Category Archives: Author

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Jaguar’s Jewel

The Jaguar’s Jewel

By Ron Roy

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

When the kids visit Dink’s uncle in New York City, they’re dazzled by his museum’s latest treasure – a statue of a gold jaguar with a precious emerald between its paws. But when the jewel is swapped for a fake, the police name Dink’s uncle as a suspect! It’s up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to uncover the real crook. Who stole the jaguar’s jewel?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. New York City also called the Big Apple; very crowded, loud, and the feeling that everyone is rushing p.4
  2. What does Uncle Warren do for a living and what is he expecting? He owns a museum; A shipment from South America that is made of priceless gold p.8
  3. Who are Uncle Warren’s friends? Jean-Paul and his wife Yvonne p.10

Chapter 2

  1. What did Uncle Warren pull out of the crate? Several gold items; A golden drinking cup made by the Incas in the 1500’s and a golden jaguar with an emerald between its paws p.16
  2. Why did Uncle Warren put the golden items back in the crate and nail it closed? Dr. Pitts was going to be coming by the next day to check out the items and make sure they were in good order, so Uncle Warren wanted to keep everything safe and together p.18
  3. Who’s Roger? Uncle Warren’s apartment building doorman. He opens doors for tenants and whistles for taxis p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Where did Uncle Warren take the kids for dinner? A Chinese restaurant called the Panda Palace p.21
  2. Why did Uncle Warren and the kids throw money into a saxophone case? A man was playing the saxophone on the street and you throw money in if you like his playing p.23
  3. What was wrong with the jaguar? The emerald stone was a fake p.32

Chapter 4

  1. How did Dr. Pitts know the jewel was a fake? The light didn’t penetrate into the jewel it just bounced off of it p.35
  2. Why did Dr. Pitts look at the lock on the door and write something on a small pad of paper? He noticed something about the lock; that it hadn’t been forced open p.37
  3. Who are the suspects for the missing jewel? Jean-Paul, James Pride and Uncle Warren p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Uncle Warren remind Dink to remember his cookie? His fortune cookie said his eyes would play tricks on him p.42
  2. What did Yvonne make for the kids while Uncle Warren was at the police station? Hot chocolate p.43
  3. What strange things happened in this chapter? Yvonne slipped through a door that disappeared into the wall; Ms. Wu went back to Uncle Warren’s office and left again; Dink remembered what his uncle said and found the key to the office in his pocket p.44

Chapter 6

  1. What was strange about the wall in Dr. Price’s office? It didn’t have any pictures or anything against it, it was just bare; it had hidden seams on it p.53
  2. What did Dink think was hidden in the wall? A secret door p.54
  3. Were the kids able to make the door open or find anything else? No p.56

Chapter 7

  1. What did Ruth Rose find in the fish tank? A glowing jewel stone; the emerald that’s supposed to be with the jaguar p.59
  2. What was the buzzing noise the kids heard? A VCR hidden in a secret compartment of the bookshelves p.62
  3. What was the conclusion after watching the tape? That Uncle Warren was the thief p.67

Chapter 8

  1. What did Josh realize happened to the letter opener? Before the lights went out it was facing the window; after the lights came back on, it was facing the other direction; someone had moved it p.69
  2. Who came into the office while the kids were there? Dr. Pitts p.72
  3. Where did the kids hide? In James’ office p.72

Chapter 9

  1. Who saved the kids when Dr. Pitts was coming into James’ office and where did she take them? Yvonne; to her restaurant through the secret passage p.76
  2. What did Josh realize would be on the letter opener? Dr. Pitts’ fingerprints p.77
  3. What did Yvonne want to do when she realized Ruth Rose had the jewel? Call the police p.78

Chapter 10

  1. Who was the real crook? Dr. Pitts p.79
  2. Why is there a secret passage between the office and Yvonne’s restaurant? It used to be a home and the servants would use it as a back-stairway p.82
  3. Who all played a part in solving the mystery? The kids, James with the camera, Yvonne saving the kids, Uncle Warren for giving the key to Dink and reminding him to remember his fortune cookie p.83

