Standing Up LEVELED BOOK • L

to the Bullies
A Reading A–Z Level L Leveled Book
 STANDING UP to
the
Bullies
Word Count: 423

Connections
Writing and Art
Draw a picture and write a paragraph
about a time you stood up for yourself.
Share your experience with your class.
Social Studies
It is important to be kind. List three
things you can do today to be kind
to others, and then do them!

Written by Ashley Kazery

Illustrated by Karen B. Jones

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 STANDING UP to Words to Know
hesitated recess
the peered recognize

Bullies
proud stand up

Written by
Ashley Kazery
Illustrated by
Karen B. Jones
www.readinga-z.com

Standing Up to the Bullies

Focus Question Level L Leveled Book

© Learning A–Z Correlation
Written by Ashley Kazery LEVEL L
What problem do the boys have Illustrated by Karen B. Jones
Fountas & Pinnell K
All rights reserved. Reading Recovery 18
in the story, and how is it solved? DRA 20
www.readinga-z.com
 Last week, the mean kids caused a
lot of problems for Marcus and his
friends. They stole their kickball,
tied their jump ropes together,
and pushed Ned off the swing.

Marcus got up from his desk and

slowly peeked outside toward the
playground. Kids were swinging,
laughing, and having fun. He
wanted to join them.
Standing Up to the Bullies • Level L 3 4
Marcus’s teacher, Ms. Black, came up
behind him. “Don’t you want to go
out?” she asked. Marcus hesitated,
then shrugged. She opened the door
with one hand and gently guided
him outside with the other.
Standing Up to the Bullies • Level L
Ned and Malik were already on the
swing set. Out of the corner of his
eye, Marcus noticed the mean kids
moving toward them. The biggest
one, Hitch, was laughing.
5 6
Marcus wasn’t on the swings
for five minutes when he saw
the shadow of someone standing
behind him. He turned around
to see Hitch standing with his
arms crossed.

He stared at Hitch. “It’s my turn,”

barked Hitch.

“But we just got on,” Malik said.

The other mean kid, Evan, yelled,

“Well, now it’s time to get off!”
and jerked the swing to a stop.
Standing Up to the Bullies • Level L 7 8
Ned and Malik backed off. Marcus Anger rose in his chest. A strong
saw Hitch and Evan messing voice that he didn’t even recognize
around on the swings, laughing came out of his mouth.
all the while.
“No, Hitch!“ Marcus responded.
That’s it, he thought. I’ve had enough. “We were here first. You and
Evan can use the swings when
we’re done.”

Standing Up to the Bullies • Level L 9 10

 Hitch and Evan looked at each other
in surprise, then at Marcus. Hitch
took a step back.

“Who cares? Let’s go play kickball

instead,” said Hitch, quickly
walking away. Evan kicked his foot
in the sand, then followed Hitch.

The playground got quiet as several

kids looked up and stared. Marcus
stood silent, still, and tall. Ms. Black
peered out of the classroom window,
watching carefully.
Standing Up to the Bullies • Level L 11 12
Malik ran over to Marcus and
high-fived him. Ned said,
“Wow! Marcus, that was awesome!
Now let’s see who can swing
the highest!”
Marcus acted as if it were nothing
but felt his face go red. He was just
glad to be able to hang out with his
friends during recess.
Standing Up to the Bullies • Level L
When recess ended, they walked
back into the classroom. Ms. Black
faced Marcus and put her hand
gently on his shoulder.
“I saw that, Marcus. It was very brave
of you to stand up for yourself and
your friends,” she said. “You should
be proud of yourself.”
13 14
Marcus smiled quietly to himself Glossary
and took a seat at his desk. hesitated paused before doing
(v.) something, especially
because of uncertainty (p. 5)

peered (v.) looked closely or with

difficulty at something
(p. 11)

proud feeling good about an

(adj.) achievement, possession,
or relationship (p. 14)

recess (n.) a break from school or work

during the day or year
(p. 13)

recognize to identify someone or

(v.) something as having been
seen or known before (p. 10)

stand up to defend oneself or others

(v.) because one believes it’s the
right thing to do (p. 14)

Standing Up to the Bullies • Level L 15 16