Mika gazed out the door for hours waiting for the first sign of sunlight. “I guess we have no choice but to move your party,” mom said. Mika opened her mouth to object, but the pelting on the roof made it clear a pool party was just not possible.

The weather had been ______.

The teacher was going to talk about the lizard. Raul was supposed to hold it while the teacher talked, but Raul could not do that; He. did not want to touch it. It was too ugly.

Raul ______ the lizard.

Pauline walked back to the house with her head hung low. She looked sad as the other girls ran to Front Street while they laughed and joked.

Pauline wanted to ______ the girls.

They reached Pawnee Rock at the end of the day. It was only 60 feet high, but it seemed like a mountain to Esmerelda. She and Ned climbed it before dinner.

Esmerelda thought the rock was ______.

Dimmed lights, soft jazz, and velvet couches created an ambiance perfect for writing. Paige placed an order for coffee and eavesdropped on two artists quietly discussing their upcoming performance. She had a feeling this would be the place she finally finished her novel.

The shop was ______.

Miri, walking cautiously through the corridor, glanced behind her with concern. She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was following her. Miri picked up the pace but was startled by the faint sound of a jingle close behind. Reluctantly, she turned her head and positioned herself for defense. A little ball of fluff grazed her leg and ran past. She couldn’t help but laugh at herself.

Miri had been _____.

You could work in an office. You might drive a bus or help sick people. You could work in construction. You could work with animals. If you like cooking, you could become a chef.

You can _____ your job.

According to my Italian grandmother, pasta sauce from a can is a disgrace. She insists we spend hours hovered over a large pot stirring in only the freshest ingredients. This year, she has even begun to teach me how to make noodles from scratch. The recipe has been passed down in my family for several generations.

 Grandma’s food is _____.

In the summer, Dan works in his garden. In winter, he goes to school. He cuts wood for the fire. He cuts firewood to sell, too. Dan works hard. He doesn't have much money. His boss doesn't pay much.

Dan is not ______.