Reading Skills, Chills & Thrills - Scholastic

Reading Skills Chills & Thrills Spine-Tingling Tales With Comprehension Questions That Help Kids Identify the Main Idea, Draw Conclusions, Determine Cause and Effect, and More by D A N G R E E N B E R G NEW YORK • TORONTO • LONDON • AUCKLAND • SYDNEY MEXICO CITY • NEW DELHI • HONG KONG • BUENOS AIRES Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg, Scholastic Teaching Resources Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy the activity sheets from this book for classroom use. No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, write to Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. Cover design by Maria Lilja Illustrations by Jack Desrocher Interior design by Holly Grundon Edited by Denise Rinaldo ISBN 0-439-43765-2 Copyright © 2005 by Dan Greenberg All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 40 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg, Scholastic Teaching Resources . 12: The Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17: The Dirt: A Horror World Gossip Column . . . . 15 Tale No. . . . . . . . 9 Tale No. . . . 12 Tale No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8: The Hideous Blob’s Amazing Comeback . . . . . . . Scholastic Teaching Resources . . . . 42 Reading for Details Main Idea Tale No. 30 Making Inferences Tale No. . 4 Tale No. 10: The Three Ghosts of Lucy Bly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Drawing Conclusions Fact vs. . . 27 Main Idea and Supporting Details Tale No. . . . . . Opinion Tale No. . . 45 Understanding Setting Compare and Contrast Tale No. . . 2: Love Potion Commotion . . . . . . . . . . 3: The Next Step: Scare Radio . . . . . 16: Problems Facing Young People Today: An Editorial by Maxwell Bile . . . 13: A Really Bad Hair Day . 5: The Ugly Druckling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Compare and Contrast Tale No. . . . . . . . 24 Analyzing Plot Tale No. 48 Point of View Author’s Purpose Tale No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cont e nt s Introduction . . . . . . . . 18: Nasty Little Monster . . 9: The Butcher and His Wife . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Understanding Character Skills Index . . . . . . . 6: The Horrible Green Creature . 18 Tale No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Tale No. . . . 4: The Toothbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11: Ask Aunt Doty: An Advice Column for the Supernaturally Inclined . 6 Tale No. . 39 Making Predictions Cause and Effect Tale No. . . . . 33 Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19: The Ghost Who Didn’t Believe . . . . . 15: Tales From the Telephone: True Horror . . . . . . . . 7: The House on Plum Street . . . 1: The Bijou Ghost . . . . . 57 Sequence of Events Tale No. . . . . . . . . . 14: Ratkins! . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. . . . . . . 36 Author’s Purpose Reading for Details Tale No. . 60 Cause and Effect Tale No. . Each of the 19 reproducible stories focuses on a particular reading skill. a dash of silliness. creepy-crawly blobs of slime— could anything be more fun for kids in grades 3 to 6? How about having your horror with a twist of humor. and • test taking. The stories and accompanying skills exercises will help students grow in the key areas of • reading comprehension. The tales and exercises are designed to help you and your students meet the twelve standards for the English Language Arts set forth by International Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of 4 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. They cover a variety of writing styles and genres—from radio script to newspaper editorial to gossip column to classic-style horror story. Scholastic Teaching Resources . cause and effect. • creative writing. such as author’s purpose. • problem solving. they are far from identical. moaning. and a healthy dose of rock-solid reading skills instruction? G FunnyBone Books: Reading Skills Chills & Thrills pairs humorous horror stories (for student appeal) with related exercises designed to build important reading skills (for teacher appeal). groaning. • creative thinking. Though all of the tales are creepy and funny. • critical thinking.Introduction hosts and monsters. and predicting. spooks and creatures. • logical analysis. making inferences. AS INSPIRATION FOR A CLASS PROJECT: Work as a group to create your own hauntingly humorous stories and exercises. AS AN INTERACTIVE CLASSROOM ACTIVITY: • Read the stories aloud as a class. or invent a unique reading-skill horror character for your classroom. 4. • Have students rewrite the stories from various points of view.English. 5 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. An answer key is on page 63. 6. 2. which assess the very skills that the stories reinforce. JUST FOR FUN: Let students choose how and when to read the stories on their own. Each reproducible story is designed to teach a particular reading skill. • Have students read in pairs or small groups. Scholastic Teaching Resources . The last question is a writing prompt that links to the story and the skill. 5. • Have students work cooperatively to answer the questions and complete the writing exercises. For a complete index of all the reading and writing skills in this book. There are many ways to go about it. See the Skills Index on page 64. See the Skills Index on page 64. 3. Seven multiple-choice questions—all keyed to the story’s skill— accompany each tale. AS A WRITING PROMPT: Go beyond the suggested writing activities with these extension ideas: • Have students write prequels or sequels to the stories. Reading Skills Chills & Thrills can also be used to prepare students for standardized tests. • Have students try writing their own stories in the various genres and styles presented in the book. Here are some ideas: 1. BY WRITING SKILL: Choose stories according to the key writing skill you wish to cover. please refer to page 64. BY READING SKILL: Choose stories according to the key reading skill you wish to cover. How to Use This Book The goal of this book is to use humor and horror to make reading skills less frightening and more fun for students. “Stay away from people. everyone O but Jasper. That old saying is definitely true when you’re reading! To be good reader. Phyllis. and an old-fashioned balcony. you have to understand how all the details hook together. And he really enjoyed moaning and groaning. The big old place had worn velvet seats. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Before long. nce upon a time there was a young specter named Jasper. He spent his time haunting a beautiful old movie theater named the Bijou. He had a nice ghostly glow. For years. Jasper did stay away. But then the Multi-Plex 18 was built next door at the local mall. started thinking about selling the theater to a dogfood company. The popcorn was topped with real butter.” Jasper’s mother always told him. Also. a giant screen. Like many ghosts. you have to pay attention to small details. the manager. the Bijou was the most popular theater in town. And this brought him too close to human beings. Jasper’s one big problem was that he loved movies. the Bijou was nearly empty most nights.Tale No. It got so bad that one night 6 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. The trick is figuring out which details are important to the story. He was good at haunting and spooking. he hated new buildings and refused to haunt them. The Multi-Plex had bad popcorn and small screens. 1 The Bijou Ghost A Reading for Details Spooky Story Little things mean a lot. Try it in this tale of a friendly ghost with an interesting hobby. Everyone wanted to go there instead of the Bijou—well.“They’re nothing but trouble. Jasper was a well-behaved phantom.” For the most part. But it was new and it had a big parking lot. People C. customers are going to the newer theater. he’d have nowhere to haunt. the theater was almost full. D. B.“I just love this place!” and. popcorn. “A-A-A-A-O-O-O-O!” This was a big mistake. and suddenly let out a ghostly moan. the building is too dilapidated to repair. Scholastic Teaching Resources . and Teresa. Because what Jasper forgot was that Mike. But now the word was out.” In fact. ghosts. Jasper had to shrink himself down into a very uncomfortable size and shape and hide until the movie ended. Ghosts B. The following night. Jasper couldn’t help overhearing people in the audience say such things as “What a beautiful theater!” and. 2. He was sad that the theater was losing customers. B. the popcorn lady. To keep them all guessing. TV cameras. when no more than a dozen customers came to watch the movie. To avoid being seen again. movies. It was too new. J The Bijou Theater is in danger of closing because A. “What’s going on?” asked Mike. While he was hiding. they were enjoying the movie so much that they’d forgotten about the ghost. and cameras once again arrived. C. and a whole host of gawkers had arrived to see the “Bijou Ghost. newspaper reporters.“This is so much better than the Multi-Plex!” This gave Jasper an idea. it sells popcorn with real butter. the manager. Popcorn - 3. a long line formed outside of the Bijou. was still in the theater. the young projectionist. show. people. it is haunted. The people had come to see Jasper. D. Within minutes. This time an even bigger crowd of gawkers came with them. C. Jasper felt free to soar around in the drafty old theater and howl while he watched the movie. “A-ROOOO-O-O-O-O-O!!!!!” “Did you hear that?” people cried.not a single person came to the 8 P. It did not have velvet seats.“There’s a ghost up there!” 1. This could be his chance to do something about it! The following night. But by the time the show was half over. but he couldn’t avoid being seen by Phyllis. Jasper played it cool. It was too old. 7 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. The movies - D. It was true. “What the—” Mike shrieked. Jasper’s favorite thing in the world is A. asper tried to hide. If it closed. newspapers. It was too far away. the police. B. rather than hide up in the rafters.M. C. the police. Why didn’t Jasper haunt the Multi-Plex? A. “Where’s the ghost?” they all cried. he stayed hidden until the movie was over.” said Phyllis. “They’ve come to see the ghost. Before long. What was the one thing that Jasper’s mother told him to stay away from? A. So. 4. D. he waited until just the right moment. He got the other ghosts to stop haunting it. He held a fundraiser. 8 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. you might hear a quiet crunching and feel a few kernels spilling down from above. the ghost. END 5. C. But he does like to munch popcorn during the movie. He attracted customers to the theater.” But after they came once. Because the Multi-Plex was closed C. D. That they really liked the theater C. At first. That’s Jasper. You’re an author and you’re writing a guidebook to haunted places in the United States. He hardly ever moans anymore or flies across the ceiling when people are around. To see the ghost D. if you’re sitting in the Bijou. How did Jasper help save the Bijou? A. they didn’t even care about the ghost anymore. That they really liked Jasper B. Because it was less expensive 6. Jasper still stays up there. Why did so many people come to the Bijou Theater? A. people came just to get a glimpse of the “Bijou Ghost. haunting the Bijou Theater. What did many people notice when they came to the Bijou? A. So. the Bijou was once again the most successful theater in the county. To see a movie B. Simply put. That they really liked the candy D. 8. He helped the owners fix it up. B. Before long. it was the best place to watch a movie anywhere! “I couldn’t agree more!” Jasper cried. That the theater was dirty 7. Scholastic Teaching Resources . up in the THE rafters. Write a oneparagraph entry for the Bijou Theater. describing the ghostly goings-on that have been reported there. They came for the theater.This pattern continued. To this day. The cause is the reason for the effect. Let’s go to Fun Land.” Fun Land was an amusement park that had lots of rides and costume-wearing characters. Scholastic Teaching Resources . “Actually. He was the kind of person who always wanted to do something totally different. See how it works in this story. for goodness’ sake. The effect is the thing that happens.Tale No. 2 Love Potion Commotion A Cause and Effect Spooky Story All things happen for a reason—even spooky scary things. this wasn’t just any old science project. I’m making a love potion.” Greg said. So if you’re doing homework right now. now that you’re finished.“So. I call it Love Potion Number 5. Now. So I switched to love potion. But it seemed too nasty. T 9 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. finish it before you start this story! What happened was this: A young man named Greg was working on his science-fair project. That would be too dull for Greg.“I made some hate potion. “Do you want to fall in love?” “Not really.” Greg explained to his best friend Jeff. he moral of this story is always to finish your homework before you go out to have fun. let’s do something really interesting.” “Fascinating!” exclaimed Jeff. “Why a love potion?” Jeff asked. sweetheart.“They’re after you!” 1. A. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Greg was in love with a girl at school. honey. The characters were in love with Greg. Greg fell in love with her. 2. “Not us. CAUSE: 3. the first thing they did was go on the Super Looper. Greg felt like he was going to throw up. B. C. D. honey. C. D. When Greg and Jeff got off the ride. “Hey. “Whoa!” Greg screamed. and others came running up.“Come on over here. the world’s most loopy roller coaster. and other costumed characters looking oddly at them. Greg wanted to have an unusual project EFFECT: for the science fair.” “What?” Greg said. swans. The love potion spilled. pixies. B.” said Jeff. She fell in love with Jeff. Her gown was ruined. The characters wanted some love potion. A. D. “They’re after us!” cried Greg. they saw all of the princesses. The characters fell in love with Greg and Jeff. A. CAUSE: The love potion splashed on the Magic Princess. Greg wanted to get rich. B. B. Greg forgot that the love potion was C.” called the Queen of the Swans. EFFECT: The costumed characters chased after Greg. swans. Little did he know that the love potion in his pocket had become uncorked and was spraying down on Fun Land below. C. in his pocket. as they went completely upside down. CAUSE: Greg went upside down in the Super Looper.Greg put the potion safely in his jacket pocket and off they went. D. The characters were angry with Greg. When they got to Fun Land. “Greg. CAUSE: A. Greg fell in love with the Magic Princess. pixies.“You’re a doll!” “Huh?” Greg said. She fell in love with Greg.” the Magic Princess said to Greg. Jeff was in love with a girl at school. Then all of the other princesses. 