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Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Prydain #1 The Book of Three

The Book of Three

by Lloyd Alexander

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 7.0

This the first of five in a series about Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his lively companions as they seek to save Prydain from evil.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Taran is a young man and pig keeper; he wants to learn to sword fight but is told it isn’t time yet; his mentor and protector, Dallben, told him about the Horned King, an evil man who has risen to power; bees came through the farm and spooked the animals; the oracular pig escaped and Taran went after her, even though he was told not to go into the forest p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Taran. Assistant pig-keeper; young man who is anxious to experience the world; wants to learn to sword fight but isn’t allowed; persistent; loyal p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Gurgi. A hairy humanoid creature that can talk p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Gurgi shows Taran and Gwydion where the Horned King is, and they learn his plans; Hen Wen isn’t to be found; they were attacked p.43

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Achren. A queen who has sided with Arawn; she’s evil but pretends to be nice to get what she wants; beautiful, pale and strong p.54

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Eilonwy. A girl two years younger than Taran and as tall as him; reddish gold hair to her waist; has a delicate and elfin face with high cheekbones; descends from the Sea King; is Achren’s niece; will help Taran to get back at her aunt for whipping her p.65

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Eilonwy came back to free Taran and started to lead him outside to meet Gwydion, but he fell into a chamber; Eilonwy joined him and will hopefully lead him out of the castle p.74

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the room Taran and Eilonwy found. A burial ground and treasury for the past king; it held jewels, weapons and bodies laid there from long ago p.87

Chapter 9

  1. Predict what Taran will do? Go after Hen Wen or warn the Sons of Don? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Why do the harp strings break? Fflewddur lies p.109

Chapter 11

  1. What helped Taran’s attitude toward Gurgi? Gurgi tried to give back his portion of food p.122

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. The companions were forced to revise the path they took to Caer Dathyl; Gurgi was hurt; Melygnar found his way through the pass; wolves were following them to get to Gurgi; they were above the horse and Gurgi and sprang at the end of this chapter p.124

Chapter 13

  1. Describe Medwyn. An old man who lives in a valley hidden from the world; animals are kind to each other in the valley; he’s possibly the man who built a boat during a flood and saved two of each animal p.136

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter and predict what will happen to Taran and his companions. The companions set out following Medwyn’s instructions, they decide to go down to the valet instead of go along the cliffs, they get sucked into the lake; listen to your child’s answer p.147

Chapter 15

  1. Describe King Eiddileg. Dwarven King; yellow beard; plump; wore a red and green robe and rings on his fingers; impatient; frustrated with Taran and his companions for coming to their land; doesn’t want to let them go; magical p.162

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Doli; dwarf who was asked to be their guide; grumpy; feels inadequate because he can’t turn invisible; very good guide; red eyes p.175

Chapter 17

  1. Why is Taran upset at the end of this chapter? Hen Wen is gone, and the companions are being hunted by Gwyn the Hunter p.192

Chapter 18

  1. How is Fllewder courageous in this chapter? He puts Taran and Eilonwy on the horse to send them to Caer Dathyl as he stands to fight p.198

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize the reunion between Taran and Gwydion. They thought each other was dead, but they learned what happened to each other; Taran wept when he saw him p.207

Chapter 20

  1. Name one way Taran developed as a character in this book. He shows humility and takes responsibility; he realizes his mistakes.

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #4 The Dark Secret

The Dark Secret

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 10.0

Starflight, a dragonet of destiny, is kidnapped by the NightWings and finds that the kingdom of his birth is a miserable place full of terrible secrets. With his fellow dragonets too far away to help, the fate of two kingdoms rests in his talons.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the dragonets in this chapter. NightWings, thin, coughing, jealous of Starflight being to the mainland and specially chosen, scared of Morrowseer p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight is taken before the NightWing queen; Deathbringer is also brought before the queen for being a traitor, but Vengeance is instead killed p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Predict how Morrowseer knows who Starflight’s father is. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Is your prediction correct? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Why is Starflight confused and feeling rejected? The dragonet he met said she is part of the project to end the war; he is supposed to be the one who ends of the war p.45

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Starflight’s father. His name is Mastermind; thin black dragon; very smart; talks like Starflight; scars on his face and bloodshot eyes; thrilled to meet his son p.47
  2. Why have the NightWings imprisoned RainWings? To experiment and do tests on them. How do you feel about that? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6 

  1. What would you do if you were Starflight and knew the NightWings’ plan? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 7

  1. Why does Morrowseer want the second group of dragonets to kill Starflight? If they can’t then he is the correct dragonet for the prophecy p.75

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight escapes and Fatespeaker found him but didn’t want to kill him; Morrowseer told them all the Queen wants him to choose the NightWing dragonet and kill the others; the dragonets were placed in the same cave as when Starflight woke up; he fell asleep and Fatespeaker was excited to meet the other NightWings p.77

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize what the dragons found while exploring in this chapter. The tunnels and cave where the treasure used to be hidden; inside the room were two dragons who had died p.89
  2. What did Starflight find in this chapter? A dream visitor stone

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Starflight feel worse after seeing and hearing his friends in the dream state? He found out what they think of him; he’s too cowardly to do anything on his own and can’t make decisions p.109

Chapter 11

  1. Describe the test Morrowseer is giving the dragonets? They are to go into a SkyWing outpost to convince them they’re the Dragonets of Destiny p.120
  2. What could be the consequences? They could die p.121

Chapter 12

  1. Choose a word that defines Starflight in this chapter. Courageous, bold, etc. explain why you chose that word. Starflight has courage and spoke the truth to the SkyWings p.123

Chapter 13

  1. Why is Starflight upset with how Squid is treated? Squid is now alone and rejected; Starflight cares about him and doesn’t want him to get hurt p.138

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight and Fatespeaker follow Flame to the dungeon; they speak with Deathbringer and learn where the Queen is; they go in search of her; Starflight knows he should help Deathbringer but doesn’t know how p.142
  2. Why does Starflight feel like he should help Deathbringer? Deathbringer has helped him and his friends

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the queen’s room and what the dragonets found in it. Three different walls had holes to look through and a cauldron fill to the brim with lava p.162

Chapter 16

  1. Why are the dragonets feeling rejected at the end of this chapter? The Queen listens to them but told them to listen to Morrowseer p.170

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight uses the dream visitor and speaks with Glory; her tribe isn’t ready to go through the tunnels; Starflight asks Glory to protect Tsunami; Starflight is worried someone knows about the dream visitor p.171

Chapter 18

  1. Predict why Morrowseer has two sets of Dragonets of Prophecy. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 19

  1. Do you think Fatespeaker would fit in with Starflight’s friends? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Predict why Mastermind wants to speak with Starflight. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize the decision made in the Council and why it was made. The NightWings will attack the RainWings at midnight because they are worried about the RainWings getting stronger and the dragonets causing issues p.203

Chapter 21

  1. How are the dragonets going to get through to the tunnel to save the RainWings? Brought Flame with them and use the excuse to save Flame with special healing properties found in the rain forest p.214

Chapter 22

  1. Do you agree with Glory’s plan at the end of the chapter? Listen to your child’s answer p.227

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize Sunny’s idea and explain if you think it will work or not. Have the RainWings use sleeping darts on the NightWings to make them all go to sleep; yes, because the RainWings are comfortable using them and have used them on other dragons as they patrol, or used them on each other as a prank p.234

Chapter 24

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight tells Sunny he loves her; the RainWings go into the tunnel and successfully knock out the guards; they free Orchid and the other prisoners; they talk to the Queen of the NightWings p.237

Chapter 25

  1. Describe Starflight in this chapter. Brave, courageous, bold, didn’t worry what others thought, spoke his mind p.251
  2. In the last two chapters, share two examples Starflight has been bold and courageous when speaking with another character. Telling Sunny he loved her; telling Queen Battlewinner she will die in the volcano and that the queen he should be speaking to is Greatness

Chapter 26

  1. Predict what will happen. Will the RainWings let the NightWings live in the rain forest or will the NightWings all die? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 27

  1. What did you learn about the prophecy in this chapter? Morrowseer made it up and feels like he can do whatever he wants p.280

Chapter 28

  1. Summarize the conclusion to the story. Morrowseer died from the volcano eruption; Clay saved Starflight with his fireproof scales; Starflight is confused about Sunny and Fatespeaker; he’s confused about the prophecy being fake; he was put to sleep so he could heal from his burns p.281

Epilogue

  1. Why do the queens want to destroy the dragonets? They are getting in the way of their plans

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #3 The Hidden Kingdom

The Hidden Kingdom

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 10.0

The five dragonets of the prophecy are hoping to hide in safety in the RainWing kingdom, but when tribe members start disappearing and the old queen does nothing, it is up to Glory and her friends to uncover the lurking evil. Text has violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction. The friends traveled with Webs toward the RainWing kingdom; two MudWing guards passed the group, were attacked and died p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Glory’s expectations in meeting her family? She wants it to be better than life on the mountain and hopes her parents won’t be like Clay’s parents p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the RainWings they meet in this chapter. They were different beautiful colors; didn’t recognize Glory; use poisonous darts to capture and question dragons

Chapter 4

  1. What is something Glory learned about herself in this chapter? The sun recharges RainWing scales and makes them happier, prettier, smarter, and better at camouflage p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Glory unimpressed when she found out she’s related to Jambu? He never cared about her before so she figured he wouldn’t now p.44

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. The friends wake up and demand to see the queen to get help for Webs; there’s a line and as they wait, they learn a number of RainWings are missing from the tribe p.47

Chapter 7

  1. What response did Glory get from the queen when she said she was stolen? The Queen thought whoever took her was rude but didn’t really care p.67

Chapter 8

  1. Predict what Glory and her friends do. Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Choose a word that defines Glory in this chapter. Explain. Impulsive, reasonable, brave; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize what Clay and Glory do. Were you correct in your prediction? They hide in the trees and watch the area to see if anything goes in and out of the doorway/hole p.82

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize the journey into the tunnel and what Glory found. The tunnel seemed to be made from magic and led to the desert, and the Sand Kingdom p.89

Chapter 11

  1. Explain why Mangrove rushed through the tunnel unannounced. He wants to find Orchid and knew if he said something, he would be stopped p.102

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. The dragons fly toward the Ice Kingdom; waking early, Glory flies around and finds a NightWing near where she and her friends slept p.105

Chapter 13

  1. Describe Deathbringer. A young learned NightWing; he’s on a mission, waiting for someone; flirtatious with Glory; expects other dragons to be in awe of him p.113

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Glory decide they needed to go into the fortress appearing as IceWings? There wasn’t a way to sneak in and she didn’t want Jambu to freeze; Mangrove wouldn’t have given up trying to get in p.126

Chapter 15

  1. What choice did Glory make when determining what to do to Blaze. She gave a version of the truth p.133

Chapter 16

  1. Predict what you think will happen. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 17

  1. How is Glory and Tsunami’s friendship growing? They are individually maturing and don’t fight and argue like they used to p.154
  2. Do you agree with Mangrove that his search for Orchid in the fortress was useless? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 18

  1. What does Glory mean when she wants to be the bait? She’s willing to be in danger to find out more about the monster p.168

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory was alone and was captured; She was taken into a cave and heard dragons talking; Deathbringer knows them and is giving them instruction p.169

Chapter 20

  1. Describe the home of the NightWings. Cave with molten lava and smells of eggs; full of NightWings p.181

Chapter 21

  1. Describe Kinkajou. A dragonet no more than three years; talks a lot; is very brave; the RainWing that was out training and was kidnapped

Chapter 22

  1. Do you think Glory will be able to trust Deathbringer? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 23

  1. Why didn’t Kinkajou want to use her acid? She didn’t want to hurt another dragon p.203

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Glory challenge Queen Magnificent for the throne? Because the Queen didn’t care what happened to her tribe and Glory did; if Glory is queen, she can control what the tribe does p.217

Chapter 25

  1. Summarize Glory’s reason for wanting to be queen? To save the missing RainWings p.227

Chapter 26

  1. Describe Sunny in this chapter. Hopeful dragons can change; encouraging; positive p.231

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory trained for the challenge the next day; her friends made her sleep; she woke up looking at Queen Scarlet p.237

Chapter 28

  1. Describe how Queen Scarlet found Glory. A magical dreamvisitor stone an animus dragon created to see and talk to people while they sleep p.244

Chapter 29

  1. Predict the challenge the Queen will have Glory and her team do? Listen to your child’s answer p.257

Chapter 30

  1. What had the sloths done during the tree gliding race? Cheated for the queen; threw out a vine to slow Jambu down p.267

Chapter 31

  1. Summarize the camouflage contest and who won. The queen went first; Glory found her by watching the audience’s reactions; the Queen found Glory by scaring her sloth and chasing it when it ran to Glory; the queen won p.276

Chapter 32

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory and the Queen were tied two to two; during the venom contest, Kinkajou saw a sloth wander in front of the board and was burned when saving it as Grandeur spit and hit her p.280

Chapter 33

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Glory is rightfully queen due to being Grandeur’s descendent; the tribe celebrates; Clay comes to warn Glory that Starflight is gone and possibly went to warn the NightWings p.287

Epilogue

Who is the unconscious dragonet? What do you think happened? Starflight, he was kidnapped p.296

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #2 The Lost Heir

The Lost Heir

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 10.0

Tsunami and the other dragonets of destiny aren't any closer to ending the war for Pyrrhia, and someone in the SeaWing kingdom wants them gone before they can even try. Text contains violence and disturbing imagery.

Comprehension Questions

Prologue

  1. Summarize the prologue. Crocodile helps Webs escape after reporting to the Talons that the dragonets had been captured; Webs is going to try and go home 

Chapter 1

  1. Where are the dragonets seeking safety? In the SeaWing kingdom p.5
  2. Why is Starflight so worried? Was he right to be so? He didn’t want the SkyWings to find them; yes, they were patrolling in the area p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Did Tsunami do the right thing attacking the soldier? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Do you think it was right to not kill the dragon soldier? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Tsunami dove into the water to try and find her kingdom; she found another SeaWing and followed him; he interacted with another dragon that came out of hiding; she tried to talk to him, but he attacked and chased her p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Tsunami feel foolish in this chapter? She didn’t know there was a special language for SeaWings to communicate under water; she doesn’t know any of the SeaWing customs p.33

Chapter 5

  1. How did Riptide convince the other SeaWings that Tsunami is the missing princess? She knew about Webs and had special patterns on her wings p.52

Chapter 6

  1. Describe what the dragons needed to do to get into the Summer Palace? Dive into the water and swim through a long tunnel, coming up for air where there were small breathing pockets in the caverns along the way p.56

Chapter 7

  1. Why is it concerning Queen Blister was talked about so frequently? They’re worried she is an ally p.74
  2. Why is it a problem that Tsunami has a sister? Listen to your child’s answer; the Queen may not care about Tsunami anymore p.75

Chapter 8

  1. How did Coral receive Tsunami? She was excited to see her and gave her a warm and loving welcome p.77
  2. Predict what will happen in the SeaWing palace. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. What did the dragons use to swim faster? The current p.94
  2. Who is the dragon found dead? Kestrel p.97

Chapter 10

  1. Why is it dangerous for Tsunami to tell her mother she knew who the dead dragon is? Her mother might have thought the dragonets killed her and that they were a threat to the kingdom p.98
  2. Compare Anenome and Tsunami. How are they the same? They both think their lives are hard; they both have been raised in restrictive environments; they are both daughters to the queen p.102

Chapter 11

  1. What is hard for Tsunami in this chapter? Being humiliated in front of The Council; learning that the dragon she fought and killed in the SkyWing kingdom was her father p.121

Chapter 12

  1. Are the dragnets safe in the SeaWing kingdom? Why, or why not? No, Shark will kill them when the queen orders it; Blister is coming to see them all; Tsunami was attacked at the end of this chapter p.132

Chapter 13

  1. What is tragic in this chapter? a hatchling was killed p.145

Chapter 14

  1. What is a mystery to Tsunami in this chapter? There is only one entrance into the Royal Hatchery and someone entered and killed the hatchling p.147
  2. What will happen if Tsunami lets something happen to the egg? She could be killed by her mother p.152

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize the task ahead of Tsunami. She is to guard the egg with her life; she needs to get back to the Summer Palace safely by herself with the egg; she needs to check in with her friends p.156

