think of this.”
c. The king attended the lectures of James Ferguson.
d. James Watt improved the steam engine.
4. How do you think the author feels about the people he describes? a.
Bored
b. Sad
c. Confused d. Impressed
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
BRUCE AND THE SPIDER
There was once a king of Scotland whose name was Robert Bruce. He
needed to be both brave and wise because the times in which he lived
were wild and rude. The King of England was at war with him and had
led a great army into Scotland to drive him out of the land.
Battle after battle had been fought. Six times Bruce had led his brave
little army against his foes and six times his men had been beaten and
driven into flight. At last his army was scattered, and he was forced to
hide himself in the woods and in lonely places among the mountains.
One rainy day, Bruce lay on the ground under a rude shed listening to
the patter of the drops on the roof above him. He was tired and sick at
heart and ready to give up all hope. It seemed to him that there was no
use for him to try to do anything more.
As he lay thinking, he saw a spider over his head making ready to
weave her web. He watched her as she toiled slowly and with great
care. Six times she tried to throw her frail thread from one beam to
another, and six times it fell short.
"Poor thing," said Bruce: "you, too, know what it is to fail."
But the spider did not lose hope with the sixth failure. With still more
care, she made ready to try for the seventh time. Bruce almost forgot
his own troubles as he watched her swing herself out upon the slender
line. Would she fail again? No! The thread was carried safely to the
beam and fastened there.
"I, too, will try a seventh time!" cried Bruce.
He arose and called his men together. He told them of his plans and
sent them out with messages of cheer to his disheartened people.
Soon there was an army of brave Scotchmen around him. Another
battle was fought, and the King of England was glad to go back into his
own country.
I have heard it said that, after that day, no one by the name of Bruce
would ever hurt a spider. The lesson which the little creature had
taught the king was never forgotten.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

1. What did the spider teach Robert Bruce?

2. How did Robert Bruce show he was both brave and wise?
3. What does the word rude mean in the sentence “Bruce lay on the
ground under a rude shed?”
4. How does the King of England show he is different from Robert
Bruce?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
A SHIP IN A STORM
Did you ever go far out into the great ocean? How beautiful it is to be
out at sea when the sea is smooth and still!
Let a storm approach, and the scene is changed. The heavy, black
clouds appear in the distance and throw a deep, deathlike shade over
the world of waters. The captain and sailors soon see in the clouds the
signs of evil. All hands are then set to work to take in sail.
The hoarse notes of the captain, speaking through his trumpet, are
echoed from lip to lip among the rigging. Happy will it be, if all is made
snug before the gale strikes the vessel.
At last, the gale comes like a vast moving mountain of air. It strikes
the ship. The vessel heaves and groans under the dreadful weight and
struggles to escape through the foaming waters. If she is far out at
sea, she will be likely to ride out the storm in safety. But if the wind is
driving her upon the shore, the poor sailors will hardly escape being
dashed upon the rocks and drowned.
Once there was a ship in a storm. Some of her masts were already
broken, and her sails lost. While the wind was raging, and the billows
were dashing against her, the cry was heard, "A man has fallen
overboard!"
The boat was lowered quickly, and she was soon seen bounding on her
way over the mountain waves. At one moment, the boat seemed lifted
to the skies, and the next, it sank down and appeared to be lost
beneath the waves!
Finally, the man was found. He had almost drowned; but he was taken
on board, and now they made for the ship. But the ship rolled so
dreadfully that it seemed certain the boat wouldn’t make it to her. And
now, what should they do?
The captain told one of the men to go aloft and throw down a rope.
This was tied fast to the boat, and when the sea was somewhat calm,
the boat was hoisted and landed on the ship with a dreadful crash. It
was a desperate way of getting on board, but fortunately no lives were
lost.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

On the dangerous points along our seacoast are lighthouses which can
be seen far out at sea and serve as guides to ships. Sometimes the fog
is so dense that these lights cannot be seen, but most lighthouses
have great fog bells or fog horns; some of the latter are made to sound
by steam and can be heard for a long distance. These bells and horns
are kept sounding as long as the fog lasts.
There are also many life-saving stations along the coast where trained
men are ready with lifeboats. "When a ship is driven ashore they at
once go to the rescue of those on board, and thus many valuable lives
are saved.
Take it all in all; a sailor's life is a very hard one. Our young friends owe
a debt of gratitude to those whose home is upon the great waters, and
who bring them the luxuries of other countries.
1. Based on the passage, what is a gale?
2. Why do lighthouses use fog bells?
3. Why is it safer for a ship to be in a storm when it is far out at sea?
4. Give an example about why, as the passage says, “A sailor’s life is a
hard one.”
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
SUSIE AND ROVER.
"Mamma," said Susie Dean one summer's morning, "may I go to the
woods
and pick berries?"
"Yes," replied Mrs. Dean, "but you must take Rover with you." Susie
brought her little basket, and her mother packed a nice lunch for her.
She tied down the cover and fastened a tin cup to it. The little girl
called Rover—a great Newfoundland dog—and gave him a tin pail to
carry. "If I bring it home full, mamma," she said, "won't you make some
berry cakes for tea?"
Away she tripped, singing as she went down the lane and across the
pasture. When she got to the woods, she put her lunch basket down
beside a tree and began to pick berries. Rover ran about, chasing a
squirrel or a rabbit now and then, but never straying far from Susie.
The tin pail was not a very small one. By the time it was two thirds full,
Susie began to feel hungry and thought she would eat her lunch. Rover
came and took his place at her side as soon as she began to eat. Did
she give him some of the lunch? No, she was in a selfish mood and did
no such thing.
"There, Rover, run away! There's a good dog," she said, but Rover
stayed near her, watching her steadily with his clear brown eyes. The
meat he wanted so much was soon eaten up, and all he got of the nice
lunch was a small crust of gingerbread that Susie threw away.
After lunch, Susie played for a while by the brook. She threw sticks
into the water, and Rover swam in and brought them back. Then she
began to pick berries again. She did not enjoy the afternoon as she did
the morning. The sunshine was as bright, the berries were as sweet
and plentiful, and she was neither tired nor hungry. But good, faithful
Rover was hungry, and she had not given him even one piece of meat.
She tried to forget how selfish she had been, but she could not do so,
and quite early she started for home.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

When she was nearly out of the woods, a rustling in the underbrush
attracted her attention. "I wonder if that is a bird or a squirrel," she
said to herself. "If I can catch it, how glad I will be!" She tried to make
her way quietly through the underbrush, but she was terrified when she
saw a large snake coiled up before her prepared for a spring! She was
frightened so much that she could not move, but brave Rover saw the
snake, and, springing forward, seized it by the neck and killed it. When
the faithful dog came and rubbed his head against her hand, Susie put
her arms around his neck, and burst into tears. "O Rover," she cried,
"you dear, good dog! How sorry I am that I was so selfish!"
Rover understood the tone of her voice, if he did not understand her
words, and capered about in great glee, barking all the time. You may
be sure that he had a plentiful supper that evening. Susie never forgot
the lesson of that day. She soon learned to be on her guard against a
selfish spirit and became a happier and more lovable little girl.
1. What does Rover do to show that he is “faithful?”
2. What does it mean that Rover capered at the end?
3. Why do you think Susie has trouble enjoying the afternoon after she
eats lunch?
4. What do you think would happen next in the story if it kept going?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
THE STORY OF REGULUS
On the other side of the sea from Rome, there was once a great city
named Carthage. The Roman people were never very friendly to the
people of Carthage, and at last a war began between them. For a long
time, it was hard to tell which would prove the stronger. First the
Romans would win a battle, and then the men of Carthage would win a
battle; and so the war went on for many years.
Among the Romans there was a brave general named Regulus,—a man
of whom it was said that he never broke his word. It so happened after
a while, that Regulus was taken prisoner and carried to Carthage. Ill
and very lonely, he dreamed of his wife and little children so far away
beyond the sea; he had but little hope of ever seeing them again. He
loved his home dearly, but he believed that his first duty was to his
country; and so he had left all to fight in this cruel war.
He had lost a battle, it is true, and had been taken prisoner. Yet he
knew that the Romans were gaining ground, and the people of
Carthage were afraid of being beaten in the end. They had gone into
other countries to hire soldiers to help them, but, even with these, they
would not be able to fight much longer against Rome.
One day some of the rulers of Carthage came to the prison to talk with
Regulus.
"We should like to make peace with the Roman people," they said, "and
we are sure that if your rulers at home knew how the war is going, they
would be glad to make peace with us. We will set you free and let you
go home, if you will agree to do as we say."
"What is that?" asked Regulus.
"In the first place," they said, "you must tell the Romans about the
battles which you have lost, and you must make it plain to them that
they have not gained anything by the war. In the second place, you
must promise us that if they will not make peace, you will come back
to your prison."
"Very well," said Regulus. "I promise you that if they will not make
peace, I will come back to prison."
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

And so they let him go because they knew that a great Roman would
keep his word.
