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Homes: reading realistic fiction; A New Home 3

Problem

Read the story, then answer the practice question.

A New Home

Luciana pinched her eyes closed for what felt like the hundredth time. She just couldn’t sleep—she was excited, yes. But she was worried, too.
Picture 1
“I don’t have to feel worried,” she whispered into the dark. “Tomorrow we will all be together again. Papi says that California is a lot like Mexico. A new country and a new home isn’t bad. New beginnings can be good.”
Luciana turned onto her side and let out a slow, calming breath. She reached out and pressed her palm against the cool, smooth adobe stone wall next to her. “My new house will have walls just like these,” she whispered. “They will be tall and strong and will keep me safe.” Luciana inhaled again and pushed out another slow, cool breath.
And Papi will be there, she thought, a familiar smile tugging at her lips. Luciana hadn’t seen Papi for nearly a year, since the time he first left to work on the farms in America. She’d been waiting for so long for tomorrow to come—the day they’d all be together again!
Luciana pulled her arm back from the wall, grasping the blankets around her and tucking them beneath her chin. Papi will teach me everything I need to know about our new home. Luciana took one last deep pull of air and pushed it out slowly, inviting sleep.
Luciana gripped Mami’s hand tightly as they stepped off the bus. She turned and watched, wanting to make sure that Abuela stepped off after her. She grabbed Abuela’s hand before turning to squint into the crowd standing under the blazing sunlight.
“Luciana!”
Luciana whipped around to see a man rushing forward. “Papi!” Luciana called out. She dropped Mami’s and Abuela’s hands, running to meet Papi’s outstretched arms. “I’m so glad you’re here,” Papi whispered as he hugged her tightly. “Let’s go see your new home.”
Luciana smiled. Her new home was made of red stone, just like her old one.
She stepped closer, eager to press her palm to the smooth, cooling stone. But something was wrong. This stone wasn’t cool or smooth. It felt rough, grabbing and clawing at her skin. She pulled her hand back and peered closely at the perfect rectangular blocks.
“What’s this stone?” she turned and asked Papi.
“It’s brick,” he replied. “Brick houses are very strong and stable, Luci. I want the strongest for my best girl.”
Luciana nodded.
Picture 2
“Good,” she said. “It is different, but it’s good. I like it, Papi.”
Papi’s face broke into a wide smile as he opened the front door and led the family inside.

Practice question

Which of these is a good summary sentence for this story?
Choose 1 answer: