Category Archives: Author

Comprehension Questions – Swindle Series #2 Zoobreak

Zoobreak

by Gordon Korman

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL T; AR pts. 5.0

After a class trip to a floating zoo where animals are mistreated and Savannah's missing pet monkey is found in a cage, Long Island sixth-grader Griffin Bing and his band of misfits plan a rescue.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Griffin. A man with a plan; determined; doesn’t like people to disagree with him; stands up for what he believes in p.2
  2. What does Savannah need help with? Her pet monkey is missing p.4

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Luthor. A dog owned by Savannah; he used to belong to the pawn shop owner in the first book, but he is in prison, so Luthor is with Savannah p.6
  2. How are Luthor and Griffin similar in this chapter? They will lose their best friends p.11

Chapter 3

  1. How did Darren know about Griffin’s Dad’s top-secret invention? Darren’s mom is Griffin’s dad’s lawyer and she must have told him about it (even though it’s top-secret) p.15

Chapter 4

  1. Describe All Aboard Animals. A floating streamer with animals in cages p.22
  2. Why was Savannah outraged while going through the animal exhibits? The cages hadn’t been cleaned, water hadn’t been changed, there wasn’t enough warmth and the cages were too small p.24
  3. What animal do you predict is the newest addition to the zoo? Listen to your child’s answer p.25

Chapter 5

  1. Predict how Griffin will respond to his question at the end of this chapter. Listen to your child’s answer; he’s going to come up with a plan to get Savannah’s pet back p.31

Chapter 6

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer p.37
  2. What plan did Griffin come up with? Operation Zoobreak p.37

Chapter 7

  1. How did Griffin talk Ben into doing Operation Zoobreak? Convinced him this would be the last chance for them to work on a plan together since Ben was changing schools p.40

Chapter 8

  1. What do you think will be Griffin’s job on the team? Listen to your child’s answer; ex. He’s the one who comes up with the plan, so he’ll be the one who adapts the plan if anything goes wrong p.48

Chapter 9

  1. What was accomplished during the trip to the floating animal zoo? Melissa was able to put up the webcams; Pitch was able to explore the area; Ben and Griffin found another way onto the boat if it’s locked p.50
  2. Is the floating zoo a good business venture for the people who own it? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. What did Logan do to accomplish the task he was given and what did he learn? He fell into the water so Klaus would rescue him and drew the attention away from Griffin and Ben; he found out that Klaus sleeps on the boat and is a light sleeper p.64

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pitch was climbing and researching the climb in, with the conclusion that the team couldn’t do it; everyone gathered on the dock and Logan and Pitch reported their bad news: they can’t climb the fence to get into the preserve and Klaus is a light sleeper; Griffin got the idea to approach the boat by water p.67

Chapter 12

  1. What do you think caused the webcam to go dark? Listen to your child’s answer p.78
  2. Explain why there could be a potential problem if Griffin doesn’t figure out why the webcam stopped working. They don’t know what caused the webcam to go dark, so Klaus or Mr. Nasty could be onto them, and their plan may not work p.78

Chapter 13

  1. What helped Griffin come up with a way to get to the zoo since Darren didn’t show up? Ben fell asleep in a rowboat p.86

Chapter 14

  1. What was the first hiccup in their plan once they reached the boat? Klaus was sleeping beneath the vent in a compartment and Ben woke him up as he was climbing through the vent and shined the flashlight into his eyes p.92

Chapter 15

  1. Predict the danger Cleo is trying to warn Savannah about? Listen to your child’s answer p.97

Chapter 16

  1. List two hiccups to the plan that manifested during this chapter. 1) Savannah wouldn’t leave the boat without rescuing all the animals 2) the rowboat was gone, so they had no way to escape p.99

Chapter 17

  1. Describe the reunion between Cleo and Luther. They saw each other, jumped toward each other, and collided in midair; they were thrilled to see each other p.110

Chapter 18

  1. What’s the next plan Griffin is coming up with? What to do with the animals they stole from the zoo; the zookeeper they reached out to is out of town for two weeks p.116

Chapter 19

  1. Why is the new operation called Operation Houseguest? They were dividing up the animals from the floating zoo, and each member of the team will house a few of them; the animals will be houseguests at each team member’s home p.119

Chapter 20

  1. Why doesn’t the team want Darren to know they stole the animals from the floating zoo? They don’t trust him; he stood them up when he told them he would help them p.135

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize this chapter in less than 30 words. Savannah and Griffin went to each team members’ home to check on the animals. Darren wanted to get in on the plan p.137

Chapter 22

  1. What proof does Klaus have that Mr. Nastase is a thief? He stole the lamp from a hotel p.152

Chapter 23

  1. Give an example of how the zookeeper is a hypocrite? He said he knew everything there was to know about animals, yet he didn’t recognize his own loon in the pond next to Savannah’s house and called it a pigeon p.161

Chapter 24

  1. How did Darren’s plan backfire? Darren caught the owl and wanted to sell the owl back to the zookeeper, but the zookeeper told him to find out where his animals are, or he’ll tell the police Darren stole them p.169

Chapter 25

  1. How can the lost paper with the plan turn their plan into a catastrophe? Listen to your child’s answer p.173

Chapter 26

  1. List two reasons why it was risky for the kids to take Griffin’s dad’s invention? If his dad found out, he’d call the police; the police might see them traveling to the zoo and stop them p.178

Chapter 27

  1. When Darren’s parents found out about the plan putting the animals in the zoo, they were concerned for the safety of the six kids. How would your parents have reacted? Listen to your child’s answer p.187

Chapter 28

  1. Who are the two extra security guards wandering around the zoo? Klaus and Mr. Nastase p.195

Chapter 29

  1. Describe Klaus’s attitude towards his boss stealing more animals? He doesn’t like it; he has morals and values and doesn’t agree with stealing p.202

Chapter 30

  1. What brave thing did Klaus do to protect the boys? Jumped in front of the gun so he would get shot if Mr. Nastase shot it p.207
  2. Choose a word to describe how Klaus felt when his boss shot him with the tranquilizer gun? Hurt; betrayed p.208

