Nimbus's Brave Journey
Nimbus's Brave Journey
Nimbus was no ordinary cloud. He was a small, fluffy cumulonimbus, and he harbored a secret: he was terrified of thunder and lightning. While other clouds gleefully gathered to form thunderstorms, Nimbus would drift away, hiding behind the taller, sturdier stratus clouds, his vaporous form trembling.
One day, the Great Cloud Council summoned Nimbus. A severe drought had struck the town of Meadowbrook. The rivers had dried to cracked beds of dust, the crops withered under the relentless sun, and the people were desperate. The Council tasked Nimbus with bringing rain to Meadowbrook.
Nimbusâs heart â if clouds had hearts â sank. Bringing rain meant thunder, lightning, the very things he feared most. "B-but," he stammered, "I⊠I canât! I'm afraid of storms!"
The Elder Cloud, a wise and billowing presence, floated closer. "Fear is a part of you, Nimbus, but it doesnât have to control you. The people of Meadowbrook need you. Your fear is small compared to their need."
With a heavy heart, Nimbus journeyed towards Meadowbrook. As he approached, he saw the parched land, the wilting trees, and the despair in the eyes of the townsfolk. He knew he couldn't turn back. Taking a deep breath, Nimbus began to gather moisture.
- Cumulonimbus:
- A type of cloud associated with thunderstorms.
- Drought:
- A long period of time with little or no rain.
- Compassion:
- A feeling of sympathy and concern for others.
- Exhilarated:
- Feeling very happy and excited.
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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.
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.
Vocabulary
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Writing Prompts
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What was Nimbus afraid of?
- 2What problem was Meadowbrook experiencing?
About this short story passage for Middle School
âNimbus's Brave Journeyâ is a short story reading passage about Courage, written for Middle School. It takes about 3 minutes to read (384 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.