This is a piece of realistic fiction (setting, characters and their behavior could all occur in real life). It is an excerpt from the book Stories that Julian Tells by Ann Cameron.

In this story, Julian must test his skills at making friends with the new kid on the block - who just happens to be a girl. Julian knows that the other boys might make fun of him when they find out, but maybe Gloria will be worth that risk. As the two hold their first conversation, they find common ground. This is especially evident when they make a kite together with their own private wishes tied into the bows on the string. They can't tell one another their wishes or they won't come true. The wishes must also be gone from the kite tail after the kite is flown. In the end, it is apparent that they both wished for the other to become their best friend.

Key Concepts to explore:

Friendship can occur between two people who appear to be different, at least on the surface.

Facing our fears leads to positive results.

Vocabulary:

tease lonely seriously
collection (group of things) stiff (a little sore)
Spelling:

the short /a/ sound:

Try: path, lamp, damp, crash, plant, math, trash, stamp, hatbox, have

Story questions:

1. When Julian tries a cartwheel, how can you tell that Gloria cares about Julian? (she doesn't laugh at him when he has a little trouble)

2.What does Julian wish about Gloria? (she'll stay and be his friend)

3. What does Gloria probably wish about Julian? (that she and Julian will be friends)

4. Why does Julian think his wishes might come true? (because there aren't any wishes left on the kite tail when they pull it in).

Return to Friendship Unit