Chapter 31

  1. The kids were arrested! Predict what you think will happen with them, the zoo, the floating zoo, Klaus and Mr. Nastase. Listen to your child’s answer p.213

Chapter 32

  1. Choose a character and describe how they have grown in this book? Listen to your child’s answer p.223 examples: Melissa: growing in confidence; Darren: growing in compassion; Griffin: realizing he needs to be careful with his plans

Chapter 33

  1. This question is for parents: In explaining where the animals ended up, he described the owl making his home in a bell tower at a church on First Avenue. Why is his comment “Hoo was on First” so funny? “Who’s on First” is a comedic routine Abbot and Costello did back in 1956 p.226
  2. How did Ben benefit from the Zoobreak? The ferret that they freed from the floating zoo was an animal Ben took care of during the “Houseguest” plan. The ferret kept him awake in the day which led to him sleeping better at night. He didn’t need to go to the special school for narcolepsy if he always had the ferret with him, so his parents let him keep Ferret Face p.228
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions Magic Tree House #37 Rhinos at Recess

Rhinos at Recess

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre-Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

The magic tree house transports Jack and Annie to South Africa where they must protect a majestic rhino from poachers.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Annie assume they are traveling to Africa? She saw a bird from Africa on a tree when she and Jack ran home to pick up her project during recess; the poem Morgan left them includes a description of Africa p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Describe a game reserve. Specific areas in Africa that protect animals from danger; rangers work in the reserve to protect the animals p.21

Chapter 3

  1. Why did it matter that a chopper was at the west gate of the reserve? Poachers travel in helicopters and could be in the chopper p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Speedy run to the trees? He was scared p.38

Chapter 5

  1. Describe a rhinoceros. Very large animal with wrinkled dark gray skin, two large horns on its face p.42
  2. How did Jack and Annie stay safe from the rhino? They climbed a tree; they stayed quiet so the rhino couldn’t hear them p.41
  3. Predict what you think “the giant” and “them” is in the poem? Listen to your child’s answer p.45

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize the plan Annie came up with to save Rosie and her calf from the poachers. To call Rosie and get her to chase them to the tree they were hiding in, hoping her baby will follow; the leaves from the tree will hide the rhinos p.52

Chapter 7

  1. Were you correct in your prediction of what the giant is? Listen to your child’s answer p.62
  2. What is the paper tree? An ancestral tree on the brochure p.62

Chapter 8

  1. Describe what happened when Jack and Annie called for help. A pre-historic rhino (Rosie’s ancestor) came from the past and chased the poachers away p.65

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Jack get emotional in this chapter? He felt a love and connection for the rhino p.79

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Annie want everyone to listen to her animal presentation? She’s going to teach them about rhinos, pre-historic and present day, and that they might disappear from the earth. She’ll tell them that rangers are trying to protect them and the sad, the good and the bad things p.85
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Quicksand Question

The Quicksand Question

by Ron Roy

Grades 1-4; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

When someone steals the money the town has been collecting to help the ducks, Josh and his friends try to find the thief.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did the city come together to solve a problem? The people who were interested met and talked about solutions; they were kind to each other and brainstormed respectfully; people volunteered to help where they were able and a solution was found p.1

Chapter 2

  1. What did the friends find in the meadow? A burned piece of wood with letters written on it p.14
  2. Predict how this piece of wood will tie into the meadow fire mystery. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Josh’s twin brothers took the money and cookies from the barn; the friends and brother had breakfast and then the friends went to the fire department to drop off their change; they saw Officer Fallon there and shared their clues with him about the fire; the collection bank was missing p.16

Chapter 4

  1. What’s a diversion? A distraction
  2. Describe what Mr. Pocket saw. A jeep with two men speeding down Main Street. The passenger looked like a duck p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Why is the man who used the restroom in the fire station a suspect? He could have been checking out the fire station to find out where the duck bank was located when he used the bathroom p.36

Chapter 6

  1. How did Ellie help the kids further their investigation? She knows that the burnt wood comes from a pallet found at the supermarket p.40

Chapter 7

  1. What did Mr. Robb explain and show the friends. Where people can pick up pallets p.46

Chapter 8

  1. What do you think the man in the rowboat was looking for in the water? Listen to your child’s answer p.54

Chapter 9

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Predict how they’re going to get the jeep out of the river. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Was your prediction correct? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What did Ruth Rose find and what did it mean? An apron with a name tag from the grocery store where the friends found the pallets p.71

Chapter 11

  1. How did this story end? They caught Martin and built the duck bridge; the friends waited all afternoon to see if the ducks would use the bridge and they did! p.75

Comprehension Questions – Little House on the Prairie #3 Little House on the Prairie

Little House on the Prairie

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grades 3-7; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 8.0

Laura and her family journey by covered wagon into Indian territory, and start a farm. The plot contains racial prejudice within historical context.

Comprehension Questions

Going West

  1. Why does Pa want to go to Indian country? He doesn’t like how populated the Big Woods has gotten p.1
  2. How would you feel to ride in a wagon day after day with only the world to look at and no electronics to help pass the time? Listen to your child’s answer

Crossing the Creek

  1. What unfortunate incident happened while crossing the river? Jack died p.25
  2. To lose a dog is always difficult, but on the prairie, the family will miss having a good dog watch out for them. What other ways is it beneficial to have a good dog around on the prairie? Alerts their owners when an animal or person comes around; fights for their owners when they’re in danger; helps hunt for food; good friend and companion; etc. p. 27

Camp on the High Prairie

  1. What amazing thing happened in this chapter? Jack is alive and caught up to the Ingalls family p.34
  2. Why was everyone scared to see the eyes in the dark? Pa thought it was a wolf or other dangerous animal p.34
  3. Just imagine… there are no street lamps, flashlights, cell phone lights, headlights of cars driving by. It’s just the prairie and the sky. What would that feel like to you?
  4. Have you ever lost and found a pet? Share your story and how you felt

