Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House #21 Civil War on Sunday

Civil War on Sunday

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

Jack and Annie go back to a time during the Civil War.  They are looking for the first special writing they need to help save Camelot.  They run into Clara Barton as they help wounded soldiers and learn a bit of their family history as well.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does Morgan want Jack and Annie to help Camelot? Find four writings  p. 6
  2. What’s the first writing they need to find?  Something to follow   p. 8
  3. Where were Jack and Annie going to find it?  The Civil War  p. 8

Chapter 2

  1. What color were the uniforms of the men who were straggling across the field?  Blue  p. 13
  2. What side of the war were the soldiers in blue on?  North/ Union   p. 12
  3. Why did Annie want to help the soldiers?  They were tired, weary, injured  p.15

Chapter 3

  1. How did the nurse want Jack and Annie to help?  feed soldiers  p. 22
  2. What did the nurse give to Jack and Annie so they could know how to give the soldiers comfort?  A list  p. 23
  3. Why were Jack and Annie excited to get the list?  It was the writing they were looking for  p. 24
  4. Why didn’t Jack want to be a nurse?  It was sad to see the wounded soldiers p. 25

Chapter 4

  1. What was Annie’s attitude as she served the soldiers food in the tents?  Happy, cheery  p. 27
  2. What kind of soldiers were in the second tent?  African American/ slaves  p. 32
  3. How did Jack give the black soldier hope?  Told him his great grandchildren would be doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc  p. 34
  4. Have you ever heard of Clara Barton?   P. 35

Chapter 5

  1. Who is Clara Barton?  Famous Civil War nurse   p. 36
  2. What did she use for an ambulance?  Horse drawn wagon   p. 36
  3. What did the soldiers call Clara?  Angel of the Battlefield  p. 36
  4. How would you feel if you needed to go out onto the battlefield and gather wounded soldiers?   P. 40

Chapter 6

  1. As the wagon headed to the battlefield, what were the popping noises?  Muskets firing  p. 41
  2. What were the bright flashes in the sky?  Cannon shells exploding   p. 44
  3. What was Jack telling himself as cannon shells whizzed overhead?  Be brave  p. 45

Chapter 7

  1. Why was it okay for Clara Barton to pick up soldiers with gray uniforms on?  You should always give a helping hand no matter who they are.   p.  47
  2. Why didn’t it matter it a Union soldier and Confederate soldier were by one another in the wagon?  They’re too sick to be enemies any more  p. 49
  3. Who did the drummer boy look like?  Jack  p. 50

Chapter 8

  1. What did Annie and Jack do for the wounded soldiers in the back of the wagon?  Place a wet rag against their faces  p. 54
  2. What was the drummer boy’s job?  Played drum beats to give orders   p. 56
  3. When the boy woke up, why did he want to go back to the battlefield again so badly?  The soldiers needed him  p. 57

Chapter 9

  1. How did Annie and Jack feel after helping out?  Homesick, tired  p. 63
  2. What was one more thing Clara added to the list?  Never forget those who love you  p. 64
  3. What did Jack realize about war?  It’s not a game  p. 67

Chapter 10

  1. Why was it important for Jack and Annie to live the first writing, "Something to follow"?  When you live and experience something you understand it better  p. 70
  2. Who was Jack and Annie's ancestor that fought in the Civil War? John the drummer boy  p. 72
  3. Why were Jack and Annie so excited when they found out he had a family?  He lived through the war and didn’t die   p. 73