Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #9 Before the Bell

Before the Bell

Kiki Thorpe

Grades K-3; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

It is the first day of school, and Gabby can't wait to tell the fairies about it. She even met a new friend who loves fairies as much as she does. But then a fairy goes missing in Gabby's new classroom.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s special about a story-talent fairy? When they tell a story, the listeners feel like they are actually in it p.12
  2. Why is Gabby excited to start school? It’s new and exciting for her p.13

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Gabby think first grade was off to a good start? Spinner the story-talent sparrow snuck into her backpack and Gabby found him p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the things Spinner experienced in school that first day. Classroom, teacher, students, bookcases of books, using a crayon and pencil p.26

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Gabby regret telling Lizzie about Spinner? Lizzie was selfish and wanted to keep holding him; Lizzie spoke loudly about him and Gabby was worried the secret would be out p.42

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Spinner want to get to the bookcase? He loved stories; he’s a story-telling talent and wants more stories to tell p.46

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Spinner pulls books off the shelves and reads them; he senses danger but doesn’t listen and is smashed in a book when someone closes it p.53

Chapter 7

  1. Why weren’t the girls able to find Spinner and why do you think Glorinda is in Gabby’s backpack? He’s been taken; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. How could Spinner grant Lizzie’s wish to become a fairy? Tell her a story and through his magic, she’ll be the one in the story p.87

Chapter 9

  1. How did Spinner teach Lizzie that taking him was wrong? Through the story he told; she could feel what Spinner felt p.101

Chapter 10

  1. Do you agree that Gabby should be friends with Lizzie after what happened? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer