The Missing Library Book (Fiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: Where would you look first if a book went missing at home? Then have students read the story on page 1, about 180 words in 5 short paragraphs. Ask them to notice what the characters say, do and feel. Then turn to page 2 for five questions: three to circle and two to write about. Written answers should be full sentences that use a clue from the text. Check the work with the answer key.

The Missing Library Book gives 3rd grade students a fiction passage of about 180 words about a girl who cannot find the library book she needs to return, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and how a character feels, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.3.2. An answer key is included.

The Missing Library Book is a fiction passage of about 180 words about a girl who cannot find the library book she needs to return. It is written for 3rd grade readers (ages 8-9) and has 5 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice the main idea, key details, vocabulary in context and how a character feels. Questions include "Which title best matches the main idea of this story" and "How did Ruby finally find her book". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.3.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: Where would you look first if a book went missing at home? Before reading, ask students to predict what might happen from the title. After reading, have them retell the story in two or three sentences before they answer the questions.

Plan about 15 to 20 minutes in all: the reading first, then the five questions. At home, a parent can read the questions aloud and talk through the written answers. In class, it works well for independent practice or a quick check of the main idea and vocabulary in context.