10 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. EFFECT: Greg made love potion. EFFECT: 4. It was then that he realized he still had a bottle of his original science-fair project— the hate potion—in his other pocket. maybe that would block the effects of the love potion. “What are we doing here?” they asked. B. To do this. “He’s not really so handsome. and the things that would make a person to want to buy it. On a separate sheet of paper. END 7. he needed to get high above them all. effects of the hate potion. You’re a magazine ad writer.- - A “Oh. It turned out to be the Tunnel of Love! Quickly. D. He went directly home and finished his homework. He wanted them to stop being in love with him.” one of them said. He hated them. the admirers found that their love had cooled. That left Greg to fend for himself against the horde of love-struck admirers. C. P-H-H-H-T-T! Greg sprayed the hate potion down below. The hate potion was not effective. like a swashbuckling hero. Include pictures if you like. 6. “He’s actually sort of creepy. Jeff. not such a loyal best friend. “I love him!” they declared. characters who were chasing him. Greg got out of his car and climbed high above the Tunnel of Love. Jeff helped Greg escape from the effects of the love potion. hightailed it out of there. The hate potion canceled out the C.“He’s climbing up there!” “He’s so handsome!” they swooned. And then. “Help!” Greg cried. Greg jumped into a Love Boat with his admirers chasing hotly behind. He wanted them to hate each other. EFFECT: The characters fell out of love with Greg. he did a dull old plant experiment instead—and he THE was glad he did! nd with that. look!” his adorers cried. The love potion wore off on its own. Jeff copied Greg’s science-fair project. B. 5. Greg made his escape. EFFECT: CAUSE: A. EFFECT: Greg sprayed hate potion on the characters who were chasing him. park to fend for himself. The love potion canceled out the park to fend for himself. write an ad for Love Potion Number 5.” they declared. And with that. Suddenly. and ran to the first ride he could find. 8. 11 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. So. Greg went upside down in the roller coaster. If he sprinkled a little of the hate potion on his admirers. Scholastic Teaching Resources . “He’s such a hero!” they pined. D. instead of making a love potion for his science-fair project. D. Greg left Jeff at the amusement B. CAUSE: Jeff wasn’t a very loyal friend. Jeff left Greg at the amusement A. Be sure to describe the potion’s effects. Except. C. CAUSE: A. Brunhilda. I must say. professor of paranormal sorcery at Witch Haven College. Spook. it’s rather a boring question! Who cares about ghosts? Why the other day. look for the main idea—or key message—that each character is trying to express. darling. are ghosts real? BRUNHILDA: Hello. Scholastic Teaching Resources . the award-winning radio show that each week investigates the weird. I was mixing up a batch of Love Potion when I thought I saw a ghost. people have argued about this topic. List of Characters SPOOK BLOB PANEL MEMBERS JESSICA BRUNHILDA GHOSTLY FIGURE SPOOK: Hello! I’m Spook Specter. and wacky world of the supernatural. Tell me. Today’s topic is: “Are Ghosts Real?” For thousands of years. panel. Read it with the lights on! While you read. Now it’s time to introduce our panel. we’ll try to settle it once and for all. The answer to your question is yes! But. wild. Hello. Today. SPOOK: Our first panel member is Brunhilda Hagstrom.Tale No. 3 The Next Step: Scare Radio A Main Idea Spooky Story This transcript from a spooky radio show gives you a rare peek into the everyday life of otherworldly creatures. PANEL MEMBERS: Hello. host of The Next Step. and— SPOOK: Really? So you’re convinced ghosts are real? Fascinating! 12 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Our final panelist is Jessica. It rises in the morning. Spook. So what about it. Spook? If you ask me. Only the truth is important. Know why? To be real. I never thought of it that way. But tell me this: You yourself are a formless. dirty. Blobbie! BLOB: How are you doing. . Blobbie. Jess? Are ghosts real? JESSICA: Nothing is real. what’s that? 13 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. JESSICA: What I believe isn’t important. And . you’ve got to be solid. Jess hasn’t been the same since she was bored to the breaking point when her friends forced her to sit through the movie Creepy Teenage Prom Night. I mean. Ghosts ain’t got those. irritating creatures! When I see one I quickly grab my broom and sweep it out the door! This happens at least twice a day in my laboratory at the college. Yes. Spook. SPOOK: Fascinating. take the sun. noisy. ghosts can’t be real. it’s none other than the Toxic Blob. But is it real? Everything is an illusion. you know? You’ve got to have form and shape. the Teenage Zombie. . Have you ever punched a ghost in the kisser? There’s nothing there! Your hand goes right through it! SPOOK: Hmm. shapeless. It sets at night.BRUNHILDA: Fascinating? It was disgusting! Ghosts are vile. including ghosts. gooey hulk. Spook. Brunhilda! Just amazing. Our next panelist is last year’s Creature of the Year. the creature from the radioactive swamp. SPOOK: Amazing. hey. Scholastic Teaching Resources . SPOOK: So I take it you don’t believe in ghosts. that may be true. So how are you any more real than a ghost? BLOB: (feels himself) Whoa! You got a good point there. Hello. Spook. To meet all of the panelists B. That ghosts are not real C. To explore the world of the supernatural D. D. To discuss whether ghosts are real C. JESSICA: Look out! BLOB: It’s coming after us! I think it’s mad! GHOSTLY FIGURE: O-o-o-o-o-o . B. To discuss radio shows 7. . What is the main idea of this week’s show? What main idea does Jessica express? A. Spook Specter. 2. That blobs are intelligent 8. That ghosts are not scary D. That no one has form or shape C. . That thing gives me the creeps. The host turns out to be a ghost. Be as wild and imaginative as you like! Choose one of your ideas. What main idea does Brunhilda express? What detail at the end of the show supports the idea that ghosts are real? A. Tune in next week when we discuss. That ghosts aren’t solid enough to be real B. To explain why ghosts aren’t real C. Scholastic Teaching Resources . disgusting creatures C. Brunhilda describes a ghost she A. . half-transparent figure suddenly hovers over the room.“Is Poison Really Bad for You?” Until then. 4. so long from your THE host. To sell exercise equipment 6. D. To prove that ghosts are disgusting D. 1. On a separate sheet of paper. What main idea does the Blob express? A. BRUNHILDA: Don’t be silly. glowing. That she doesn’t believe in ghosts once met. That ghosts are real B. That she doesn’t like ghosts C. SPOOK: That’s all for now for The Next Step. That ghosts don’t have form or shape D. A ghostly figure appears. Spook shows a movie of a ghost. make a list of three main ideas for future episodes of The Next Step. That ghosts are dangerous D.A strange. That ghosts don’t exist B. What is the main idea of the show called The Next Step? What details does the Blob use to support his idea? A. 14 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. JESSICA: Is that what I think it is? BLOB: Yow! I’m getting out of here. END 5. To scare the audience B. That she loves ghosts C. 3. That nothing is real A. That ghosts are vile. then write Spook’s introduction for that show. That ghosts make him laugh A. Ghosts are annoying—not dangerous. That ghosts aren’t solid B. Mom. then compare and contrast bacteria life to human life.“Tell me another story. And don’t forget that each one of them is a living thing! Read this icky story. “Was he like me. I won’t have enough time to tell stories to all of your other 35 billion brothers and sisters.” his mother said. “Now. Mom. Mom?” Billy asked. “There was once a happy little bacterium. t was bedtime. When you contrast. so she told him another story—a very spooky story. come on. when you compare.“And make it a spooky one. Billy. 4 The Toothbrush A Compare and Contrast Spooky Story Yes. 15 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. but Billy Bacteria was not tired at all. Remember. it’s true.” Billy’s mom loved Billy very much.” she began.” Billy begged.“You know that if I tell you too many stories. Your bathroom is home to billions of tiny bacteria. Scholastic Teaching Resources . you show how two things are alike. you show how two things are different. Just one more story?” Billy pleaded.Tale No.” I “Aw. Find similarities. C. Mom?” “Well. Instead of going to bed at night. D.“he was a lot like you.“not all by yourself. B. Billy.“his dreams were pretty much like everyone else’s dreams. 2. He was part of a large scum ring on the side of a nice big bathroom sink. than one child.” “What did he dream about.” “Wow!” Billy cried. Compare Billy to characters in typical children’s stories. A. Do you think I could be an infection some day. Billy loves to play with his friends and wants to go to college. He lives under the sink and dreams of Compare Billy’s life to the life of a character in a typical children’s story. C.“Yes. A. Billy dreams of being like his dad. His mother tells him bedtime stories. He wanted to grow up and be part of an infection. In what way does Billy’s family differ from families in typical children’s stories? A. Billy lives in a house instead of an apartment. Mom?” “Oh. Instead of a few brothers and sisters. D. he has billions of brothers and sisters. He seems to be a nice kid with a nice B. C. but this didn’t stop the little bacterium from dreaming about the future. he goes to bed in the daytime. He goes to school. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Both have friends and dream of becoming part of an infection. B. B. He has billions of brothers and sisters. the future. C. D. why not?” “Wow!” Billy said. Every day he played in the water with his bacteria friends.“An infection! That’s just like Dad.” she said. 16 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Both want to be part of an infection.” said his mom. family.” she chuckled. But if you got together with a few billion of your good friends. This little bacterium had a great life. In what way is he similar? 3. 4. A. Find differences. His mother has to take care of more Contrast Billy’s life to the life of typical children’s story characters. D. Both live on the side of a sink.“So what happened next?” 1. Billy lives on the side of a sink instead of a house. Both play football and baseball. They had a lot of fun together. dislodging some of the scum ring where Billy lived. What similarity do the characters in this story share with characters in traditional monster stories? A.“That can’t be true. and this toothpaste is specially made to DESTROY bacteria like you and me. B.“What I do know is that a toothbrush is said to move up and down. it’s gigantic. And there were no toothbrushes to be seen anywhere. Scholastic Teaching Resources . C. 6. “W-w-what’s the scary part. B. D. Billy was so scared he was shaking.- “ hat always happens?”replied Billy’s mom.” “A toothbrush!” Billy cried. But it was quite a while before he wanted his mom to tell him another spooky story again—especially one THE about a toothbrush! END 5. a toothbrush is said to be so big that you can’t even see it in a microscope!” “Oh come on. But this didn’t prepare him for what happened next: He looked up and saw a REAL toothbrush about to come down right on top of them. The monster is friendly. 8.“One moment the little bacterium was getting ready for bed. It has a monster in it that scares the listener. W - Billy loved his new home. “Look out!” Billy’s mom cried. Mom?” “A toothbrush. But he was enjoying the story nevertheless. The user of the toothbrush must have been shaking it off. He likes to listen to bedtime stories. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting your life to the life of the character.” Now Billy was shaking in his boots. 7. The monster is a toothbrush. They ignore the danger that the monster presents. The monster is huge and dangerous. B. He likes to listen to stories about toothbrushes. Does Dad believe in toothbrushes. First of all. And that’s not even the scary part. It knocked hard against the sink. They know how to defeat the monster. foamy goop called TOOTHPASTE.“What’s a toothbrush.” Billy’s mom said. They are not sure that the monster in the story really exists.“is a very scary thing. D. Mom?” “I’m not sure. 17 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. He likes to make up stories about toothbrushes and toothpaste. C.” she explained. Contrast the spooky story that Billy’s mom tells with spooky bedtime stories humans tell. A rush of water whooshed them out of there just in time. Mom?” “The scary part. It was very dark and safe there. smashing and dislodging trillions of innocent bacteria wherever it goes. Billy and his mom came to a new home under the sink. Which of the following does Billy have in common with many human kids? A. He likes to live under the sink. and the next thing you know a big fat toothbrush swooped down on him. In fact. Choose a character from one of your favorite books or stories. They are afraid of toothbrushes. What is different about the story that Billy’s mom tells? A. now obviously scared out of his wits.” By now.“is that the toothbrush is covered with a horrible white.” Billy said.” she said. D. C. drucklings are rather wormy. “I’ve never seen anyone so ugly before. They were jealous of her because they wanted to be as ugly as she was.Tale No. there was a fancy ball that was hosted by an Ugly Prince. 5 The Ugly Druckling A Point of View Spooky Story Your point of view is your way of looking at things. that fly is a tasty treat! Of course. “I must find out who she is. not a bird. wouldn’t you know it. but he couldn’t find her anywhere. Scholastic Teaching Resources . ugly isn’t bad. ugly-looking things. The Ugly Prince fell deeply in love with the Ugly Druckling right away. But to a druckling. a big buzzing fly is a pest. “Why does she get to be so ugly?” they would say. In fact.“We’re so plain!” O It just didn’t seem fair. when you change. It’s good. 18 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. it can cause you to see things differently. That means you have a new point of view. nce upon a time there was an Ugly Druckling. when she ran from the ball at midnight. But from the point of view of a frog. What’s a druckling? Druckling is a nickname for a type of caterpillar. And then. the Ugly Prince went looking for the Ugly Druckling.” he said. To you. So the other drucklings didn’t make fun of the Ugly Druckling. See how it works in this strange story.” The next day. too. “You’re beautiful!” he exclaimed. She is a troublemaker. (This was something that happened to all drucklings. “Yes. important than beauty. B. C. I now understand that being ugly isn’t the most important thing in life.“Here I am. frightening. C.