Cover of The Book That Kept Coming Back

Bianca works at her school library after class. Every Tuesday, she puts books back on the shelves. One book always came back to the returned cart. But no one ever checked it out at the desk.

Bianca thought it was strange. She asked the head librarian about it. "That's odd," the librarian said. "Maybe someone reads it here and leaves it on the cart."

The next Tuesday, Bianca watched the study tables quietly. A boy from her math class sat near the poetry section. He read the same book for almost an hour. Bianca recognized him as Cormac, a quiet boy in her class.

When Cormac finished, he put the book on a table. Bianca walked over and picked it up. "Hi, I'm Bianca," she said. "I noticed you read this book every week."

Cormac's face turned red. "Sorry," he said. "I don't like checking books out at the desk. People always ask about my book."

"That's okay," Bianca said. "You can read it here anytime. I'll put it back on the same shelf for you."

"Really?" Cormac asked, surprised. "Really," Bianca said with a smile. Cormac opened the book again and began to read.

🧠 Check your understanding

  1. What does Bianca notice about one book?

    Show answer

    Answer: It always comes back with no checkout record

    One book always came back to the cart, but no one ever checked it out.

  2. Who has been reading the book?

    Show answer

    Answer: A boy named Cormac

    Bianca sees Cormac reading the same book near the poetry section.

  3. Why doesn't Cormac check the book out?

    Show answer

    Answer: He doesn't like people asking about his book

    Cormac says people always ask about his book when he checks it out.

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