When he came to Rome, all the people greeted him gladly. His wife and
children were very happy because they thought that they would not be
parted again. The white-haired Fathers who made the laws for the city
came to see him. They asked him about the war.
"I was sent from Carthage to ask you to make peace," he said. "But it
will not be wise to make peace. True, we have been beaten in a few
battles, but our army is gaining ground every day. The people of
Carthage are afraid, and they should be. Keep on with the war a little
while longer, and Carthage shall be yours. As for me, I have come to
bid my wife and children and Rome farewell. Tomorrow I will start back
to Carthage and to prison as I have promised."
Then the Fathers tried to persuade him to stay. "Let us send another
man in your place," they said.
"Shall a Roman not keep his word?" asked Regulus. "I am ill, and at the
best, have not long to live. I will go back as I promised."
His wife and little children wept, and his sons begged him not to leave
them again.
"I have given my word," said Regulus. "The rest will be taken care of."
Then he bade them goodbye and went bravely back to the prison and
the cruel death which he expected.
This was the kind of courage that made Rome the greatest city in the
world.
1. How does Regulus feel about the war?
2. Why do you think Regulus tells the Romans to attack even though it
means he must return to jail?
3. What you think Regulus means when he tells his family at the end
“The rest will be taken care of?”
4. Why did Carthage go to other countries to hire soldiers?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
HUMMING BIRDS
The most beautiful humming birds are found in the West Indies and
South America. The crest of the tiny head of one of these shines like a
sparkling crown of colored light. The shades of color that adorn its
breast are equally brilliant. As the bird flits from one object to another,
it looks more like a bright flash of sunlight than it does like a living
being.
But, you ask, why are they called humming birds? It is because they
make a soft, humming noise by the rapid motion of their wings—a
motion so rapid, that as they fly, you can hardly see that they have
wings.
One day when walking in the woods, I found the nest of one of the
smallest humming birds. It was about half the size of a very small hen's
egg, and it was attached to a twig no thicker than a steel knitting
needle. It seemed to have been made of cotton fibers and was covered
with the softest bits of leaf and bark. It had two eggs in it, and each
was about as large as a small sugarplum.
When you approach the spot where one of these birds has built its
nest, it is necessary to be careful. The mother bird will dart at you and
try to peck your eyes. Its sharp beak may hurt your eyes most severely,
and even destroy your sight. The poor little thing knows no other way
of defending its young, and instinct teaches it that you might carry off
its nest if you find it.
1. Why does the author say the hummingbird looks like a “bright flash
of sunlight?”
2. Why do you think it is hard to find a hummingbird’s nest?
3. What might happen if you try to take the nest of a hummingbird?
4. How do you think the author feels about hummingbirds?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com
Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Read the passage. Then choose the best answer for each question.
HORATIUS AT THE BRIDGE.
Once there was a war between the Roman people and the Etruscans
who lived in the towns on the other side of the Tiber River. Porsena,
the King of the Etruscans, raised a great army and marched toward
Rome. The city had never been in so great danger.
The Romans did not have very many fighting men at that time, and they
knew that they were not strong enough to meet the Etruscans in open
battle. So they kept themselves inside of their walls and set guards to
watch the roads.
One morning the army of Porsena was seen coming over the hills from
the north. There were thousands of horsemen and footmen, and they
were marching straight toward the wooden bridge which spanned the
river at Rome.
"What shall we do?" asked the white-haired Fathers who made the
laws for the Roman people. "If they gain the bridge, we cannot hinder
them from crossing, and then what hope will there be for the town?"
Now, among the guards at the bridge, there was a brave man named
Horatius. He was on the farther side of the river, and when he saw that
the Etruscans were so near, he called out to the Romans who were
behind him.
"Hew down the bridge with all the speed that you can!" he cried. "I,
with the two men who stand by me, will keep the foe at bay."
Then, with their shields before them and their long spears in their
hands, the three brave men stood in the road and kept back the
horsemen whom Porsena had sent to take the bridge.
On the bridge the Romans hewed away at the beams and posts. Their
axes rang. The chips flew fast, and soon the bridge trembled and was
ready to fall.
"Come back! Come back and save your lives!" they cried to Horatius
and the two who were with him.
But just then Porsena's horsemen dashed toward them again.
"Run for your lives!" said Horatius to his friends. "I will keep the road."
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

They turned and ran back across the bridge. They had hardly reached
the other side when there was a crashing of beams and timbers. The
bridge toppled over to one side and then fell with a great splash into
the water.
