Category Archives: Author

Comprehension Questions – Secret Agent Jack Stalwart #5 The Search for the Sunken Treasure: Australia

The Search for the Sunken Treasure: Australia

by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

Grades K-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL P; AR pts: 2.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What was Alfie’s mission as he swam to the wreckage? He was to remove any sand covering the bow of the ship, bring up any relics he found, and hand them over to the State Maritime Museum p.4
  2. What happened to Alfie after he saw the sand removed from the bow? Someone came up and shot him in the leg with a spear p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What was Jack up to at the beginning of this chapter? He was at a swim meet getting ready to swim the breaststroke p.7
  2. How did Jack’s rivalry respond when Jack won the race? He wouldn’t shake hands with him p.12
  3. Why was Jack so worried to get home? He didn’t want to be late for his 7:30 appointment with Whizzy p.14

Chapter 3

  1. How did Jack feel after his race? Tired p.15
  2. Where was Jack going on his mission? Australia p.17

Chapter 4

  1. What did Jack take to stop from being sick on the boat? Anti-puke pills p.20
  2. What did Harry need Jack to do? Find Alfie and figure out what happened at the wreckage p.24

Chapter 5

  1. What did Jack use instead of the diving equipment Harry brought out for him? His own breathing apparatus and a morph wet suit complete with slippers p.26

Chapter 6

  1. How does the Time Capture device work? It tracked the heat left behind from objects that had previously been there p.31
  2. What did they see happened to Alfie? He was taken away by another human p.33

Chapter 7

  1. What’s a cay? A tiny island of sand p.35
  2. What was near the cay? A pirate ship p.37
  3. Why did Harry need to stay with the boat? In case Alfie escapes and comes back to the boat p.40

Chapter 8

  1. What gadget did Jack have that formed into a mini-submarine? A plastic toy boat p.42
  2. What’s it called? The Egg p.42

Chapter 9

  1. When were the pirates going to kill Alfie? At nightfall p.46
  2. How did Jack find out where Alfie was? He used his x-ray glasses to see into the boat p.47

Chapter 10

  1. What did Alfie tell Jack when he removed the tape off of his mouth? There were cameras in the cell and the pirates probably saw Jack and will kill him p.52
  2. Who was the Komodo Klan’s secret boss? The beautiful woman with giant lizard tattoos on her arms p.53
  3. What did the woman do to Jack? Shot him with a spear gun with poison goo p.55

Chapter 11

  1. What were the pirates going to do with Jack? Feed him to their Komodo dragon, Woody p.58
  2. Why couldn’t the pirates open Jack’s bag? They needed his fingerprint p.59
  3. Who did Jack think of when he was trapped? His brother, Max p.61

Chapter 12

  1. What did Jack do to free himself? Rubbed some ink from a pen in his watch onto the metal bar and watched it melt the iron bar p.63
  2. Where did he get the idea from? His brother Max had told him how he freed himself when trapped in a storage locker p.62
  3. Why was Jack sad to use the Disappearing Milk? This would be the only dose he would get his entire lifetime p.65

Chapter 13

  1. How did Jack free Alfie? Jack sprayed Dozing Spray into the guard’s face and the guard fell asleep. Jack then used the rest of the Disappearing Milk on Alfie, woke him up, then they ran for it p.67
  2. How did Jack and Alfie confuse the pirates? they ran zig zag on the sand p.70
  3. How did Jack and Alfie travel back to Alfie’s boat? They took the pirates boat p.73

Chapter 14

  1. Who captured Jack and Alfie? The leader of the Komodo Klan p.76

Chapter 15

  1. What happened to Alfie? The pirates threw him into the Komodo dragon’s cage, and he was bit p.80
  2. What did the pirates do with Jack? Pushed him overboard into the ocean with the jellyfish p.82

Chapter 16

  1. How did Jack survive the jellyfish stings? He dove passed the jellyfish deep in the water and pulled out his Oxygen Exchanger p.86
  2. What was Jack threatened by instead? Two sharks p.88

Chapter 17

  1. How did Jack free himself from the sharks? He shot a canister of blood out of his spray gun away from him and then called The Egg to come to him p.89

Chapter 18

  1. What did Jack give Alfie to help him recover from the lizard’s bite? An antibiotic serum p.93
  2. Predict how Jack is going to teach the boss lady a lesson on page 95. Listen to your child’s answers

Chapter 19

  1. How did Jack defeat the boss lady and Jake once and for all? He shot them both with tranquilizers using his spray gun then handcuffed them p.98

Chapter 20

  1. What was in the box marked Pandora? Treasure p.105

Comprehension Questions – Secret Agent Jack Stalwart #1 The Escape of the Deadly Dinosaur:USA

The Escape of the Deadly Dinosaur; USA

by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

Grades K-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL P; AR pts: 1.0-2.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Jack receive in the mail? A book about the allosaurus p.3

Chapter 2

  1. What did Whizzy cough up? A puzzle piece in the shape of a country that goes to the map on Jack’s wall p.6
  2. What country was it and where is he going? USA; New York City p.7
  3. How did Jack travel to the United States? His map swallowed him up p.8

Chapter 3

  1. Where did Jack arrive? In the Museum of Natural History in New York City p.12
  2. What was missing from the dinosaur? A toe, the hallux p.14

Chapter 4

  1. What was Jack hoping to look at to find a clue to the missing bone? Security tapes from the day before p.20

Chapter 5

  1. How did the student steal the bone? He used a thin hook and yanked the bone off p.24
  2. What school was the student from? East Side Grammar School p.27

Chapter 6

  1. Who did Jack contact to find out who the student was? The principal p.29
  2. What did she tell Jack about the student? That he was one of the finest science students at the school and had great science fair projects p.32

Chapter 7

  1. Where did Jack find Thomas? At home p.38
  2. How did Thomas’ mom feel about him stealing the bone? Upset p.44
  3. What was Thomas’ science project? Bringing to life a real live allosaurus p.48

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Jack and the Eberly’s hide from the dinosaur? Under the kitchen table p.49
  2. Why didn’t the dinosaur smell them? Jack sprayed his neutralizing spray on them p.50

Chapter 9

  1. How did Thomas make the allosaurus? He used some DNA from the toe bone, mixed it with a quickening solution, then gave it to his dog Freddie p.53
  2. What did Thomas create to help change Freddie back into a dog? A reversal serum p.54
  3. Why did Jack let Thomas come with him to hunt down the dinosaur? He knew New York City, he knew a lot about the allosaurus, and he had a relationship with his dog p.56

Chapter 10

  1. How did Jack distract the dinosaur from eating the man? He projected a camptosaurus on the wall near the dinosaur p.62
  2. Who was the dinosaur’s target at the end of this chapter? Jack p.64

Chapter 11

  1. How did Jack prevent the dinosaur from eating him? He put the expandable goo in its mouth p.67
  2. What advice did Jack remember from his brother? A secret agent always clears his mind first, and then thinks of a plan p.70

Chapter 12

  1. How did Jack save the people in line at the Empire State Building? He put dog biscuit powder into his spray gun and shot it in the air, the people ran into another building p.74

Chapter 13

  1. What did the boys use to catch up with the dinosaur as it raced to Times Square? The Flyboard p.77
  2. What did Jack shoot into the air with his Warning Gun? The letters: Danger Get Indoors p.79
  3. Why did Freddie head for Central Park? There were animals in the zoo p.82

Chapter 14

  1. Why couldn’t Jack use the Flyboard anymore? It was almost out of hydrogen p.86
  2. How did Jack convince the taxi driver to take them to the allosaurus? Jack told him he’d be a hero p.87

Chapter 15

  1. What was Jack’s dilemma in this chapter? He couldn’t see the dinosaur and knew that he would fail if it wasn’t coming to the zoo p.91

Chapter 16

  1. How did Jack get the serum into the dinosaur’s mouth? He used a canister to wedge it’s mouth open, and used a sling to catapult the vial into his mouth p.94
  2. Describe Freddie’s transformation back into a dog? A violent wind came and swirled around the allosaurus and turned it to dust, then another wind came and carried the dust away p.95

Chapter 17

  1. What did Thomas confess to Lewis? That he was sorry and shouldn’t have taken the bone p.100
  2. What does it mean to make amends? To try and set something right p.101
  3. Why did Lewis smile when Thomas said he was scared of heights? Thomas would have a consequence that would put him out of his comfort zone p.101

Chapter 18

  1. What did Jack wear to bed that night? Dinosaur pajamas p.104

Comprehension Question – Fablehaven

Fablehaven

by Brandon Mull

Grades 3-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL V; AR pts: 11.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why are Kendra and Seth staying at their grandparents? Their parents are going on a cruise p.2
  2. What was the consequence the kids would receive if they went into the woods or barn? They’d be grounded to their room the rest of their stay p.13
  3. How long were Kendra and Seth going to be staying at their grandparents? 2 ½ weeks p.5

Chapter 2

  1. How did the insects respond to the mirror Kendra took out to the pool? they came to it; they liked it p.24
  2. After swimming, where did Seth disappear to? The woods p.26
  3. What’s Dale’s secret? He puts milk out for the insects p.31

Chapter 3

  1. Describe who Seth ran into while exploring in the woods? A woman he thought was a witch p.36
  2. Why did Seth get frightened while running out of the woods? He felt he was being pursued p.42
  3. What was Kendra doing when Seth came in from the woods? Trying to find what the last key went to p.43

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Kendra and Seth go into the woods? Seth wanted to show Kendra a beautiful park with a pond p.53
  2. Why did their grandpa tell them not to go into the forest? there’s a lot of dangerous animals p.61
  3. What’s their consequence for not following the rules? They’ll have to stay in their room for the entire next day and they’ll be completely grounded if they break the rules again p.63

Chapter 5

  1. Who did Kendra use as a guinea pig to test the milk? Seth p.71
  2. What happened to Seth and Kendra when they drank the milk? They could see magical creatures instead of normal insects p.72
  3. Why did Grandpa bring the kids into the study? To explain Fablehaven to them p.75

Chapter 6

  1. Who’s Lena? The naiad Patton loved p. 88
  2. Who is Maddox? A fairy hunter/trader p.95
  3. After dinner, what did Maddox show the kids? Different fairies he’d caught to sell p.99

Chapter 7

  1. How did Seth catch the fairy? He tricked her by putting a mirror into a jar, then when she went in to admire herself, he put the lid on it p.117
  2. What were the fairies doing to the bubbles Grandpa blew? Changing them into different colors, shapes and things p.118
  3. Where did Seth hide his captured fairy? In his dresser drawer p.120

Chapter 8

  1. What did the fairy turn into that Seth caught and why? An imp; from being indoors from sunset to sunrise p.133
  2. How did the other fairies get revenge on Seth? Turned him into a misshapen whale p.131
  3. How did Seth get turned back into a human? Grandpa had to undo one of the witch’s knots and she healed him p.140

Chapter 9

  1. How does Lena feel about death and dying? Fearful p.147
  2. Why do the kids need to wear ear plugs and stay in bed during Midsummer Eve? Nightmares take shape and prowl the yard and terrible sounds will be heard in the night p.149
  3. What type of creature did Seth get to meet? A golem p.153

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Grandpa want the kids to sleep in the attic? It’s the safest place in the house if children occupy it p.162
  2. Why did Seth open the window? He saw a crying baby and wanted to help it p.172
  3. What protected the kids from the monsters that came into the room? The salt that was around their beds p.174
  4. Why did the kids suspect that their grandpa, Dale, and Lena might be dead? They didn’t come and get them for breakfast p.177

Chapter 11

  1. What did the kids find when they left their bedroom that morning? Their grandpa and Lena were gone, Dale was a statue lying outside on the grass; they were all alone p.182
  2. Why did the kids follow the tracks into the woods? They hoped it would lead to their grandpa p.190
  3. Who saved the kids from the ogress? A satyr p.199

Chapter 12

  1. What creature did the kids find in the barn? A giant cow p.211
  2. Why was the cow bellowing? It hadn’t been milked that morning p.211
  3. How did the kids help the cow? They milked her p.215

Chapter 13

  1. What gave the kids a clue that Goldilocks was their grandma? The chicken had spelled out I M GRAM on the floor and bobbed her head when Kendra asked if she was her grandma p.221
  2. Why did Grandma want the kids to take her to Muriel? For healing p.236
  3. What happened when the last knot to Muriel’s rope was undone? She was freed p.234

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Grandma and the kids need to visit Nero? They needed information on their grandpa, and he could give it to them p.242
  2. Why was it better for Seth to climb up to Nero’s ledge than his grandma? There were 20 upright logs, three feet apart that were easier for Seth to scale than Grandma p.245
  3. What did Nero trade Grandpa’s location for? A 90 minute massage p.255

Chapter 15

  1. Who regularly milks Viola the cow? Hugo the golem p.261
  2. Where did Grandma and the kids go to talk privately? In the secret room on the other side of the attic p.268
  3. Why did Grandma arrange photographs on the kitchen floor? So the brownies could fix the house up using the pictures as a guide p.265
  4. What will happen to Grandma if she kills Muriel? She’d have to banish herself from the preserve p.276

Chapter 16

  1. Which imp caught Seth? The same one he had captured p.291
  2. Why couldn’t the imps catch Kendra? She hadn’t used magic, inflicted harm or caused any mischief, so they can’t touch her p.292
  3. What did Grandpa tell Kendra to do? Run, get off the property, and ram the gate with his truck p.292

Chapter 17

  1. This chapter is titled, “The Desperate Gamble.” What was Kendra’s gamble? She needed to choose between going to the house and getting a weapon, or asking the Fairy Queen for help p.299
  2. What was the Fairy Queen’s answer to Kendra’s plea? She said she’d help her and gave her 3 ingredients to gather p.311
  3. What were the ingredients? Blood, tears, and milk p.312
  4. How did Kendra get rid of Mendigo? She unhooked his arms and threw them in the water. When he went to get them, the naiads pulled him into the water p.314

Chapter 18

  1. What happened to the fairies when they drank the elixir Kendra had made? It enlarged each fairy to become a fairy army p.323
  2. How did Seth become free and his normal self again? The fairy he had captured freed him p.330
  3. How did the fairies defeat Bahumat and Muriel? They used ropes to tie them up; they tore off Bahumat’s horns; Muriel shriveled with age; they threw them back into the alcove p.332
  4. How did the fairies heal the imps? Kissed them on the mouth p.327

