Name: _________________
Date:____________
Reading Comprehension
Living in New York
“Hurry, Nora,” Mama said. “Your Da will be home soon.” Nora
quickly put the plates on the table and Mama cut some bread.
They both wanted the food to be ready when Da arrived.
Danny looked out the window at the busy street below.
The family lived in a crowded apartment building in New York.
The rooms were small, but they were warm and clean. Nora
remembered their old house in Ireland. It was always cold and
the family was always hungry.
There was no work for Da. Then the family made a brave
decision. They decided to immigrate to New York. It was hard
to leave home, but Nora was glad her family made the long
voyage. “I see him!” cried Danny. “Da is coming!” Danny ran to
the front door.
Danny liked to be the first to meet Da. In a few moments, Da
opened the door. Danny put his arms around Da. “Welcome
home, Da!” he said. “How was work today?” Da smiled. “Work
was hard and the day was long,” he answered. “But I made
fifty cents!” Mama hugged Da. “I am so proud of you, Da. You
work hard so that our family can live together.”
Da laughed. “It also means I am hungry!” The family sat down
and ate bread, cheese, and hot soup. It was good to live in
New York!
A. Use the sentences below to have a collaborative conversation
about the text.
1. Describe the family’s life in Ireland.
The family lived in a _________________that was always_________
The family was always__________________
Da had _____________________________________
2. Describe the family’s life in New York.
Da has _______________________________
The new apartment is _____________________and ____________.
The family eats ___________________
3. Tell how Mama feels about living in New York.
Mama feels____________________
Ma knows that Da___________________ hard so the family can
live together.
B. Discuss the Essential Question: Why do people immigrate to new
places? Then write your answers below. Cite text evidence.
Why does Nora’s family immigrate to New York?
In Ireland, Da__________________________________.
Then Nora’s family immigrated to _________________________.
In New York, Da _________________________________
This means the family can live ______________________________________.
C. Reread the passage “Living in New York” Find important details and write
them in the graphic organize. Use the details to figure out the theme.