When Horatius heard the sound, he knew that the city was safe. With
his face still toward Porsena's men, he moved slowly backward till he
stood on the river's bank. A dart thrown by one of Porsena's soldiers
put out his left eye, but he did not falter. He cast his spear at the
foremost horseman, and then he turned quickly around. He saw the
white porch of his own home among the trees on the other side of the
stream.
"And he spoke to the noble river that rolls by the walls of Rome: 'O
Tiber! father Tiber! To whom the Romans pray, A Roman's life, a
Roman's arms, Take thou in charge today.'"
He leaped into the deep, swift stream. He still had his heavy armor on,
and when he sank out of sight, no one thought that he would ever be
seen again. But he was a strong man and the best swimmer in Rome.
The next minute he rose. He was halfway across the river and safe
from the spears and darts which Porsena's soldiers hurled after him.
Soon he reached the farther side where his friends stood ready to help
him. Shout after shout greeted him as he climbed upon the bank. Then
Porsena's men shouted also because they had never seen a man so
brave and strong as Horatius. He had kept them out of Rome, but he
had done a deed which they could not help but praise.
As for the Romans, they were very grateful to Horatius for having saved
their city. They called him Horatius Cocles, which meant the "one-eyed
Horatius," because he had lost an eye in defending the bridge. They
had a fine statue of brass made in his honor, and they gave him as
much land as he could plow around in a day. And for hundreds of years
afterwards, with weeping and with laughter, the story was still told
about how well Horatius kept the bridge in the brave days of old.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

1. What probably happened next?

a. Horatio joined the Etruscan army.
b. King Porsena threw a big party to celebrate.
c. The Romans celebrated Horatio on the anniversary of the attack. d.
There were never guards on the bridge ever again.
2. Why do you think the Romans chose the white-haired Fathers to
make the laws?
a. They were strong.
b. They were wise.
c. They were tall.
d. They were Etruscans.
3. The word hew from the story means a. Chop down
b. Swim fast c. Blow up d. Sneak up
4. Which detail from the passage best shows why Horatius is a hero to
the Romans?
a. He is the best swimmer in Rome.
b. He lost an eye.
c. He lives on the side of the stream.
d. He comes up with the plan to stop the Etruscan army.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then choose the best answer to each question.
HARRY AND ANNIE
Harry and Annie lived a mile from town, but they went there to school
every day. It was a pleasant walk down the lane and through the
meadow by the pond. I hardly know whether they liked it better in
summer or in winter. They used to pretend that they were travelers
exploring a new country and would scatter leaves on the road so that
they might find their way back again.
When the ice was thick and firm, they walked across the pond. But
their mother did not like to have them do this unless someone was with
them. "Don't go across the pond today, children," she said as she
kissed them and bade them goodbye one morning; "it is beginning to
thaw."
“All right, mother," said Harry, not very good-naturedly because he was
very fond of running and sliding on the ice. When they came to the
pond, the ice looked hard and safe. "There," said he to his sister. "I
knew it hadn't thawed any. Mother is always afraid we will drown.
Come along, we will have a good time sliding. The school bell will not
ring for an hour at least."
"But you promised mother," said Annie.
"No, I didn't. I only said 'All right,' and it is all right."
"I didn't say anything, so I can do as I like," said Annie.
So they stepped on the ice, and started to go across the pond. They
had not gone far before the ice gave way, and they fell into the water.
A man who was at work near the shore heard the screams of the
children and plunged into the water to save them. Harry managed to
get to the shore without any help, but poor Annie was nearly drowned
before the man could reach her. Harry went home almost frozen and
told his mother how disobedient he had been. He remembered the
lesson learned that day as long as he lived.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Questions:
1. What probably happened next?
2. What do Harry’s actions tell you about him as a person?
3. What does the word thaw from the story mean?
4. Why do you think Harry and Annie scattered leaves across the road?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then choose the best answer to each question.
HARRY AND ANNIE
Harry and Annie lived a mile from town, but they went there to school
every day. It was a pleasant walk down the lane and through the
meadow by the pond. I hardly know whether they liked it better in
summer or in winter. They used to pretend that they were travelers
exploring a new country and would scatter leaves on the road so that
they might find their way back again.
When the ice was thick and firm, they walked across the pond. But
their mother did not like to have them do this unless someone was with
them. "Don't go across the pond today, children," she said as she
kissed them and bade them goodbye one morning; "it is beginning to
thaw."
“All right, mother," said Harry, not very good-naturedly because he was
very fond of running and sliding on the ice. When they came to the
pond, the ice looked hard and safe. "There," said he to his sister. "I
knew it hadn't thawed any. Mother is always afraid we will drown.
