Reading provides a unique window into the history and nature of science and the norms of scientific communication and supports students in developing critical-reading skills in engaging ways. Effective use of reading promotes a spirit of inquiry and an understanding of science concepts while also addressing expectations of the Common Core State Standards for literacy in science. This article demonstrates how teachers can blend close reading of challenging text with traditional science instruction to achieve these goals. Close reading is the practice of investigating a short piece of high-quality text. The authors share a lesson plan and strategies that they used to implement close reading in a physical science class.