Chapter 16

  1. How did Tsunami make it to the Summer Palace? Riptide came to her aid when she signaled for him p.164

Chapter 17

  1. How did Tsunami convince the guards to give her the key? She talked to them about the prophecy, was honest, and said she’d remember them p.176

Chapter 18

  1. Do you agree with the friends that Coral is the murderer? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What resolution did the friends come to in this chapter? To stick together; everyone stay at the SeaWing palace and watch over the egg p.185
  3. Do you agree that’s what they should do? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 19

  1. How did Tsunami hope to protect the guards that gave her the key to unlock her friends? By putting her on the spot and acting like she wouldn’t do such a thing p.195

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize what Anenome and Tsunami talked about. Anenome has special powers but doesn’t want to use her power, she loses a little off herself each time and could become evil; Tsunami told her to make mistakes, so their mother thinks she needs more training p.208

Chapter 21

  1. Why did the dragonets save Webs from falling to his death? They had compassion on him p.216

Chapter 22

  1. Why is Coral angry with Webs? Do you agree with her? Why, or why not? He abandoned her during the war and stole her egg; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize this chapter. Tsunami was with the egg in the hatchery; the statue attacked her; she pinned the statue with the spear; the egg hatched; Tsunami assumed it was Orca who put the curse on the statue p.233

Chapter 24

  1. What prevented Coral from finding out Tsunami killed her husband? Starflight said Blister killed Kestrel p.251

Chapter 25

  1. Why do you think Whirlpool tried to kill Tsunami? Listen to your child’s answer p.263

Chapter 26

  1. How were the dragonets freed from prison? Anenome hit Whirlpool with the spear and he fell into the water; the eels shocked him so they weren’t a threat for a few moments; Tsunamis jumped through the water and pulled on the chain, stopping the waterfall p.267

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize how the SkyWings found the SeaWings palace. Crocodile followed Webs to the Summer Palace p.279

Chapter 28a

  1. Give an example in this chapter how Tsunami’s character has grown and developed. She’s trying to be more like her friends; she knows she’ll need to make choices that are her own; she wants to lead her friends to keep them safe, not just to be bossy p.286

Epilogue 

  1. What’s the alternative plan to the prophecy? Replace the dragonets with false ones and kill Tsunami and Glory p.295

Comprehension Questions – Charlie Bone #2 Charlie Bone and the Time Twister

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister

by Jenny Nimmo

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 9.0

Back at Bloor's Academy after Christmas vacation, Charlie finds himself confronted with a new problem when young Henry Yewbeam, who vanished during a game of marbles in 1916, suddenly appears and needs help to find his family.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Henry and James are brothers; Henry made his cousin Zeke angry, and Zeke caused Henry to travel forward in time leaving his younger brother; three cats came to James and made him warm and safe; they led him to where Henry disappeared; James learned his brother is gone but has the cats to protect him p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Charlie. Descendent of James; can hear voices from photographs; goes to Bloor’s Academy; his family has powers; lives with his mom, both grandmas and uncle; his friend is Benjamin p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Predict what was happening at the end of this chapter. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Explain what made Henry sad at the end of this chapter? Why? He didn’t think he could go back home; the elements that existed when he time travelled were gone, and without the circumstances being the same, he couldn’t go back in time p.70

Chapter 5

  1. Describe what Olivia did to give Charlie 5 minutes. She spilled a tray of food right in front of the door so Asa and Manfred couldn’t leave the cafeteria p.86

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Charlie found Henry in the kitchen and they thought if Henry went into the freezer, the temperature would be just right to send Henry back; Charlie tried to open the door to the freezer and couldn’t; Cook found him and got Henry out; the Flames brought Henry back and Charlie knew Cook was more than what he initially thought; Blessed, the dog, came in the kitchen and Cook sent Charlie to bed; Cook told Blessed he better not tell anyone about the room or Henry or she wouldn’t take care of him anymore p.92

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Charlie take Gabriel to Cook’s special room? Charlie thought Cook could help Gabriel p.135

Chapter 8

  1. Predict how Charlie is going to get to Tancred? Listen to your child answer

Chapter 9

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Describe what happened when Charlie and his friends went to the Thunder House? Tancred locked himself in his room and his father wouldn’t let the boys in p.177