“Let me get back to you on that. What is the prince’s point of view toward the Ugly Druckling when he meets her at the ball? A. humans— they didn’t quite get it. B. C.” 1. She now sees things from a human’s C. the Ugly Druckling sees that looking ugly is B. not as important as she once thought. of view of a beautiful butterfly. 4.” she said.“Where are you.” The prince looked around. the most important thing in life. I’ll call you tonight. She is disgusting.) The prince covered his face in horror.” the Ugly Prince said. She now sees things from a prince’s A. 19 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Do you still love me?” “Hmm. But since drucklings are not members of a highly intelligent species—like us. A. Ugly Druckling?” A voice replied. What had happened? During the night. He quickly realized that the voice was that of a beautiful butterfly—not the Ugly Druckling he’d fallen in love with. point of view. She now sees things from the point D. the Ugly Druckling had changed into a Beautiful Butterfly. D. In frustration. How does the point of view of drucklings toward beauty differ from what you might expect? How has the Ugly Druckling’s point of view changed? A. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Drucklings think beauty is wonderful. Drucklings prize beauty above all else. After she changes. She is his heart’s desire. It would happen to the prince. Ugly Prince. B.The Ugly Prince found himself at the edge of a forest. She now sees things from a duck’s 2. point of view. very difficult. D.“But inside I’m as ugly as ever. D. 3. Drucklings think beauty is a bad thing. Drucklings think personality is more point of view. he cried out. She is frightening. And anyway. So. Scholastic Teaching Resources . I was busy turning into a butterfly. Her way of seeing things had changed. more important than outer appearance. the Ugly Druckling really loved him. “You know. They only liked the way butterflies look. drucklings are ugly.“But I think it has something to do with my point of view.“Last night I. Finally. 7. He had changed into a caterpillar. The Ugly Prince changed into a butterfly. but inside I’m still as ugly as ever. They both saw that what’s on the inside is D.” said the prince. That’s why I didn’t call you. 8. 20 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg.” “Why is that?” asked the Ugly Druckling (who was now a Beautiful Butterfly). A.” said the Ugly Druckling (who was now a Beautiful Butterfly). but he felt the same as ever on the inside. But the way you look isn’t that important.“I’m the Ugly Prince that you met at the ball. too.” “I know what you mean.” she said. “I’m not sure. B Why didn’t the Ugly Druckling recognize the Ugly Prince when they met in the garden? END How did the point of view of both main characters change by the end of the story? A. he does. they got married and lived happily ever after. D. All night the Ugly Druckling (who was now a Beautiful Butterfly) waited. This helped him understand that A.” “But you’re so beautiful. B. C. He was wearing different clothes. and there she met up with another beautiful butterfly. And that’s what matters. “Who are you?” the Ugly Druckling asked. 6. THE And they were all ugly! 5.“He knows that I may be beautiful on the outside. “Don’t you recognize me?” replied the butterfly. B. Then write a paragraph about whose shoes you’d like to walk a mile in and how it might change your point of view.” the Ugly Druckling said. They had dozens of caterpillar kids. the Ugly Druckling hadn’t changed on the inside. B. “To really understand a person. He had changed into a butterfly. The Ugly Prince still didn’t call.- - ut the prince didn’t call.” “Hmm.“There is something ugly about your beauty.” replied the Ugly Druckling (who was now a Beautiful Butterfly). But now I do.“I have a confession to make. They didn’t like the way drucklings look. Do you still love me?” “I think I do.” What does that expression mean? Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. “What’s the matter?” they teased.” said the Ugly Prince (who was now a Handsome Prince).Yesterday when you told me that you were still ugly on the inside I didn’t really believe you.“Doesn’t your Ugly Prince love you anymore?” “Yes. she went to the garden. C. went through metamorphosis. “Yes. in the morning.” he said.” She insisted that the prince would be there any moment. D. But sometimes princes aren’t as noble and brave as they’re supposed to be.” said the Ugly Druckling (who was now a Beautiful Butterfly).” said the Ugly Prince (who was now a Handsome Prince). All of the other drucklings laughed. butterflies are beautiful. They couldn’t see anymore. you have to walk a mile in his or her shoes. C.“Do you still love me?” “Yes. “Stop it!” their mother would say. J 21 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Johnny teased. let’s just say it can be mighty scary. “No problem.” replied the creature. ohnny and Jennie were brother and sister. always teasing and bothering. “Oh. It had horrible scales. “Who are you? What are you?” asked Jennie. Then one morning Johnny and Jennie’s mother had to leave the two of them alone—together. sure.” they would both answer. Scholastic Teaching Resources .” Johnny replied. “Go soak your head!” cried Jennie. “I didn’t do anything. Johnny bullied. Try it. Jennie whined. a horrible green head. a horrible green creature came floating into the room. “Get out of the way!” Johnny ordered. never changing. Within five minutes they were squabbling. never ending. “I am a horrible green creature. Beyond that you can draw your own conclusions. horrible red eyes.” Jennie answered. Drawing conclusions is putting together the information you have to make sense of what you’re reading. “I was first!” Jennie said. bullying and whining. “Can you two stay alone for a few hours without causing trouble?” their mother asked. and they didn’t get along. 6 The Horrible Green Creature A Drawing Conclusions Spooky Story What happens to brothers and sisters who won’t get along? Without giving away the story. On and on it went.Tale No. and a ghastly grin that was so horrible that it gave you a stomachache. horrible purple wings. At that point. Jennie bothered. ” said Jennie. They’re equally at fault.” “Take a hike. C. D. I’m just here doing my job. and blew a horrible cloud of hot green gas straight at the two kids. All of the above are true.” said Johnny. They don’t have anything to do. A.” said Jennie.You’ll get us in trouble. Jennie. teach them how to cause problems. is a nasty situation. “I hope you two get in a lot of trouble. A.“that’s a pretty nasty thing to say.“Get lost!” “Wait. They will become friends with the creature.” said the creature. How do you think Johnny and Jennie will respond to the creature? A.“It’s her fault. They’re afraid of ghosts. “Hey. “Ask Jennie. And with that. What problem do Jennie and Johnny face? A. the creature took a deep breath.“Talk to him.“Will you help me get rid of this gasbag?” 1. destroy things. POOSH! “Yow!” cried Jennie.“That stings!” “And it stinks.“What else do you do. They don’t listen to their mother. would you creature?” “Want me to knock it off? OK. 22 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. They don’t get along.” said the horrible green creature.” said Jennie. Johnny is mostly at fault. They will call the police.” “Hey.” Johnny said. D. made a horrible face (even more horrible than its regular face). And with that he started spraying stinky green gas clouds all over the room.“Why are you here? What do you want from us?” Johnny asked.” said the creature.“Knock it off.” the creature replied. B.” “I’m not talking to anyone!” cried the creature. learn how to be horrible from them. for sure. Jennie is mostly at fault. 4. Draw a conclusion about whose fault the problem is. They will work together to get rid of the creature. POOSH! POOSH! POOSH! POOSH! “Stop!” both cried.” “Good!” cried the horrible green creature. I’m a pretty nasty creature. “I’m sent to nasty situations—places where people are fighting for no good reason. 2. teach them not to fight.“And this.“You’re ruining our house. B. too.” said Johnny. D. horrible green creature?” “Watch this.” “Well. D. They will be so nasty that they will drive the creature away. C. 3. C.” said Johnny. I’ll knock it off if the two of you will quit fighting.” “No way. Scholastic Teaching Resources . C. The horrible green creature has probably come to Johnny and Jennie’s house to B. B. ” Jennie replied. To frighten kids B. Well. “We sure did. Describe who needs his help and why. I’m OUTTA HERE!” And with that. the horrible green creature vanished as mysteriously as he’d arrived. “Well. They learned that their mother is never wrong. How did Jennie and Johnny’s mother probably feel when she saw how well the two kids were getting along? A. 6. Unhappy B. So while Johnny held the nozzle.” “You don’t scare me!” cried the horrible green creature. creature. To help people stop fighting D. To punish brothers and sisters who fight 8. Be creative! END 23 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. we’re going to BLAST you with this reverse vacuum cleaner.“Really horrible.“Let’s work together. almost never! I 5.” Johnny said. “Yes. A. The two dusted off their hands. Surprised C. Frightened D. They learned that they could get along if they tried. At that moment their mother walked in. it is.” Jennie said. Scholastic Teaching Resources .” said their mother. And the two of them never acted horrible THE again. Jennie turned off the vacuum cleaner. write a memo (a paragraph) to the monster explaining the job.“We’ll give you one chance.” “But we worked together to make things better. Worried 7. “How did you two get along after I left?” she asked. It’s time for the creature to go out on his next job assignment. C. we sure took care of that. isn’t that nice. They learned that working together is very difficult. What seems to be the horrible green creature’s job? A. it’s super-powered vacuums in reverse. If you don’t VAMOOSE right this instant.- - t was the first time he’d ever asked her to help him with anything. D.” And with that they went to the closet. To baby-sit for bratty kids C. “Things were horrible at first. “Well.” said Jennie and Johnny. Imagine that you are the creature’s boss. Draw a conclusion about what Jennie and Johnny learned from their experience with the horrible green creature. grabbed the super-powerful vacuum cleaner that their mother used.” Jennie said. On a separate sheet of paper. Draw some conclusions about the horrible green creature’s job. “I sure will.” said Johnny. and put it in reverse so it blew out instead of sucking in. and BR-A-A-A-N-N-NG! The machine started shooting at the creature. “Yowsa!” cried the creature. They learned that the creature was truly horrible.“If there’s one thing we horrible green creatures can’t take. Jennie pushed the button. “Okay. B.” Johnny said. Scholastic Teaching Resources . 24 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. one night a week. and I needed it fast. It read: I Make $100 a night. The plot gets very creepy. This worked out OK. Suddenly. Each month. Check it out! t started with greed. How did I pay for it? In a word. I knew I had no choice. Call Jasper at LK5-1313. Me? My name is Louis and I wanted a music system: A G-750 Blaster CD-Surround Total Theater System that costs $2. very quickly. No questions asked. I paid $200— for 24 months. I didn’t. 7 The House on Plum Street An Analyzing Plot Spooky Story Every story has characters. So when I saw the ad in the newspaper.999. Be the caretaker at my great-great-uncle Farley’s house at 13 Plum Street. Here. and some kind of action. I needed money. All of these together is called the plot.Tale No. a setting. Some folks want money. until I lost my job at the video store. I put it on the installment plan. the plot focuses on a young man who will do anything—and we mean anything—to earn money for something he wants. B. What problem does the main character face? A. A haunted music system C. He doesn’t have a music system. I turned it on. I had never seen one like it before. Scholastic Teaching Resources . He doesn’t have the money to pay for his music system. Was it haunted? Of course not. “Nonsense. C. I told myself. I looked at the label on the system. the house’s music system caught my eye. - “You are not worthy! LEAVE ME ALO-O-ONE!” A strange radio broadcast? Perhaps. He is being pursued by a ghost. Then.YOU CAN HAVE IT—IF YOU ARE TRULY WORTHY! So the next morning. What is the setting of the story? A. B. I went over to the system. - looked closely at the case. I got the job with no questions asked. just like the ad said. Jasper B. He tricks Uncle Jasper into giving him a new music system. He needs to get his old job back from the video store. 4. I’d never heard such music before. The distant past D. Jasper handed me the key and promised me it would be an easy job. When I tried to yank the plug out of the wall. The floors creaked.“I don’t believe in haunted houses. I tried to unplug it. the room filled with a mournful. He takes a job caring for a house that may be haunted. Uncle Farley C. He buys a very expensive music system. Who is the main character in the story? A. I couldn’t identify the instruments or the style of music. D. The terrible sound got louder: “You are not worthy! LEAVE ME ALO-O-O-ONE!” I gave it one more pull. There was a small plaque that read: WHOSOEVER WANTS THIS SYSTEM. The windows were cracked and broken. there was no sign of anything strange. Louis’s apartment 3. I sat there and listened to the Bizarre100 for most of the evening. except for one thing: Some people said the house was haunted. I had no doubt that it was the greatest sound system in the world. it wouldn’t budge.I called and. when I got ready to leave. I decided that I had to have it.” I will say this: The place was dark. What steps does the main character take to solve the problem? A. D. loathsome sound: I 1. C. filling me with happiness and contentment. Suddenly. He decides to return the music system. I just knew it spoke directly to my heart. The most beautiful music came pouring out of unseen speakers. 25 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. The house 2. A spooky old house B. It was called a Bizarre-100. And for most of the night.” I said. Louis D. dank. and full of cobwebs. Scholastic Teaching Resources . a magazine dedicated to tracking down ghosts and hauntings. In this section. He wants to take the Bizarre-100 music system. I still don’t believe in haunted houses. when the workers came to clean up the wreckage. He is now a ghost. C. what new problem does the main character face? A. And I like it fine. somewhere.” I said.“That place didn’t have a music system. He wants to escape the house. B.” he said. One thing I definitely don’t believe in is an expensive sound system. C. He no longer wants a fancy. when I’m lying in bed at night.“You are truly not worthy! LEAVE ME ALO-O-O-O-ONE!” At that point. You’re a reporter for The Haunted Times. 5.” Sure enough. B. But sometimes. The day after the house collapsed. The house burns down when the music system overheats.