The Picture

This passage is about a boy who does not like to have his picture taken.

Lexile Level: 450L

Categories: People & Places

Mike hated to get his picture taken. His mom loved it. She liked to make everyone dress up and drive over to the picture studio. But for Mike, family pictures meant itchy shirts and stiff collars with real ties pulled tight around his neck. Mike waited for the photographer to tell him where to sit. What Mike wanted was to play in the creek. That was fun. Riding his bike was more fun. Even a kiss from his Aunt Irma was better than pictures. With Aunt Irma, he didn't have to hold his head at weird angles until the flash popped. Mike pulled at his shirt collar. It itched. Maybe he was getting a rash. No, he was getting a fever. He was very hot. His collar seemed tighter. How could that be possible? The camera flash popped and popped. The photographer smiled and put away his camera. Suddenly, Mike's neck felt cooler and his collar looser. The pictures were done for another year. Mike ran for the car!