Prairie Day

  1. How do you know Laura and her family are happy with being on the prairie? Mary and Laura had fun playing in the grass; Pa was happy to find so many animals to hunt and fish in the creek p.43

The House on the Prairie

  1. Describe Mr. Edwards and explain if you think he will be a good neighbor or not. From Tennessee; fast worker; not married; lean and tall; could spit tobacco far; danced and sang p.63

Moving In

  1. How did Pa decide to keep his family safe from the wolves? He covered the house with the wagon cover for a roof, and they moved everything into the house so they could have four solid walls around them. There is still much to do to complete the home, but at least now their family is all inside p.71

The Wolf-Pack

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pa went to explore and found a good number of other settlers; as he was heading back home, a wolf pack of 50 surrounded him and Patty; they didn’t hurt him, just walked alongside him; the wolves headed to the river and Pa and Patty took off running home to make sure the family was safe; they were; at home, Jack and Pet had been uneasy, so Ma watched out carefully; that night, Laura woke up to the wolves circling the little house and howling, sniffing and breathing so close to the house that Laura could hear them p.84
  2. Use a word to describe how you would feel if you were in this situation.

Two Stout Doors

  1. What did Pa and Laura accomplish in this chapter? They made doors for the house and stable p.100
  2. Have you ever made something that gave you the feeling of accomplishment? Listen to your child’s answer

A Fire in the Hearth

  1. Pa worked hard every day providing for his family. How did he show love to his wife in this chapter? He built her a fireplace so she wouldn’t need to cook outside in the weather; instead of relaxing and taking a break, he wanted to keep working so she could use the fireplace sooner p.116

A Roof and a Floor

  1. Laura’s family is finally getting settled into their new home. What has impressed you about what her family has done since leaving their home in the Big Woods. Listen to your child’s answer

Indians in the House

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter and how you would have felt, had you been in Laura’s shoes. Pa left to go hunting and chained up Jack; two Indians came to the house and demanded food and took Pa’s tobacco; Laura and Mary bravely went into the house to make sure Ma and Carrie were ok; the Indians smelled like skunk due to the skunk furs they wore; the Indians ate and left peacefully; Pa came back and told the girls to always do as they are told; listen to your child’s answer
  2. What would the ramifications been if the girls had let Jack loose when the Indians were in the house? He would have hurt the Indians, and the Indians would have retaliated, hurting their family, they even would have killed them and Jack p.145

Fresh Water to Drink

  1. How are Pa and Mr. Scott good neighbors to each other? They are kind, work together, friends, help each other, serve and protect each other.
  2. Who are your neighbors? What kind of relationship do you have with them? What can you do to be a better neighbor? Listen to your child’s answers p.150
  3. Do you agree or disagree that Pa should have gone into the well instead of going for help? Listen to your child’s answer
  4. Compare the process as to you get water in your house to how Pa provided water for his family. What are the risks to each situation? Listen to your child’s answer p.150

Texas Longhorns

  1. How did Pa acquire the cow, her baby and a slab of beef? He helped run the cattle through the river bottoms to keep them out of the ravines p.164
  2. Define the word sacrifice that is in context of this story. An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
  3. As this story is being told we see the sacrifices Laura’s family has made to move to the prairie. List three sacrifices they have made. Has it been worthwhile for them to move? Leaving family and friends; leaving the comforts of their home; leaving the livelihood they made for themselves, etc.; yes, Pa has worked hard to help them be comfortable and they are enjoying their new lives on the prairie with their new neighbors, opportunities and surroundings p.170

Indian Camp

  1. Pa gave a description of what happened at the Indian Camp using the tracks they saw. Using a paper and pencil, draw the camp Pa described.
  2. Mary and Laura collected beads from the camp. Was it selfish for Laura to want to keep the beads for herself? Listen to your child’s answer p.179

Fever ‘N’ Ague

  1. Define what a miracle is. An event or an experience that is attributed to divine power.
  2. What miracle happened in this chapter? When the entire family became sick and close to death, the doctor came over, Jack let the doctor in the house, Mrs. Scott came to take care of them p.185

Fire in the Chimney

  1. Laura’s family had some hardship in this chapter. How did they rely on each other to get through it? The chimney started on fire and Ma and Laura saw what needed to be done to put it out and keep Carrie and Mary safe p.201
  2. Share a recent experience where you have helped your family through a hard time. Listen to your child’s answer

Pa Goes to Town

  1. How did Pa help take care of his family while he was away? He made sure they had everything they needed; he had Mr. Edwards come check in on them every day p.209

The Tall Indian

  1. Was it right for the Indians to steal things from Laura’s house? Why or why not? No; listen to your child’s answer p.232

Mr. Edwards Meets Santa Claus

  1. Explain why it is so special that Mr. Edwards saw Santa Clause? Santa Claus is an American tradition, and every child is excited for Christmas morning to see what Santa brought them; It was special because the girls didn’t think Santa would make it to the prairie, but when Mr. Edwards delivered their parents for Santa, they were happy he found them p.243

A Scream in the Night

  1. Why was it so dangerous to have a panther on the loose? It could kill humans p.258

Indian Jamboree

  1. As you reading this historical novel that took place when settlers were spreading out over the United States, what are your thoughts of how the government handled moving the Indians further west? Listen to your child’s answer p.273

Prairie Fire

  1. Compare the difference of the land in the Big Woods to the prairie land Pa is tilling. There are stumps and rocks in the ground where they used to live. On the prairie the soil is rich and there are grass roots p.275
  2. Why is Jack cross all the time? He’s chained up and isn’t free to protect the family from the Indians p.276
  3. Why are there so many rabbits running and jumping in plain sight? They were trying to get away from the fire p.277
  4. What is a good characteristic Pa has and is demonstrated as he is talking to his neighbors in this chapter? He sees the good in people and gives them the benefit of the doubt; he didn’t think the Indians started the fire to get rid of the settlers p.283

