Sibling Rivalry and Wishes in 'My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother'

Melissa Gilbert reads 'My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother' by Patricia Polacco, a story about sibling rivalry and the narrator's quest to outdo her older brother, Richard. Living on a farm with their grandparents, the narrator faces constant challenges from Richard, who excels at everything. After a failed rhubarb-eating contest, she wishes on a falling star to surpass him. At a carnival, she attempts to outlast him on a merry-go-round but faints, leading to a change in their relationship when Richard helps her. The story ends with a reflection on the nature of wishes and family bonds.

Who is the narrator of the story?

• Melissa Gilbert

• Patricia Polacco

• Bubbie

• Richard Barber

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Where did the narrator and her family live?

• Chicago, Illinois

• Los Angeles, California

• Union City, Michigan

• New York City, New York

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CCSS.RI.6.10

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What was the narrator's brother's name?

• Mikey

• Richard

• Lee

• Sam

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What did the narrator's brother challenge her to do?

• Throw the farthest

• Pick more blackberries

• Run the fastest

• Climb the highest

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What did the narrator challenge her brother to eat?

• Apples

• Chocolate cake

• Rhubarb

• Hot dogs

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What did the narrator wish for upon seeing a falling star?

• To get a new toy

• To have more friends

• To do something better than her brother

• To be the fastest runner

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What event was happening near the narrator's home?

• A family reunion

• A sports competition

• A traveling carnival

• A school fair

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What happened to the narrator at the carnival?

• She won a prize

• She got lost

• She fell off the merry-go-round

• She ate too many hot dogs

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Who carried the narrator home after her accident?

• Her mother

• Her grandfather

• Her brother

• Dr. Lee

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What did the narrator realize about wishes?

• They always come true exactly as wished

• They never come true

• They are just for fun

• They can come true differently than expected

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

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