Ben and the Missing Lunch

Lexile: 540 | Grade: 3

Passage

Ben was excited for lunch. He had packed his favorite—peanut butter and jelly with apple slices. He placed his lunchbox in his cubby before class started.

When the lunch bell rang, Ben rushed to his cubby. But his lunchbox was gone! He looked around, hoping it had just been moved. It was nowhere to be found.

Ben asked his classmates, 'Has anyone seen my lunchbox?' Some shrugged, others shook their heads.

Just then, Ben saw a trail of jelly on the floor. He followed it down the hall and around the corner. It led to a bench near the library. Sitting on the bench was Max, holding Ben’s lunchbox and looking sad.

'I’m sorry,' Max said. 'I forgot mine and I was really hungry. I shouldn’t have taken it.'

Ben thought for a moment. 'Next time, just tell me. We could’ve shared.' Max nodded, and the two boys walked back to class together, ready to be better friends.