“That music system in the house. D. How does the main character change as a result of what happens in the story? A. I tell myself that somehow. Then I heard a terrible noise. but the Bizarre-100 won’t let him. C. The house collapses when Louis tries to unplug the system.“I’ve been waiting for Uncle Farley’s house to fall apart for twenty years. The house is sold to Jasper for a small price.You did it. So taking the caretaking job did solve my problem—in a way. The ceiling was about to cave in! I ran. Was it haunted—or not? END 26 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. I close my eyes and think I hear the beautiful sounds that came from the Bizarre-100 system. He wants to destroy the music system because he can’t have it. I didn’t turn around until I reached the front gate. Where did it come from? Was it your uncle’s?” “Music system?” Jasper replied. before anyone in this town even had a radio. I’ll THE hear that music again. Plaster began to fall. And it should have survived the collapse. I looked up. maybe a little bit. write an article describing what happened at Uncle Farley’s house. 7. It didn’t even have a radio! My uncle moved out in 1912. expensive sound system.You finally did it!” “Tell me something. The old house was collapsing! I ran straight to Jasper and told him what happened. I traded in my $2. D. The windows began to rattle. Cracks in the ceiling began to widen. Louis is attacked by a ghost.999 system for a plain old $129 set. the walls began to shake. Well. they found no sign of a sound system. 6. He no longer believes in haunted houses. He no longer likes music. Myself? I can’t explain what happened. B. 8. D. What is the climax of the story? A. “Finally. On a separate sheet of paper. He wants to play music. “I’ve been typecast. videos. Vickie Crackle. you can figure out a story’s main idea by asking yourself. you name it! He was America’s favorite blob.“I would like to play an action hero.” the Blob said. “But I have to be honest. I don’t want to be stuck playing blobs for the rest of my life. I know I can move into other roles. Scholastic Teaching Resources .” “What kinds of roles were you thinking of?” asked Vickie. “I wish people would stop thinking of me as such a hideous blob.” the Blob complained to his always-honest agent. See how it works in this tale of a big blob who just isn’t happy. “What is the main character’s biggest problem?” Supporting details give you more information about the main idea. Critics praised him. Fans adored him.” 27 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg.” the ever-honest Vickie said. Something like Harrison Ford would have done in his younger days—Star Wars. His last five movies—all horror movies. you’re nice!” “But I want to stretch myself. “But you are a hideous blob—a gob of oozing goo.Tale No.” the Blob said to Vickie. Raiders of the Lost Ark. T “In my next movie. he Hideous Blob was a megastar. TV shows. that sort of thing. So was the Hideous Blob satisfied? Not a chance. Blob!” said Vickie. I’m not sure it’s a great idea. of course—had been smash hits. Everyone wanted a piece of him! The Blob was on magazine covers. Often. “OK! I’m on top of it.“And on top of that. commercials. 8 The Hideous Blob’s Amazing Comeback A Main Idea and Supporting Details Spooky Story The main idea is a story’s big point. “I wish he’d go back to being the old Hideous Blob that we knew and loved. Vickie says. Vickie says. fans got to see their favorite star drive a souped-up sports car. D.1. D. B. The Blob has an agent named Vickie Crackle. and that’s all there is to it.” A. “Disgusting!” they cried. The Blob wants to make commercials 3. B. “I’m on top of it.” wrote a famous movie critic. “Ick!” they said. In fact.“The Blob is a blob. People hated the Blob’s new movie. The Blob wants to be famous. The Blob wants to try new roles. “That may not be such a great idea. Did they like the new him? Not a chance. he was a romantic but emotionally damaged I 28 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. - - n the Blob’s next movie. he made several more movies in which he got to “stretch” himself.” But the Blob didn’t go back to being the old Hideous Blob. Which detail supports the idea that the Blob is a big star? D. The Blob likes Harrison Ford. “You are the best Blob in the singing career. The Blob wants to quit acting and start a Blob. In one.” B. Vickie never takes any money from the and TV shows. What is the main idea so far? A. C. The Blob appears on magazine covers. “The Blob is simply not believable as an action hero. C. and win the heart of a beautiful woman. The Blob is not satisfied with his career.” they said. entire world. Which detail supports the idea that Vickie is always honest? A. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Vickie says. battle evil ninjas.” 2. C. B. B. different. Audiences didn’t like the new Blob because A. he was a different kind of hero. And he got awards—Blob of the Year.math genius. 7. D. “The Hideous Blob for president!” they shouted. C. Before. overweight. he was too scary. D. Theaters showing his films were nearly empty. On a separate sheet of paper.” he said.” So Vickie had the Hideous Blob make a new scary movie in which he was the old Hideous Blob again. 5. Instead he became a hero to people who are A. He was on commercials. It would have bothered you all your life if you hadn’t!” “And I have to admit it. B.“But at least you gave it an honest try. Now. the Blob gave tons of interviews. He was a hero to unusual people everywhere. and in magazines.” said Vickie. Of course. You are a writer for Scary Teen Movie magazine. convince critics he was good in his new roles.” said the Blob.“You’ve got to do something. C. sick. And that was an exciting new role for him. he lost his acting ability. 6. B. The Blob asked Vickie to help him A. even Comeback Blob of the Year. But now. get revenge on people who didn’t like the new him. What detail shows that audiences did not like the Blob in his new roles? A. he said nasty things about his fans. write a short article about the Blob’s big comeback and his new mission in life. 8. C. theaters showing his films were practically empty. play a blob again. he wasn’t believable.“You’ve got to help me become popular again!” “OK. They were complete flops as well. At first.“but it’s going to mean going back to horror movies.” “That’s fine. D. Scholastic Teaching Resources . people stood in line to see the Blob’s movies. And so it went. Audiences loved it. Best Supporting Blob. the Blob dreamed of becoming an action hero. “This is great!” they cried. In each one. D. “I always felt ridiculous in those cool-guy outfits. the Blob came to Vickie.” “I have to say I agree with you. he took the opportunity to put in a plug for his new message: “Be happy with who you are.” The Blob wasn’t an action hero. scared. Vickie said she thought the Blob’s plan to take new roles wasn’t a good idea.“I understand now. END 29 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. but I’m a terrible action hero. TV shows. C. spread his new message. In another he played a guy with glasses who was a meek newspaper reporter by day and a crime-fighting hero by night. Finally. The Blob took a role as a crimefighting reporter. The Hideous Blob became a big star again.” said the Blob. A critic said the Blob should stick to horror movies. I’m a great horror-movie actor.” Vickie said. THE 4. moaning voice. Aunt Liz explained. Scholastic Teaching Resources . in a ghostly. A unt Elizabeth had always been Sara’s favorite aunt. Try it in this one-of-a-kind ghost story. you want to get to the bottom of it. “Yes. Each night when it got dark. There were two ghosts: Morgan the Butcher and his wife Cynthia.” Aunt Liz said calmly.Tale No. the Butcher and his wife would appear and ask the same question: “WHAT DOES MORGAN 30 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Aunt Liz had recently moved to a faraway town and bought a big old house. “Did you say g-ghosts?” Sara gulped. When you use clues from a story to figure out things that the author doesn’t tell you.“And I need you to help me get rid of them.” “G-get rid of them. Sara didn’t hesitate to come and help. So when Aunt Liz had a problem. At times like those. you’re making inferences.” Sara repeated. It was only after Sara arrived on the train that Aunt Liz told her what the real trouble was: The old house she’d bought seemed to have ghosts. inference really comes in handy. 9 The Butcher and His Wife A Making Inferences Spooky Story When something creepy is going on. An inference is like an educated guess. “H-how?” In a steady voice. isn’t it? But I know that if we can find the answer to the question.THE BUTCHER WEIGH?” Then they would cackle madly into the dark night. NO. we can get rid of the ghosts. At the local library she researched the topic of ghosts and tried to track down information about what Morgan the Butcher and Cynthia had been like when they were alive. C. She does not believe in them. “What a strange question. 3. C. Aunt Liz spoke in a nervous voice. NO!” the ghosts moaned. The fact that one of the ghosts was a butcher. Aunt Liz spoke in a loud voice. D.“Is that all the ghosts ever say?” “Yes. She is so terrified them. NO. Make an inference about Aunt Liz’s attitude toward ghosts. It says Aunt Liz had recently “bought a big old house. “One hundred sixty pounds?” she asked.” Sara was determined to solve the puzzle. That night.” He didn’t weigh anything at all. But finally the day came when she had to leave. NO!” they shrieked. “NO-O-O!” the ghosts cackled. I overly afraid of them. - D.” D. And they never stop laughing. Aunt Liz spoke in a calm and steady voice.” B. “Nothing. Aunt Liz called Sara for help. Then one night Sara had an idea: Morgan was a ghost. B.“Over and over again. “One hundred fifty pounds?” she said. A.” C. C. But Morgan and Cynthia seemed to have been happy—and popular. She enjoys them and finds them amusing. Everyone seemed to love to come to their little shop and buy sausages and hear the jokes that they told. - 1. Make an inference about the relationship between Sara and Aunt Liz. But as far as answering the question. Aunt Liz and Sara had always lived far apart but stayed in touch on the phone. What helped you make your inference for question 3? A. Most ghosts lived unhappy lives. Aunt Liz and Sara once lived in a haunted house together in a different town. they ask the same question. and ghosts were weightless spirits. It’s puzzling. What helped you make your inference for question 1? A. Both Morgan and Cynthia were renowned jokers. What she found puzzled her.“WHAT DOES MORGAN WEIGH?” Sara answered. They bother her but she is not t went on like this.“WHAT DOES MORGAN THE BUTCHER WEIGH?” Sara could only guess. NO. So when they asked. Aunt Liz and Sara once lived near each other and were close. 31 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg.” Sara said to Aunt Liz. NO. too. Sara had a ticket to go back home on the midnight train. It says “the old house that she’d bought seemed to have ghosts. in response to the ghosts’ question. 4. Sara kept trying different answers for the ghosts. “NO. “NO.” answered Aunt Liz. It says Aunt Liz “recently moved to a faraway town. NO. D. Aunt Liz was the coach of Sara’s soccer team. B. B. NO. Scholastic Teaching Resources . But this made them cackle and moan more than ever. 2. A. bone-rattling guffaw. Sara saw a man weighing out sausages. it sounded like it would never stop. They live only in dark old houses. Knowing that Morgan was an extremely happy man B.” Aunt Liz said. “That’s okay. “HA HA HO HO HEE HEE HAR HAR HO HO HA HA!” The ghosts sounded like they would never stop laughing. “I said. A chapter in a library book 8. “What did you say?” they asked in their ghostly. Inside.” Aunt Liz said. A. C. Once the laughter started. a rip-snorting. They are rude. A butcher weighing sausages on a scale B.“I’m sorry.” Sara said. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Louder and louder it got. 5. What helped Sarah infer that the ghosts were joking? Write a thank-you note that Morgan and Cynthia might write to Aunt Liz and Sara. The ghosts were in fine form. It was the one final joke that Morgan the Butcher and his wife Cynthia wanted to tell the world: WHAT DOES MORGAN THE BUTCHER WEIGH? HE WEIGHS SAUSAGES! Get it? It was pretty funny. Before we miss everything!” They arrived at the house just in time. What did Sara see that helped her figure out the answer to the riddle? Make an inference about ghosts based on this story.” On the way to the train station they passed by the little sausage shop that had once belonged to Morgan the Butcher. B.” “But you’ll miss your train.” “That’s all right. Reading about joking ghosts in the library 32 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Morgan the Butcher weighs SAUSAGES!” Sara cried. In fact. They can have a good sense of humor. moaning voices. “I think I know the answer to the ghosts’ question. shrieking all over the house: “WHAT DOES MORGAN THE BUTCHER WEIGH?” But this time. A. The ghosts suddenly stopped. I’ll walk you to your train. Let’s go back to the house one more time. The answer to the ghosts’ question turned out to be a joke. Knowing that Cynthia and Morgan were famous for their senses of humor C. Knowing that Cynthia and Morgan cheated their customers D. Sara knew the answer to their question. This did it. They can have a job as a butcher.“Let’s go. Quickly. END 7. 6. Aunt Liz. “Wait a second!” Sara suddenly cried. thanking them for getting their joke—and allowing them to take a rest from haunting. Her Aunt Liz eating sausage D.“I wish I could’ve been more help. “Sausages!” she cried.“You tried. Come on.” she told her Aunt Liz. it was so funny that the ghosts never came back THE again. D. A. The location of the butcher shop C. They asked Lucy to come to their slumber party. listening to Z-105.Tale No. “ ucy Bly. But what could Lucy do? Molly and Polly were just about the most popular girls at Webster Middle School! How could Lucy say no to them? “I couldn’t. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Lucy was in her room.” said Francy-Jean Swain. called. that was her problem! L 33 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. And if Francy-Jean didn’t understand that. Francy-Jean must have been disappointed and perhaps a bit furious. But then two girls from their school’s super-cool crowd. It’s fun to figure out what makes a character tick. Lucy decided to go. sitting on her bed. her favorite radio station. well. “What’s going on in the character’s head?” or “Why would the character do such a stupid thing?” Try it in this story of a not-so-nice girl who gets what she deserves. Molly and Polly. The slumber party wouldn’t begin for two hours.” she told herself. Lucy knew that as her best friend. you’re a total traitor. Ask yourself. Lucy’s best friend. Lucy and Francy-Jean were supposed to go to a concert together. 10 The Three Ghosts of Lucy Bly An Understanding Character Spooky Story Good characters make stories interesting to read. From what you have read so far. She decides to go to the slumber party rather than the concert. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Lucy shook her head. She decides to go to the concert rather than the slumber party. Lucy knew that as her best friend. She says Francy-Jean won’t mind going to the concert alone. I am speaking of Francy-Jean Swain. She says that Francy-Jean doesn’t understand how to be a friend. she dozed off. Lucy knows that what she did was wrong? A. Lucy and Francy-Jean were supposed to go to a concert together. deep down. Lucy? Why?” “I don’t know. “Whew!” Lucy said. She says that she can’t say no to the popular girls. well.“Why. C.” said Lucy. Which of these sentences from the story shows that. That’s enough of that.” replied the voice. like a weasel. What actions support this view of Lucy’s character? A. She breaks a promise to go out with her best friend. D. “Why are you a weasel?” Lucy asked. She does nothing but sit in her room and listen to the radio. D. weasel-like voice.” said the voice.” Lucy said. “LUCY!” called a horrible. Soon. which word best describes Lucy’s character? A. “I AM THE WEASEL-GHOST OF FRIENDSHIPS PAST. Loyal C. B.” the voice said.“I take the form of a snake to show the low. She says that she can’t say no to Francy-Jean. you dumped them all. she was awakened by a strange light glowing in her room. B.“Do you remember Wendy Gerber. Molly and Polly were just about the most popular girls at Webster Middle School! - he radio kept playing. Disloyal B. “I AM THE SNAKE-GHOST OF FRIENDSHIPS PRESENT. If Francy-Jean didn’t understand that. Dara Diaz.” hissed the hideous figure. D. Kind 2. 4. twisting around itself as it hissed and moaned.“Those are the names of my best friends. Some time later.” And with that.” Lucy said. Like a hideous rope. And Lucy grew more and more sleepy. squealing. C. Francy-Jean must have been disappointed.” “Just like a weasel. that was her problem! B. “Because.“What a bad dream. another strange light appeared. 3. My former best friends. I’m waking up now. and Lannie Plansky?” “Of course. T 34 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. DO YOU HEAR ME?” Lucy sat up like a bolt. treacherous way in which you treat your current friends. Why did you betray her. Lucy? Why were you such a weasel?” “I don’t know.“But I’ve had enough of this—this dream or whatever it is.“Who’s that?” she cried.“LUCY BLY. C.- 1. and another ghost entered the room. and the weasel-ghost was gone. you abandoned your past friendships.” But a few moments later. How does Lucy justify her actions to herself? A. Mean D. the snake-ghost writhed and coiled. Deep down inside. “Oink.Yet. They looked like pigs.“This is ridiculous!” cried Lucy. On a separate sheet of paper. Is it still possible to go to the concert with you?” “What happened?” Francy-Jean said. Lucy sat up ramrod straight on her bed. Francy-Jean didn’t mind that Lucy dropped her for Molly and Polly. Francy-Jean isn’t her friend anymore. C. “Why can’t I see you?” Lucy asked.” “That’s ridiculous. D. Hardly any time had passed since Lucy had fallen asleep.“I’ve been thinking. Imagine that you’re Lucy. This was too much. at the same time. When Lucy says she changed her mind and wants to go to the concert. “Did you get ditched by Molly and Polly?” This shows that A. If not Francy-Jean. then Molly and Polly.” said the ghost. when her friend answered.” “Are you sure?” asked the ghost. oink. B. write an apology note to Francy-Jean. what do Lucy’s dreams reveal? A. she knows she needs to pretend to be loyal to her friends.” said the voice. She becomes more of a loner. 7. Will YOU be our friend? Oink oink!” “Y-A-A-A-H!” Lucy screamed.“Did you get ditched by Molly and Polly?” “No. THE And she meant it.” Lucy said. END 8. you won’t have any friends.“Francy-Jean. two horrible figures appeared in the room.“I’ll always have friends. Francy-Jean asks. Deep down inside.” “Sure you don’t want to change your mind?” Francy-Jean asked. 5. B. they had the faces of Molly and Polly. Deep down inside. But it wasn’t long before a third ghost appeared. She had a sudden urge to call Francy-Jean on the phone.” said Lucy.“We’re the most popular girls in school. Lucy!” the pig-ghosts teased. Taken all together.” she said. D. The pig-ghosts were gone. Explain how you have changed. C. The radio was still tuned to Z-105.” Lucy said. you could say that I ditched them. 35 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. wasn’t I?” said Lucy to herself.“Actually. B. And she grabbed a broom and whisked the ghost out of the room. She tries to focus more on her schoolwork. Francy-Jean is going to the slumber party. Scholastic Teaching Resources . “In the future. Francy-Jean doesn’t totally trust Lucy. she knows she needs to be loyal to the most popular kids. The strange lights were gone. C. And then. She tries to become a more loyal friend. How does Lucy change as a result of her dreams? A. 6. She becomes less loyal to Molly and Polly. she knows that friends are unimportant. “Because there is nothing to see. “I AM THE GHOST OF FUTURE FRIENDSHIPS. D. “I was asleep. “There’s not a ghost of a chance. Deep down inside. I decided I’d rather hang out with you tonight. she knows she needs to be loyal to her true friends. Old Aunt Doty is a columnist for the Creeptown Daily News. fun. Put a couple in somebody’s shoe and watch the fun begin! Yours truly. 11 Ask Aunt Doty: An Advice Column for the Supernaturally Inclined An Author’s Purpose Spooky Story Authors write for a reason. I can’t stand my boss at my afterschool job and I’d like to give him the Evil Eye. What’s correct—. I’m going to my aunt’s 375th birthday party next week. Most science-book authors write to teach. try a big bag of scorpions. the Evil One Dear Gas. and just poisonous enough to liven up any occasion. Scholastic Teaching Resources . But if you can’t swing that. That’s their main purpose.Tale No. Ghost-story authors usually have two purposes: to scare and to entertain. What’s her purpose for writing? Who are her readers? Dear Aunt Doty.Spittin’ Jim 36 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg.Gasgack. That reason is called an author’s purpose. What would be a good gift for someone who likes a good time? —. They’re handy.to give the Evil Eye first and then spit? Or should I spit first? —. Great big gobs of murkalated monkey-meat are always a fine gift for a fun-loving relative. Aunt Doty Dear Aunt Doty. Inclined C. entertain and inform the audience. The purpose of the people who write to Aunt Doty is to A. C. D. give information. I cast a spell on our mailman and turned him into a chicken. Dear B. What should I do? —. B. In this case. apologize and scare the audience. persuade and scare the audience. ask for help from Aunt Doty. It’s the gift that keeps on giving—or should I say biting! Yours truly. you can’t go wrong. scare Aunt Doty. The smell was heavenly! What can I get to thank them? —. Column D. gather information. Aunt Doty 37 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. B. Dear Aunt Doty. 1. entertain Aunt Doty. - Dear Aunt Doty. But don’t worry. you’ll get used to it—though he might not! Cluck cluck! Yours truly. B. make a request. 3.Something Fishy in Reading Dear Fish. D. Or should I say—you can’t go right! Yours truly.Hope I’m Not Chickening Out - Dear Hope. I came into work the other day.Dear Jim. It’s quite natural to feel this way after you turn a mailman into a chicken. A. Now I’m having second thoughts. Aunt Doty Which word in the title gives you the best clue to Aunt Doty’s purpose? Which do you most strongly agree with? The author wants to A. Either way is good. inform Aunt Doty. 4. Scholastic Teaching Resources . frighten. D. Authors can have more than one purpose. As long as you truly wish the worst. I have one word that will solve your problem perfectly: bedbugs. the author seems to be trying to A. C. apologize and persuade the audience. Last week. and my coworkers dumped a bucket of fish guts over my head. Advice Aunt Doty 2. Have them professionally installed. C. Dullsville pumps C. Aunt Doty is writing for a certain kind of reader. Aunt Doty If a girl wrote to Aunt Doty asking what to wear to the prom.” You’ll find all kinds of creative ways to gross out your loved ones. yet it’s always in perfect taste. A. thank 6. Athletes C. A slime-soaked dress and spiderweb cape Dear Dull. Teenage musicians D. Fresh roadkill always hits the spot. My room is really dull. Jeans and a ripped T-shirt D. go to my Web site. It’s so cool! What can I do for them to show that I care? —. a person whose house was infested with bats and mice would be angry. A simple black dress and a Aunt Doty string of pearls B. Imagine that you’re a resident of Creeptown.5. Yours truly. Pair up with a classmate and answer each others’ letters. AuntDoty. On a separate sheet of paper. But the person who wrote the letter at left was happy.aargh and click on “Repulsive Ideas. scare D.Stumped in Pittsburgh B. B. Scholastic Teaching Resources . it starts to smell after a while. Creepy beings 7. Last Halloween. which of the following answers would Aunt Doty probably give? 8. How can I spruce it up? —. A frilly gown and high-heeled Dear Aunt Doty. Which of the following best describes her audience? A. In real life. It’s colorful. Why don’t you try filling their lockers at school with buckets of fresh green slime mold? To find sources for excellent mold. And the bonus is. A. Have fun! THE END 38 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Animal lovers Dear Stump. hurt Dear Aunt Doty. Her purpose for writing to Aunt Doty was to get ideas for ways to _________ the people who had done it. my two best friends got together and infested my house with mice and vampire bats. write your own letter to Aunt Doty. punish C. Yours truly. “That’s right. I call them my Three Pillars of Wisdom. you’re making a prediction. It didn’t seem to mean anything to him. He had two living relatives: a nephew. Scholastic Teaching Resources . 12 The Choice A Making Predictions Spooky Story When you’re watching a movie.” said Uncle Henry. do you guess what’s going to happen next? If so.” Uncle Henry said.Tale No.” he told them.“As long as your choice is honest. you can do the same thing. ld Henry Hasperson was getting on in years.” Uncle Henry repeated. Try it here. he didn’t even seem interested in money. Use the clues in the story plus your own common sense.” Janet knew that wisdom was a very valuable thing. He O drove an old car and wore nothing but faded jeans and worn T-shirts. and he decided it was time to hand out some of his large fortune. “There are only two things I can give you. “I have decided to let you choose your own inheritance. whose family had tons of money. and a niece. “You will receive only the reward that you deserve. Could she afford to make a mistake? And what exactly did Uncle Henry mean by an “honest choice”? Janet was surprised to hear him talking about honesty anyway.” “Your Three Pillars of Wisdom?” asked Janet. But money meant a great deal to Janet. When you read.“In my long life I have learned that only three things are absolutely true.“You can choose my money or you can choose my Three Pillars of Wisdom. One Saturday afternoon he invited them to his mansion. Steve. 39 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. she had grown up poor. you will get the reward you deserve.” “What are our choices?” asked Janet. But unlike her cousin Steve. He gave each of them one day to make up their minds. Janet. “What if we choose the wrong thing?” Janet asked. It was common knowledge in the family that he’d made much of his money by tricking and cheating his competitors. Not only was Steve rich. This was too good to be true. B. what would it show about her beliefs? A. What fact makes it seem likely that Janet will choose the money? 3. So either way you win. He often cheated in business. D.“We’re not just cousins.” Janet complained.“if he does give me the money. He is very interested in wisdom. Steve comes from a rich family. She believes money isn’t the most important thing in life. Would you do that for me?” “Hey.” said Janet. Nor had she ever known Steve to be so generous.1.”Steve said. - “ his isn’t fair. He comes from a poor family. D. Is it possible to predict for certain what choice Janet or Steve will make? A. He has a reputation for being strange. She believes in ghosts. So he’ll end up giving it to you. Janet comes from a poor family. No A. What fact makes it seem possible that Uncle Henry has some kind of trick up his sleeve? B. Uncle Henry has lots of money. Uncle Henry could lose all his money. C. We’re friends. C.“Tell him you want the money. Janet could wind up with too much wisdom. Scholastic Teaching Resources . 7.“How are we supposed to make a choice?” “Just tell the truth. B. C. 2.“Why don’t I say that I want the money? He’ll know I’m not being honest. C. What fact makes it seem likely that Steve will choose the Three Pillars of Wisdom? A. they’d never been especially close.” Janet said.” Steve said.“That’s pretty clever.” he said. He announced that will be his choice. He’ll give it to you. B. in money. “And anyway. Yes 4. Though she and Steve had known each other for years. What is one thing that could go wrong for Janet if she follows Steve’s plan? A. Steve?” Steve shrugged. She believes wisdom is worth a lot of money. B. Janet knows wisdom is important. 40 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg.” “No.“He’ll think I’m greedy and he’ll give the money to you. C. as she and Steve were walking home. And you don’t even want the money. What are friends for?” Janet was amazed. He is rich and seems uninterested D. He said he was planning a big trick.” Steve added. B. C. we’ll just split it. D. D. She no longer needs money. What new fact now makes it seem likely that Janet will choose the Pillars? A.” “Hmm.“I’ll tell you what. If Janet honestly chooses to receive the Three Pillars of Wisdom instead of the money. T - 5. Uncle Henry told her to choose the Pillars. She believes that money can solve all problems.” “Wow!” said Janet. He is old. Steve could take the money and refuse to give Janet any. A. D. 6. B. he won’t. Steve has a plan to get Uncle Henry to give Janet the money. Another cousin could turn up and ask for the money. do you. She has a new interest in wisdom. and there he goes!” Janet ran to the window.” she told him. “Oh. “You got what you deserved. When he was done. On a separate sheet of paper. To celebrate. he was holding a million-dollar check in his hand. He went out to wait in the white limo while Janet went in to see Uncle Henry.” “Ha!” laughed Uncle Henry.“But unfortunately for Steve. I’m hiring a white limo to take us home after we see Uncle Henry.” he said. Steve had betrayed her.” Janet was shocked. things started out smoothly. “You bet. Steve would see Uncle Henry first. make a prediction about what the meeting would be like. write the conversation they might have. Steve was gone. It was a cruel joke. “You are my favorite niece. Here.” Uncle Henry THE said. But it was true. Using your imagination and evidence from the story.” Uncle Henry said. “Trust is everything. he got a check. It couldn’t be.