Chapter 19

  1. How did Kendra give the silver bowl back to the Fairy Queen? She threw it into the water p.342
  2. Describe Kendra’s interaction with Lena? Lena wasn’t the same and wanted to grab Kendra and bring her into the water p.343
  3. Why is Dale upset? He feels bad that his brother Warren wasn’t present when the fairies were curing everybody p.347
  4. Why did Kendra decide to take her painting home? She realized she would feel pain with or without the painting, so she might as well take it home p.350

Comprehension Questions – Young Cam Jansen and the Ice Skating Mystery

Young Cam Jansen and the Ice Skating Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades K-2; Genre - Fiction; GRL J; AR pts: 0.5

Cam Jansen and her friend Eric are going ice skating! They put their shoes in a locker, and Eric puts the key in a pocket. "I won't lose it", he tells his father. But he does. Can Cam use her amazing memory to find the lost locker key?

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What did Cam tell Eric about skates? They should be snug. Pg. 5.
  2. What did they do with their shoes? Put them in their locker. Pg. 6.
  3. What did Cam remember when she came in? The sign to rent a locker for 25 cents. Pg. 7.
  4. Where did Eric put the key? In his jacket pocket. Pg. 10.

Chapter 2

  1. How did Eric want to skate? Faster. Pg. 11.
  2. What was in Eric’s way? A large group of skaters. Pg. 12.
  3. Why did Eric fall? He skated into the rail. Pg. 13.
  4. What was the announcement from the loudspeaker? Three minutes left. Pg. 16.

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Cam think the key wasn’t in Eric’s pocket? It had a hole. Pg.17.
  2. How did Cam know where Eric fell? At the letters M L on the rail. Pg. 18.
  3. Who told them to leave? The man in the green jacket. Pg. 19.

Chapter 4

  1. What did Eric and Cam find? A red mitten and blue scarf. Pg 21.
  2. Where were items returned? To the office. Pg. 22.
  3. What did Mr. Shelton want to do? Go home for pizza. Pg. 23.
  4. How did Eric try to delay leaving? He asked for hot chocolate. Pg. 24.

Chapter 5

  1. What did Cam make Eric do? Sit next to her and look for the key in his pocket. Pg. 26
  2. Where did Eric really put the key? In Cam’s pocket. Pg. 28.
  3. Did Mr. Shelton know Eric lost the key? No. Pg. 30.
  4. What did Eric say he proved? He wasn’t a baby. Pg. 31.

Vocabulary

Rink (15, 16, 21) – a closed area for skating

Announcement (20, 21) - a public statement

Comprehension Questions – Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Grades 5-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL U; AR pts: 4.0

As German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen's family takes in Annemarie's best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her by pretending she's part of the family. Then, through Annemarie's eyes, readers watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark — nearly 7,000 people — across the sea to Sweden.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? Copenhagen, Denmark during WWII p.1
  2. How long has Denmark been occupied by the Germans? 3 years p.3
  3. Why did the encounter with the soldiers scare Annemarie and Ellen? The soldiers had guns and spoke harshly p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Who are the king’s bodyguards? All of Denmark p.14
  2. Why didn’t King Christian want to fight the Nazis? He knew his army would have been crushed p.15
  3. Who is Peter and what’s his relation to Annemarie? Her sister’s fiancé before she passed away; he had been like a brother to her, but is always in a hurry now and only talks to her mama and papa p.17

Chapter 3

  1. Why were the girls puzzled when they saw the Hirsch’s button shop closed?  The store was usually open and they had seen Mrs. Hirsch recently p.20
  2. What did Peter bring the two girls? seashells p.23
  3. Why was Annemarie worried about Ellen’s family? They were Jewish and the soldiers p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Why are Kirsti’s new shoes made out of fish skin? With the Germans occupying their country, they can’t get leather p.28
  2. Why do the Rosens need to go into hiding? The Nazis were arresting all the Jews p.36
  3. How were the Johansen’s going to hide Ellen? They will pretend that Ellen is Annemarie’s sister p.37

Chapter 5

  1. What was Ellen wearing that would have given her away to the soldier? a Star of David necklace p.45
  2. Why did the officer suspect Ellen? She had dark hair and Annemarie and her sister have blond p.47
  3. How did Papa prove to the soldiers that Ellen was a part of their family? Lise had dark hair as a baby and he showed them her photograph p.47

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Mrs. Johansen want to take the girls to her brothers by herself? It would look suspicious if they left the apartment together p.51
  2. Why were Annemarie and her mother nervous when Kirsti spoke to the soldier on the train? They thought she would give them all away p.55
  3. How did the soldier try and trick them? He asked if they were celebrating the New Year p.55

Chapter 7

  1. Why didn’t Annemarie’s mom want the girls talking to anyone? It would be hard to explain who Ellen is p.63
  2. Why did Annemarie take Ellen to the ocean? Ellen had never seen it before p.63
  3. When listening to her mother and uncle, what did Annemarie notice was different? There was no laughter p.66

