Category Archives: Author

Comprehension Questions – #10 Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal

Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal

by Barbara Park

Grades 2-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

Lucille is having a slumber party - at her richie nanna's big giant house! Grace and Junie B. can't wait to see all the rich stuff in that place. Sleeping over at the nanna's is sure to be a dream come true! 'Cause what could possibly go wrong?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Lucille’s nanna. She’s very rich; she owns a gold Cadillac and drives Lucille to school every day; she has a huge house with lots of rooms and Lucille’s family lives with her p.2
  2. How did Lucille feel about Junie B. calling her nanna, Nanna? She was very upset p.6
  3. How did Junie B. make Lucille’s nana laugh? Nanna thought the things Junie B. said were darling p.6

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Lucille upset at Junie B. and Grace? She was trying to convince her nanna to be her a white poodle when Junie B. and Grace climbed in the back of the car p.11
  2. What was Junie B.’s idea to help Lucille get the poodle? Junie B. and Grace could sleep over and help beg for the poodle p.13

Chapter 3

  1. How did Junie B. get invited to sleepover? Lucille’s nanna called Junie B.’s mom p.16
  2. List three rules Junie B. needs to follow to spend the night at Lucille’s. No running, no jumping, no shouting, no squealing, no hollering, no snooping, no spying, no arguing, no fighting, no cheating at games, no talking back to the nanna, no breaking other people’s toys, no grumping, no crying, no fibbing, no tickling people when they say no, no staying up late, and absolutely no head-butting p.20

Chapter 4

  1. List two things Junie B. packed by herself for Lucille’s. Slippers, pajamas, pillow, bathrobe, blanket, sheets, stuffed elephant name Philip Johnny Bob, and a small throw rug p.22
  2. Why was Junie B. so energetic and excited when Lucille’s nanna arrived to pick her up? She’d been sitting and waiting all day instead of using her energy p.28
  3. Who was in the car with Lucille's nanna? Lucille and Grace p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Lucille’s nanna say no as Junie B. and Grace asked her to get a poodle for Lucille? Her nanna’s allergic to dogs p.32
  2. Name one room in Lucille’s home you would enjoy having in your own and why? Have your child name a room and explain why. Here are the rooms: living room, dining room, kitchen, big giant patio, daddy’s office, mother’s office, family room, pool room to play pool, outside pool to swim and sit in the hot tub, the library, the gym, Nanna’s room, mother and daddy’s room, fancy gold bathroom with the Jacuzzi, brother’s room, Lucille’s bedroom, and a whole bunch of guest rooms p.35
  3. Why couldn’t Junie B. and Grace play with Lucille’s stuffed animals or sit on her bed? They were just for show p.37

Chapter 6

  1. How did Nanna react after Junie B. broke a crystal glass, dropped her Frank on the white tablecloth from Ireland, and spilled chocolate ice cream on her chair cushion? She sighed and said, “you’re a bit of a bull in a China shop, aren’t you dear?”, she patted her hand and then said, “quite all right” p.47
  2. What bed did the girls jump on? The guest room bed that made for tall people p.53
  3. Describe what happened when the girls had a pillow fight on the bed? Junie B.’s pillow ripped open and feathers exploded out of it, then Nanna walked in the room and put her face in the pillow p.57

Chapter 7

  1. What did Lucille do when Nanna said, “I don’t want to hear one more peep out of you”? she started saying “peep” over and over p.62
  2. How did Nanna react? She opened the door to the bedroom and yelled, “SILENCE!” p.63
  3. How did Junie B. feel about Nanna now? She was scared of her p.63

Chapter 8

  1. What word would you use to describe Junie B. as she decided she didn’t want to eat anything since she might break or ruin more things? Responsible, thoughtful, careful, etc. p.68
  2. Why was Junie B. relieved to feel her normal back seat material instead of the soft material in the nanna’s car? She didn’t have to be as careful and she could relax p.69
  3. What helped Junie B. realize that she loved her own nanna just perfect? She can be herself around her own nanna, is comfortable, and doesn’t have to worry about breaking things or making her mad p.71

Comprehension Questions – Ready, Freddy! Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

by Abby Klein

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

Freddy's Thresher's first-grade class is doing a Thanksgiving play, and Freddy wants to have a really cool part. Will he get to be an Indian, or will Thanksgiving end up being nothing but big trouble onstage?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? It’s the Pilgrims first harvest in the New World in October 1621
  2. What are three things you’re thankful for? Encourage and listen to your child
  3. What was the class going to get to perform for the parents and how will they get their parts? A play; the parts will go in a hat and each person will choose p.18

Chapter 2

  1. What made Freddy so excited that he danced around the dinner table? His grandparents were coming for Thanksgiving p.20
  2. What’s the worst part Freddy could get in the play? the Thanksgiving turkey p.26
  3. What part in the play does Freddy hope to get? An Indian p.27