Comprehension Questions – Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1 The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief

By Rick Riordan

Grades 6-8; Genre – Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts: 13.0

Mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking out of the pages of twelve-year-old Percy Jackson's textbooks and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now, he and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Percy Jackson. Percy’s 12 years old, in 6th grade, has a rough life, went to a boarding school in upstate New York, is a half-blood, always gets in trouble on field trips, smart, knows a lot about mythology, he has dyslexia and attention deficit disorder p.1
  2. Who's Percy's Latin teacher? Mr. Brunner p.2
  3. Who's Percy's best friend? Grover p.3
  4. Describe what happened when Mrs. Dodds took Percy into the museum alone. She told him to confess and he would suffer less pain, then she turned into a hag with bat wings, claws and a mouth full of yellow fangs. She attacked Percy, but he fought back and killed her with a pen that turned into a sword from Mr. Brunner p.12
  5. How did everyone react when Percy went out of the museum and asked where Mrs. Dodds was? They didn’t know who he was talking about and that there wasn’t a Mrs. Dodds at the school p.14

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Percy go down to Mr. Brunner’s office and what did he hear? He wanted help studying for the Latin test; Mr. Brunner and Grover talking about Percy, the incident at the museum and how Percy was in danger p.19
  2. Why did Percy think it was ironic when Grover said he had to protect him? All year long he’d been fighting bullies for Grover and here Grover was supposed to protect him p.24
  3. What did Grover think the snipping of the yarn meant? That Percy was going to die p.28

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Percy’s mom. Her name is Sally Jackson; her parents died when she was 5 years old; her uncle raised her; she saved money to go to a good writing program at college, but her uncle got sick and she had to quit work and high school take care of him; with no money left and no degree, she met Percy’s dad; they weren’t married, but he got lost at sea; she worked hard to get her high school diploma; worked at a candy shop in Grand Central station p.29
  2. What does Percy know about his father? Kind; tall, handsome, powerful and gentle; black hair like Percy’s p.38
  3. Why did Percy’s mom send him away for school? She thought it would be far enough away to keep him safe; he’s been in danger at every school he’s gone to p.40
  4. Why did Grover get after Percy’s mom at the cabin? She shouldn’t have taken Percy to the cabin, but didn’t know what had happened to Percy at school to know what danger he was in p.42

Chapter 4

  1. What type of creature is Grover? A satyr p.45
  2. Describe the creature after Percy? A Minotaur at least 7 feet tall; arms and legs were big with muscles; wore no clothes but white underwear; course brown hair started at his belly and got thicker as it reached his shoulders; his neck a mass of muscle with fur leading up to his enormous head; had a snout as long as Percy’s arm; snotty nostrils with a gleaming brass ring; cruel black eyes and sharp black and white horns p.50
  3. What happened to Percy’s mother as the Minotaur grabbed her? He squeezed her around her neck and she turned into a shimmering golden form and vanished in a flash of light p.53
  4. How did Percy defeat the monster? He jumped onto his head and held onto his horns; he pulled back on one of the horns and snapped it off; he was on the ground and as the Minotaur ran by Percy stabbed him in the side with the horn and the monster disintegrated like crumbling sand and blew away in the wind p.54

Chapter 5

  1. How long had Percy been unconscious from the fight with the Minotaur? 2 days p.59
  2. What did the drink with a straw and umbrella taste like and how did it make Percy feel? Percy’s mom’s chocolate chip cookies; like he could throw Nancy Bobofit 100 yards; he was full of energy p.60
  3. Why did Mr. Brunner or Chiron go to Yancy Academy? Grover had found Percy and thought he was special, so he went to see for himself and he taught him p.64
  4. What did Mr. D and Chiron explain to Percy while playing pinochle? The Greek Gods and everything in Greek mythology is real p.68
  5. What type of creature is Mr. Brunner? A centaur p.74