Come along, we will have a good time sliding. The school bell will not
ring for an hour at least."
"But you promised mother," said Annie.
"No, I didn't. I only said 'All right,' and it is all right."
"I didn't say anything, so I can do as I like," said Annie.
So they stepped on the ice, and started to go across the pond. They
had not gone far before the ice gave way, and they fell into the water.
A man who was at work near the shore heard the screams of the
children and plunged into the water to save them. Harry managed to
get to the shore without any help, but poor Annie was nearly drowned
before the man could reach her. Harry went home almost frozen and
told his mother how disobedient he had been. He remembered the
lesson learned that day as long as he lived.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Questions:
1. What probably happened next?
2. What do Harry’s actions tell you about him as a person?
3. What does the word thaw from the story mean?
4. Why do you think Harry and Annie scattered leaves across the road?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
THE FAIRY TREE
Long, long ago, on an island in the sea, lived a family of seven sisters.
The oldest girl ruled the household, and her sisters obeyed her
commands. Flora, the youngest sister, was sent to the forest each day
to gather wood for the kitchen fire.
Near the edge of the forest was a cave under some rocks. A stream of
water fell over the rocks into a basin in the cave.
This was a delightfully cool spot, and Flora often rested here on her
way home after gathering wood in the forest. She would lie on the
mossy bank of the stream for hours and dream.
One morning as Flora ran along the grassy path that led to the cave,
she saw a little fish in the stream. Its scales flashed out all the colors
of the rainbow.
"I am going to keep the fish for a pet," said the girl to herself. "I will
call him Rainbow."
So she caught the pretty fish and put him into the basin in the cave.
The next day Flora went to the forest for wood. She carried some
crumbs of bread which she had saved from her breakfast.
On the way home she stopped at the cave. The fish was waiting for
her. He came to the edge of the basin, and she fed the crumbs to him.
How delighted the girl was! She had been so lonely, and now she had a
playfellow!
Every morning, instead of eating the bread which her sister gave to
her, Flora would save it and feed the crumbs to her pet. The fish would
leap to catch them.
"Here are some crumbs, Rainbow," she would say. "This is all today,
but I will come again tomorrow."
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Then she would sing a little song.

Flora began to grow thin, and her sisters wondered what could be the
matter.
One day the oldest sister followed her to the cave and saw her feed the
crumbs of bread to the fish.
While Flora was away in the forest, the oldest sister caught the fish,
carried him home and baked him for supper.
The bones were buried under the kitchen fire.
The next morning, Flora went to the cave as usual, but no fish was
there. She sang her little song, and he still did not come.
"Rainbow cannot be dead," she said, "for I do not see him in the
water."
Then Flora hastened home. She threw herself upon her bed and was
soon fast asleep.
The following morning, a rooster flew up to Flora's window and crowed,
"Cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo!
The bones of Rainbow wait for you, Under the kitchen fire, too."
Flora arose at once and went downstairs. There, under the kitchen fire,
she found the bones of her pet. She wept as she gathered the bones
and placed them in a box.
She went to the forest and buried the box near the cave.
Then Flora sat down on a mossy bank near the cave and sang this
song:
"Rainbow, Rainbow, hear my cry, My great wish do not deny.
If you can't come back to me, Pray, O pray, become a tree!"
As the last words of the song echoed through the cave, there sprang up
a wonderful Fairy Tree beside the girl.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Its trunk was of ivory. Its leaves were of silver fringed with pearls. Its
flowers were gold, and its fruit gems from which sparkled the bright
colors of the rainbow.
One day the summer breeze carried a leaf from the Fairy Tree across
the sea to another island. It fell at the feet of the king.
He picked up the wonderful leaf and said, "I shall never rest until I find
the tree from which this leaf came."
The king set sail with his attendants. He soon landed on the island
where the seven sisters lived.
As the king and his men were marching through the forest, they found
the Fairy Tree growing at the entrance to the cave.
The king tried to pick some of the leaves, but he could not.
Then he heard the sweet voice of a girl. She was singing,
"Rainbow, Rainbow, speak to me! Bend your branches, Fairy Tree!"
And Flora came tripping along the grassy path that led to the cave.
The king said, "Fair maiden, if you can pick a leaf or a flower from this
tree, you shall be my queen."
As Flora reached to pick a flower, the tree bowed low, and every leaf
trembled with delight.
The maiden at once presented the flower to the king. As he took the
flower, the king exclaimed,
"To you belongs the Fairy Tree; Pray be my bride and rule with me."
