Route 66: The Road to Hope — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.4.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging history reading passage explores the journey along Route 66 during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era. Students will learn about why families left their homes, what they faced along the way, and how Route 66 became a symbol of hope and new beginnings. The passage uses clear, chronological storytelling, focusing on cause and effect and key figures, while building vocabulary. Aligned to C3 Framework (D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.4.3-5) and Common Core standards (RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2), it also features a glossary, Spanish translation, comprehension quiz, writing prompts, timeline, and a graphic organizer. With a relevant public domain image, read aloud audio, and a prompt for a coloring page, this resource helps students connect history to real people and events. Perfect for building literacy skills and historical understanding.

CONTENT PREVIEW

An insignia on College Street in Springfield, Missouri, reminding those who pass that a portion of the historic two-lane U.S. Route 66 still zigs and zags through town.
Source: Library of Congress - Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-

Route 66 was a famous road in the United States. It stretched from Chicago, Illinois, all the way to Santa Monica, California. During the 1930s, many families traveled this road for a special reason. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl made life very hard for people in the middle of the country.

The Dust Bowl was a time when huge dust storms covered the land. Farmers in states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas could no longer grow crops. The soil was dry and blown away by the wind. People lost their farms and homes. Many had no jobs or food. They wanted a better life. So, they packed their cars and trucks and headed west.

Route 66 became the main path for these families. They drove for days, hoping to find work in California. Some called Route 66 the "Mother Road," because it gave people hope. John Steinbeck, a famous writer, wrote, "66 is the mother road, the road of flight." Along the road, people slept in their cars or stayed in small motels. They cooked meals by the side of the highway. Some towns along Route 66 helped travelers with food and water.

Life was not easy on the road. Cars broke down. People had to sell their things for gas or food. But families helped each other and made new friends along the way. Many children missed school, but they learned new things about the world and about being strong.

When they reached California, some families found jobs on farms or in cities. Not everyone found what they hoped for, but Route 66 gave them a chance to start again. During World War II, Route 66 was also used by soldiers and workers moving to new jobs or army bases. The road became a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

Today, people still remember Route 66 as a road of dreams. It reminds us how families worked together and were brave during hard times.

Interesting Fact: Some old Route 66 signs and buildings can still be seen today, showing the history of the people who traveled the "Mother Road."

What was Route 66 called?

Mother RoadSunshine RoadVictory HighwayDust Path

Which states were hit by the Dust Bowl?

Oklahoma, Texas, KansasCalifornia, Nevada, ArizonaFlorida, Georgia, AlabamaNew York, Illinois, Ohio

Where did Route 66 start?

ChicagoLos AngelesDallasDenver

Why did families travel Route 66?

To find jobs and hopeTo go on vacationTo escape winterTo see friends

What is a cause of the Dust Bowl?

Dry soil and windHeavy rainNew highwaysTall trees

What happened to families on Route 66?

Cars broke downThey built new housesThey flew planesThey bought farms