Luke at Bat Comprehension

Read the sentence from the story. "He's just a squirt," one of the older boys said, laughing.

Why did the author use the word squirt instead of the words too young?

• To sound like small children fighting

• to sound like real kids talking

• to sound like an adult giving a speech

• to sound like a student talking to his teacher

Read these sentences from the story. "He practiced his swing over and over again. He ran as fast as he could up and down the block." What do the sentences tell you about Luke?

• how small he is

• why he likes baseball

• how hard he practices

• why his brother will not let him play

What happens BEFORE Luke plays in the game?

• Luke strikes out

• Nicky hits a home run

• Franky has to go to his aunts

• Luke goes to a baseball game at Ebbets Field

How does Luke probably feel when he strikes out in the game?

• angry

• happy

• proud

• sad

What does Luke do AFTER Franky comes back?

• He plays left field

• He sits on the curb

• He hits a home run

• He practices his swing

What happens BEFORE Grandma shows Luke the tickets?

• Luke talks to Jackie Robinson

• Luke finds a baseball on the roof

• Luke watches Jackie swing at a ball

• Luke tells Grandma that he finally had a chance to play ball

Read the sentences from the story. Luke shouted with the crowd "Give it to 'em, Jackie! You shows 'em!" Why does the author shorten the word them?

• to make Luke sound like a sports reporter

• to show the way Luke's shouts really sound

• to show that Luke is trying to act like an adult

• to show that Luke is trying to impress someone

What happens AFTER Jackie Robinson hits a home run?

• The score is tied

• The crowd goes wild

• The pitcher throws a fastball

• The game goes into extra innings

What happens AFTER Nicky tells Luke that it is bedtime?

• Luke strikes out two times in one game

• Jackie Robinson hits a ball over the wall

• Luke thinks Jackie Robinson talks to him

• Luke and Grandma cheer at the baseball game

What does Luke learn at the END of the selection?

• Grandma is very kind

• Practicing is hard work

• He should never give up

• He is not good at baseball