Prose

Prose is spoken or written language that follows regular speech patterns. It is made up of sentences and paragraphs, as opposed to poetry which is made up of lines and stanzas. The term “prose” is often used to describe writings such as novels, short stories, and narratives.

We Will Not Have Fun!

Matteo had come to babysit. “I am too big for a sitter!” Sonja said. “We will have fun,” said Matteo “We will not!” said Sonja. She went to her room. She stayed there for a long time. She did not have any fun.  Then, Sonja heard something. It was singing.…

The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County

Below is the beginning of  Mark Twain’s short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” published in 1865. The narrator visits Wheeler in a gold mining camp in California. ———————————— In compliance with the request of a friend of mine, who wrote me from the East, I called on…

Lonely Star

Astrid was only three hundred years old, and therefore, still just a kid when it came to the heavenly bodies in her galaxy. It was quiet out in space, and Astrid’s neighbors were light years away; much too far to be able to have a conversation, let alone become friends.…

Invisible Isabella

It happened the first time at the art gallery. Isabella was on a field trip with her class, and they were looking at some paintings by famous artists. A small painting off to the side of the room caught Isabella’s eye, and she walked away from her group to take…

Carter’s Decision

“I can’t decide!” Carter told his mom. They were sitting at the kitchen table. Mom was finishing her morning coffee and Carter needed to talk to her before school. He had a big decision to make, and he was agonizing over it. “You have to decide. And soon!” Mom took…

Do You Believe in Fairies?

Peter Pan tells the story of the adventures of the magical boy named Peter Pan who lives in Neverland with his friends and some amazing beings. Peter’s great enemy, however, is the evil pirate Captain Hook. In this passage, Hook and his pirates have captured many of Peter’s friends. Hook…

The Clash of Blades

Like Robin Hood and the Scarlet Pimpernel, Zorro is a man who helps those who are in trouble or are being abused, but he is considered by some to be an outlaw. In this passage, Zorro has come to visit Lolita Pulido at her father’s house, or hacienda, in California.…

Racing Home

Jill and Ricky lived in a farmhouse near a pond. Each spring, the pond was filled with baby turtles that climbed up onto the rocks to warm themselves in the sun.  One spring day, Jill was bored. She wanted to play with the turtles. Suddenly, she had an idea. Jill ran…

Let’s Play Outside

On Saturday morning, John ate cereal while watching cartoons on TV. His little sister Frankie was still in her high chair. Mom was wiping the kitchen table after breakfast. “Today I need to clean the house,” said Mom. “Can I help?” asked John. He liked to draw pictures in the…

Terry Makes a Friend

Terry the turkey was very brave. The turkey flock usually stuck together, with all of the younger turkeys lining up to follow an adult as they made their way around Farmer Gregory’s fields. Together, the turkeys scratched in the dirt to find bugs and seeds to eat. “I’m not hungry,” said…