Indian War-Cry

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. All the Indian tribes but one wanted to kill the white settlers, so the tribes fought with yelling and screaming through the night for many nights. Thankfully the Indians decided they didn’t want to fight the tribe that didn’t want to kill the settlers; the drums and yelling kept Laura’s family up all night each night in fear; it was a terrible nightmare that she couldn’t wake up from; one Indian saved them and their neighbors; he had a good heart p.286

Indians Ride Away

  1. Have you ever moved to a new home or new city? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. How would you feel if you were one of those Indians leaving their country? Listen to your child’s answer p.303

Soldiers

  1. Why is the family leaving their little house on the prairie? Soldiers are coming through and escorting the settlers off Indian Territory back to the border p.316

Going Out

  1. How is the ending of this book similar to its beginning? The family is living in the covered wagon, traveling to an unknown destination p.327
  2. Why was Pa upset with the family whose horses were stolen? They didn’t know how to survive in the wilderness. They didn’t tie up their horses properly, didn’t keep watch and didn’t have a watchdog dog p.328
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions Magic Tree House #36 Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Morgan le Fay tells Jack and Annie to seek out "The Gray Ghost" and listen to her story. They are whisked away to Nepal where they meet Tenzin, a climber, who takes them up the mountain to meet a snow leopard.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize what this story is going to be about. Jack and Annie are going to Nepal to find a ghost in the mountains p.1

Chapter 2

  1. List an observation Jack and Annie made of the people in this area. They are hard workers p.19

Chapter 3

  1. How did Annie convince Tenzin to help them find the ghost? She read Morgan’s poem to him and told him they were serious about finding the ghost, not just curious p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did you learn about Tenzin in this chapter? He’s sad because his wife and daughter died last winter p.34
  2. Predict how Jack and Annie will help him in this story. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack agree to follow Tenzin? Tenzin quoted a phrase from the poem and confirmed that they were supposed to follow Tenzin p.42

Chapter 6

  1. How did Tenzin put Jack and Annie at risk? By taking them on treacherous steep ground and for hiking so high p.51

Chapter 7

  1. What is the great ghost and how did Jack and Annie find it? A snow leopard; they tried to find Tenzin and when they hiked up to him, the snow leopard was with him. She was difficult to see because she blended in with the rocks p.59

Chapter 8

  1. How do you think the snow leopard is wise and what secret does she have to tell? Listen to your child’s answer p.62

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Jack want to tell Ama and the girls about the snow leopard. Tenzin has a special bond with the snow leopard, and they want him to be the one to talk about her if he wants to p.72
  2. Have you ever had a story that was your own that you haven’t wanted anyone else to share or talk about? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Were you correct in your assumption about what the poem means? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. If not, what is answer? The secret is love hides in plain sight, and we are never alone p.82
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions Little House on the Prairie #2 Farmer Boy

Farmer Boy

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grades 4-8; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL P; AR pts. 9.0

Nine-year-old Almanzo lives with his family on a big farm in New York State at the end of the nineteenth century where he raises his own two calves, helps cut ice and shear sheep, and longs for the day he can have his own colt.

Comprehension Questions

School Days

  1. How does Almanzo’s school compare to the school you go to? The boys sit on one side of the schoolhouse and girls sit on the other; it has all ages in one classroom and isn’t split into separate classes; three children cannot talk or move; the girls went to recess first for 15 minutes, then the boys would go to recess 15 minutes; if they are late, they get whipped p.1

Winter Evening

  1. Give two examples in this chapter that show you that Almanzo loves and respects his parents. He listens and obeys his Dad about the horses and not taking a lantern into the haymows; pleased with himself that his father recognized he was a good milker and he knew he would milk the cows that are difficult to milk now; he knew his father was a good and honest man; he felt his mother was beautiful and listened and obeyed her as well p.17

Winter Night

  1. What part of this chapter did you enjoy? Listen to your child’s answer p.30

Surprise

  1. How did Mr. Corse defend himself and “best” the big boys of the class? One at a time, he used a whip to wrap around them; using the whip, he moved them to the door and threw them out; three of the boys saw they were going to get thrown out with the whip and they jumped out of the window; Almanzo’s dad gave Mr. Corse the whip p.44

Birthday

  1. What was special about Almanzo’s birthday? His father made him a yoke for his two calves and a sled; he didn’t have to go to school; he could eat all the treats he wanted; he went sledding and started to train his calves; he helped his dad make a shingle p.49

Filling the Ice-House

  1. What did Almanzo’s family use as a refrigerator in the summer? The ice-house
  2. How did Almanzo help with the ice-house? He and Royal put saw dust between each block of ice and covered the ice blocks with 3” of sawdust p.72
  3. What do you talk about with your siblings as you work together? Listen to your child’s answer

Saturday Night

  1. Describe the process Almanzo’s family used to take their baths on Saturday night. Almanzo and Royal hit icicles down from the kitchen eaves to fill the tub; Almanzo was the first to bath; Alice would empty his tub and fill her own; and each member of the family would take turns emptying the person’s tub that just bathed and then fill their own tub; this prevented the family from getting a cold p.82

Sunday

  1. Almanzo went to church in this chapter. Have you ever been to church? Describe your experience there. If not, then share what Almanzo did at his church. Almanzo sat and looked at the preacher during church; it was two hours long p.90

Breaking the Calves

  1. What lesson did Almanzo learn in this chapter? He needs to teach his calves how to follow commands while he is riding the sled p.105

Turn of the Year

  1. How did Almanzo’s family gather sugar for the year? They put taps on the trees and gathered sap; they boiled it to sugar; then they put it in buckets to harden p.110

Springtime

  1. List the vegetables Almanzo and his family planted in the spring? Potatoes, carrots, corn p.125
  2. Have you ever planted a seed? What type of plant was it? What did you need to do to help it grow? Water it and make sure it has sunlight. Listen to your child’s answer