“You seemed to have trusted your cousin Steve.“Honesty is for fools!” she cried. Scholastic Teaching Resources .“Tomorrow. Steve would wait outside for Janet in a white limo. “But what about Steve?” Janet cried. Steve went in to see Uncle Henry first. Janet knew that Uncle Henry was wrong. When he tries to cash it he’ll find out it’s worthless. The money was gone. He gave Janet the thumbs-up sign.“It’s as simple as that. No more walking for these cousins!” The next day.“Honesty is for fools. Uncle Henry. Imagine that Steve and Janet meet up exactly one year later. “What’s this?” she asked. A strange smile spread across Uncle Henry’s face. “Why not?” said Janet. So why not collect a bit of Uncle Henry’s heartless wisdom before she left for good? “Everyone gets what they deserve. 41 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg.” Steve told her.” Uncle Henry said to Janet. pulling away! She was being left behind! - J “Don’t you want to hear what my third pillar of wisdom is?” Uncle Henry asked. But it seemed less cruel after Uncle Henry handed Janet a piece of paper.” Uncle Henry said. “I’ll be waiting for you. When he came out. “Never trust anyone!” Uncle Henry said.“What would you like to inherit from me?” “Your Three Pillars of Wisdom. There was the white limo with Steve inside. The two arrived at Uncle Henry’s mansion. “A white limo?” Janet asked. “And your second pillar?” Janet asked.” said Steve. “You have to have trust. too. The white limo waited outside.“What kind of wisdom is that?” “The kind of wisdom that made me millions!” Uncle Henry laughed. Everything was ruined.” END 8.” Uncle Henry said. “A check for one million dollars.” “And me?” Janet asked.“The first pillar is rather simple.- anet decided to go along with the plan.” Janet said. his check was made out to a fake account. ” Peter complained. pay careful attention to the details—if you dare. A man sticks his head out and says. “No way. ‘Only $39. funny.“I walked by this little hair shop called Maggs.” Ralph began. But he P 42 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. As you read this story. added together.“Some mornings I wake up and look like I’ve had my finger in an electric socket all night. he handed me a jar of what he called his Magic Gel.“This I’ve got to hear. ‘It’ll do miracles for your hair. I’ll give you a haircut for free!’” “So what did you do?” Flora asked. But when Maggs finished. Details help you understand the twists and turns of the plot and the changes the characters go through. “The haircut?” Ralph said. Scholastic Teaching Resources .’” “Did you buy it?” asked Peter. and Ralph were sitting around talking about bad hair days. ‘Bad hair day? No problem.” said Ralph.“I’d never turn down a free haircut. I have the worst hair days.“I can top them all!” “Oh.Tale No.” “So how was it?” said Flora. eter.’ he says.“I told him I wasn’t interested. or sad. yeah?” Peter said. They make it scary.” “No. Flora. make a story real.“Fine. 13 A Really Bad Hair Day A Reading for Details Spooky Story Details are the little things that.95.” “I was at the mall. “You think you have bad hair days?” Ralph retorted. “I have the worst bad hair days. “Are you kidding?” Ralph said.” said Flora. C. D. Peter 4. D. D.“Then the security guard reaches into my hair and pulls out a pair of diamond cuff links from Tempo’s. “I guess so.”Ralph replied.“I pass this big mean-looking guy with tattoos and a motorcycle helmet. The story begins with a discussion among friends about which of them has had a worse In the story. but I didn’t give in.” exclaimed Flora. his father.“I sure didn’t steal them. B. Ralph. Scholastic Teaching Resources .” “This is unreal. birthday.“We argued. .“He reaches out to grab me. Peter. ‘Watch out. Was the haircut really free? A. you may be having a bad hair day after all. ‘What’d you call me?’ and I said. but I run.“Then what happened?” 43 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. a security guard from Tempo’s comes up to me. toothache. C. Yes. “I said. Flora B. There is no main character. ‘Shoplifting! What are you talking about?’” said Ralph. “I’m walking through the mall. “I don’t know. but Ralph had to pay for a comb. No. Then I hear this tiny voice coming from somewhere that says: ‘You big jerk!’” “Who was it?” Flora asked. haircut. A. I didn’t pay him a cent for the haircut .” “Your hair stole the cuff links?” Peter asked. - “ o then what?” Flora asked. No. ‘What? I give you a free haircut and you won’t pay for a lousy jar of gel!’” “That’s not fair!” said Flora. hair day. what did he mean—a bad hair day?” 1. Who is the main character in the story so far? A. it was free.“The tattoo guy turns to me and says. ‘Nothing. B.” Ralph continued.’” Peter raised his eyebrows. He goes. D.’ “Then the tiny voice says again to him: ‘Jerk!’ So now the tattoo guy’s angry. 3. Yes. I didn’t say a word. Ralph is describing something that happened to A. “So he says. it was not free because Ralph C.” said Ralph. “‘I know!” said Ralph. or the gel. B. a hairstylist. He accuses me of shoplifting. it was free but Ralph was then offered a jar of expensive hair gel. .“Your hair was talking?” “And that’s not all.” “You’re kidding!” gasped Flora.“So.” said Ralph.“When I finally get away from the mean tattoo guy. it cost $39. It wasn’t until I reached the other side of the mall that I realized where the voice was coming from: MY OWN HAIR!” S - “Your hair?” said Flora. C.” Ralph said. Ralph had to pay tax.wouldn’t let me leave. 2.95. they were gone. Try to be funny (but not mean!) and use as many descriptive words as you can. Anyway. but my hair reaches out and knocks over a ladder. And I never have a THE bad hair day!” END 7.“While I’m running from the security guard—I don’t know how this happened.” said Peter.” “Wow. What seemed to be causing Ralph’s problems? “Then what?” Flora asked. So I went home. His hair A. D. I run in there. “For some reason.“Are you kidding me?” “So by now. bookstore guy. Completely disappeared. Scholastic Teaching Resources . D. He decided to buy some cuff links. A guy from the bookstore called out to me: ‘You come back here!’” “Wow.” “He wanted to help you?” asked Peter.” said Ralph.’” “You’re joking.“That’s some real bad hair day!” “You sure did beat us!” cried Flora. when I come out. C. He decided to get a haircut after all.” Ralph said. in the distance. 44 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. They vowed to get back at him.” Ralph said. you little weasel!’” “My goodness. Bad luck C. He decided he didn’t like the haircut 8. after all. here’s the money.” Ralph said. He decided to buy the hair gel after all. 6. Flora and Peter B.” Ralph said.” said Peter. “Cross my heart and hope to spit. ‘Get back here.“Maggs says. They apologized.Ralph continued. They turned friendly. and mean tattoo guy don’t follow me into Maggs’s shop. what ever happened to the Magic Gel?” “I rub a little bit of it in my hair every morning. D. How did Ralph change his mind at the end of the story? A. which crashes through the window of a bookstore and knocks over a huge display of books. His cuff links What happened to the people who were chasing Ralph? B. ‘Now do you want to buy my Magic Gel?’ I go. 5. C. “when suddenly.“I’m being chased by the cuff-link guy and the bookstore guy.” said Flora. the security guard. “No!” said Ralph. “The jar never seems to run out.“I don’t know why. A.” said Flora. B.“So what did you do?” “They were closing in on me. They seemed to disappear. or have you known someone who has? On a separate sheet of paper. write a paragraph describing it. ‘You bet. Have you ever had a bad hair day or a terrible haircut. when who do I run into—the mean tattoo guy! He calls out to me. I see Maggs the haircutter motioning me back into his shop. “By the way. “Come in!” called Billie.” I 45 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. He handed her his card. Shortie’s couldn’t pay much. Candles flickered on the tables. like the dungeon of a creepy castle in the year 1423. Some stories have just one setting. rat-faced man chomping on a fat cigar. the story begins and ends in a single place. President. There was a knock at the door. Craven. all their hard work had paid off. Billie gazed out at the audience of patrons dressed in casual but stylish outfits. In walked a small. It said. t was a big night for Billie Bloom. a trendy and popular club in their hometown of Strangeville. her heart filled with happiness. As Billie began the first set. Shortie’s. after she and Baxter finished their show. Scholastic Teaching Resources . “B. But in most stories the setting shifts from place to place. More than a job—it was a dream come true. 14 Ratkins! An Understanding Setting Spooky Story A story’s setting is where and when the story takes place. Billie and Baxter had dreamed of being professional singers. For years. In the story you’re about to read. That night.Tale No. She and her friend Baxter strolled into Shortie’s Back Room and looked around. had hired them to sing their jazzy duets. But it was a job. RODENT ENTERTAINMENT. Billie and Baxter strode onto the small stage at Shortie’s. one of the settings is truly out of this world. Billie was relaxing in her dressing room. Finally. ” said Mr. a moment later. Formal and stiff B.“That’s not fair! I haven’t even started yet. she fell asleep. SOMEBODY NEW. The customers huddled around small dirty tables. he looked much more rat-like than before— if that were possible. The band started to play. Which time period seems accurate for this story? A.“GIVE A WELCOME TO ANOTHER ROTTEN SINGER!” “BOO!” cried the audience. The present D. Billie looked out at them. The time of the Revolutionary War 3. You’re too good for Shortie’s Back Room.” she told Mr. Messy and chaotic C. “I can make you a star. “AND NOW.“You’ve got talent. The distant future C. Billie would need to sign a contract with Mr.” Mr. Then. Craven. hiding their eyes and muttering. The walls were dingy. They too seemed B What is the setting as the story begins? Which of the following best describes the atmosphere at Shortie’s Back Room? A. or a star? You decide. “Shut up!” barked Mr. 100 years ago B. I’ve got you a tryout at Ratkins—it’s the biggest club in town. There was no 46 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. “But Baxter and I are partners!” Billie said.“Do you want to be somebody’s partner . “You can?” asked Billie. The offices of Rodent Entertainment 2. Craven shaking her by the shoulder and scowling.” Somebody pushed her.” Mr.“Let’s go. “How awful. Craven. Scary and dark D. The air was hot and smoky.” the announcer barked. Onstage.“GET RID OF HER!” “Hey!” Billie said. Craven said. . Baxter’s house D.“We’ve been planning this together for years. “Never mind. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Craven. At some point.” 1.” “I am?” Billie said.“I heard you in there. Craven.” “Ratkins?” Billie asked. Craven said to Billie. off-key song in a hoarse voice. When he finished.” Billie said.“You look different. - illie left the club and went home.“Wake up!” Billie shook her head and squinted. There were only two conditions: First. the audience jeered and hooted. Craven said. It was a horrible place. “Sing!” shouted the audience members. “How did you get in here?” she asked. Indeed. She had never heard of Ratkins before. .” “Look. Billie found herself jerked onto the stage. She lay on the couch and tried to think. A. Casual and hip - rat-like and mean.” Mr. Shortie’s Back Room B. She awoke to find Mr. The audience threw things. she needed to get rid of Baxter. And second. Billie’s house C. a singer crooned out a terrible. They threw trash on the stage. RODENT ENTERTAINMENT. Billie’s house 5. Shortie’s Back Room B. modern. You’re the author of Strangeville: A Guide to the Most Interesting Places. . He was laughing harder than anyone! Billie tried to sing. . They weren’t just rat-like. write two entries for the “clubs” chapter—one for Shortie’s Back Room and the other for Ratkins. and then the whole world was swirling round and round until . Frightening and supernatural 7. It is real only within the context of the story. but suddenly she fell . Hot. “Where’d you get this?” Baxter asked. END 47 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. “Come on. Their eyes were red. on the table. On a separate sheet of paper. A club called Ratkins C. Which of the following best describes Ratkins? A. 4. was Mr. But now the rats— and they WERE rats—were gathering around. Craven take Billie? A. 8. Craven’s card: B. Craven awakens Billie? A. she tore up the card and THE threw it in the wastepaper basket. No C. For Shortie’s Back Room. “I—I must have fallen asleep. She was back in her own room.” he said. She was no longer in Ratkins. “Baxter?” Billie cried.mistaking it now.” As Billie got ready she wondered if it had all been a dream. The offices of Rodent Entertainment 6. and filled with rude creatures B. Yes B. CRAVEN. D. . and filled with happy people C. “Billie! Wake up!” a voice said. “I found it on the sidewalk.” she said. PRESIDENT. She got up to run. Billie’s hotel room D. A club called Ratkins C.“Sing or get out!” A bucket of cold soup was dumped over Billie’s head. Scholastic Teaching Resources . There were no jeering rats.“What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Is Ratkins real? A. It’s impossible to tell if it is real or a setting for Billie’s dream. And with that. Billie looked out and saw Mr. The audience roared with laughter. What is the setting when Mr. no awful music. Their teeth were yellow. Someone threw a rotten tomato at Billie. Shortie’s Back Room B. no foul smoky air. They were a bunch of RATS! Filthy. Describe the settings with as much detail as possible. Hip. “Sing!” they demanded. Craven. dirty. But now they were hissing and whooping too loud for anyone to hear. Large and airy with high ceilings and big windows D.” Baxter said. “Stop it!” she cried.” Billie looked around. . crueleyed creatures that sneered and squealed— and spoke.” Billie said.“We’ve got to start practicing. Billie’s hotel room D.“Am I glad to see you!” “Billie. There. Where does Mr. your purpose is to remind yourself what you need when you’re at the store. listen in. Scholastic Teaching Resources . 