Download Davy Crockett: Larger Than Life

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Davy Crockett:
Larger
Than Life
Davy Crockett:
Lesson 83
Larger Than Life
Paired with Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind
Written by Sharlene Petersen
Illustrated by Nate Baertsch
Lexile®: 630L, 378 words
David Crockett was a famous patriot, explorer, and congressman. Stories
about his adventures are a mix of facts, opinions, and exaggeration. This kind of
story is called a tall tale.
A fact is something that is true. It is a fact that David lived in America. An
opinion is a person’s belief. It is an opinion that David was a great American
hero. Some people may believe that, but others may not.
Here’s a look at some of the facts, opinions, and exaggerations about Davy
Crockett.
Some say that when Davy was born, he weighed 200 pounds and could
jump and dance. Surely he was the strongest, happiest baby in all of Tennessee.
Davy Crockett was born in Tennessee. But unlike the tall tale, he was an
average size baby.
When Davy was a young boy, he ran away from home. While walking
through the woods, Davy fell into a crack. He wiggled and squirmed, but he
couldn’t move. He was stuck.
A big bear cub noticed Davy’s problem. He thought Davy might be a tasty
snack. So he reached down and pulled and tugged until Davy was free.
Davy was so happy he hugged that big bear. And the bear hugged him
back! They’ve been best friends ever since.
The real Davy Crockett did run away from home as a teenager. He worked
as a cattle driver and traveled. When he was sixteen, Davy returned home to
work and go to school.
Davy married one of the smartest, bravest girls around. Her name was Sally
Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind. They built a nice cabin together.
Davy Crockett: Larger Than Life
Copyright © Imagine Learning, Inc.
Davy Crockett: Larger Than Life
Copyright © Imagine Learning, Inc.
Reading Lessons: Leveled Books
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One night noisy alligators were dancing on the Crockett’s roof. Sally Ann and
Davy couldn’t sleep. So they climbed on the roof and swung those alligators all
the way to the Mississippi River.
Davy Crockett did get married and have a family. But his wife’s name was
not Sally Ann, and they never had alligators on their roof. In both the tall tales
and in real life, Davy took care of his family.
Davy loved to tell stories. Most often they were a mix of a few facts, a few
opinions, and a lot of exaggeration. Davy Crockett’s real adventures and the
tall tales about him made him a legendary American hero.
Davy Crockett: Larger Than Life
Copyright © Imagine Learning, Inc.
Davy Crockett: Larger Than Life
Copyright © Imagine Learning, Inc.
Reading Lessons: Leveled Books
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