Tin-Peddler

  1. What did Mother trade for the tin wear? Rags she made p.138
  2. Why didn’t Mr. Brown expect her to pay with money? Money was scarce in those days and goods were highly prized. Mother made the rags and they were important for Mr. Brown to have for his pans p.138

The Strange Dog

  1. Why do you think the dog stayed the night Father sold the horses? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Why is it important the strange black dog came to Almanzo’s house? Whatever the reason, the dog stopped two men from robbing his family p.152

Sheep-Shearing

  1. How did Almanzo’s father give the sheep a bath? They put soap on the sheep and dragged it out into deep water and rubbed the wool of the sheep until the soap was rinsed out p.155
  2. What distracted Almanzo from his job and why was it a problem? He saw his cat run with a mouse in its mouth, and went to go see its new kittens; he got behind in his job p.158

Cold Snap

  1. Summarize this chapter. There was a cold snap the night before July 4th. Almanzo’s family had to take water and pour some over each corn plant to save it from the frost before the sun came up; once the sun hit the frozen plants, it would kill them, the water saved them; they only lost 1/4 acre and saved 2.75 acres p.163

Independence Day

  1. Define patriotism. The quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.
  2. Why is patriotism important? 1) The country will benefit from the knowledge and skills of patriotic citizens as they show patriotism, hard work and loyalty. 2) The country will grow and succeed. 3) There will be peace and unity in the country.
  3. How did Almanzo’s family and town celebrate Independence Day? Dressed up in Sunday best; gathered in town; had a band that played and marched; said the pledge of allegiance; had political speakers; had a picnic together; American flags furling in the wind; lemonade stand; shot off cannons p.177
  4. How do you show patriotism for your country? Listen to your child’s answer.
  5. Why was it difficult for Almanzo to ask his father for a nickel? Respectable boys at that time didn’t ask their fathers for money p.182
  6. What did Almanzo learn in this chapter? Importance of earning money with hard work and how America was made p.177

Summer-Time

  1. What are two fond memories Almanzo made in this chapter? Going fishing with his father when it was raining and spending the day with his family berry picking p.195

Keeping House

  1. How was Eliza Jane a good sister in this chapter? She helped take care of the house with mother and father gone; she patched up the wallpaper when Almanzo made a black mark on the wall when he threw a paintbrush at her p.203

Early Harvest

  1. What does the word harvest mean?
  2. How did Almanzo help his family harvest their fields? He helped spread out hay and then stack it in the barn; helped bind oats and shock them (put stacks of grain around them to protect them from dew/rain); put rocks around the bean stakes and wrap bean stalks around them p.228

Late Harvest

  1. What’s the difference between the early harvest and late harvest? There was a rush to get everything into the barns so the frost wouldn’t ruin the crops; they harvested different crops; it was freezing cold while they worked p.240

County Fair

  1. When Almanzo won first prize for his pumpkin, why was he worried that he cheated? He had grown it with milk and realized that it may be against the rules p.273
  2. What gave Almanzo confidence that he hadn’t cheated? His father taught him how to grow the pumpkin, and his father wasn’t a cheater p.273
  3. Why did Almanzo grow tired of having a good time? He was used to working hard and accomplishing a lot throughout the day and he didn’t like that there wasn’t purpose to his days p.274
  4. Do you agree with Almanzo that three days at the fair was too much fun? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Fall of the Year

  1. How did Father know it was going to snow without a weather channel or app to tell him? He knew what the weather felt like; he had learned throughout his life what different weather and pressure in the air felt like, just like he knew the ground was going to freeze earlier in the book p.277
  2. Why was it important for Almanzo’s family to butcher the animals and make candles? To give them food and light throughout the winter and through to next fall p.284

Cobbler

  1. List two things from this chapter that we do not do anymore. Drink tea out of a saucer; have a cobbler come to our homes to make shoes; use a corn husker p.285

The Little Bobsled

  1. Why couldn’t Father and Almanzo work outside the next day? The storm would be too big p.304

Threshing

  1. Use a word to describe how Almanzo felt at the end of this chapter and explain why. Listen to your child’s answer p.311

Christmas

  1. Describe what your Christmas looks like and compare it to the one Almanzo celebrated in this chapter. What does Almanzo do differently? Listen to your child’s answer. Almanzo helped get everything ready on Christmas Eve; they went to bed and woke up really early (earlier than they were supposed to) and opened presents; they enjoyed their gifts and then got ready for family to come over; family came over and they had a big dinner; the cousins went out to play in the snow; they then came inside and had apple cider and ate apples; the cousins wrapped up and went home bundled up on their sleigh p.312

Wood-Hauling

  1. Summarize this chapter. Almanzo helped Father gather logs for firewood; he faced trials steering his calves, loading the logs and getting stuck in a snowdrift. His father gave him encouragement but let him figure out how to solve his predicaments. Share an experience where you learned something through sheer experience p.329

Mr. Thompson’s Pocketbook

  1. What good characteristic did Almanzo show in this chapter and how did it benefit him? He was honest with Mr. Thompson’s pocketbook; Mr. Paddock made sure that Mr. Thompson rewarded him with $200 p.354

Farmer Boy

  1. How did Almanzo tell Father that he wanted to be a farmer? He wanted to buy a colt and break it; this showed his father that he wanted to be on the farm just like him p.371
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer.

