The Library Mystery
Lexile: 710 | Grade: 4
Passage
Noah loved working in the school library during recess. He liked checking in books, sorting shelves, and using the stamp pad to mark return dates. It made him feel important.
One day, as he was putting books away, he noticed something strange. A brand-new graphic novel was missing. He remembered placing it on the shelf the day before.
He asked Ms. Flores, the librarian, if she had moved it.
“Nope,” she said, scanning the shelves. “It hasn’t been checked out either.”
Noah thought hard. Only a few kids had been in the library that day—and one of them was Jordan, who had really wanted to borrow the book but didn’t have his library card yet.
Noah found Jordan after school. “Hey, did you happen to see the new graphic novel? It’s missing.”
Jordan looked down at his shoes. “I… I borrowed it without asking. I was going to bring it back tomorrow.”
Noah took a breath. “You have to tell Ms. Flores. She’ll understand if you’re honest.”
The next day, Jordan returned the book and apologized. Ms. Flores thanked him for coming forward—and Noah for encouraging him.
As they walked to class, Jordan whispered, “Thanks for not getting me in trouble.”
Noah grinned. “Next time, just wait until you have your card. It’s more fun that way.”
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Questions
Q1: What lesson does the story teach?
- A. It's fun to work in the library.
- B. You should read as many books as possible.
- C. Being honest and doing the right thing can fix a mistake.
- D. Graphic novels should be locked away safely.
Q2: Why did Noah ask Jordan about the missing book?
- A. He wanted to borrow it himself.
- B. He thought Jordan might have taken it without permission.
- C. Ms. Flores asked him to find the book.
- D. He saw Jordan hiding it in class.
Q3: How did Jordan feel when Noah asked about the book?
- A. Angry and upset
- B. Excited to talk about reading
- C. Nervous and guilty
- D. Proud of borrowing it early
Q4: What does the word 'apologized' mean in the sentence: 'Jordan returned the book and apologized'?
- A. Laughed
- B. Said he was sorry
- C. Gave a speech
- D. Made a joke
Q5: What does the story show about Noah’s character?
- A. He likes to get others in trouble.
- B. He only works in the library to read books first.
- C. He is fair and helps others make good choices.
- D. He doesn’t notice when books go missing.
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Answers & Reasoning
Q1: What lesson does the story teach?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The story focuses on Jordan admitting his mistake and Noah helping him choose honesty over hiding it.
Q2: Why did Noah ask Jordan about the missing book?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: Noah remembered Jordan had wanted to borrow the book but didn’t have his card, which made him suspicious.
Q3: How did Jordan feel when Noah asked about the book?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Jordan looked down and admitted he had taken the book, showing he felt guilty about it.
Q4: What does the word 'apologized' mean in the sentence: 'Jordan returned the book and apologized'?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: To apologize means to say sorry, which Jordan did when he returned the book.
Q5: What does the story show about Noah’s character?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Noah chooses to speak to Jordan kindly and encourages him to be honest rather than reporting him right away.
Printable Comprehension Practice
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