Chapter 10

  1. Describe the Yewbeam sisters. Mean, manipulative, selfish; Charlie’s grandma and aunts p.184

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize Uncle Paton’s experiment. During the day, Charlie and Benjamin walked with his uncle while he was reading a book, to take his mind off of bursting light bulbs; when they got to the pet cafe, Asa showed up outside the window, but Uncle Paton continued to concentrate; the only mishap was when Paton stopped reading because he was disappointed p.218

Chapter 12

  1. Describe the journey Henry had after he was taken from his cousin Zeke. He was led to the old castle and into the courtyard, down a passage that led downward; it was heavy with must and came out onto grass; Zelda opened a pit and Henry was pushed in p.240

Chapter 13

  1. Why can’t Billy trust Blessed anymore? Blessed didn’t tell him where Henry was p.267

Chapter 14

  1. Describe Emma. Endowed; goes to the same school as Charlie; has a special power with birds and can turn into them; lives with her aunt p.282

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize this chapter. Olivia sneaks out and finds Henry; she’s attacked by Zelda and Beth, but Emma, as the Tollroc, saves her; they tell Charlie and Fidelio what happened and Charlie goes to visit Skarpo in the painting p.288
  2. Predict what will happen when Charlie visits Skarpo. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Summarize what happened in the painting. Charlie went in and spoke with Skarpo; Skarpo wanted to help Charlie hurt someone, but Charlie wanted help rescuing Henry; Charlie saw the wand and took it, Skarpo tried to stop him, and Lysander’s ancestor’s spirits helped Charlie; Charlie came out of the painting p.307

Chapter 17

  1. Describe the plan to free Henry? Go to the Pets Cafe, take a tunnel to the ruin, bring Henry back to the Pets Cafe, Uncle Paton and Charlie will take Henry someplace safe that only Uncle Paton knows p.336

Chapter 18

Summarize this chapter. Charlie and Fidelio get Henry out of the dungeon, but Henry had to stay in the tunnel due to Dr. Bloor and Charlie’s aunts and grandma watching him; Tancred created a storm; Charlie and Uncle Paton will try and get Henry around 10:00pm p.338

Chapter 19

  1. Why do you think will Henry be safe from his enemies? They think he went with Mrs. Bloor back in time p.372

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize the life Henry will have by the sea? He’ll live with his brother and go to school p.391

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize the ending to this story. Charlie hopes his dad will come home; there was a celebration for Paton’s birthday; all of Charlie’s friends and their parents came to celebrate p.395

Comprehension Questions – Dragon Masters #4 Power of the Fire Dragon

Power of the Fire Dragon

by Tracey West

Grades 1-3; Genre - Fantasy; GRL P; AR pts. 1.0

When evil wizard Maldred, riding a giant four-headed dragon that spits poison, attacks the castle, Rori and Drake are forced to defend the castle by themselves.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Do you think it’s wise for the dragons to be shown in public? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.6 
  2. What emotion do you think Rori is feeling when on page 8, her face turns red and she looks away? Why? Embarrassed; angry; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 2

  1. Why are the Dragon Masters showing the dragon’s powers to the king? So, the king can know what they do and how powerful they are p.11

Chapter 3

  1. Why is the king only taking two dragons to the summer festival? He only liked what two dragons showed him p.19

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Diego bring a crystal ball with him? To check to see if there was any sign of Maldred p.27
  2. Was there any sign of him? No

Chapter 5 

  1. Why is Drake uncomfortable with having fun? He’s too worried about Worm’s message p.35 

Chapter 6

  1. What instructions did Diego give to Rori and Drake? To get inside the castle if they saw any danger p.37

Chapter 7

  1. Did Rori follow the instructions? No p.43
  2. What did Drake do when Rori went to fight Maldred? He called to Worm to help bring Diego p.44

Chapter 8

  1. What did Maldred mean when he said, “Worm is mine now!” He cast a spell so Worm will be under his control p.54

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Maldred think he could make kingdoms bow down to him if he could control Worm? Worm has such strong powers that other kingdoms will be terrified p.59

Chapter 10

  1. What did Maldred do to Vulcan? He froze him in midair so the hydra could attack him p.64

Chapter 11

  1. How did Vulcan heal from the dark magic? Shu’s breath healed him p.68

Chapter 12

  1. How did they defeat Maldred? Drake knocked the stone away from him; Worm used his powers to take him off the hydra and hold him in the air; the wizards sent him to Wizard’s Council Prison p.72

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. Worm teleported everyone to Queen Rose’s castle; Rori connected with Vulcan, and she could hear him p.78

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. The king is throwing a feast to celebrate the dragons defeating Maldred; a new Dragon Master will be chosen for the hydra p.83

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #27 The Case of the Frog-jumping Contest

The Case of the Frog-jumping Contest

by James Preller

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

Jigsaw Jones investigates when the champion frog in a frog-jumping contest mysteriously disappears.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story? Stringbean is missing his frog and needs it back by Sunday for a frog-jumping contest p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why do you think Stringbean’s frog went missing? Because of the construction going on in his house; it’s causing the frogs to go crazy p.11

Chapter 3

  1. Why does Mila think someone stole the frog? A lot of friends were over that day and whoever stole the frog wanted to win $20 from the frog-jumping contest p.21

Chapter 4

  1. What is The plan to find the missing frog? Put up fliers, talk to suspects; take Rags to smell out the frog p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize Jigsaw’s conversation with Eddie. Eddie had been over to Stringbean’s house, but didn’t know Adonis was missing and thought to place his bet on another frog who belongs to the new girl named Sasha p.33

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize the interaction Jigsaw had with Sasha and Lucy? The girls did a hand rhyme; they had been at Stringbean’s, and thought the carpenter was strange; Sasha said there were a lot of workers going in and out; they wanted to help look for Adoni; Sasha told Jigsaw he should enter the contest p.38

Chapter 7

  1. Why is Slim all muddy? From going into the lake to catch frogs p.49

Chapter 8

  1. Why does Jigsaw want to enter the contest? To keep an eye on the race to see if anyone stole the frog p.54

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Jigsaw feeling down? He hasn’t found the frog and only has a couple of hours until the race p.61

Chapter 10

  1. Why does Jigsaw think the carpenter has Adonis? Tom was in the room with the frogs and has his equipment with him; Jigsaw thinks Adonis jumped into Tom’s tools p.65

Chapter 11

  1. How do we know Stringbean really cared for Adonis his frog? Adonis was sick from not having water, so Stringbean took him home and was going to take care of him; he didn’t care about the race, just his frog p.70

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. Jigsaw’s frog didn’t jump in the contest; Slim won; they took the frogs back to Twin Lakes p.72

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #30 The Case of the Kidnapped Candy

The Case of the Kidnapped Candy

by James Preller

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

When the class's candy stash disappears, it's up to Jigsaw and Mila to figure out who stole it. There's more than one person with a sweet tooth in Ms. Gleason's classroom, so solving the mystery won't be easy.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What is love poetry? Why do you think Jigsaw doesn’t like love poetry? Poetry about love; Listen to your child’s answer. 
  2. Do you like love poetry? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. The class reviews what a poem is; each class member is to write their own poem about something they love; Ms. Gleason has a surprise for the class when their poems are finished p.5

Chapter 3

  1. Predict what Jigsaw’s poem is about? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4 

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What’s missing at the end of the chapter? Whatever was in the gum ball machine p.20

Chapter 5

  1. What evidence did they find in the chapter? Two candy wrappers; a paper with a note and chocolate on it; one wrapper was under Ms. Gleason’s desk and one near Mike’s cubby; one student bragged about knowing what was inside the gum ball machine and another loves candy p.23

Chapter 6

  1. What evidence suggests the boys were lying? Interrupting each other; stating one didn’t like chocolate; covering for each other p.29

Chapter 7

  1. Why do Jigsaw and Mila think Lucy took the chocolate? The writing in her poem matches a writing on paper that has a chocolate smudge p.38

Chapter 8

  1. Have you made music before? How? Listen to your child’s answer; clapping, humming, an instrument, tapping toe p.47

Chapter 9

  1. Why did it seem like the kids in Jigsaw’s class didn’t remember how to tell the truth? Several have lied about eating the candy and liking chocolate p.54

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jigsaw and Mila found out that a significant number of kids knew about the kisses in the gum ball machine and snuck a candy; it started with a student watching Ms. Gleason sneaking a candy from under the sheet; Jigsaw was confused since everyone seemed to be lying p.55

