Heron and Hummingbird were a comic pair because they did not resemble each other at all. Heron had long legs that he sometimes tripped over. Hummingbird was skinny and very short, like a fragile little sapling. To overcome their height distance, they had to yell to each other during their conversations. They were constantly fishing and had no need to compete because each enjoyed a different type of fish. As a matter of fact, most of the fish Heron ate were bigger than Hummingbird! Hummingbird preferred tiny fish because he could snack on them all day. 2After a successful day of fishing, Heron and Hummingbird relaxed beside the river. Each had stuffed himself with a plentiful amount of fish. However, they grew concerned that one day the rivers might not hold enough fish for both of them. They decided to race to decide who could have all the fish in the world. The race would take two days and Pheasant would make the finish line at the base of the mountain where she lived.

3Heron and Hummingbird began their ascent from the land, flying high enough to avoid the trees in their path. They coasted over the green canopy of leaves. The heron, realizing that it was going to be a long race, kept a good attitude. After about a half mile, Hummingbird spotted a patch of violets. He dove from his place in the sky with a loud zoom to taste the nectar from the flowers. It was so good that he took a break from the race for a long sweet drink. Heron glanced down at his friend, but kept flying straight ahead like an engine on a railroad track. After a while, Hummingbird struggled to get back into the race, his belly full of nectar. He decided to settle down in a cozy moss nest on the side of a tree for some shuteye.

4Heron flew by himself through the lonely night. He missed Hummingbird’s company during the long trek to the mountain. Suddenly, Hummingbird zigzagged from behind Heron. Hummingbird seemed full of energy from his recent sleep. Still, once Hummingbird noticed a bunch of bright yellow flowers, he was out of the race as quickly as he had joined it. Hummingbird couldn’t stop thinking about how thirsty he was! He flew blissfully into a patch of glorious flowers.

5Only minutes later, Heron reached the edge of the mountain. Pheasant congratulated him on winning the race. They had a satisfying sip of water while they waited for Hummingbird to finish the race. When Hummingbird finally arrived, he admitted that he had forgotten about the race. He let Heron have all the fish in the water. Without the option of eating fish, Hummingbird drank flower nectar all the time. After that day, Heron and Hummingbird ate different foods. They moved away from each other, but they sometimes met up to talk about the good old days when they had fished together, and to tell stories about their new homes.

Read the passage on the left to answer the following questions:

8)
What perspective or point of view does this multicultural story emphasize?
A) the ridiculousness of trying to out-compete one of your friends
B) how varying diets and habits can lead to varying strengths and weaknesses
C) the usefulness of having friends when you are facing a difficulty in life
D) the importance of friendship and tolerance in the midst of differences in taste and beliefs
9)
One theme of this Native American tale is that you can remain friends even when many things change. Which BEST describes a change for Heron and Hummingbird?
A) Hummingbird lives with Pheasant in a wooded forest area.
B) Heron lives with Pheasant around an area with shallow water.
C) Heron still lives around an area with shallow water and Hummingbird now lives in a wooded forest area.
D) Hummingbird still lives around an area with shallow water and Heron now lives in a wooded forest area.
10)
Why does Heron win the race?
A) He stops to rest so he can regain his energy.
B) He slowly works his way toward the finish line.
C) He is able to fly much faster than Hummingbird.
D) He has a shorter distance to fly than Hummingbird.