Up to the Task
L. Hernandez
A gust of wind nearly blew off Mr. Wallace’s cowboy hat as he coaxed another horse into the barn. He had few helpers today, as he was preparing for the storm to come. Most of them were on a roundup, moving the cattle to another pasture where they would be sheltered from the winds. His 13-year-old son, Nate, was pitching in to help, trying to calm the horses so none of them would bolt.
Mrs. Wallace came out of the ranch house just then and shouted over the wind, “Looks like there’s a fence that needs repair at the bottom of the south 40!”
Mr. Wallace nodded and then frowned as his wife went back inside. He and Nate stepped into the barn to get out of the wind. “I have no one to send to fix that fence,” he said, “which means we could lose some cattle.”
“I can go do it,” Nate volunteered. “I’ve seen you repair dozens of fences!”
“Are you sure, son?” his father asked doubtfully. “It can be a tough job, and even harder in these winds.”
Nate convinced his father he could do the job, and Mr. Wallace watched proudly as his son packed tools in a saddle bag, mounted his horse, and took off.
When the boy came back, two hours later, and announced that the fence was mended, Mr. Wallace patted him firmly on the back. “That’s my boy,” he declared, “or I should say, my young man.”
The Future Queen
L. Hernandez
At the palace, the royal council gathered to discuss the day’s decisions. With the king’s guidance, the council passed laws to benefit the kingdom. The king could not join the council as he was very sick. He knew that his days left as king were few, so he sent for his eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice.
“What is it you want, Father? I was just about to gather my friends for a picnic.”
“Not today, Beatrice,” her father said with a serious tone. “I am too sick to attend the council meeting, so you must go in my place. In fact, from now on, you will lead the meetings. I have taught you much of what I know, and you are ready.”
“But Father, I am still just a child! Can’t you have someone else do it?”
“You are next in line to the throne, young lady,” the king said sternly, “and it’s time that you started acting like a queen.”
“Yes, Father,” Beatrice said, and she went to break the news to her friends.
Beatrice wanted very much to make her father proud, so at the council meeting, she listened well and gave her best advice.
When it was over, the Duke of Jasper, who headed the meeting, told the king, “You have one very adult little princess who will make a fine queen.”
This delighted the king, filling his heart with happiness.
Which of these is a theme only found in "The Future Queen"?
A Doing something well will earn one respect.
B Everyone appreciates someone who pitches in.
C New responsibilities can be inconvenient.
D Watching is one of the best ways to learn.
1 answer
1 answer