The Backpack That Was Too Heavy
Leo's backpack keeps getting heavier — but it isn't full of books.
Leo had a bright blue backpack. Every morning, he packed his books, his pencils and his lunch.
But lately, the backpack felt heavier and heavier.
On Monday, Leo worried that his friend Sam didn't want to play with him anymore. The backpack felt a little heavier.
On Tuesday, Leo worried about the spelling test. Heavier still.
On Wednesday, Leo worried about his grandma, who was in the hospital. The backpack was so heavy he could barely lift it.
His teacher, Ms. Rivera, noticed him dragging his feet. "Leo, that backpack looks heavy. What's in it?"
"Just books," Leo mumbled. Then he stopped. "And... worries."
Ms. Rivera knelt down. "Worries can feel very heavy when we carry them alone. Would you like to take one out and show me?"
So Leo told her about Sam. "Let's talk to Sam together," said Ms. Rivera. It turned out Sam had just been sad about his own things, and he still wanted to be friends.
Leo told his mom about the spelling test, and they practiced together every night.
And he told his dad about Grandma. His dad hugged him tight. "I worry too," Dad said. "Let's make her a card."
Every time Leo shared a worry, the backpack felt lighter. By Friday, it only held books, pencils and a peanut butter sandwich.
Leo swung it onto his shoulders and skipped all the way to school.
⭐ The End ⭐
💬 Talk about it
- What was really making Leo's backpack feel heavy?
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His worries. - Who did Leo share his worries with?
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Ms. Rivera, his mom and his dad. - What happened each time Leo shared a worry?
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The backpack felt lighter.