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Annemarie’s mom say her Uncle Henrik needed a wife? He needed someone to take care of him and clean his house p.70
  2. Who had died? Great-aunt Birte p.72
  3. Why was her death puzzling to Annemarie? She didn’t have a Great-aunt Birte p.72

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Annemarie’s mother and uncle lie to her? To help her be brave by not telling her everything p.76
  2. Why did Annemarie decide not to tell Ellen? So Ellen could be brave by not knowing everything p.78
  3. Who did Peter bring with him to Uncle Henrik’s for the funeral? Ellen’s parents p.81

Chapter 10

  1. Who came during the funeral? Soldiers p.83
  2. Why didn’t the soldiers want Mama to open the casket? Annemarie’s mama said their aunt died of Typhus p.85
  3. Where does the title of this book come from and what does it mean? The Book of Psalms; God numbers each of his children as the stars in the sky and knows them all p.87

Chapter 11

  1. What was inside the casket? Blankets and clothes p.88
  2. Why did the people need clothes and blankets? to keep warm while they traveled across the sea to Sweden p.89
  3. Why did Peter give the baby medicine? To make her sleepy to she wouldn’t cry p.90

Chapter 12

  1. How long did Annemarie think her mother would be gone? 1 hour p.97
  2. Why was Annemarie worried when she woke up? Her mother hadn’t returned and it was getting light outside p.98
  3. What did Annemarie see on the trail outside? Her mother in a heap p.100

Chapter 13

  1. What happened to Annemarie’s mother on the way back from the harbor? She broke her ankle p.102
  2. What had fallen out of Mr. Rosen’s pocket? The packet Peter had given him to give to Uncle Henrik p.104
  3. Why did Annemarie hide the packet under food in a basket? In case she ran into soldiers, and it would be hidden p.105

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Annemarie need to hurry to the harbor? She needed to get the packet to her uncle before he left p.106
  2. What story did Annemarie think of while she was running to the boat? Little Red Riding-Hood p.107
  3. What was in front of Annemarie at the end of this chapter? Four armed soldiers and two large dogs p.112

Chapter 15

  1. Who did Annemarie mimic when she was conversing with the soldiers? Kirsti p.113
  2. What was in the package? A handkerchief p.117
  3. Why did Henrik reassure Annemarie when she looked in the cabin of the boat? She couldn’t see any of the people that were trying to escape p.119

Chapter 16

  1. What’s Uncle Henrik’s definition of brave? Not thinking about the dangers, but what you must do p.123
  2. What’s the resistance? A group of people who are fighting against the Germans (in this situation) p.123
  3. Why was the handkerchief important? It made the dogs lose their sense of smell so they couldn’t find the people hiding on the boat p.125

Chapter 17

  1. How did Peter die? The Germans caught him and he was executed p.129
  2. How did Lise die? She was run over by the Nazis p.130
  3. Where did Annemarie hide Ellen’s necklace? In her sister’s trunk p.131

Comprehension Questions Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth

Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth

by David A. Adler

Grades 1-2; Genre - Fiction; GRL J; AR pts: 0.5

Annie has lost her tooth during art class, and she cannot find it anywhere. Cam Jansen says she has a memory like a camera. Will Cam have the picture she needs to find the missing tooth?

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who are Cam’s friends? Annie, Eric, and Robert. Pg.5.
  2. Why does Cam close her eyes and go “Click”? She has an amazing memory; remembers everything. Pg. 7.
  3. What is Cam’s real name and why is she called Cam? Jennifer and her name is short for Camera. Pg. 9.
  4. What happened when Annie bit the apple? She lost a tooth. Pg. 10.

Chapter 2

  1. What did Robert tell Annie happens when you lose a tooth? You get money under your pillow. Pg. 12.
  2. Why did Mr. Fay ring the bell? It was cleanup time. Pg. 13.
  3. What did Mr. Fay say about the Turkey-stick puppets? They looked almost real. Pg. 15.
  4. Why did they look in the bead box for Annie’s tooth? It looked like a white bead. Pg. 16.

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Annie not want to leave the art room? Because she didn’t have her tooth. Pg. 18.
  2. When Cam said “Click”, what did she have? A picture in her head. Pg. 20.
  3. What did she find in the pocket of her smock? Two beads and a feather. Pg. 21.

Chapter 4

  1. Did Robert believe Cam could remember everything in her mind? No. Pg. 22.
  2. Why did Cam have to whisper “Click”? The teacher was having quiet reading time. Pg. 23.
  3. What did Eric think when Cam had her eyes closed? She was sleeping. Pg. 24.
  4. What did Eric say that made her remember where Annie’s tooth was? Lunch boxes. Pg. 25.

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Cam, Annie and Eric go back to the art room? To find the garbage cans. Pg. 28.
  2. Where did Cam find the tooth? In the apple in the garbage. Pg. 29.
  3. What made Cam think that the tooth was in the garbage? Lunch boxes -> eating -> apple. Pg. 30.
  4. Who made sure the bus didn’t leave? Robert. Pg. 31.

