Leo’s Secret Journal: The Girl with the Yellow Backpack


October 12th
Dear Diary,
Something very strange happened in class today. My stomach felt like it was full of tiny, fluttering butterflies. It all started when Mrs. Gable introduced a new student named Mia. She has curly hair and a bright yellow backpack that is almost as big as she is. When she walked past my desk, she smelled like strawberry bubblegum.
I usually talk a lot, especially about soccer or my new video games. But when Mia sat in the empty chair right next to mine, I forgot how to speak. My face felt hot, like I was standing too close to a campfire. I tried to say hello, but only a tiny squeak came out. I hope she didn’t think I was a mouse! I think I might like her, but it is a big secret. If my best friend Sam finds out, he will tease me for a whole year.
October 15th
Dear Diary,
I had the perfect chance to be a hero today. During math, Mia’s pencil lead snapped. She looked around her desk with a worried expression. I knew this was my moment to be helpful. I reached into my desk and pulled out my favorite neon green pencil. It is the one that always helps me get the right answers.
- Butterflies:
- A nervous or excited feeling in your stomach.
- Expression:
- The look on someone's face that shows what they are thinking or feeling.
- Dribbling:
- Moving a ball along with several short kicks in soccer or bounces in basketball.
- Crush:
- A strong feeling of liking someone new or special.
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Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Point of View
Identify who presents the text and analyze how perspective shapes what the reader receives.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Language & Tone
Interpret nonliteral language and analyze how word choice shapes tone and meaning.
Writing Prompts
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What color was Mia's backpack and how big was it?
- 2Why did Leo feel like he had 'butterflies' in his stomach?
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About this diary entry passage for 3rd Grade
“Leo’s Secret Journal: The Girl with the Yellow Backpack” is a diary entry reading passage about First Crushes, written for 3rd Grade. It takes about 4 minutes to read (638 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.


