Inspirational Reading Comprehension Passages: Kids Who Are Heroes to Animals

A 10-year-old participating in vigils for pigs, a 12-year-old speaking out for orcas, and 4^th graders informing others about the reality of confined animals in circuses—these are just some of the inspiring stories from the book Animal Hero Kids: Voices for the Voiceless.

When young people learn about the plight of animals, they often want to take action, but they sometimes feel limited in what they can do because of their age. So why not have your students read about and be inspired by kids of all ages who have helped animals? Animal Hero Kids is a collection of stories that celebrates courageous and compassionate actions for animals taken by kids and teens.

And since reading comprehension is an essential skill for students to practice, TeachKind has adapted some of the stories to create student reading passages that are accompanied by questions that encourage literal as well as inferential thinking.

Reading Comprehension Passages

These reading comprehension passages are geared toward 3^rd through 5^th grades and are great for English-language learners, too.

Baby Chick, Revived to Thrive

Jasmine Speaks Out for Pigs

Whistleblower Saves Piglets

Amazing Grace

Lions, Tigers, and Bears… Oh, My!

The book’s author, Susan Hargreaves, conducts school presentations in Florida on a variety of humane education topics. Here she is telling a story from Animal Hero Kids:

Visit AnimalHeroKids.org to learn more about the programs and upcoming events.

Like these ideas? Please share them to inspire other teachers to incorporate compassion for animals into their reading block!