15 Tales From the Telephone: True Horror An Author’s Purpose Spooky Story An author’s purpose is his or her reason for writing. Here’s a warning: This call may terrify you. she had just bought a new Potco pot. To get help. What is the author’s purpose in this strangely scary telephone tale? List of Characters MADGE FRANK VOICE ROBOT elcome to Tales From the Telephone. the world’s only newsletter featuring actual telephone calls made by real people just like you. When you write a shopping list. your purpose is to terrify—and to entertain. When Madge placed the call you’re about to read. Today we focus on Madge Fackley. We present to you a word-for-word transcript of Madge’s actual conversation. When you write a ghost story. Most authors have more than one purpose. Madge dialed 1-800-POTCO. If you have the guts.Tale No. The handle was loose. W 48 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. MADGE: Hello? VOICE: Welcome to Potco International.Your call is very important to us. For English, press 1. For Spanish, press 2. For dolphin or chimpanzee language, press 3. For gibberish, press 4. To hear somebody mumbling and coughing, press 5. Madge presses 1. VOICE: Your call is very important to us. All of our lines are busy at this time. Please wait for the next available representative. Forty minutes pass. FRANK: Hello, and welcome to the customer service line for Potco International. This is Frank Zilch. How many I help you? MADGE: Oh, thank goodness I finally reached somebody! FRANK: Your call may be monitored for security reasons. MADGE: Okay. But I just wanted to ask a question. FRANK: For questions, press 1. For answers, press 2. For questions without answers, press 3. For answers without questions, press 4. For neither questions nor answers, press 5. Or, please stay on the line to hear some elevator music. Madge presses 1. VOICE: Thank you for calling the Potco Question Line.Your call is very important. To speak to a representative who knows nothing about your problem, press 1. To speak to a representative who knows nothing about other problems, press 2. To speak to a representative who doesn’t even know his or her name, press 3. To speak to a robot, press 4. Madge presses 4. VOICE: To speak to a robot who knows nothing about your problem, press 1. To speak to a robot that just repeats the same phrase over and over again, press 2. To be put on hold for another forty minutes, press 3. 49 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg, Scholastic Teaching Resources Madge presses 1. Forty minutes pass. ROBOT: Hello, and welcome to the Potco Robot Help Line.Your call is very important. All of our robots are currently on lunch break right now. To leave a message for a robot to call you back as soon as pigs have wings, please press 5 now, or stay on the line for the next available robot . . . For more telephone terror, look for next week’s issue of this newsletter, Tales From the Telephone. To subscribe or to share your own telephone travails, call us at 555-FONE. For subscriptions, press 1. To tell your tale, press 2. And remember, at Tales From the Telephone THE your call is always very, very important to us. END 1. What does the author’s main purpose appear to be in this story? 5. A. To criticize pot makers What does the author want readers to think the voice really means when it says, “Your call is very important”? B. To criticize Madge A. Your call is important. C. To criticize automated phone systems B. Your call is somewhat important. D. To criticize the U.S. government C. Your call is not important. D. Other people’s calls are unimportant. 2. What other purpose does the author have? 6. A. To entertain B. To inform Which of the following is evidence of the author’s attitude? C. To describe A. The polite words of the voice D. To make an excuse B. The ridiculous choices that the phone voices give Madge 3. C. The helpfulness of people that Madge To communicate purpose, the author uses which literary devices? gets on the phone D. The fact that Madge bought a pot A. Logic and persuasion B. Humor and irony C. Rhythm and rhyme 7. D. Allusion and symbolism 4. Which outward tone does the author use for the voices that speak to Madge? Some of the choices that are given to Madge are dead ends or make no sense. The author is trying to show that callers like Madge often feel A. helpless. A. A harsh tone B. well taken care of. B. A pleasant tone C. pleased. C. A biting tone D. frightened. D. A scary tone 8. Imagine that you are Madge. On a separate sheet of paper, write a complaint letter to Potco International describing your experience and asking for service. Use as much humor and irony as you like. 50 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg, Scholastic Teaching Resources Tale No. 16 Problems Facing Young People Today: An Editorial by Maxwell Bile A Fact vs. Opinion Spooky Story Facts can be proven true. This is a fact: The sky is blue. Opinions express the way people feel about things. Here’s an opinion: Ghosts are terrifying. This odd newspaper column expresses a weird opinion about today’s youth. And that’s a fact—or is it? 51 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg, Scholastic Teaching Resources B. You can hear love songs on the radio. Mr. AWFUL stands for “Angry With Foolish Unhealthy Lifestyles. 3. C. D. turtledoves. Maxwell Bile is the president of AWFUL. A. Recently. B. Maxwell Bile is an excellent writer. for example. Maxwell Bile has some weird ideas. Love songs are poisoning young people. Love is an important emotion—for puppies. Bile is the only member of the group. Scholastic Teaching Resources . Our young people are being bombarded with nonstop messages about LOVE. The words young people 52 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Love is not an important emotion for people. B. Love songs are helping children get along in the world. Love songs are making money for the people who sing them. B. But for people? Give me a break! H These love songs on the radio are poisoning our children. AWFUL promotes some wrong-headed D. Take music. A. Which of these opinions matches what Bile is trying to communicate? A. Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve noticed some disturbing new trends in our society. I’d like to take a moment to speak about something that is very important to all of us: our children. Maxwell Bile is the president of AWFUL. Love songs make no sense. Maxwell Bile is trying to persuade his audience to think a certain way. Maxwell Bile has some great ideas. Which of these is not an opinion? A. The name Maxwell Bile C. my name is Maxwell Bile and I’m the president of AWFUL (Angry With Foolish Unhealthy Lifestyles)*. C. C. ideas. D. 2. D. I’m talking about Hollywood. What in the title of this piece tells you it will probably express an opinion? A. 1. * In fact. The word editorial B. That’s right.ello. Many young people listen to music. Love is for puppies only. and other animals.” C. Which of these is an opinion? D. AWFUL is a ridiculous organization. I tell you! But in my opinion they’re small potatoes when you compare them with the real culprit in the situation. The word problem 5. kittens. Which of these is a fact? 4. By making them think that it takes hard work to get ahead in the world C. and get this: HAPPY ENDINGS! Now there are many things that are truly harmful in the world. It produces movies that are too long. for every “good” movie they put out that makes you sick to your stomach.- - hat’s wrong with Hollywood? Let me turn the question around: Have you been to a teen movie lately? Some of them make your skin crawl. It produces movies with bad taste. and so on. In Maxwell Bile’s opinion. I ask you: Is THIS how we want our kids to grow up? In conclusion. write a response to Maxwell Bile’s editorial. and gloomy locales. 7. if you’re like me and want to put a stop to all this cheeriness. people can be good and happy. B. sunny situations. how do movies warp young people’s values? A. what is wrong with Hollywood? A. Some of them are completely devoid of good taste. Scholastic Teaching Resources . but none do half the damage of a happy ending. By making them think money is the most important thing 8. C. END 53 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Some of them even make you nauseous! Unfortunately. By making them think that the world is a cold. No screaming. No dark. By making them think that problems can be solved in the world D. Please help. Angry With Foolish Unhealthy Lifestyles. dank. It produces movies that are gory and gloomy. Think of the warped view kids get of the world: Things work out. cruel place B. Not for yourself. please contact AWFUL. W 6. No gore or slime. you’ll find a half-dozen that do the opposite. Make sure your opinion is clear. D. They’re full of smiling characters. In Maxwell Bile’s opinion. Be funny or serious. THE But for the sake of our children. It produces movies with happy endings. Nothing sick or twisted. On a separate sheet of paper. the Exotic Snake-Woman? Has she dumped the Headless Horseman and gone gaga for the Invisible Man? The two—Clovina and Invisible—were spotted together at the Mummy’s big 54 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Now this week’s dish. your loyal lurid reporter. I’m Nintenda Flint. Comparing is showing how two things are alike. G What’s this I hear about Clovina. check out this page from an otherworldly celebrity gossip column.” the column that gets you the true dirt on the biggest stars. reetings from “The Dirt. you’re identifying how things are alike and different. no matter how deep we need to dig. To see how.Tale No. contrasting is showing how two things are different. Scholastic Teaching Resources . 17 The Dirt: A Horror World Gossip Column by Nintenda Flint A Compare and Contrast Spooky Story When you compare and contrast. It even applies in the spooky world. while the Horseman is the type who always seems to lose his head just at the wrong time. I don’t know what Clo sees in the fellow. She thought they both gave bad D. 4. The Mummy got chocolate-covered maggots but he wanted a hunk of junk. I would almost describe her as “cerebral” if I didn’t know better. The Mummy got exactly what he wanted. The Mummy got a hunk of junk but he wanted a puppy. the Invisible Man is a bit hard to spot. if you know what I’m talking about! This doesn’t mean the Invisible Man will be much of an improvement for Clovina. visible. They both ride horses and their faces are well known. They both like Clovina and their faces and the Jellyfish performed poorly.“He’s always passing out hunks of things.“What’s with that guy?” he asked.birthday bash on Friday the 13th. The Mum-ster was reported to be furious. The Brain.” After the Mummy’s party ended. let’s face it. Guess what the Incredible Hunk gave the Mummy for a 1. C. while the Horseman is not. C. D. Contrast the gift the Mummy got with the one he wanted. C. I mean. She thought the Brain performed well B. 2. if you know what I mean!) If you ask me. Contrast the columnist’s opinion of the performance given by the Spineless Jellyfish to that of her opinion of the Brain’s performance. A. D. A. They both dislike Clovina and their faces and the Brain performed poorly. How are the two different? performances. the Jellyfish gave a rather weak and spineless performance in the film. If you ask this reporter. They both fought wars. she’s basically levelheaded. the Headless Horseman was never right for Clovina. I don’t know what ANYONE sees in him! And here’s a tasty tidbit. the new movie starring the Spineless Jellyfish and the Brain. are well known. was magnificent—cool and intelligent. Clovina is levelheaded. D. are not seen. 3. Clovina always loses her head while the Horseman is levelheaded. (Or at least she was seen. B. A. She thought the Jellyfish performed well C. Personally. Clovina is invisible and the Horseman is The Hulk gave the Mummy a birthday gift. performances. How are the two similar? birthday gift? A big hunk of junk! Talk about cheap. Clovina is visible and the Horseman is invisible. 55 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. She thought they both gave good Contrast Clovina to the Headless Horseman. B. everyone hopped over to the Gloomer Paloomer Theater to see Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts. Compare the Headless Horseman to the Invisible Man. Why couldn’t he just give me a box of chocolatecovered maggots? That’s what I wanted. on the other hand. The Mummy got a hunk of junk but he wanted chocolate-covered maggots. Scholastic Teaching Resources . For that matter. A. B. Until next week. Ditto for the Blob—don’t ever change. and the Evil Clown—I wish you all well. She just lost a little sawdust. Wonder what the little pups are going to look like? Let me guess—kind of hairy with big fangs? And finally. They’re both stuffed animals. They both report on fictional creatures. happy anniversary to the Creature from the Black Lagoon. 5. Nintenda’s column is well written. There’s been a terrible accident—Suzy the Big Purple Dinosaur was run over by a truck driven by the Fly! But never fear—she’s only a stuffed animal. They’re both purple. What a couple! She’s a dinosaur. Keep up the good work. for goodness sake. Nintenda’s column is accurate. C. NBD! No Big Deal! She’s been restuffed! She looks fabulous and she’s singing as cheerfully as ever—much to the disappointment of all those people who find her annoying. They both annoy some people. B. (Please note: This columnist is not one of those people!) And speaking of Suzy and the Fly—they’ve been hanging out quite a bit lately. this just in. How does Nintenda’s gossip column compare with a “typical” gossip column? typical columns. the stork is at the door. you big. this is Nintenda Flint saying so long and happy haunting. C. Keep on crawling. the Wicked Witch of the West. typical columns report on B. D. man! You’re the best. C. ugly chunk of formless. partner! And as for the Boogeyman. To the Thing—whatever you are—I love you.- - emember you heard it here first: Wolf Man and the She Wolf are expecting! That’s right. while all he wants is to land on your plate! Come to think of it. Compare Suzy the Dinosaur with the Fly. a litter is on the way. They both report serious national news. 8. and whatever it is that you actually do. D. Choose two celebrities—one who you like and one who really annoys you. typical B. columns are inaccurate. They are both very serious. real celebrities. featureless protoplasm! Also. They both report celebrity news. D. I’d just like to send out some brief howdy-do’s to some of my good pals out there. Nintenda’s column reports on fictional A. maybe the two have more in common than you think! Finally. Nintenda’s column is longer than 6. 7. Scholastic Teaching Resources . if you know what I mean. They’re both insects. characters. everyone. typical columns are poorly written. whatever it is that you are. he’s an insect! She sings annoying songs. How are the two similar? A. he buzzes annoyingly in people’s ears! She’s R attracted to fancy dinners. in whatever dark corners you lurk. 56 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting the two celebrities. my friends. The accident seems to have brought them together. How does Nintenda’s gossip column contrast with a “typical” gossip column? A. the Slimeball. He also was afraid of heights. scary comics. water. It was a Nasty Little Monster. chicken nuggets. so Billy shouted. Scholastic Teaching Resources . caves. and scary backs of cereal boxes. 18 Nasty Little Monster A Sequence of Events Spooky Story Sequencing is putting events in order. “Aha!” Billy said. and even birthday cakes! Come to think of it. The monster grew! “BRA-A-A-A-H!” shrieked the monster. elevators. “Yeeks!” cried Billy. “Maybe there’ll be a genie in here.