My school gym has tall walls. I never noticed them before. But today, I have to climb them.
Cayla scrambles to the top like it’s no big deal. When she gets there, she laughs and flexes her muscles.
I don’t reach the top. Or laugh.
My muscles keep me stuck at the bottom.
I’m not strong. Some days, I can’t even lift my backpack. Other days, simple things seem too hard.
My family says being strong gets you through life. When hard times happen and things don’t go as planned.
So I ask, “How can I be strong?”
Comprehension Questions
1. Who is able to climb the gym wall?
A. Cayla
B. The narrator
C. The narrator's family
2. Why does the narrator's family say being strong is important?
A. It helps you to not cry
B. It helps get you through tough times
C. It helps you lift heavy objects
A. It helps you to not cry
B. It helps get you through tough times
C. It helps you lift heavy objects
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.