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Grade 5 Reading Comprehensions

Amish Barn-raising

Amish Barn-raising
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grade 5
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   5.2

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    close-knit, fresh-baked, noontime, straw-hatted, operate, thunderous, warble, agreement, compliment, operator, soul, buggies, extravagant, prosper, yonder, buggy
     content words:    Annie Lapp, If Mama, David Lapp, Paul Yoder

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Amish Barn-raising
By Brenda B. Covert 		  
1     David and Annie Lapp had watched the roof topple into the blaze with a thunderous crash. The barn burned to the ground. They and their five children had rescued the farm animals; none had perished in the flames. Neighbors would care for the cows, goats, and chickens until the new barn was built. The horses that pulled their buggy stayed inside the fenced pasture. They were comforted knowing that their close-knit Amish community would come together and help them build another barn.
 
2     The oldest children were twins named Rebecca and Amos. One evening they took a stroll to the cow pond and skipped stones. The stones caused ripples that spread out in widening circles. With a flick of his wrist, Amos sent a smooth stone skipping to the other side.
 
3     "Tomorrow is the big day," he said.
 
4     Rebecca smiled in reply. "It is almost an agony to wait, is it not?"
 
5     "Do you suppose Papa will think I am old enough to help with the building?" he asked.
 
6     "I should think so," Rebecca said. "Papa has seen how hard you work in the field. If Mama lets me, I will minister to those who thirst for lemonade!"
 
7     Early in the morning the neighbors arrived. The yard quickly filled with buggies! The men gathered at the site of the barn's foundation. Lumber, nails and shingles were already there. David Lapp had also hired a crane and a man to operate it. The crane would lift the beams into place, making the men's work a little easier. Amos stood close to his father, but continued to look toward the crane. For a brief moment he was jealous of the man in the crane.
 
8     Amos looked up at his father's face framed by his full beard and topped by the familiar straw hat. "Papa," he said, "why is it that we can drive neither car nor crane, but we can hire one to work for us?"
 
9     David Lapp's blue eyes seemed to penetrate through to Amos' soul. "It is the law of the Ordnung," he said firmly. "We live a simple life. If we were to introduce modern conveniences into our lives, such as automobiles and even electricity, would we not then become dependent upon them? Might we begin seeking to prosper beyond our needs? Might we put money first in our lives, ahead of God and family?" He patted Amos' straw-hatted head. "Our buggy takes us where we need to go. Our fields produce food. We have what we need, and that is enough. Be content with what you have."

Paragraphs 10 to 17:
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