Nacho and Lolita

When Nacho first arrives at San Juan Capistrano, he thinks that everything is

• cold and cruel
• quiet and wonderful
• dull and brown
• colorful and exciting

Why does Nacho carry a branch with him for the long trip over the ocean?

• It is his lucky charm.
• It will scare away predators.
• He can use it as a peace offering when they arrive.
• He can use it to float on when he gets tired.

Why do Lolita and her chicks have to leave the Mission San Juan Capistrano?

• Summer is coming and it will be too hot.
• Nothing grows there and everything is brown.
• Winter is coming and it will be too cold.
• The other birds at the mission are mean to them.

Why does Nacho pluck all of his beautifully colored feathers?

• He is tired of looking different from the other birds.
• He plans to sell them at the mission.
• He things he will be able to fly better.
• He wants to plant them so colorful things will grow.

When Nacho is no longer colorful, Lolita thinks that he--

• is showing off
• is as splendid as always
• looks ridiculous
• should get his colors back

How do the swallows find their way back to Capistrano in the spring?

• They get detailed instructions from Nacho.
• They are attracted to the colorful flowers and trees.
• They follow the sound of the mission bell.
• They never find their way back to Capistrano

When the swallows return, Nacho is worried that Lolita won't like him anymore because --

• he doesn't live in a nice nest
• she has been away so long
• he is drab and colorless
• she knows he cannot fly very far

Read this sentence from the story. 
"Stay with me," he pleaded.
Which word from a thesaurus is a synonym for pleaded?

• Laughed
• Ignored
• Begged
• Celebrated

Read this sentence. 
Nacho was so full with affection and purpose.
Which word from a thesaurus is a synonym for affection?

• Love
• Hatred
• Courage
• Confusion

What is the main theme, or message, in this story?

• Being beautiful is the most important thing.
• Having loved ones is more important than being beautiful.
• Hard work pays off.
• Being nice to others  is rewarding.