Comprehension Questions – The Original Adventures of Hank the CowDog #1

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

by John R. Erickson

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 3.0

Hank has been accused of murder! In a fit of despair, Hank resigns his position as Head of Ranch Security and decides to join the outlaw coyotes. There he's known as Hunk (that's Hank in coyote language). Hank meets Missy Coyote, sister to Scraunch — the meanest, roughest, toughest, most notorious coyote in the whole country. If Scraunch found Hank with his sister... Well, look out for trouble.

Vocabulary (by Steve)

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What was Hank’s job? Head of Ranch Security Pg. 1.
  2. Why did Loper shoot off the gun? Hank was barking at the coyotes. Pg. 3
  3. Who was Beulah? The neighbor’s collie that Hank liked. Pg. 4.
  4. What did Hank and Drover think killed the chicken? A coyote or a coon. Pg. 8.

Chapter 2

  1. Where did the porcupine stick Hank? In the face, nose, and paws. Pg. 12.
  2. What did Pete, the barn cat,  do to Hank? Flicked his tail on his nose. Pg. 14.
  3. How did Loper feel about Hank’s quills? It was Hanks fault for messing with a porcupine. Pg. 15.
  4. Why did Loper throw the pliers at Hank? He wet on his pants. Pg. 17.

Chapter 3

  1. What did Loper feel about Hank and the dead chicken? He barked all night and was expensive to feed. Pg. 19.
  2. Why did Hank tell Drover he was useless? He was playing with a frog. Pg. 22.
  3. What did Drover find in the night? A big monster with horns. Pg. 25.
  4. What did Hank actually attack? The milk cow.  Pg. 28.

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Slim nice to Hank? He wanted to wipe the dip stick on his ear. Pg. 31.
  2. How did Hank feel about Drover’s help the night before? He was not happy he didn’t give any . Pg. 33.
  3. Why was Drover not afraid to pee on the Boxer’s truck? He was chained up. Pg. 35.
  4. Why did Bruno get in trouble? The men thought the other dogs were asleep. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. What did Hank decide to do instead of guarding the chicken house? A steak-out. Pg. 44.
  2. Why did Hank fall asleep? Because he dreamt he was awake. Pg. 45.
  3. Who found Hank with the dead chicken? Sally May. Pg. 48.
  4. What did Loper do to punish Hank? Made him wear the dead chicken head. Pg. 50.
  5. What did Hank decide to do because he was punished? Leave and become an Outlaw. Pg. 53.

Chapter 6

  1. What did Hank think Loper and Sally Mae would feel about him being gone? They’d miss him. Do anything if he’d come home.  Pg. 57.
  2. How did Hank feel about the spring pool? A sewer is better. Pg. 58.
  3. What did Junior think about Hank? Thought he was d-d-d-dead. Pg. 59.
  4. What gave the signals that something was dead? The chicken head around hank’s neck. Pg. 62.

Chapter 7

  1. Why did the dog look headless? A Hawaiian Punch can was stuck on its head. Pg. 67.
  2. Why couldn’t the coyote understand hank? It didn’t speak Doglish. Pg. 69.
  3. Did Hank like the coyote’s name? No. Girl-Who-Drink-Blood. Pg. 72.
  4. Who was the coyote’s brother? Scraunch. Pg. 73.

Chapter 8

  1. Who is Chief Gut? The coyote father of Missy and Scraunch. Pg. 75.
  2. What did the coyotes call cowboys and guns? Big-hat and boom-boom. Pg. 76.
  3. What did the coyotes call Hank that upset him? Chicken dog. Pg. 77.
  4. Why didn’t the coyotes attack Hank? They were going to make him part of the tribe. Pg. 84.

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Hank’s secret work? Coyotes are superstitious. Pg. 85.
  2. What Did Hank’s mom say about coyotes? They were lazy, sneaky, undisciplined. Pg. 87.
  3. What did Rip and Snort want to do? Go carousing in the silage pit. Pg. 88.
  4. What is silage? Grass that ferments and turns into alcohol. Pg. 88.
  5. What did Drover think about Hank with the coyotes? He was a traitor. 95.

Chapter 10

  1. What did the coyote pups do to hank? Bit his tail. Pg. 99.
  2. How did Hank feel about coyote life? Told Missy too much noise. Pg. 102.
  3. What was the mutton feast? A piece of aged meat that was green with maggots on it. Pg. 103.
  4. What did Missy’s mom think made Hank sick? Brackish water. Pg. 105.

Chapter 11

  1. What did the coyotes like to eat and why? Juicy chicken because they are easy. Pg. 107.
  2. Who made the speech to the village? Scraunch and then led the raid. Pg.107.
  3. Where did Hank hope Drover was? Hiding in a corner of the shed. Pg. 109.
  4. What did Scraunch want Hank to do? Kill Drover, but he tried to save him. Pg. 114.
  5. When Hank “heard Saint Peter blow” what did he think? He was going to die. Pg. 116.