Comprehension Questions – The Swindle Series #1 Swindle

Swindle

by Gordon Korman

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mystery; GRL T; AR pts. 5.0

After unscrupulous collector S. Wendell Palomino cons sixth-grader Griffin Bing out of a valuable baseball card, Griffin puts together a band of misfits to break into Palomino's heavily guarded store and steal the card back.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize how this story begins? Two boys are in a condemned building sleeping over. They invited a whole crew of others and even gave them a plan of how to sneak out of their homes, but no one else showed. The boys talked about why no one else came and reviewed the stories they had heard of how the horse was haunted p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Griffin and how he found the baseball card. A man with a plan; curly hair; determined to not be taken advantage of; stands up for what he believes in even if it’s misguided; comes from a home where parents are trying to make ends meet. He found the card by exploring the haunted home. It was in a locked drawer on a desk p.10

Chapter 3

  1. List two things you learn about Griffin in this chapter. He and Ben are in sixth grade; Griffin always sticks to the plan p.17

Chapter 4

  1. How is Griffin going to fight fire with fire? By stealing the card back from the man at the pawn shop p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Ben and list a characteristic that Ben showed in this chapter. Griffin’s friend who follows him and always supports him; in the 6th grade; also stands up for what he believes in; he showed integrity in this chapter by standing up to Griffin and not wanting to rob the pawn shop p.41

Chapter 6

  1. What changed Ben’s mind about the heist? He saw that Griffin’s house was for sale and Griffin told him about his family’s financial situation p.56

Chapter 7

  1. What security fact did Griffin forget to put on his plan? The Doberman p.61

Chapter 8

  1. What two items of the plan were worked out in this chapter? Savannah is working to tame the Doberman, and Ben’s dad helped them figure out the alarm code p.69

Chapter 9

  1. What was Savannah’s reaction when the boys told her what they were up and what was the consequence? She was angry and yelled. The Doberman began to grovel and whimper at Savannah p.76

Chapter 10

  1. What could derail the heist at this point? Ben falling asleep and missing the next step p.87

Chapter 11

  1. Why do you think the safe and dog aren’t at the store? Listen to your child’s answer p.92

Chapter 12

  1. Find a simile on page 95. “Yet, deep down, it was like trying to enjoy great food while suffering from a gut-blaster stomachache.”
  2. What is Ben expressing in the last two sentences of page 95. Even though Griffin’s family is taking them to fun places, it’s hard to enjoy being there when you know Griffin is moving and there won’t be fun times anymore. Ben is thinking about the times they’ve spent together in the past, knowing there won’t be times together in the future p.95
  3. How did the boys find where the card is? They found the Doberman and realized the card and safe were taken to Swindle’s house p.98

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. The boys went to Swindle’s house and found Luther and found he uses a high-tech security system. They also met Swindle’s neighbor and learned he is always outside observing the activities in the neighborhood. Their teacher helped them figure out where to go to see Swindle’s floor plan to get into his house p.100

Chapter 14

  1. Predict how the boys will get into the house via the bathroom skylight? Listen to your child’s answer p.116

Chapter 15

  1. Were you correct in your previous prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Griffin thinks the heist will be easy once each person’s job is broken down. What do you think might go wrong? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Why didn’t Griffin want Darren on the team? He’s a talker and might tell on them; they don’t trust him p.132

Chapter 17

  1. If you were a part of this heist, what responsibility would you want to have? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.133

Chapter 18

  1. Does Griffin have a right to be nervous about the heist? What could go wrong? Listen to your child’s answer p.144
  2. Why do you think the card is cold? Listen to your child’s answer p.147

Chapter 19

  1. How was the heist going so far? Really well. The only hiccup they’ve had so far is Melissa intercepted an email to Palomino and the auction wanted to pick up the card early, but Griffin responded to them with the wrong address p.150

Chapter 20

  1. Choose a word to describe the team and how they worked together in this chapter. Explain. Flexible-Ben knew he couldn’t climb to the roof because of his narcolepsy and Melissa was happy to swap responsibilities. Encouraging-when Darren slipped on the roof, no one made fun of him, Pitch encouraged him and gave him clear instructions p.159

Chapter 21

  1. What went wrong with the heist? The vent pipe and Pitch fell into the house spraining her ankle; now the crew can’t exit the house that way
  2. What do you think Luther is trying to tell Savannah? Listen to your child’s answer p.171

Chapter 22

  1. What problems did the crew solve in this chapter? Melissa figured out the security system so they can get out of the house without triggering the alarm; Savannah found out why Luther was agitated, there’s a mean German shepherd in the basement. She shut the dog into the room, but it’s hitting the door trying to break it down p.172

Chapter 23

  1. What complicated the plan even further in this chapter? The man finally arrived to pick up the card; Ben fell asleep so he didn’t warn everyone; the card wasn’t in the safe p.180

Chapter 24

  1. Predict what Griffin is going to do to get the card out of the tree. Listen to your child’s answer p.193

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Griffin and his friends respect Griffin’s dad more in this chapter? They used his invention to get the card out of the tree and saw that it was a great invention p.199

Chapter 26

  1. Ben missed everything that happened inside the house. Pretend you are talking to him and tell him what happened from the time you climbed the roof to when he ran over to see what was going on. Listen to your child’s answer p.208
  2. Yikes! A police car is in front of Griffin’s house when he gets there. Why do you think they are there and predict what Griffin will do. Listen to your child’s answer p.208

Chapter 27

  1. Describe the sight Palomino probably saw when he arrived to his home. A broken window with glass all over the floor; dogs laying down in the kitchen; turkey skeleton on the floor of the kitchen; an empty plastic baggie that held the card p.214

Chapter 28

  1. What the heist crew did was a serious crime. Predict what will happen when the police arrive? Listen to your child’s answer p.223
  2. Use a word to describe how Griffin is feeling right now? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. What consequence is Griffin feeling now that he hadn’t predicted? How this would affect his parents p.231

Chapter 30

  1. Find a metaphor on page 237 and explain what the author means by using it. Ex. “It was a glowing coal on an icy night, a tiny measure of justice.” Griffin was feeling satisfied that Palamino didn’t have many customers amidst the possibility of getting arrested p.237

Chapter 31

  1. Why did Officer Vizzini finally arrest Griffin? He had the card and now there was evidence to arrest him p.242
  2. Why is the officer going to release Griffin? Palomino isn’t pressing charges and the card is being sent to the last surviving member of the Rockford family p.245
  3. Why isn’t Griffin’s family moving anymore? The publicity from the card has generated interest from investors for the SmartPick p.247

Chapter 32

  1. What’s ironic with who ended up with the baseball card? It went to Darren, who tried to steal the card during the heist p.250
  2. What did the money go towards and why? The Cedarville Museum where the Rockford house used to be. Darren’s parents didn’t want to reward him for stealing the card p.250
  3. What did you enjoy about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Goose’s Gold

The Goose's Gold

by Ron Roy

There’s sunken treasure off the Florida coast! On the day after they arrive for vacation, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose meet two men who are diving for gold from their boat, the Golden Goose. They promise to share with anyone who backs their plan. Is it too good to be true?