“Yikes!” this time in a slightly louder voice. there wasn’t much that Billy wasn’t afraid of. And this louder voice made the Nasty Little Monster grow again.” Actually. Now he was two feet 57 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. when he found a magic lamp in an old basement. B who had now grown to about six inches. it was more of a jar than a lamp. “BRA-A-A-H!” shouted the Nasty Little Monster. pay close attention to what happens when—in other words. ponies. Though the monster was no more than three inches tall. Of course. all this did was make the monster grow again. Except for magic lamps. lawn mowers. a bit more scared than he was before. the sequence of events. And when the monster scared someone.Tale No. math tests. in a nasty little voice. Now he was 12 inches tall—a whole foot! “Yowks!” cried Billy. it was still enough to give Billy a big scare. a strange thing happened. illy Barrigan was afraid of scary movies. what popped out was more of a ghoul than a genie. In this tale of a very frightened kid. And when Billy rubbed it. dogs. Not to mention scary TV shows. This six-inch-tall monster was twice as scary as the three-inch-tall monster. the dark. And scary books. vampires. “Hey! The monster was right! I really can control my fear.” said the Big Ugly Monster. “Ha!” said Billy. In fact. helping people and giving them three wishes.“Before you go. the size of a medium-sized dog. But that didn’t happen.” he said. who was now so big that he would have scared anyone. and ready to jump back into his lamp.“Maybe I’m not such a nasty monster after all.” said Billy. Tell me what you want. he was exactly three inches tall again.” begged Billy. I’d like to say that the Nasty Little Monster turned into a nice genie and lived in the lamp forevermore.“You don’t scare me. “BRA-A-A-A-A-A-H-H-HHH!” shouted the medium-sized monster.” “What will make you smaller?” asked Billy. So the monster grew again.tall. but small.” And with that. From 16 feet tall. “Wait!” cried Billy. And Billy got scared. you can control the size of your monsters. “BRA-A-A-H-H-HHH!” the monster said. If you control your fear. only he was meaner and nastier than any dog. And Billy got even more scared.” he said.” Billy thought. “Big deal!” said Billy.“is that fear is in your mind. And with that. This went on for quite some time.” “Hmm. you’re right. “BRA-A-A-H-H-HHH!” said the monster. “I did?” asked the Nasty Little Monster.” “What? You want to thank me?” said the Nasty Little Monster.“You’re scaring the daylights out of me.“Nasty.” said Billy. They kept on doing this until the Big Ugly Monster was no longer big. you Big Ugly Monster.” “What I want is to go back to my lamp. Scholastic Teaching Resources . I want to thank you.“Hey. No one has ever thanked me before in my life!” “But you helped me see that I can control the size of my monsters.” Billy said again. “YOYKS!” wailed Billy. It kept on going until the monster was a full 16 feet tall. “BRA-A-H-H-H-H!” shouted the gigantic monster. “Without your fear I am quite small. “Please. the monster started to shrink. Then he thought about it. And the monster shrank down to four feet.” said the Big Ugly Monster. The monster grew.“I’m a nasty little monster.” said the Big Ugly Monster. “All I can tell you. Then it occurred to Billy that the monster was not so scary after all.“But now I’m too big to fit in there. 58 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. who was getting ever more scared. he shrank down to eight feet.” “Hmm. The monster returned to his lamp. Imagine that the story is acted out as a play. Then. Nothing changed. The way Billy responds to the monster’s roar Billy grows more frightened and then the monster B. D. B. 1. gets smaller. and Billy returned to the real world. 4 A. * Chicken nuggets. THE END Imagine that the story is acted out as a play. The brightness of the stage lights C. 3. The beginning B. The monster tells Billy he can 3. D. 4 B. After Billy rubs the lamp. 1. use some of these words: first. 2. What is the correct sequence of events? 1. The monster begins to shrink. Make sure they’re in chronological (time) order. and finally. goes away. break it down into events. the monster appears. Pick an interesting story from your own life. 3. 4 C. D. C. then. 4. before. attacks him. 2. except Billy found that he was no longer afraid of such things as caves and scary movies*. The end 8. In the story. What did you think this was? Some kind of fairy tale? 1. are nothing to fool with! A. 2. first scares him. First. begins to shrink. 2. 59 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. 1. next. D. he becomes very frightened. D. Billy finds he is no longer afraid of caves and scary movies. 5. 3. 4. write a paragraph telling the story. What part of the show are you seeing? A. The middle D. comes out of the bottle. You see a sixteen-foot monster on stage. Which of these events happens after the monster goes back into the bottle? A. On a separate sheet of paper. C. 2. Scholastic Teaching Resources . C. B. after. monster grows larger and larger. C. You see a one-foot monster on stage. 2. 3. the monster grows. The monster comes out of the lamp. Billy laughs at the monster. The loudness of the monster’s roar B. And did the monster learn anything? Not really. gets bigger. Which detail would help you figure out whether you are seeing the beginning or the end of the story? A. 1. begins to grow. the monster shrinks. It's impossible to answer with the information given. The monster shrinks and goes back into the lamp. C. The length of the monster’s tail A. make a list of four main events in the story. D. Billy watches in horror as the A. however. 7. 4 own fear. The monster tells Billy that he controls his B. control Billy begins to see that fear is something that he can control after the monster his own fear. 6. when. 3. Scholastic Teaching Resources . because she had never seen one. Also. they didn’t moan and they couldn’t fly. Things happen for a reason. After they got done haunting for the evening. people would scream and do all sorts of crazy things to try to destroy them. “How strange. But the strangest thing of all was that people hated ghosts. “What are people like?” she always asked. 19 The Ghost Who Didn’t Believe A Cause and Effect Spooky Story Forget about ghouls and evil spirits for a moment and think about cause and effect. making spooky noises. Now. they were solid. For another. and bright light to darkness. And causes create effects—or results. Wanda and the others liked to sit in front of the fireplace and tell People Stories. here was once a ghost named Wanda who led a happy life. see how it applies in this unusual ghost story. No people ever came to the house. you couldn’t see through people. T 60 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg.Tale No. not at all like ghosts. When they saw ghosts. and they preferred day to night. they didn’t glow. so Wanda had a great time flying around.” Wanda thought. Wanda always had lots of questions about people. and playing with her friends. At night. The real world—the one you live in—is a logical place. For one thing. Everyone agreed that people were quite horrible. Wanda slept all day. she came out and haunted a creaky old house. The reason is the cause. Wanda read books that said people weren’t real. They played.“I’m a girl. Soon Jeanette convinced Wanda that she was a person—a nice one. that’s funny. She didn’t glow and she didn’t seem to be able to fly.” The others laughed when Wanda said this. The butterfly landed on a flower.” said the creature.“I’ve never seen a person.“I’m sorry I netted you! Do you want to be friends?” “Sure. Wanda still would not believe that people existed.” Wanda said.” she said. and I don’t believe in ghosts. and had a lot of fun. EFFECT: A. a net came down. EFFECT: Wanda didn’t believe that people were real.“I don’t believe in people.” Wanda said. C. Wanda had never seen a person. After a while. There.” And so it went. - hen one day Wanda woke up a little early and went out into the garden. “I don’t think people are real.”Jeanette said. because I’m a ghost myself. From then on. Wanda became known as the Ghost Who Didn’t Believe in People. sang songs. “Who are you?” asked Wanda. B. The ghosts thought humans screamed all the time. the two met every day at the same time in the garden. capturing it. “You aren’t horrible. CAUSE: A. smiling. Scholastic Teaching Resources .“We ghosts just made them up to scare ourselves on sunny days.” The others tried to change her mind. “How awful!” Wanda said. 61 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. she saw a butterfly flitting by and chased it. D. “But you can’t be a person.” an older ghost explained to Wanda. B. I’ll believe in them when I see them. No matter what they said.“My name’s Jeanette. The ghosts thought that people were not afraid of them. 1. but Wanda wouldn’t budge. Wanda was afraid of people. Wanda thought. The ghosts thought that people were afraid of them. Wanda believed in vampires. Both were afraid.“Are you a ghost?” The creature laughed. And why aren’t you screaming? Why aren’t you doing crazy things to try to destroy me?” “Because I like you. D. 2.” Wanda added. “People are just a fairy tale.” “Well.” Wanda said.“And that means they’re scared of us. Holding on to the handle of the net was a strange creature. CAUSE: The ghosts noticed that people screamed when they saw them. too. C. but neither was too afraid. The ghosts thought that people liked them. floating easily out of the net. And Wanda was in the net. and seconds later.“and I don’t believe in people!” The two looked at each other. Was T - Jeanette really a person? She did look solid. Over time. EFFECT: A.“It’s THE just a hunch. Wanda was nice to Jeanette. “Oh. Wanda became a person.” Wanda said. They played and sang together. D. B. D. family. so it stands to reason that ghosts tell people stories! On a separate sheet of paper. B. Wanda got caught in a spiderweb. D. the Ghost Who Didn’t Believe in People began to admit she’d been wrong. 6. EFFECT: 4. C. 5. Wanda screamed. This went on. She saw a convincing movie. Wanda got interested in butterflies. EFFECT: Wanda changed her mind about people. B. She got to know Jeanette. Jeanette screamed. C.“But they aren’t at all the way we talk about them in our stories. CAUSE: Wanda followed a butterfly. write a scary people story that ghosts might tell while sitting around a campfire. People tell ghost stories. CAUSE: A. Jeanette seemed horrible. Then they would both laugh. Wanda got caught in a butterfly net. 8. C. B.” Wanda said to her ghost friends. They were both ghosts. Wanda got in trouble. CAUSE: 7. Jeanette was solid. “Are you sure you’re a ghost?” Jeanette would say. Jeanette didn’t seem horrible. C. Jeanette gave Wanda the butterfly. D. They were frightened of each other. D. B. She heard some new stories about C. I don’t know. “OK. I’ll admit that people do exist. She came to know Jeanette’s whole A.” “Now how would a young ghost like you know that?” the other ghosts would say. In your story. people. Wanda couldn’t believe Jeanette was a person. show at least one thing that causes ghosts to get 62 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. EFFECT: A. A. Scholastic Teaching Resources . CAUSE: Jeanette said she wanted to be friends with Wanda.” END 3.“Are you sure you’re a person?” Wanda would often ask Jeanette. CAUSE: Wanda and Jeanette became friends. EFFECT: At first. Jeanette was also afraid of people. D 8. A 2. 8: Tale No. 57) 1. 39) 5. B 7. 11: 1. A 4. B 3. 15) 1. 16: Problems Facing Young People Today: An Editorial by Maxwell Bile (p. 42) 1. 19: The Ghost Who Didn’t Believe (p. 21) 5. D 8. D 4. D 3. B 2. A 7. C 6. C 2. A 8. B 5. D 7. B 6. Tale No. Answers will vary. Tale No. B 7. B 3. Answers will vary. 27) Ratkins! (p. D 4. B 7. D 3. 5: The Ugly Druckling (p. D 8. C Tale No. A 3. D 6. 14: The Bijou Ghost (p. Answers will vary. B 5. Tale No. C 8. A 4. C 4. 63 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. B 4. C 2. Answers will vary. A 6. Tale No. Tale No. C 8. Answers will vary. Tale No. Answers will vary. Answers will vary. A 2. B 7. D 8. C 3. D 5. D 8. A 8. D 4. C 8. C Tale No. B 7. C 8. 1: Tale No. B 4. A 3. D 5. B 2. C 7. Tale No. B 5. 51) 1. D 4. B 8. D 5. B 2. C 6. Answers will vary. B 3. C 4. C 5. D 2. C 7. A 6. Tale No. Answers will vary. C 5. 24) 1. The House on Plum Street (p. A 6. Tale No. A 7. 13: A Really Bad Hair Day (p. 5. 17: The Dirt: A Horror World Gossip Column (p. 60) 1. C 4. A 6. B 4.Answer Key Tale No. B 4. B 3. D 7. 12) 1. B 3. A 6. B 7. 7: 5. Answers will vary. B 3. Answers will vary. A 2. 12: The Choice (p. 5. 18) 1. 6: 1. A 6. A 7. D 5. Scholastic Teaching Resources . B 6. A 7. B 2. 6) The Hideous Blob’s Amazing Comeback (p. B 7. 54) 1. A 4. A 3. C 4. D 7. A 2. The Three Ghosts of Lucy Bly (p. C 2. 3: The Next Step: Scare Radio (p. Tale No. 18: Nasty Little Monster (p. 2: Love Potion Commotion (p. C 6. C 4. C 6. A 2. A 8. D Ask Aunt Doty: An Advice Column for the Supernaturally Inclined (p. A 1. 48) 1. B 7. Answers will vary. B 6. B 3. D Tale No. 9) 1. 30) 1. B 3. The Toothbrush (p. C 3. 10: 5. 15: Tales From the Telephone: True Horror (p. Answers will vary. Answers will vary. A 7. B 6. C 3. A 2. A 3. D 2. Answers will vary. B Tale No. B 5. C 8. C 8. Answers will vary. Tale No. A 3. 9: The Butcher and His Wife (p. Answers will vary. C 5. B 2. B 4. B The Horrible Green Creature (p. C 4. B 7. Tale No. 45) 1. D 8. D 6. C 6. 1. C 8. Answers will vary. D 2. Answers will vary. B 2. B 5. 4: 5. B 8. C 6. 33) 1. 36) 1. D 8. C 2. A 4. A 3. A 6. 42 Fact vs. 1 Dialogue Writing p. 6 Complaint Letter p. 39 Tale No. 9 Tale No. 8 Making Inferences p. 27 Tale No. 54 Tale No. 15 p. 30 Tale No. 10 Opinion Writing p. 7 Advice Column Letter p. 5 p. 4 Tale No. 24 Tale No. 18 Understanding Setting Reverse Ghost Story p. 27 Tale No. Scholastic Teaching Resources . 18 Newspaper Article p. 18 Compare and Contrast p. 21 Tale No.Skills Index READING SKILLS Page Number Tale Number WRITING SKILLS Page Number Tale Number Analyzing Plot p. 21 Tale No. 6 p. 57 Tale No. 19 Setting p. 51 Tale No. 1 Tale No. 15 Apology p. 33 Tale No. 60 Tale No. 24 Tale No. 60 Tale No. 36 Tale No. 51 Tale No. 6 p. 9 Job Description p. 45 Tale No. 12 Tale No. 11 Tale No. 45 Tale No. 8 Sequence of Events p. 19 Autobiography/ Sequencing p. 15 p. 5 Main Idea/Outline p. 9 64 Reading Skills Chills & Thrills © Dan Greenberg. 42 Tale No. 54 Tale No. 48 Tale No. 15 Tale No. Opinion Main Idea p. 16 Descriptive Writing p. 48 Tale No. 3 Main Idea/ Supporting Details p. 14 Personal Essay/ Point of View p. 30 Making Predictions Descriptive Writing/ p. 18 Tale No. 3 Reading for Details p. 11 Author’s Purpose p. 17 Drawing Conclusions p. 2 Tale No. 4 Tale No. 10 Cause and Effect p. 12 Tale No. 9 p. 33 Tale No. 12 Magazine Ad p. 13 Movie Magazine Article p. 13 p. 57 Tale No. 14 Thank-You Note p. 17 Compare-Contrast Essay p. 2 Point of View p. 7 Understanding Character p. 36 p. 6 Guidebook Tale No. 39 Tale No. 12 Tale No. 16 Tale No.