Chapter 12

  1. What did Loper do and why to Hank? He smiled; glad he was back. Pg. 119.
  2. What did everyone think happened to Drover? He was dead. Pg. 120.
  3. What did Hank tell Drover he was doing with the coyotes? He was undercover. Pg. 122.
  4. What did the Badger tracks turn out to be? Skunk tracks. Pg. 125.
  5. What did Hank do to Sally May? Run in to her clean laundry with skunk smell. Pg. 127.

Comprehension Questions – Bud, Not Buddy

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL U; AR pts: 8.0

It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but he's on a mission. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: posters of Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression! Bud's got an idea that those posters will lead to his father. Once he decides to hit the road and find this mystery man, nothing can stop him.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting at the beginning of this story? In an orphanage during the depression in Flint, Michigan
  2. Describe Bud. 10 years old, living in an orphanage because his mom died, been to foster homes, but always comes back, can’t cry anymore, thinks his dad is a musician
  3. How was Bud a good friend to Jerry? He comforted him and helped him feel better about going to his foster home

Chapter 2

  1. What provoked Bud to punch Todd? Todd had woken him up in the night sticking a pencil up his nose
  2. Why is Todd’s mother calling Bud ungrateful and sending him back to the Home? It looked like he was picking on Todd
  3. What’s the name of the book Bud’s writing? Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself

Chapter 3

  1. How did Bugs get his nickname? He’d gotten a bug stuck in his ear
  2. What was the “vampire bat” hanging on the ceiling of the shed? A hornet’s nest
  3. Why was Bud angry after he got out of the shed? He was angry at the Amos’s for treating him the way they had; and himself for believing Todd when he said there was a vampire bat in the shed and for getting into a situation where there wasn’t anyone who cared what happened to him

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Bud want to use the gun as revenge? Guns are too dangerous
  2. Where did Bud put the gun? Out on the porch
  3. How did Bud get his revenge with Todd? Made him wet the bed

Chapter 5

  1. After seeing he couldn’t sleep in the library basement, where did Bud find shelter? Under the Christmas trees by the library
  2. Why did his mom name him Bud and not Buddy? Buddy is a dog’s name; Bud is a flower-to-be, a flower-in-waiting, waiting for just the right warmth and care to open it up
  3. What does the phrase mean, “when one door closes in life, another door opens”? When one opportunity ends, another one is offered to you

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Bud late for breakfast? He slept in
  2. Why was Bud able to eat? A man pretended Bud was his son
  3. Why did Bud’s pretend mom and dad keep hitting him on the head? To help others think he really was their child; to keep him in line

Chapter 7

  1. Find an example at the beginning of this chapter that tells you Bud loves the library. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to smell the unique library smell
  2. What bad news did the librarian tell Bud? Miss Hill got married and moved away
  3. Why couldn’t Bud go back to the Home? It was getting crowded

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Bud’s experience in Hooverville. He got fed, kissed a girl and had a place to sleep with hope of going west
  2. Explain what happened when Bud and the others tried to catch the train. The police were there trying to stop them, but Bud and the rest ran. Bugs made it on, but Bud slowed down to catch his blue flyer and missed the train. Bugs threw his suitcase off
  3. What did Bud and the others find when they went back to Hooverville? The police had gone in and were breaking it up by burning the buildings and ruining the pots and pans

Chapter 9

  1. What was the special something the librarian had for Bud? A large history book about the Civil War
  2. What does the main character compare the idea of his dad to? A seed growing into a maple tree
  3. Why did Bud think the things in his suitcase were his momma’s treasures? Why else would she keep them

Chapter 10

  1. Why was the man nervous when talking to Bud on the side of the road? The city they were outside of wasn’t very kind to people with darker skin
  2. What convinced Bud to go with the man? He had food and would take him to Grand Rapids
  3. Why did Bud think the man was a vampire? Bud saw a box with the label, “Urgent, contains human blood”

Chapter 11

  1. How did Bud end up back in Flint? Mr. Lewis drove him there to drop off the blood
  2. Name three words that describe the Sleet family. Kind, generous, fun, warm, loving, accepting, giving, sharing
  3. Why did Bud have a hard time eating and talking with the Sleet’s during the breakfast? At the Home he had to be silent during meals and at the Sleet home they were asking him questions and expecting him to respond

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Bud worried when the policeman pulled them over? he thought the police were after him
  2. How is Lefty involved with the labor organizers? He’s helping deliver fliers to the railroad workers in Grand Rapids
  3. Why didn’t Bud want Lefty to into the Log Cabin with him? Herman Calloway didn’t know who Bud was and Lefty would have found out the truth

Chapter 13

  1. What deal did Mr. Jimmy make to get Bud to tell him the truth? He promised him dinner at a restaurant
  2. Choose a word to describe Thug and explain why? Mean, untrustworthy; giving him advice that would get him in trouble
  3. Why did Bud like Steady Eddie? He watched out for him; was good to him

