Bringing Home Laddie

Open Ended

“Papa, let’s go!” Sofia was dressed and waiting on the shabby wooden porch. Her father couldn’t hear her. He was in the neighbor’s garden, digging up an ancient tree stump. Sofia shifted her feet and picked at the peeling paint on the railing. The sun hammered down on the porch, so that it was not merely hot, but sweltering. It would serve Papa right if she melted away like the Wicked Witch of the West. Why should Sofia have to wait? Why couldn’t their neighbor, Mrs. Stone, wait instead? Then Papa could drive Sofia to the animal shelter now to adopt her new dog. Sofia peered into the shadows of the house. “Mom,” she yelled, “Papa promised we could go early. Do I have to walk?” She could imagine how unhappy she’d look—just another stray dog trudging dejectedly down the road.

Find an example of figurative language from the text.

Multiple Choice

Her mother came to the door, a damp dish towel in her hand. “Sofia, come help me.” Sofia stayed where she was, as rooted as the neighbor’s tree stump. “Standing here won’t make your father finish any sooner. If you help me, he’ll be here before you know it.”

What is the figurative meaning of this simile?

• Sofia ran around crying because she was mad.

• Sofia did not move.

• Sofia helped her dad with the tree stump.

• Sofia starting digging up the roots of the tree stump.

Open Ended

When Sofia and her parents arrived at the shelter, an attendant escorted them to the dogs’ quarters, a glaring concrete courtyard lined with tiny cages on all four sides. Its smell was revolting—a mixture of mouthwash and Papa’s old fishing bucket.

Using context clues, what does revolting mean?

What is the clue that gave away the meaning?

Open Ended

“Go look at them, Sweetie,” said her father with a smile. Sofia was already heading toward one of the cages. As she neared it, the gaunt gray dog inside bared its teeth, backing away and growling. Sofia stared at it blankly. Didn’t the dog like her? Maybe none of them would! Tears crowded her eyes, making them ache.

Please type a summary of this story so far. Include only the important parts.

Open Ended

The attendant, who had followed Sofia, offered an explanation, “That poor thing’s just skin and bones, and she’s terrified of people. I think she’s been mistreated. Let’s go meet Laddie.” Sofia looked back at the forlorn little dog, and she could see now how sad it looked.

Using context clues, what does forlorn mean?

What clues helped give away the meaning?

Open Ended

Laddie was larger than the first dog, and his black and white fur was shaggier. When he saw Sofia, he rushed to the front of his cage, lifted his front legs, and scrabbled at the wire with his forepaws. One of his eyes was sky blue, and the other was chocolate brown. “You can pet him,” the woman said to Sofia. “He won’t bite.” Sofia reached toward Laddie’s smiling muzzle. The little sheepdog whined and gently licked her fingers. Sofia felt a tug at her heart and realized that Laddie had just slipped a leash over it.

What is the author trying to say in the very last sentence? Describe using literal language.

Open Ended

As soon as they arrived home, Sofia got bowls of water and food for Laddie. She set them on a rubber mat on the kitchen floor and watched while Laddie ate. When he was done, she washed his food bowl and put it back on the shelf. “Well,” said her mother with a proud smile, “it seems like you’ll be looking after someone else for a change.” Sofia grinned, petting the head of her contented dog.

Using context clues, what does contented mean?

What clues gave away the meaning?