Flora thought she must be dreaming, but they were married the next
day beneath the branches of the Fairy Tree.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Questions:
1. Why do you think Flora was so lonely at the start of the story?
2. What does Flora’s treatment of the fish tell us about her as a person?
3. What does the word basin mean in the sentence, “She caught the
pretty fish and put him into the basin in the cave”?
4. How does the author let us know the Fairy Tree is so special?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
SENNIN THE HERMIT
In the far-away land of Japan, there was a little village that lay at the
foot of a high mountain.
Every day the children went to play on the grassy bank near a pond at
one end of the village. They threw stones into the water. They fished,
and they sailed their toy boats. They picked the wild flowers that grew
in the fields nearby. They carried with them rice to eat, and, from
morning until evening, they played near the pond.
One day, while they were at play, the children were surprised to see an
old man with a long, white beard walking toward them. He came from
the direction of the mountain.
The children stopped their games to watch the old man. He came into
their midst and, patting them upon their heads easily, made them his
friends.
The children continued their play because they knew that the old man
was kind.
The man watched the children, and when it was time for them to go
home, he said, "Come to the flat rock on the side of the mountain
tomorrow and I will show you some wonderful games."
Then he climbed up the mountain once more and disappeared.
The following morning, the children went to the flat rock. They found
the old man waiting for them.
"Now, my dear children," he said, "I am going to amuse you. Look
here!"
He picked up some dry sticks. He blew at the ends of the sticks, and at
once they became sprays of beautiful cherry, plum, and peach
blossoms. He passed a branch of each of the flowers to the girls.
Then he took a stone and threw it into the air. The stone turned into a
dove!
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Another stone became an eagle, another a nightingale, or any bird a

boy chose to name.
"Now," said the old man, "I will show you some animals that I am sure
will make you laugh."
The children clapped their hands.
He recited some verses, and a company of monkeys came leaping upon
the rock. The monkeys jumped about, grinning at the same time and
performing funny tricks.
The children clapped their hands again.
Then the old man bowed to them and said, "Children, I can play no
more games today. It is time for you to go back to the village.
Farewell."
The old man turned to go. He went up the mountain in the direction of a
cave. The children tried to follow him, but in spite of his age, he was
more nimble than they. They ran far enough, however, to see him enter
the cave.
When they reached the entrance, the old man had disappeared.
The cave was surrounded by fragrant flowers, but the children did not
dare to go into its depths.
Suddenly one of the girls pointed upwards and cried, "There is the old
grandfather!"
The others looked up, and there, standing on a cloud over the top of
the mountain, was the old man.
"Let us go home now," said one of the boys.
On the way, they met two men of the village whom their parents had
sent to search for them. When the children had told their story, one of
the men exclaimed, "Ah, happy children! The kind old man is surely
Sennin, the wonderful Hermit of the Mountain!"
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Questions:
1. Why do you think the children were surprised to see the old man at
first?
2. How do you think the old man was able to do all the things to amuse
the children?
3. What does the word nimble mean in the sentence, “In spite of his
age he was more nimble than they”?
4. Why do you think the old man tells the children it is time for them to
go home at the end of the story?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
THE BONFIRE IN THE SEA
Long, long ago, in Australia, it is said fish could travel as easily on land
as they could swim in water.
It happened, so the story goes, that the whole fish tribe had been
playing tag along a sandy beach near the sea. At last, they became
tired of the game. Fin-fin, the leader of the fish, said, "Let us coast
down the great, black rock."
Now beyond the level shore where the fish had been playing tag, there
were cliffs and rocks. Some of the rocks rose straight out of the water;
others sloped toward the sandy beach.
High above the rest towered the great, black rock. The fish climbed to
the top. Then, one after another, they followed the leader, each gliding
head first down the rock. It was fine sport!
Then the fish formed a circle and danced while Fin-fin slid down the
rock alone. Again and again, he climbed to the top and slid down as
swiftly as an arrow glides from the bow. Finally he turned a somersault
at the foot of the rock and then called to the fish to stop dancing.
"It is time to cook dinner," said Fin-fin. "There is a good place for a
camp under the trees on the tall cliff yonder."
The fish climbed to the top of the cliff overhanging the sea. They
gathered wood and heaped it high at the edge of the cliff. When all was
ready for the bonfire, Fin-fin rubbed two sticks briskly together. Soon a
spark fell upon the wood, and instantly the flames leaped upward. Then
the fish put some roots in front of the fire to roast.
While the roots were cooking, the fish stretched themselves under the
trees. They had almost fallen asleep when suddenly great drops of rain
came splashing down.