Chapter 14

  1. What did Bud compare Miss Thomas’s humming to?  Walking on a railway and feeling the train getting closer and closer under your feet
  2. Why did Bud start crying after dinner? He was so happy and felt like he was home
  3. Find a word that describes Miss Thomas. Kind, warm, friendly, loving, accepting

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Mr. Calloway lock the closets in the room Bud was sleeping in? to keep Bud from stealing anything and getting into it
  2. What gave Bud the thought to steal from Mr. Calloway? Calloway threatened him
  3. What helped Bud go to sleep? A blanket around his head, imaging his mom telling him stories

Chapter 16

  1. What was Miss Thomas’ plan for Bud? If they got permission from the people in Flint, they were going to keep him
  2. Why did Steady Eddie give Bud a saxophone case? to carry his mother’s things in; his suitcase is too old and ratty to travel with the band
  3. What was Bud’s new name and how did he feel about it? Sleepy LaBone; he loved it

Chapter 17

  1. What was Bud pretending his mop and bucket were? Captain Nemo and the sea
  2. What did Miss Thomas’s singing and Steady Eddie’s saxophone sound like together? Like a conversation they were having with one another

Chapter 18

  1. How long has Bud been with the band at this point in the book? 7 days
  2. What was in Herman’s glovebox? Rocks with writing on them, just like Bud’s
  3. When Bud told Herman his mother’s name, why did Herman run into the house? Because it was his daughter’s name

Chapter 19

  1. How did Buddy prove his mother was Herman’s daughter? He had a picture from when she was a young girl
  2. Why did Bud’s mother run away from home? Her father was really hard on her and wanted her to become a teacher, but she didn’t want to
  3. Why was Herman so upset? He had just found out his daughter died
  4. What gift did the band give Bud? An alto saxophone

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Runaway Racehorse

The Runaway Racehorse

by Ron Roy

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

And they're off! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are excited to see Uncle Warren's new racehorse, Whirlaway, in action. But the night before the big race, the horse disappears! He shows up just in time to lose the race. Why is Whirlaway suddenly so slow? Can the kids figure it out- or is Whirlaway out of the winner's circle for good?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where are Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose going? To Larchmont, New York to see a racehorse p.1
  2. How did they travel to get there? By train p.1
  3. What was missing when the kids went to see Whirlaway? Whirlaway p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Where does Forest think Whirlaway has disappeared to? Over to visit his mother p.13
  2. Why did Ruth Rose and Josh have so much fun in the back of the pickup? The road was bumpy p.15
  3. Was Whirlaway visiting his mom? No p.19

Chapter 3

  1. What did Whirlaway look like when he returned to the barn? Muddy p.26
  2. What did the kids find on Whirlaway when they were washing him? A mark like a stamp p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Whirlaway refuse to go with Ruth Rose? He was spooked from being out in the storm and coming home to strangers p.31
  2. Who else was Whirlaway scared of? Sunny p.32
  3. What did Ruth Rose observe about Sunny after reading her book about horses? Sunny and she doesn’t have Whirlaway’s trust and scares him p.36

Chapter 5

  1. Where did the kids and adults travel to and why? Saratoga Springs; a horse race p.39
  2. Why does Sunny wear goggles during the race? The horses in front kick up mud, so it protects her eyes p.44
  3. How did Whirlaway react to Sunny when Ruth Rose wanted a picture? Scared; upset p.44

Chapter 6

  1. Where did the kids get to sit during the horse races? Forest’s private box p.45
  2. Who won the first horse race? Merry Mary p.49
  3. Why did Forest conclude that something was wrong with Whirlaway after the race? He had never run so badly before p.53

Chapter 7

  1. What did Sunny say about Whirlaway’s performance? She said he ran like a different horse p.55
  2. What can make a horse run slower? Their jockey p.56
  3. Who did Ruth Rose take a picture of? Josh, Dink and Dancer p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What did Josh find on his collar? A dark smudge p.62
  2. Why did Ruth Rose want to get her film developed so quickly? So she could see if the man in the cowboy hat was Mr. Bunks p.63
  3. If it is Mr. Bunks, what’s the problem? He said he wasn’t into racing horses anymore; he lied p.64

Chapter 9

  1. What was on Josh’s collar? Shoe polish p.69
  2. How did the shoe polish get there? From Dancer, the horse who nudged him from behind, it had shoe polish on its forehead covering up the white mark p.71
  3. How was Josh going to prove their horse wasn’t Whirlaway? Offer it a sugar cube, if the horse eats it, it’s not Whirlaway p.73

Chapter 10

  1. What was on Josh’s fingers after touching Dancer’s forehead? Shoe polish p.77
  2. Who’s responsible for trading the horses? Mr. Bunks p.78
  3. Why did it take Sunny so long to get home from the race? She stopped at the vet p.84