Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Playing the Blues
Saxophone Day
Reading Comprehension for November 6
Artavia Crosby sat in the back seat watching the sun fade from the sky. She noticed that the horizon above the trees was pale pink dotted with fluffy purple clouds that gradually darkened in the twilight.
In the front seat her older brother sat beside their father. Their saxophones were in the trunk. Isaac was playing in a talent show. Mr. Crosby, a professional jazz musician, was going to be his accompaniment. Artavia was going along as part of the audience.
Artavia saw that the wind was beginning to pick up. Fallen leaves swooshed across the street. Several swirled up into the path of the car, brushing across the windshield. Artavia observed that a storm was on its way. Artavia hoped they would make it to the show before the storm broke.
As she watched the shadowy trees sway, Artavia became aware of a change in the car. It seemed to be shaking slightly. Then came a loud and scary sound, going thumpa-thumpa-thumpa. The car slowed as Mr. Crosby stepped on the brakes and pulled into a laundromat parking lot.
"Daddy, what's wrong?" Artavia asked.
"It sounded like a flat tire," Isaac said.
"I hope the spare isn't flat," their father said.
"Dad!" Isaac moaned. "I'll be late to the show!"
"Then you'll really be playing the blues!" Artavia quipped.