A dark cloud, which they had not noticed, had covered the sun. The
rain fell hard and fast and soon put out the fire.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Now, you know this was very serious because people in those days had
no matches, and it was difficult to light a fire. Then an icy wind began
to blow too, and the fish were soon shivering in the cold.
"We shall freeze to death unless we can build a fire again," cried Fin-
fin.
He tried to kindle a flame by rubbing two sticks together. He could not
produce even one spark.
"It is of no use," said Fin-fin. "The wood is too wet. We shall have to
wait for the sun to shine again."
A tiny fish came forward and bowed before Fin-fin, saying, "Ask my
father, Flying-fish, to light the fire. He is skilled in magic, and he can do
more than most fish."
So Fin-fin asked Flying-fish to light the fire once more.
Flying-fish knelt before the smoldering ashes and fanned briskly with
his fins.
A tiny thread of smoke curled upward, and a feeble red glow could be
seen in the ashes.
When the tribe of fish saw this, they crowded close around Flying-fish,
keeping their backs toward the cold wind. He told them to go to the
other side because he wanted to fan the fire.
By and by the spark grew into a flame, and the bonfire burned brightly.
"Bring more wood," cried Flying-fish.
The fish gathered wood and piled it upon the fire. The red flames
roared and sputtered, and crackled.
"We shall soon be warm now," said Fin-fin.
Then the fish crowded around the fire, closer and closer. Suddenly a
blast of wind swept across the cliff from the direction of the land and
blew the fire toward the fish.
They sprang back, forgetting that they were on the edge of the cliff.
And down, down, down, went the whole fish tribe to the bottom of the
sea.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com
The water felt warm, for the strong wind had driven the fire down
below too.
There, indeed, was the bonfire at the bottom of the sea, burning as
brightly as ever.
More wonderful still, the fire never went out like fires do on land. The
water at the bottom of the sea has been warm ever since that day.
That is why, on frosty days, the fish disappear from the surface of the
water. They dive to the bottom of the sea where they can keep warm
and comfortable around the magic bonfire.
At least this is what some people say.
Questions:
1. How do you think Fin-fin became leader of the fish?
2. Why do all the fish crowd around Flying-fish?
3. What does the word feeble mean when it says, “a feeble red glow
could be seen in the ashes?”
4. What do you think this story is trying to explain about the natural
world?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
QUEEN HULDA AND THE FLAX
There was once a poor peasant named Hans. He lived with his wife and
children in a valley at the foot of a snow-capped mountain.
Hans often drove his sheep to pasture up the mountain side. He always
carried his crossbow with him to protect the sheep. He was a skillful
marksman.
Once in a while, Hans would shoot a deer. The deer meat would serve
as food for his family for many days.
One day Hans was watching his sheep while they grazed on the
mountain side. Suddenly a deer appeared. Its spreading antlers
glittered in the morning sunlight with wonderful brightness.
The deer bounded across the pasture to the rocks higher up the
mountain. Hans followed quickly, hoping to approach near enough to
shoot an arrow. From rock to rock, higher and higher, Hans followed
the deer until at last they were at the summit of the mountain.
They sped over the snow until the deer disappeared. Hans followed
more slowly along a dark and narrow tunnel. Suddenly he caught a
glimpse of a bright light in the distance. He walked on and soon
reached a brightly lit cave. From the walls and ceiling of the cave hung
many wonderful crystals and precious stones.
A tall woman dressed in pure white stood in the midst of the cave. A
golden girdle was fastened about her waist. A crown set with jewels
rested on her head. In her hand she held a bunch of blue flowers.
Lovely maidens in dainty robes with graceful wreaths of Alpine roses
on their heads attended their queen.
Overcome with wonder, Hans knelt before the beautiful woman. As if in
a dream, he heard her say very softly, "Choose for yourself what you
will of my treasures--gold, or silver, or precious stones."
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

"Most gracious queen," replied Hans, "I ask only for the flowers in your
hand." The queen was pleased, and she gave the flowers to Hans at
once.
"You have chosen well," said she. "Also take these seeds and sow
them in your fields."
Suddenly a peal of thunder shook the grotto. When it had ceased, Hans
found himself standing alone on the mountain.
When Hans reached home, he showed his wife the blue flowers and the
seeds that had been given him by the queen. "Wonderful crystals and
precious stones hang from the walls and ceiling of the cave, but the
queen is more beautiful than all!" exclaimed Hans.
"Why did you not choose some of the diamonds and gold?" asked his
wife, and she scolded Hans roundly because he had taken only flowers
and seeds.