Chapter 3

  1. How did Freddy feel about Jessie when she stood up to Max? He thought she was brave and wanted to be like her p.32
  2. What was Max’s consequence for teasing Chloe? He was to go to time-out and have last pick for his part p.34
  3. What part in the play did Freddy get? The turkey p.38

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Freddy lucky to get to be the turkey for the play? It’s the symbol of Thanksgiving and is a very important part of the play p.40
  2. What part did Jessie get and how did she feel about it? The Indian princess; she was happy because the princess was brave p.42
  3. How was Jessie a friend to Freddy on the bus home from school? Max was making fun of Freddy for being the turkey and she told him to stop and that she knew karate p.44

Chapter 5

  1. How did Freddy’s mom know that something was wrong after school? He usually goes to the kitchen after school for a snack, but instead he went to his room and hid under his covers p.50
  2. What did Freddy decide to do so he wouldn’t have to be in the play? Run away from home until after Thanksgiving p.51
  3. How did Freddy’s mom find his packed suitcase? She tripped on the handle p.56

Chapter 6

  1. How would Suzie have felt if Freddy ran away? Really sad p.63
  2. What did Freddy give Suzie to keep his secret of taking a family picture off his mom’s dresser? his golden-dollar coin p.65

Chapter 7

  1. What advice did Papa Dave give Freddy about running away? Running away doesn’t solve anyone’s problems, people have to face them head on p.68
  2. What was Papa Dave’s reason for the turkey being the best part of the play? The turkey will be the most remembered because its different and being different is good p.70
  3. What advice did Freddy receive from his grandpa about Max bullying him? Show Max that he’s proud to be turkey and to wobble, flap his wings and gobble until Max runs away p.70

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Freddy’s mom find his hood for the play? In the bathroom laundry hamper p.74
  2. What made Freddy run out of the room and hide in the supply closet? The kids in the class were laughing at him as he put on his costume p.77
  3. How did the principal help Freddy feel better about being the turkey? He told Freddy about his part in a play in first grade. He was a piece of trash and stole the show by dancing and by being the best piece of trash anybody had ever seen p.83

Comprehension Questions – Ready, Freddy! Don’t Sit on My Lunch!

Don't Sit on My Lunch!

by Abby Klein

Grades PreK-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL L; AR pts: 1.0

Freddy Thresher knows that Max Sellars is the biggest, meanest bully in the whole first grade. The best way to get along with Max is to stay out of his way. He'll push you, he'll punch you, he'll sit on your lunch! So is Freddy crazy to think he can beat out Max and get the one open spot on the hockey team? Now Freddy's friend Jessie has to get him into shape...if it's the last thing she does!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Jessie have that Max wanted? A jersey p.12
  2. What sport does Jessie play? Ice Hockey p.13
  3. What’s a bully? A person who seeks to harm or intimidate others p.14

Chapter 2

  1. How did Freddy’s mom react when he told her he wanted to play hockey? She screamed that no child of hers would play hockey; she was really upset p.20
  2. How did Freddy’s dad convince his mom that playing hockey would be good for Freddy? It would help his hand eye coordination; he would learn about sportsmanship; its good exercise p.23

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Jessie call Freddy? To invite him over after school to practice hockey in the parking lot p.30
  2. How did Suzie treat Freddy when he was talking to Jessie on the phone? She teased him, sang the kissing song to him p.31
  3. What did Freddy’s dad do in response to her teasing? He sent her to her room, like sending a hockey player to the penalty box p.34

Chapter 4

  1. How did Max bully Freddy at lunch? He sat on his lunch sack and smushed his lunch p.36
  2. Why didn’t Jessie think Max would be good at hockey? He wasn’t a team player p.39
  3. How did Max get sent to the time-out table? He broke Chloe’s chopstick and she called over Miss Becky the lunch helper, and explained how Max had been a bully p.44

Chapter 5

  1. Who watches Jessie after school while her mother is at work? Her grandmother p.46
  2. What snack did Jessie and Freddy have after school? Tamales p.47
  3. What did Jessie teach Freddy, as she helped him prepare for the hockey tryouts? He needed to get used to people coming at him; how to hold the stick; how to hit the puck to shoot, pass and make a goal p.51

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Freddy need to apologize to Suzie? He was showing his dad how to shoot a puck using a knife and mashed potatoes and flicked mashed potatoes into Suzie’s face p.56
  2. Why was Freddy so upset that his family thought Jessie was his girlfriend? It was embarrassing to him; she wasn’t his girlfriend and just a friend p.64
  3. What was Freddy’s nickname and why is it a good hockey name? Mouse; because mice move quickly, they can move easily in and out of tight spots, and they almost never get caught p.66

Chapter 7

  1. Define what bragging means and how does it make you feel when someone else is bragging? To talk boastfully; it can make you feel bad p.67
  2. What did Chloe’s mom teach her to do when Max was bullying her? Ignore him p.69
  3. What did Freddy bet Max? His snack and dessert for a week p.68