Chapter 11

  1. Predict who you think stole the candy? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. On page 71, the author states that, “Ms.Gleason was happy there wasn’t a thief in Room 201.” Do you agree with that statement? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer; if most everyone in the class took a candy during the week before they were given permission, then they were dishonest and stole it 

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #26 The Case of the Double Trouble Detectives

The Case of the Double Trouble Detectives

by James Preller

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

Jigsaw Jones finds himself in competition with Reggie for the title of the best detective in town. Reggie relies on technology and charm to solve mysteries. Can Jigsaw prove that he is better?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize this introduction. Jigsaw’s eating dinner with his family; his sister is mad at her friends for telling a boy she thinks he is cute, but she found out the boy thinks she’s cute too p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Mila worried about Reginald? He started his own detective agency, and she doesn’t think he can handle it p.11

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Reginald. 8 years old; wealthy; wears glasses; short; nice; lonely p.20

Chapter 4

  1. Describe Reginald’s office? Clean and large; leather armchairs and oak desk; thick carpeting; phones and other gadgets; four television screens on the wall p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why was it difficult for Jigsaw to walk out of the room? He knows he can solve the mystery and wants to help Reg p.35

Chapter 6

  1. Define homophone. Give an example not listed in the story. Two words that sound the same, but have different definitions; listen to your child’s answer (ie. hole/whole; tail/tale; roll; role) p.41

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jigsaw and Mila went to stake out Athena’s house and found Reg stuck in a tree; Jigsaw climbed up and helped him, but Reg grabbed a dead branch and he fell down into a bush p.46

Chapter 8

  1. Why do they need to find the socks? The war rings could be attached to them p.58

Chapter 9

  1. What mystery does Jigsaw’s dad want him to solve? Why his mom is mad at him p.63

Chapter 10

  1. Why do married people fight sometimes? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Reginald stop by Jigsaw’s house? To let him know he’s not cut out to be a detective and to tell them thanks for watching out for him p.72

Chapter 12

  1. Why is it such a big deal Jigsaw’s father forgot his wedding anniversary? Wedding anniversaries are special and are a time to celebrate a marriage p.78

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #13 The Case of the Detective in Diguise

The Case of the Detective in Disguise

by James Preller

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

Someone is stealing brownies from the sandwich shop, and Jigsaw goes undercover to catch the brownie bandit.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the definition of “disguise”? To change your appearance to hide who you are.
  2. Why are Jigsaw and Mila making a poster? They want to solve mysteries and hope to receive business at the sandwich shop Jigsaw goes to after school p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Ben. 5th grader; Jigsaw’s buddy; likes sports; received a football fort his birthday; nice to Jigsaw; not nice to Bobby p.7

Chapter 3

  1. Have you ever felt like you didn’t need a baby sitter but had to have one anyway? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Is Jigsaw going to find a mystery to solve at the sandwich shop? Explain. Yes, the people baby sitting him have had problems p.17

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize the case Jigsaw has been asked to figure out and how is he going to solve it? Brownies are disappearing after school; putting on a disguise so his friends don’t recognize him p.19

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. The students are learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and are decorating the halls in his honor; Jigsaw wrote Mila a secret code; something is wrong with Ben p.25

Chapter 6

  1. What does the phrase “stone in my shoe” mean? Use it in a sentence. Always been a problem; listen to your child’s answer p.36

Chapter 7

  1. Do you agree that Red Cap did the right thing to tell on Jigsaw shopping in the back? Why, or why not? Yes; to help the owners of the store p.43

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Solofsky. In 2nd grade with Jigsaw; wants to be a detective; calls Jigsaw by his first name, Theodore; mean p.50

Chapter 9

  1. Predict what Jigsaw asked Marc to do. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Ben got his football back and Solofsky claimed to have found it; Mike said he saw the thieves and got the ball back, but Mila doesn’t believe him p.59

Chapter11

  1. What is the outcome of the two mysteries? Solofsky has Mike take the football so he could pretend to solve the case; the owner was sneaking brownies and eating them when he took out the trash p.67
  2. Were you correct in your prediction of how Marc helped Jigsaw? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer; Marc watched Mike from his window and saw he was eating brownies p.68