Hans made no reply, but he went to the fields and plowed the ground.
Then he carefully sowed the seeds that the queen had given him.
The weeks passed by. Tiny green leaves began to show above the
ground. The plants grew taller and taller, and then the blue flowers
began to appear. The flowers were so beautiful that even the angry
wife was pleased. She had never seen anything like them.
Hans watched his fields day and night. One moonlight night, he saw the
lovely queen from the cave walking about among the flowers with her
maidens. They seemed to be guarding the blossoms.
At last the flowers had withered, and the seeds were ripe. Then the
queen appeared at the cottage door.
The queen said, "I am Queen Hulda. I have come to teach you how to
spin and weave."
"The blue flowers that your husband chose are called flax," added the
queen. "I love it very much."
Queen Hulda taught Hans and his wife how to spin and weave linen
cloth from the fibers of the flax plants. Many people bought the linen
and the flax seeds so that Hans and his wife became very rich.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Questions:
1. How does the story let us know the deer is special?
2. Why was the Queen pleased that Hans chose the flower?
3. What does the word peal mean in the sentence, “Suddenly a peal of
thunder shook the grotto?”
4. Why does the wife change her mind about the flowers Hans chose?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Read the passage. Then answer each question.
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
There was once a sweet little girl who lived with her father and mother
in a pretty little cottage at the edge of the village. At the further end of
the wood was another pretty cottage and in it lived her grandmother.
Everybody loved this little girl; her grandmother perhaps loved her
most of all and gave her a great many pretty things. Once she gave her
a red cloak with a hood which she always wore, so people called her
Little Red Riding Hood.
One morning Little Red Riding Hood's mother said, "Put on your things
and go to see your grandmother. She has been ill; take along this
basket for her. I have put in it eggs, butter and cake, and other
dainties."
It was a bright and sunny morning. Red Riding Hood was so happy that,
at first, she wanted to dance through the wood. All around her grew
pretty wild flowers which she loved so well, and she stopped to pick a
bunch for her grandmother.
Little Red Riding Hood wandered from her path and was stooping to
pick a flower when from behind her a gruff voice said, "Good morning,
Little Red Riding Hood." Little Red Riding Hood turned around and saw
a great big wolf, but Little Red Riding Hood did not know what a
wicked beast the wolf was, so she was not afraid.
"What have you in that basket, Little Red Riding Hood?"
"Eggs and butter and cake, Mr. Wolf."
"Where are you going with them, Little Red Riding Hood?"
"I am going to my grandmother who is ill, Mr. Wolf."
"Where does your grandmother live, Little Red Riding Hood?"
"Along that path, past the wild rose bushes, then through the gate at
the end of the wood, Mr. Wolf."
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Then Mr. Wolf again said, "Good morning," and set off, and Little Red
Riding Hood again went in search of wild flowers.
At last he reached the porch covered with flowers and knocked at the
door of the cottage.
"Who is there?" called the grandmother.
"Little Red Riding Hood," said the wicked wolf.
"Press the latch, open the door, and walk in," said the grandmother.
The wolf pressed the latch and walked in to where the grandmother lay
in bed. He made one jump at her, but she jumped out of bed and into a
closet. Then the wolf put on the cap which she had dropped and crept
under the bedclothes.
In a short while Little Red Riding Hood knocked at the door and walked
in, saying, "Good morning, Grandmother. I have brought you eggs,
butter and cake, and here is a bunch of flowers I gathered in the
wood." As she came nearer the bed she said, "What big ears you have,
Grandmother."
"All the better to hear you with, my dear." "What big eyes you have,
Grandmother."
"All the better to see you with, my dear."
"But, Grandmother, what a big nose you have." "All the better to smell
with, my dear."
"But, Grandmother, what a big mouth you have."
"All the better to eat you up with, my dear," he said as he sprang at
Little Red Riding Hood.
Just at that moment Little Red Riding Hood's father was passing the
cottage and heard her scream. He rushed in and, with his axe, chopped
off Mr. Wolf's head.
Everybody was happy that Little Red Riding Hood had escaped the
wolf. Then Little Red Riding Hood's father carried her home, and they
lived happily ever after.
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com

Questions:
1. How did Little Red Riding Hood’s family show that they loved her?
2. Why did the wolf ask Little Red Riding Hood where her grandmother
lived?
3. What does the word danties mean in the sentence, “I have put in it
eggs, butter and cake, and other dainties?"
4. Why do you think the wolf lets the grandmother escape into the
closet?
Online reading & math. 14 day free trial. www.k5learning.com