Chapter 8

  1. Name Freddy’s two good luck charms? His shark tooth and great white shark underwear p.73
  2. How did Suzie help Freddy the morning of the tryouts? She made a pinky swear that she wouldn’t tell their mom about Freddy wearing his lucky underwear when they were dirty and let Freddy use her lucky penny p.78

Chapter 9

  1. Whose team was Freddy on during tryouts? Max’s p.80
  2. Why was it important for Freddy to skate down to the goal when Max had the puck? If the puck didn’t go into the goal, he could pick up the rebound; he picked up the rebound and when Max passed the puck to him, he made a goal and they won the game p.83
  3. Who made the hockey team? Freddy and Max p.88

Comprehension Questions – Baseball Pals

Baseball Pals

by Matt Christopher

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

Jimmie learns an important lesson about the misuse of power when he is elected captain of his baseball team and makes decisions that are not in the team's best interests.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. On the ballfield; the characters of the story were gathered talking about which position everyone would play; autumn time p.3
  2. Who convinced everyone he was to be the pitcher and how did he do it? Jimmie; he was the new team captain, he said he’d been practicing all summer, and he found other positions for the team members to play p.3
  3. Why did Ervie make Jimmie feel unsettled? Jimmie didn’t know if Ervie was happy or not; Ervie looked at Paul in a certain way p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Why wasn’t Tiny playing with Jimmie’s team this year? The Red Rockets had already asked him to be on their team and gave him a jersey p.9
  2. Describe Jimmie’s experience while he was pitching in this chapter. He struggled getting it over the plate and walked two guys. Then he slowed down his pitches and the batters hit them p.15
  3. Why was Jimmie pleased with himself at the end of the chapter? He hit a ball way out in the field and made it to third base p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Who’s the team’s new manager? Mr. Nichols p.19
  2. After the game why did Ervie want to go home? He was hungry and it was getting late p.22
  3. How does Jimmie feel about Ervie? He wishes he didn’t have to bring him with him to the field; he’s impatient with him p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Jimmie lie to his mom about coming home on time? He didn’t want to come home on time and wanted to stay at the field p.26
  2. When Jimmie went to Paul’s after dinner, what did he find Paul doing? Practicing his pitching p.28
  3. What was the news Tiny told Jimmie at the end of this chapter? Paul wasn’t playing the Planets, instead he was going to play with the Red Rockets p.31

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. Jimmie went home and to his room. He was upset about Paul joining the other team, and got angry to the point that he decided he didn’t care anymore, then he went to play with Ervie p.35

Chapter 6

  1. How did Mr. Nichols react to Paul leaving the team? He said it was ok and that Jimmie could become a good pitcher too with practice p.38
  2. Who went out to pitch after Jimmie continued to throw bad pitches during batting practice? Mr. Nichols p.41

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jimmie go to Mose’s house early Saturday morning? To practice pitching since Mose was going to be the catcher p.43
  2. How did Jimmie do while he was practicing? Not very well; he never threw to the mitt p.44
  3. Why did the umpire yell “Balk!” when Jimmie was winding up before a pitch? A pitcher can’t wind up if there are men on base, because after a pitcher winds up, he can’t stop and throw it to the base to get them out p.46

Chapter 8

  1. Find a simile at the top of page 52. Jimmie ran like a deer p.52
  2. Who won, the Mohawks or the Planets? The Mohawks p.53
  3. Why didn’t Ervie think the Planets were going to win any games in the league? He said they didn’t have a good pitcher p.55

Chapter 9

  1. Where did Jimmie go with his father? Fishing p.56
  2. What important lesson did Mr. Todd teach Jimmie while they were fishing? To be patient and to keep at something if you want it p.61

Chapter 10

  1. What was Jimmie’s plan so Paul would come and watch TV with him that evening? Have his mom invite over his parents and Paul would come over too p.63
  2. What did Ervie say that made Jimmie mad and run out of the room when the Karoski’s came over? that Paul was mad at Jimmie because they both wanted to pitch for the Planets p.66

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Jimmie see during their Sunday walk and how did he feel? Some boys playing baseball from his team and Paul was pitching; made him mad p.68
  2. Why did the praise, Jimmie’s dad said about Paul, hurt Jimmie? His own dad said that Paul had really nice form and was going to be a great pitcher one day when Jimmie struggled at being a pitcher p.71

Chapter 12

  1. What secret did Jimmie tell Wishy? That Jimmie doesn’t think he’ll be a pitcher and instead he should play infield p.75
  2. What did Wishy help Jimmie practice? Catching grounders p.76

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Jimmie feeling confident, like he could hit anything? He had decided not to be pitcher and felt good about his decision p.80
  2. What position did Jimmie play for the last two innings? First basemen p.85
  3. Whose name did Jimmie cry out when he was cheering for the pitcher? Paul’s name p.86

Chapter 14

  1. When does the team list need to be turned in? Before Thursday p.87
  2. Why was Mr. Nichols impressed with Jimmie as he practiced playing infield? He didn’t realize Jimmie was so good p.90