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR 1.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting in this story. Key West, Florida; beautiful warm weather, beaches, ocean p.1
  2. How did the author set up the mystery in this story? Dink overheard someone talking about dough and a goose in the telephone booth next to him; the man in the booth had tan hairy ankles and had an eagle head tattoo p.2

Chapter 2

  1. Who did the kids meet in this chapter and what do their new acquaintances do? Chip and Spike; they own a boat and dive for treasure p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Where did the kids explore in this chapter and what did they find? Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum; gold necklace p.23
  2. Who is coming over to Grams? Spike and Chip p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Explain how Grams know Spike and Chip. The men came to the senior center and asked the people there to be investors p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Dink bothered in this chapter? Something Spike whispered to Chip was very familiar to what he heard the man whisper in the telephone booth at the airport p.41

Chapter 6

  1. Do you think Dink has a reason to be suspicious? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 7

  1. What clue did the kids find when they were at the beach? Chip and Spike’s boat was called the Golden Goose p.52
  2. What is Dink’s backup plan to see if Spike has a tattoo? Create a tattoo contest p.54

Chapter 8

  1. Should the kids have gotten on the boat without Spike and Chip’s permission? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.61

Chapter 9

  1. What predicament did the kids find themselves in? Chip and Spike came back and took the boat out to the ocean; the kids hid and were trapped in a storage area under the floor of the boat p.66

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Spike and Chip took an ax and chopped up the boat to sink it. They took off in the dingy. The kids came out of the trap door and jumped into the ocean p.72

Chapter 11

  1. What was the conclusion to this story? The coast guard saved the kids; Chip and Spike were caught, and the money they stole was given back; the gold the men had at the beginning of the story was stolen from a museum and the reward money was going to the kids; Grams invited the kids back to visit next summer p.78

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Ninth Nugget

The Ninth Nugget

by Ron Roy

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

N is for Nugget . . . Howdy from Montana, pardners! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are spending a week at a dude ranch. When they pan for gold, Josh finds a huge nugget. But gold fever has struck, and soon the nugget is stolen. It’s up to the kids to round up the thief.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the premise of this story and who the characters are (you don’t need to include the main characters). The friends are in Wyoming at a ranch; they won this experience from helping the person who lost the lottery ticket; Ma and Pa own the ranch, Jud is their son, Lulu is the cook and Thumbs (but we’re not sure who he is yet) p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize Thumb’s story around the campfire. A fire was started in the woods with lightning. A bear cub came running from the woods and was burned; they caught him and took him to the vet the next morning and when he was better, he was sent to a zoo. The mama bear came running through destroying everything, looking for her cub but couldn’t find it. The mama bear is still looking for her cub and comes through the camp 2-3 times each summer p.18

Chapter 3

  1. What do you think the noises on the porch were from? Listen to your child’s answer p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Choose a word to describe Josh and explain what his reward was. Determined; patient; he found a potato sized gold nugget p.34

Chapter 5

  1. Who are the other guests at the ranch? Fiona, Ed, the Clydes p.15
  2. Who stayed back at the ranch during the horse ride? Ed, Fiona, Thumbs p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Why do you think the dinner bell is ringing when it’s the afternoon? Listen to your child’s answer p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What was the emergency? Someone had tied up Lulu, Fiona and Ed and the large nugget was missing from the safe p.52

Chapter 8

  1. Why do the friends suspect Thumbs? He was the only one who wasn’t on the ride the entire time. He could have tied everyone up, stole the gold and raced out to the meadow on his horse p.62

Chapter 9

  1. Do you agree that Josh lied to Ma to get out of playing cards? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.71

Chapter 10

  1. Why is it suspicious that Ed is pacing and getting ready to leave the ranch? If he were the robber, he’d want to get off the ranch as quickly as possible so he wouldn’t get caught p.79

Chapter 11

  1. Use another word to describe Josh in this chapter and explain why you chose it. Selfless, charitable; he donated his nugget to the ranch to save it p.86

Comprehension Questions – We Are Family

We Are Family

by LeBron James and Andrea Williams

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL not known; AR pts. 7.0

For each kid, Hoop Group was more than just a chance to ball; it was an escape, a dream, a family. Now their prospects seem all but impossible—but then the world hasn’t met Jayden, Tamika, Chris, Anthony, and Dex before. Determined to have their shot, the five new friends scrap, hustle, fight, and play hard to save their season to prove that sometimes a chance is all it takes. Some mature content.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Jayden, his situation and his motivation. Jayden is beginning 7th grade, he and his mom live with his grandma, he sleeps in the bed and feels guilty while his mom sleeps on the couch, his mom works for an attorney and she is trying to make ends meet; he has a deal with his grandma that he can practice basketball in the morning if all of his homework is finished the night before; he is practicing basketball to be able to play professionally, to help his family get into a better living situation p.1

Chapter 2

  1. What lesson did Roddy teach Jayden that morning? It’s important to tackle challenges that get in the way of a goal
  2. On the bottom of page 18, Roddy uses the word “paint”. What does this word mean on the court? It is the rectangular area directly under the hoop, also known as the "key" or "free throw line"

