About
Jack and Annie are on a mission! When the magic tree house whisks them back to Galveston, Texas, in 1900, they find out that a big storm is coming. But even though there is rain and wind, no one believes there is any danger. As the storm grows, seawater floods the city. Now everyone needs help! Jack and Annie have a little bit of magic and a lot of hope, but will it be enough?
Read one section at a time, then discuss the questions to review understanding. These questions are a starting place for conversation, not a complete test of the chapter.
Chapter 1
Comprehension questions
Why would it be dangerous for Jack and Annie to take a walk when there’s thunder and lightning?
Page 4 — They could get hit by lightning or a tree near them could get hit and they could be electrocuted.
4
Who had Jack and Annie met the last time they were in Texas?
Page 6 — Slim
6
What is on the necklace?
Page 8 — A tiny star
8
Chapter 2
Comprehension questions
What helped Jack and Annie realize they had traveled to the early 1900’s?
Page 12 — their clothes; no cars or trucks; horse buggies; street trolleys
12
What were the landmarks Jack and Annie used to make sure they would find the tree house again?
Page 15 — Blue house, iron fence, Avenue L.
15
How did people respond to Jack and Annie when they introduced themselves in the café?
Page 17 — Cheerful; helpful; kind
17
Chapter 3
Comprehension questions
Explain what a storm surge is?
Page 22 — When high winds push the ocean water over land
22
Where is the lowest ground on the island?
Page 26 — The Strand
26
How did Jack and Annie know the storm surge had begun?
Page 28 — There were gigantic waves out at sea
28
Chapter 4
Comprehension questions
What did Jack and Annie do to show courage while the water was rising?
Page 31 — Save a toddler; help dogs; help a man
31
Why weren’t Jack and Annie able to climb into the tree house?
Page 34 — the wind had blown the ladder over a branch
34
How did Jack and Annie get to safety?
Page 36 — A woman had thrown them a rope and pulled them to the porch of her house
36
Chapter 5
Comprehension questions
Tell me about Rose.
Page 39 — Kind; strong
39
Why was Rose worried?
Page 42 — Her husband; he was expected home any minute and hadn’t made it yet
42
Chapter 6
Comprehension questions
Where did Rose know they needed to go to get out of the water in the house?
Page 46 — the roof
46
How did they get onto the roof?
Page 47 — Through a hole; they climbed onto a chest, then dresser, then onto a chair
47
Tell me what happened after they all climbed onto the roof?
Page 51 — The house was swaying and cracked; part of the house crumbled into the water and their part of the roof slid on the flood waters and they were pushed around with the current
51
Chapter 7
Comprehension questions
How did Annie know the Ursuline Academy would be a safe place?
Page 56 — She read it in the guide book
56
What is a Catholic nun?
Page 59 — A woman who has devoted herself to Jesus Christ
59
When Jack put on the shoes and made Rose laugh, why do you think he was ok with it?
Page 61 — It felt good to laugh; they had in a stressful situation and now could relax
61
Chapter 8
Comprehension questions
Why did Lucas call out Rose’s name?
Page 67 — he heard the song they always sang to Lily and thought it was Rose singing it
67
Why was Mother Mary Joseph worried about others finding their way to the school in the dark?
Page 70 — They didn’t have a light and the nuns have very little oil left for their lamps
70
What did Annie use to light up the darkness?
Page 71 — the star necklace
71
Chapter 9
Comprehension questions
What did Galveston look like now that the storm was over?
Page 74 — No buildings were standing from where Jack and Annie were to the seashore; puddles of mud; mounds of trash; debris everywhere
74
Who was the hero Morgan wanted Jack and Annie to learn about?
Page 77 — Mother Mary Joseph
77
Why do you think Jack focused on Frog Creek woods, his home and his mom and dad?
Page 78 — He didn’t want to think about the destroyed city and wreckage; what was around him was sad and overwhelming
78
Chapter 10
Comprehension questions
How would you feel if you were Jack and Annie and saw the tree house in ruins?
P.81
Why did the people of Galveston call Mother Mary Joseph a shining light?
Page 85 — Because of her love and compassion that saved more than a thousand from the storm
85
After the hurricane, what did the people of Galveston do to protect the city from another storm?
Page 86 — Pumped sand from the ocean floor to raise the level of the entire city; built a high sea wall
86
Downloads
All the book’s resources, or just the ones you need, ready to read or print.
Worksheets
Practice sheets with space to write your answers.
Additional files
Download one reading section
A small printout with all the resources for the selected section.