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Jimmie take Ervie along to see Paul? He didn’t want to be alone to talk to Paul p.91
  2. Why was Paul’s mom upset when Jimmie told her Paul left in a blue car? She was worried about him and sad that he didn’t tell her where he was going p.98

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Paul gone for four hours? His cousin asked him to go for a ride, but only thought it would be a half hour, then as they got to the lake the car stopped, and they had to get a ride home from somebody p.101
  2. How did Paul respond when Jimmie told him he could pitch for the Planets? He said he was already pitching for the Red Rockets p.103

Chapter 17

  1. Who was in the alley waiting to talk to Jimmie? Paul with team members from the Planets p.106
  2. How did Wishy convince Paul to come play for the Planets? He gathered other team members, took them over to Paul’s house, and they talked him into it p.108
  3. Why did Jimmie want Mr. Nichols to call the Red Rockets manager about Paul switching teams? He was worried what the other manager would say p.110

Chapter 18

  1. How did Jimmie feel as he played short stop? Confident; happy; had fun; enjoyed playing p.112
  2. Who won the game? The Planets p.117
  3. What was more important to Jimmie than winning the game? Having Paul on the team 117

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Missing Mummy

The Missing Mummy

By Ron Roy

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

It’s Mummy Monday at the museum, and Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are going to see a new Egyptian exhibit. It features a child mummy in an actual tomb! But then the mummy is stolen and the tomb robbed of its treasure. Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose unravel the mystery and return the mummy to its rightful resting place?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did the kids want to go to the museum? All week long they were having programs that looked fun p.2
  2. How did the kids earn money for the programs? They helped clean out Josh’s barn and his dad paid them p.3
  3. What’s the exhibit at the museum the kids went to? An Egyptian exhibit with mummies p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What’s an ancient Egyptian coffin called? A Sarcophagus p.11
  2. What’s each mummy wrapped in? strips of linen cloth p.13
  3. Where did Ruth Rose find the missing mummy? In the girl’s restroom p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what the kids thought the mummy snatcher might have done to get away? She might have disguised herself after taking the mummy in the restroom p.20
  2. Where did the kids go to look for the lady who took the mummy? Back into the tomb p.22
  3. Why are the kids trapped inside the tomb? While they were in there, the tomb entrance closed p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Describe what it was like for the kids when they were locked inside the tomb? Cold, creepy, quiet p.27
  2. What did the kids do to get more comfortable after sitting on the gravel/ground? Ruth Rose found carpet squares in a closet, so they spread them out in the closet and laid on them p.29
  3. What woke up the kids while they were sleeping in the closet? A huge blast that shook the closet p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Who appeared after the blast and what were they doing? two thieves; stealing the treasure p.33
  2. How did the thieves get into the tomb? They blew a hole into the building from outside p.35
  3. Who came by Dink’s house the next day and why? Officers Peters and Washington; to ask the kids questions about the thieves p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Why did the kids want to go back to the museum? It was Tyrannosaurus rex Tuesday p.43
  2. Why did the kids go sit at the back of the museum? They were early, it was hot, and they wanted to sit in the shade p.44
  3. What did Josh smell when the thieves broke into the museum? French fries p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Why did the kids decide to go check out Aunt Freda’s Fabulous Fries? Because Josh had smelled French fries during the theft, there might be a connection p.56
  2. Describe what the kids discovered at the restaurant? A woman with short hair works there; Ruth Rose realized she has short dark hair like the woman who came out of the restroom; Dink realized she walked like one of the thieves; Josh realized she smells like French fries p.62

Chapter 8

  1. How did the kids get the opportunity to go into the kitchen and look around? Ruth Rose told Aunt Freda that Dink wanted to know how to make her French fries p.63
  2. What evidence did the kids find in the kitchen? They saw a black gym bag and a black jacket that’s short enough to see a white line of an apron underneath; Josh found a pebble like the gravel in the tomb p.66

Chapter 9

  1. Explain Dink’s dream? He was trapped in the tomb alone and the mummies came toward him, he felt a cold hand on his shoulder and the mummy’s linen strips were wrapping around him p.69
  2. Where does Dink think the treasure is hidden? In the small sarcophagus p.73
  3. Why do the kids think Dr. Tweed was one of the thieves? Someone had to set the bomb inside the tomb and the treasure would have been too heavy to carry it far, so he hid it in the sarcophagus knowing he’d be able to get to it p.73

Chapter 10

  1. What did the kids and police officers find in the tomb? Dr. Tweed holding a gym bag p.78
  2. Where were Dr. Tweed and the woman from the restaurant flying to and why? Europe; to sell the treasures p.79
  3. Where did the officers take Dr. Tweed and the woman? To jail p.82

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The School Skeleton

The School Skeleton

By Ron Roy

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

It’s a bona fide mystery at Dink’s school. Some sneaky soul has stolen the skeleton from the nurse’s office! The principal promises free aquarium tickets to the savvy student sleuths who can track down poor Mr. Bones. Soon mysterious clues are showing up all over the school. It’s up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to follow the clues and put those old bones to rest.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Donald David Duncan go by Dink? When he first learned to talk, all he could say was Dink when he tried to say his name p.2
  2. Why did Dink need to go to the nurse’s office? He got a paper cut and needed a Band Aid p.3
  3. What did Dink notice was missing from the nurse’s office? Mr. Bones the skeleton p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What’s the reward for the class that finds Mr. Bones? Free tickets to the new aquarium in Hartford, CT p.13
  2. Why did Josh think Mr. Neater could be a suspect for the missing skeleton? He has keys to the doors in the school p.14
  3. What was the topic of the story Mrs. Eagle assigned the kids to write? The vanishing school skeleton p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the footprint Ruth Rose and Josh found in the corner where the skeleton usually hung?  It was in the dust and looked like it was made by a sneaker; it was the left foot and adult sized p.18
  2. What did the kids want to do with the footprint before Mr. Neater swept up the office? Draw and measure it p.21
  3. How did Dink know the nurse, office secretary, or principal didn’t take the skeleton? The bottom of their shoes didn’t match the print in the dust p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What size shoes does Dink think the skeleton snatcher is? A size 10 p.28
  2. How many teachers did the kids need to measure for their footprint? 8 p.29
  3. What did the kids plan to do the next day to figure out the footprint clue? They wrote a note to the 8 teachers to ask if they would talk with them, Mrs. Waters would put them in their boxes, then when they would meet the kids would measure the footprint against each of their shoes p.31

Chapter 5

  1. How did Mrs. Eagle respond to the kids needing to leave class to talk to the other teachers? She said it was ok p.35
  2. What were the results from measuring the teacher’s feet that were on the list? None of them matched Josh’s footprint p.38
  3. What happened to Mr. Palmer that proved he didn’t steal the skeleton? He slipped on ice and got a cast on his foot the day before and was in the emergency room when the skeleton was stolen p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What did the kids see on the ground on their way back to class? A footprint on the ground in white powder p.45
  2. Why did Mrs. Eagle want the boys to open their lockers? The footprint was in front of their lockers and she wanted to see what was inside p.47
  3. What was in Josh’s locker? A twisted white paper with a skeleton on it and a shiny key hidden inside p.49

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Mrs. Eagle ask Josh, Dink, and Ruth Rose to tell the class what they’ve been up to? So the class could help and be involved p.50
  2. Where does Ruth Rose think the powder on the floor came from? Mrs. Waters said her powder was missing and someone could have taken it p.55
  3. What does Ruth Rose think the message with the key, skeleton and the 2 means? Key to skeleton p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What was strange about the key and how did it differ from Ruth Rose’s? it looked brand new and didn’t have any marks on it yet; Ruth Rose’s had tiny scratches from using it frequently p.61
  2. Why did the kids decide to go see Mr. Neater? Because he has keys to everything in the building and he could have put the key in Josh’s locker p.62
  3. Who else came to visit Mr. Neater and why? Cory from fifth grade and Jane and Susan from second grade; they also had found a footprint by their lockers and a paper with a skeleton wrinkled up with a key hidden in it p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What clues points to Mr. Dillon as the skeleton snatcher? There’s a small door from his office to Miss Shotsky’s and he had easy access to Mr. Waters powder p.71
  2. What’s Mrs. Waters missing now? Her key to the closet p.73
  3. Where was Mr. Bones? Hanging in Mrs. Waters’ coat closet p.74

Chapter 10

  1. What did the note read that was hanging from Mr. Bones? April Fools! P.77
  2. What day is it? April 1st; April Fools p.78
  3. Why did Mr. Dillon hide the skeleton and leave the clues? He loves April Fools Day and doing pranks. No one does pranks anymore, so he wanted to make it a memorable holiday p.82

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Vampire’s Vacation

The Vampire's Vacation

by Ron Roy

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

Grab your garlic, Green Lawn! There's a villainous vibe coming from the pale, dark-haired man Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose see in the supermarket. When they follow him into Ellie's Diner, the stranger vanishes! But there's a cut on Ellie's neck - or could it be a bite? Could there really be vampire in town? And could Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose be his next victims?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why were Josh, Dink and Ruth Rose at the supermarket? They had just hauled newspapers to the recycle bin and wanted a cold drink p.3
  2. Why did Josh think the man in line at the meat counter looked like a vampire? He had black hair, skinny lips, and pale skin p.6
  3. How did Dink feel when the man turned, looked, and nodded at them? he got goose bumps p.8

Chapter 2

  1. How did Ellie react when she saw the man out the window? She acted scared; she backed away and went behind the counter p.14
  2. What happens to the man when the kids continue to follow the him in the stores? He disappears and isn’t there p.15
  3. What did both Mr. Paskey and Ellie have on their necks? A small round Band Aid p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Is Dracula a vampire? No p.23
  2. How did Josh convince his friends to find the man he thinks is a vampire? He wanted to find out why he was disappearing, and he knew Dink wanted to find out what was going on with the Band Aids p.27
  3. What’s the man’s name and what do you know about him? Dr. A. Cula; he’s a doctor from New York City p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Who else had a Band Aid on their neck? Mr. Linkletter p.31
  2. What strange thing did Livvy notice when she took Dr. Cula up to his room? He laid on his bed and asked for the air conditioning to be turned up. He wrapped himself in a cape and feel asleep fast, like he was dead p.34
  3. What did Dink think Dr. Cula’s hobby could be since he disappears and wears a cape? Being a magician p.36

Chapter 5

  1. What did Josh gather from the vegetable garden and why? Garlic gloves; for protection, vampires don’t like garlic p.40
  2. What did Ruth Rose spell with the blocks after putting together Dr. A. Cula? Dracula p.41
  3. Who were the kids going to talk to at this end of this chapter? Police Officer Fallon p.43

Chapter 6

  1. What was Officer Fallen’s reaction when the kids told him what happened with Dr. Cula? He was surprised and wanted to talk with him p.49
  2. Why did Josh need to get back home? He told his mom he’d babysit the twins p.49
  3. How was Josh and Dink going to entertain the twins? Take them on a pony ride p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Explain what was strange about the Band Aids being all the same? People like to choose different shapes and colors of Band Aids if they need one p.54
  2. Who left a message on the answering machine and what did she say? Ruth Rose; she wanted the boys to meet her at the Shangri-la Hotel p.57
  3. What was strange about the Book Nook being closed as the boys were on their way to the hotel? Mr. Paskey never closes the store in the middle of the afternoon p.59

Chapter 8

  1. How was Mr. Linkletter acting strangely? He gave the boys Dr. Cula’s room number without looking, gave them permission to go up and see if he was there, and he acted nervous p.62
  2. Describe what the boys found when they went into room 202. No one was there, it was freezing cold, in the closet was a black suitcase and black cape, a note on the side table p.64
  3. Describe the note. It was written in purple crayon that smelled like jellybeans and had listed each of the names: Ellie, Mr. Paskey, Mr. Linkletter, Ruth Rose, Josh and Dink p.65

Chapter 9

  1. What does Dink think is going on? That Dr. Cula gave the Band Aids to everyone p.69
  2. Who opened the door when the boys were in the closet hiding? Ruth Rose p.71

Chapter 10

  1. Who’s Jimmy Jett? An actor from New York who’s going to play Dracula in a movie p.73
  2. Why did Ellie, Mr. Paskey and Mr. Linkletter have Band Aids on their necks? Jimmy Jett gave them to each of them to play a prank on the kids p.76
  3. Why did Mr. Linkletter give the boys the room number and permission to go to the room? All who were in on the prank were waiting for them to go to the room, then followed them up p.79

Chapter 11

  1. What did Jimmy Jett invite the kids to? To New York City to watch his movie p.81
  2. Who appeared in the movie box next to Josh? Jimmy Jett dressed as Dracula p.83

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Haunted Hotel

The Haunted Hotel

By Ron Roy

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

A ghost has checked into the Shangri-la Hotel! It’s almost Halloween, and reports of strange sounds and even stranger sights are coming from Green Lawn’s only hotel. Every day, more and more guests are being scared away. Everyone else is getting scared, too! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose must figure out what’s going on and catch the ghost – before Green Lawn turns into a ghost town!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? Dink’s living room on Sunday, in Green Lawn, CT p.1
  2. What did the newspaper claim was haunted? The Shangri-la Hotel in Green Lawn p.2
  3. Why is it the biggest week of the year for the hotel? Many tourists come to see the fall colors p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Where did Mr. Linkletter explain to the kids what’s going on? In his office p.11
  2. Who’s Livvy? The hotel maid p.15
  3. Why did the kids want to help Mr. Linkletter? He’s their friend p.16
  4. What did the kids think they saw when the elevator door opened? The ghost p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Who did the kids meet after they pushed the black button on the elevator and ended up on an unknown floor of the hotel? Mr. and Mrs. Spivets; Mr. Linkletter’s Aunt and Uncle who used to own the hotel p.21
  2. What’s the ghost telling Mr. and Mrs. Spivets? To go away and leave the hotel p.24
  3. Why are the Spivets selling the hotel? There’s a real estate company that’s been wanting to buy it and with the ghosts they don’t feel they have another choice p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did the kids resolve to do since no one they talked to had seen the ghost? Find someone who had seen it p.30
  2. Who did the kids talk to that saw the ghost? Mr. and Mrs. Jeffers p.32
  3. What did Mr. Spivets want the kids to do that night? Sleep in the hotel so they can solve the mystery and maybe see the ghost p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Who’s the Casper Nate referred to when saying he wanted to see a ghost? Casper is from a cartoon called Casper the Friendly Ghost p.38
  2. Why is Dink able to stay up later than usual? There’s no school the next day p.41
  3. What’s Rose Ruth’s plan to see the ghost? Hang out until midnight p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Where did the kids stake out to see the ghost? In the cleaning closet p.44
  2. What did the ghost call out as it passed each of their family’s rooms? It called each of the kid’s names and said to leave, its dangerous, or go before its too late and to leave now p.46
  3. What clue did Ruth Rose find on the doorframe? A human hair p.50

Chapter 7

  1. What was the yucky smell Josh noticed in the hall the night before? The smell of Halloween make-up p.53
  2. What did Livvy find under the Jeffers bed that she thought was a rat? A wig p.57
  3.  What’s a dumbwaiter? Small elevator shaft used to lift small things up and down from one room to another p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What did the kids and Livvy find while searching the Jeffers’ hotel room? The wig, a tape with spooky music, a sword, Halloween make-up p.63
  2. Where did the kids find the Jeffers? At Ellie’s eating breakfast p.66
  3. How did the Jeffers react when they read the note from Ruth Rose? They waved the kids over to them and admitted it p.69

Chapter 9

  1. Why were the Jeffers wanting to scare the hotel guests away? They’re actors and had been hired by three men to scare them away p.72
  2. Why didn’t the Jeffers realize the hotel was closing? They were told the hotel was being used in a horror movie and that scaring guests away was huge for publicity, and the guests would get their money back and free tickets to the movie; the Jeffers would then have starring roles in the movie p.73
  3. Who hired the Jeffers’? the same men buying the hotel p.74

Chapter 10

  1. How did Eatch, Rail and Roock realize their plan had been found out? The Jeffers went up to them during the signing and asked about the movie. The reporter from the Green Lawn Gazette told them the entire town would learn about their plan to trick the Spivets and Mr. Linkletter p.80
  2. What did Mrs. the businessmen’s names become when Mrs. Spivets rearranged the letters? Cheat, Liar and Crook p.83
  3. What did the kids receive from the Spivets as a thank you for saving the hotel? Three airline tickets to Florida, three tickets to Disneyworld and three $50 bills p.86

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries Super Edition #4 Sleepy Hollow Sleepover

Sleepy Hollow Sleepover

By Ron Roy

Grades 2-5; Genre – Fiction; GRL O; AR pts: 1.0

Third graders Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are spending Halloween in spooky Sleepy Hollow, New York, home of the Headless Horseman. They're going to sleep in an old cabin, take a haunted hayride, and tour the old Dutch church where people claim to have seen the legendary headless horseman. But strange things start happening that don’t seem to be part of the planned Halloween fun. Is there a real Headless Horseman haunting Sleepy Hollow?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What activity were the kids going to be doing that night? A haunted hayride and going to a party p.2
  2. Who’s the Headless Horseman? A fictional character from the story, “the Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” by Washington Irving; the story is about a teacher, Ichabod Crane. He liked a woman named Katrina. Brom Bones liked Katrina as well and didn’t want Ichabod to get her, so dressed up as the headless horseman to drive him out of town. He told people it was a ghost of a soldier who’d lost his head and looked for it at night p.4
  3. Who did Dink step on after watching the mechanical headless horseman? One man wearing cowboy boots with silver toes; his name was Ace p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Where were the kids sleeping? In a cabin Dink’s father rented called the Haunted House p.11
  2. What popped out of the chest when Dink opened it to get a game? A skeleton p.13
  3. Who did the kids see out the window? The Headless Horseman p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What was suspicious about the driver of the wagon? He had a hat, wouldn’t look at the kids, deep voice, he doesn’t talk to the kids, he smacked a tree to make the bats fly out and around the kids p.23
  2. What came out of the grave as the kids passed the cemetery? A zombie p.31
  3. Who did the zombie and wagon driver end up being? Police officers Klevor and Reilly p.34

Chapter 4

  1. What police officer was in charge of the pumpkin bowling? Officer Reilly p.41
  2. What did Dink see as he ran after his pumpkin? Two men wearing masks by the wagons and horses p.44
  3. What happened in the woods where the wagons were parked? A huge fire was started p.48

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Andy think the fire started? Another prank by the police p.52
  2. How did Officer Klevor know the fire was intentional? There were match books on the ground p.54
  3. What happened to the policeman’s car tires? They were flattened p.58

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Dink flustered? He was still bothered about the two men and the flashing shoes he saw just before the fire at the wagons was started p.61
  2. How many police cruisers came to rescue the kids? 4 p.64
  3. Who was out in the field with the burned wagons as Dink and his friends drove away? The police officer dressed up as a spaceman p.66

Chapter 7

  1. What was suspicious about the cabin when the kids were dropped off by Officer Sneke? Dink’s dad said he would wait up until the kids got there, but he wasn’t there. Ice cubes were in the lemonade, Dink’s dad’s book was left opened on the chair p.69
  2. Where was Dink’s dad? Hiding in the closet dressed as a ghost p.72
  3. What did Dink realize the other man could have been who was by the wagons before they were set on fire? It could have been Officer Klevor p.75