Chapter 3

  1. Why does Jayden decide to keep the shoes? His mother got them for him and left a note saying she believed he could do anything he set his mind to and that the shoes are to be a reminder of that p.22
  2. Why did Anthony pick on Tyson the year before and why was he mad that Tyson handed everything over? He was hoping Tyson would put up a fuss to start a fight, but since Tyson didn’t, Anthony started the fight anyway p.25
  3. What does Anthony enjoy? Creative writing p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Explain why Coach Beck’s news was so devastating? Everyone knew Hoop Group was their only opportunity to get exposure to prep schools, which were the schools they wanted to go to p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Describe two emotions in this chapter and explain why the characters felt that way. Ex. Dejected-Tamika’s father didn’t choose her to be a captain and chose Jayden over her to run Hoop Group; Pride-Coach chose Jayden to be over Hoops Group and told him he was looking forward to coaching him the most out of anyone. He complimented Jayden and told him he has real potential and to stick with basketball p.47

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Chris’s father. His name is Cam and he’s not happy that Coach Beck retired. He is cooking up a scheme so Hoops Group can continue; his brother is basketball star, Kendrick King; served time in jail for a previous scheme involving his brother and now Kendrick isn’t talking to him; jealous of his brother and is always trying to prove himself p.50
  2. Describe Dex’s home situation. His mom is a single mom working full time at a diner; she’s also going to the community college to get her associate degree, so she doesn’t have a lot of time to spend with him; he cooks dinner every night and waits alone until she gets home at 8:00pm, his friends are not a good influence, so he has distanced himself from them; he watches a lot of YouTube p.54

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jayden, Chris, Tamika, Dex and Anthony are the only ones who show up for Hoop Group; Tamika claimed the title of captain and the boys play two on two. Chris and Jayden start to fight and Anthony breaks it up. Chris and Jayden leave. p.60

Chapter 8

  1. Choose a character highlighted in this chapter and describe what struggle they are facing and their attitude as they deal with it.
  2. Jayden: Coach Beck stepping down from Hoop Group; he quit
  3. Tamika: discouraged since her father doesn’t believe in her; Hoop Group is going to win tournament
  4. Anthony: his mother and father are struggling with some things; this is still being developed in the story, but he copes with his struggles through poetry p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What Hoop Group progress did Tamika make in this chapter? She convinced principal Kim to be the chaperone so Hoop Group could continue p.81

Chapter 10

  1. After Anthony shares what is happening in his family, he is surprised to see Tamika’s response. On page 94, “Anthony is frozen, weighted by the gravity of Tamika’s judgement-free acceptance.” How is gravity used in this context? This is a heavy subject, and Tamika has chosen to accept Anthony and his struggles, and it really means a lot to him. He understands that her behavior is unusual and isn’t to be taken lightly p.94

Chapter 11

  1. Why is Tamika against asking her dad for help? He always discourages her and she feels rejected by him p.101

Chapter 12

  1. Describe Hoop Group practice in this chapter. Dex gets Chris to go by saying he’ll help him with his papers. Practice went well without any fighting. They realize Jayden isn’t playing in either group. Chris agrees that if they can convince Jayden to join Hoop Group, he’ll join too p.104

Chapter 13

  1. Why does the Ballers Group feel shady to Jayden? The star players were sitting on the bench most of the game; Cam might have just been telling Jayden what he wanted to hear to get him to join; they were charging money p.115

Chapter 14

  1. How is Tamika a good leader and coach in this chapter? She doesn’t worry that their team lost to 10-year-olds. She instead focuses on how they worked together and how each person has improved p.126

Chapter 15

  1. What is one characteristic that Dex showed in this chapter. Explain. Courage-to stand up for Anthony p.141

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Chris decide to attend Hoop Group at the end of the chapter? His dad said the Ballers didn’t need him and he felt let down, rejected p.152

Chapter 17

  1. Describe the game against Austinberg and the impact it has on Jayden. Hoop Group has only four players, but they kept fighting until the end even though they lost pretty significantly. Jayden was impressed with how the players on Hoop Group came together and played so well as a team. He realized how much he misses playing basketball p.156

Chapter 18

  1. What message does Roddy give Jayden in this chapter. To not lose sight of the future as he tries to figure out the present and that he needs to take care of himself before he can take care of others p.164

Chapter 19

  1. During Tamika’s conversation with her dad, he got upset at her. What reaction do you think she was looking for? She probably thought he would be proud of her for continuing Hoop Group and for what she has accomplished p.175
  2. Where did Tamika find support? Her mom encouraged her to keep fighting and to show her dad she can accomplish her goals p.178

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize this chapter. It’s the morning of the Shoot, Dunk and Spin Classic and Jayden is trying to distract himself by working on his English assignment. Grams reads it and encourages him to follow his dreams. Roddy calls and asks Jayden to fill in at a pizza booth at the Classic and he accepts p.179

Chapter 21

  1. How did Hoop Group do in the competition? Tamika and Dex took first place in their contests; Chris took third and Anthony was in the middle of the pack. They were getting ready to forfeit the last competition and go home, but Tamika saw Jayden running to the judges table to sign up and join their team p.186

Chapter 22

  1. Summarize how Jayden performs in his contest? He wins! It came close but he dug deep and came out victorious p.199

Chapter 23

  1. How has Hoop Group changed throughout the story? There are less people, but those that are there are dedicated and need it. Everyone’s skill has improved and they work well together p.216

Chapter 24

  1. Do you agree with Tamika’s words and actions towards her father? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.217

Chapter 25

  1. What influenced Tamika to change her mind so rashly about her future and basketball? Her dad’s fall and close encounter with death; she realized that what her dad thought was more important than her stubbornness p.224

Chapter 26

  1. What influenced Coach Beck’s change of heart and his new commitment to Tamika? He felt the presence of the Lord tell him to love Tamika better p.230
  2. Have you ever had an experience where you or someone you know has felt the presence of the Lord? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 27

  1. List two exciting things that happen in this chapter. Kendrick King has shown up to the game and agreed to coach the Hoop Group program; Hoop Group wins the tournament; Chris is humble and gives the play to Jayden p.233

Chapter 28

  1. At the end of this story, Jayden wanted to think about his win, his mom’s new job and the power of hope. What does the phrase “power of hope” mean to you? Listen to your child’s answer p.247
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer