Nacho and Lolita

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

• colorful and exciting

• quiet and wonderful

• dull and brown

• cold and cruel

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

• It will scare away predators.

• He can use it as a peace offering when they arrive.

• It is his lucky charm.

• 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?

• Nothing grows there and everything is brown.

• The other birds at the mission are mean to them.

• Summer is coming and it will be too hot.

• Winter is coming and it will be too cold.

Why does Nacho pluck all his beautifully colored feathers?

• He wants to plant them so colorful things will grow.

• He is tired of looking different from the other birds.

• He plans to sell them at the mission.

• He thinks he will be able to fly better.

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

• should get his colors back

• is showing off

• is as splendid as always

• looks ridiculous

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...

• she knows he cannot fly very far

• he is drab and colorless

• she has been away so long

• he doesn't live in a nice nest

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?

• Hatred

• Courage

• Confusion

• Love

What is the main theme, message, or lesson in this story? Explain your answer and support it with details from the story.

Hint: It has something to do with the way someone looks. Write in complete sentences, this is your written question that is on the real test.