Chapter 8

  1. Where did the kids find Officer Klevor? At the bank p.81
  2. What happened to Bonnie at the bank? Two men came to her house, told her to get her coat and took her to the bank to open the vault. She couldn’t open it and the men took money from the teller drawers p.81
  3. What was inside the mechanical horse’s belly? The money that was stolen from the bank p.87

Chapter 9

  1. Who did Ruth Rose call when they got stuck in the back of the truck with the mechanical horse? The police; 911 p.91
  2. Why did Dink want to let money out of the bags while they were driving? People might see it and call the police; the driver may stop, and they could get away p.92
  3. What did the kids feel in the dark of the barn hole? A body tied up p.100

Chapter 10

  1. Who did the children free while in the hole? The man who was originally supposed to go pick up the mechanical horse p.102
  2. Why did Dink think his dad would call the police and come find them? When the bad guys found the kids in the back of the truck, Dink had pushed the green button to the cell phone which would automatically call his dad. Then his dad would have heard the conversation and know the kids were in danger p.104
  3. Why did the kids think Bonnie was in on the bank job? She led the police to think the robbers left at midnight and had an 8 hour lead and she could get the money out after the vault opened at 8 am p.107

Chapter 11

  1. How did Dink reach up and lift the slat that covers the hole? He stood on Hank’s shoulders p.112
  2. Why did Dink want a tin can? To prop open the piece of wood p.116
  3. Why did Dink want Ruth Rose’s knife? To make the tire flat p.116

Chapter 12

  1. How did Josh, Ruth Rose and Hank get out of the hole? Dink had seen a rope when he was on Hank’s shoulders and tied it to the bumper of the truck. Hank climbed out, then he pulled the kids out one by one p.120
  2. Who came to the rescue and helped Dink out of the hole? The police; Officer Klevor p.123
  3. Who ended up being the Headless Horseman the night the kids went to the party? They don’t know; it’s a mystery p.128

Comprehension Questions – #7 Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren

Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren

By Barbara Park

Grades 1-5; Genre – Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

There’s a new boy in kindergarten, and guess what? He’s the handsomest guy Junie B. has ever seen! She and Lucille and that Grace all want him for a boyfriend. Only, he thinks Junie B. is a nutball. Just ‘cause she couldn’t stop laughing and rolling. So how is she supposed to get that boy to love her?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Grace and Junie B. try to help their friend Lucille? Lucille was being chased by a boy they’d never met, and Grace and Junie B. pretended to ride their horses and chased him away p.5
  2. Why was Lucille upset her friends had chased the boy away? She wanted him to chase her; he was a new boy at school and she thought he was handsome p.7
  3. How did Grace and Junie B. feel about the boy after looking at him and hearing a little bit about him? They wanted him for a boyfriend as well p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Junie B. want to convince Lucille she was a pig? So Lucille would introduce her to Warren p.14
  2. Where were Junie B. and Grace when they got to finally meet Warren? At the swing set p.20
  3. Why did Warren call Junie B. a nutball? She made a silly joke then rolled on the ground laughing p.21

Chapter 3

  1. Why were Lucille and Grace mad at each other at the beginning of this chapter? Grace said that Warren loves her and that made Lucille mad p.26
  2. Why is Junie B. upset about being called a nutball? Its not a very nice thing to be called p.29
  3. Who did Grace say was the nutball in her family? Her little brother, Jeffie p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Junie B. pick a grown up’s cereal to eat for breakfast? Because she ate the same kind of cereal Grace’s brother ate when he was being a nutball p.34
  2. Why did Junie B. think Warren would love her now? She ate fiber cereal instead of sugar cereal so she’s calm p.36
  3. How does Warren feel about Junie B. once she told him she was calm? He did the cuckoo sign and walked away; still thinks she’s a nutball p.45

Chapter 5

  1. What did Junie B. want to do to get Warren to like her? Buy a princess dress to be like Lucille and buy shoes with lightning bolts like Grace p.46
  2. What advice did Junie B.’s mom give her? You don’t make friends by buying things, you make them by being fun to be with, by being nice, caring about their feelings, and by being honest and not pretending to be someone you’re not p.51
  3. What did Junie B. find that made her feel like a princess? A red velvet bow on Ollie’s teddy bear p.52

Chapter 6

  1. What did Junie B. wear to school? A crown from Dairy Queen, white long princess gloves, a collar for a necklace, the red bow and her mom drew lightning bolts on her sneakers p.55
  2. Who wasn’t Warren talking to? Grace, Lucille or Junie B. p.57
  3. What does “the cat got your tongue” mean? Its an idiom for when someone is speechless, or without words to say p.57

Chapter 7

  1. What was in Handsome Warren’s hair? A tiny piece of Kleenex p.62
  2. Why was Warren angry? His dad made him move and change schools and he had to leave his friends p.64
  3. What did Junie B. do to make Warren feel better? She told him knock knock jokes p.66