Fort Fizzle by Robert Ingalls 1 Chief Joseph huddled with the other Nez Perce leaders in the shadow of the nearby mountains, listening quietly.

2 "We have to fight and defend our people," said White Feather. "The whilte soldiers began this war, not us. And now they are the ones refusing to let us leave peacefully."

3 "They're frightened," said Lean Elk. "So are the settlers in Bitterrot Valley. That is why the soldiers built that foolish fort in the canyon. But this is a battle we can win."

4 "A battle just means more deaths," Joseph retorted.

5 "Better to die fighting than to wait here like cowards!" White Feather exclaimed angirly. He looked away.

6 "I am not saying we should wait," explained Chief Joseph patiently. "But my plan requires another form of courage."

7 That night, Chief Joseph instructed the tribe to pack up their belongings and leave as silently as possible. Then instead of heading through the canyon, the entire tribe climbed the steep mountain and crossed over a ridge above the fort, following a path barely wide enough for a mountain goat. Several hours later, they reached the valley on the far side and continued peacefully on their journey.

8 By showing wisdom and braving the mountains instead of the soldeirs, Chief Joseph and his people avoided conflict and saved many lives. And the fort in the canyon became known as Fort Fizzle, after the battle that never happend.

Ogel's Tear by Ana Smith

1 Kate, Eli, and Juan sat together in Juan's room, glued to the latest issue of their favorite comic book: Gilda the Great. Gilda was strong and fearless, fighting off enemies and performing amazing feats to protect her people from harm.

2 In this issue, Gilda learned that an enormous, gremlin-like creature named Ogel was rampaging through villages, tearing down trees and scaring families from their homes.

3 The trio eagerly turned the page to see how Gilda would defeat Ogel. Kate cleared her throat and read aloud. Just as Kate began reading, a flash of light lit up the room, and the pages of the comic book fluttered excitedly. Moments later, Kate, Eli, and Juan found themselves standing beside Gilda in the midst of a mountain forest.

4 "I'm so glad you've arrived!" Gilda yelled as she raised her sword. "We must join forces to vanquish Ogel!"

5 But just as Juan tried to process what Gulda had said, he noticed one large tear rolling down Ogel's cheek. Juan said, "Gilda, Wait! Look at Ogel--I think he's...um...crying."

6 Suddenly Eli stepped forward and began speaking to Ogel so softly his friends could not hear. Eli's tone was soothing, and he slowly inched closer to Ogel. Baffled, everyone shouted, imploring Eli to stop, but he refused to turn back.

7 Moments later, Ogel dropped to his knees and began sobbing uncontrollably. Eli explained that Ogel was lost and scared, and the creature was desperate to find his family. The group was stunned for a moment, but then they helped Ogel to his feet and assured him that they would help him.

Question 1
Which statement best describes the theme of both stories?

Hint: Don't focus on the different settings of the stories. What lesson do both stories teach?

a
Sometimes it takes more courage not to fight.
b
When you cannot win a fight, sneak away and hide.
c
True bravery comes from understanding one's enemy.
d
Only cowards refuse to take on a necessary fight.