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Grover getting chewed out by Mr. D? He was supposed to be a protector, but Percy saved him from the Minotaur and it didn’t look like he had much courage p.76
  2. Describe Camp Half Blood. Large area with strawberry fields, a canoeing lake, stables, large barn, lots of cabins, javelin range, a sing-along amphitheater, archery range, and an arena where there are sword and spear fights p.79
  3. What did the twelve cabins represent? Each of the 12 gods p.80
  4. What was Annabeth’s explanation for Percy’s dyslexia and ADHD? He was meant to read Ancient Greek; he’s impulsive and wasn’t meant to sit for a long time because he has battlefield reflexes; his attention problems are because he sees too much, his senses are better than regular mortals p.88
  5. What did Percy do in response to Clarisse trying to shove his face into the toilet? He made the water shoot out of the toilets and showers and push her and her friends out of the bathroom p.91

Chapter 7

  1. Why do half-bloods live at the camp and how long do they stay? For safety, depending on their parent-god; monsters may chase and kill them; they stay depending on if it’s safe to out into the world p.96
  2. Where is Olympus located? Empire State Building on the 600th floor p.99
  3. Define the word prophecy and explain why Annabeth is so intent on finding “the one”. Prophecy: a prediction; Chiron was told by the Oracle that she wouldn’t be able to go on a quest until someone special came to the camp p.102
  4. Why did Percy change his drink to a blue cherry coke? In honor of his mother, since she made food blue for him p.104

Chapter 8

  1. How did Percy receive strength to knock the blade out of Luke’s hand? He poured water over his head; the water made him stronger and his senses keener p.110
  2. Tell Thalia’s story. She was a daughter of Zeus, but he’d broken an oath to not have any more children, but Hades found out and sent his worst monsters after her. She almost made it to the camp, but had her keeper take the other two half-bloods and save them while she tried to fight the monsters p.114
  3. Describe the interaction between Percy and Clarisse and her gang during Capture the Flag? They ganged up on Percy; she electrocuted him with her spear and one of her gang sliced his arm with their sword and pushed him into the water; Percy received strength and he defeated Clarisse and her house mates p.121
  4. Who is Percy’s father? Poseidon the Sea God p.126

Chapter 9

  1. Describe Percy’s dream and what type of figurative language is it an example of? He was running to stop two gods from fighting, but the wind kept pushing him back, there were palm trees and buildings different from New York, the ground shook and evil laughter coming from beneath the ground said “Come down, little hero. Come down.”, the ground split and Percy fell in; foreshadowing p.130
  2. What are Poseidon and Zeus fighting over? a lightning bolt; Zeus’ master bolt; Zeus is blaming Poseidon for stealing it p.135
  3. Why does Zeus think Poseidon had Percy steal his lightning bolt? Poseidon and Zeus were fighting at winter council and the places where the bolts are created is in the ocean; Poseidon just revealed that Percy was his son and Percy was in New York City during the winter solstice p.136
  4. What did the Oracle tell Percy? You shall go west and face the god who has turned; You shall find what was stole, and see it safely returned; You shall be betrayed by one who calls you friend; and you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end p.141
  5. How is Annabeth appearing out of thin air? She has a magic baseball cap she wears to make her invisible p.148

Chapter 10

  1. What was the gift Luke had given to Percy for his quest and why did he give them to Grover? Luke’s flying shoes from his dad; Percy shouldn’t take to the air since Zeus had control of the air p.151
  2. What gift did Mr. Brunner give to Percy and where had he gotten it from? The pen sword called Riptide; he got it from Poseidon to give to his child p.153
  3. Why did Percy’s mom marry and stay with Gabe? To protect Percy; Gabe smelled so human it covered up Percy’s half-blood smell and protected him from the monsters p.158
  4. Explain the interaction between Percy, Grover, Annabeth and the Furies on the bus. They were all on the bus, the furies started to go to the back of the bus, Percy put on Annabeth’s magic hat and crept up and hid in a seat while the Furies passed; Percy got to the front of the bus, but the Furies were after Annabeth and Grover since he’d disappeared; Percy grabbed the steering wheel and made the bus crash into a tree; he took of the hat and the Furies came after him; he pulled out Riptide and defeated two of them; Mrs. Dodds was left and the kids were able to get away with lightning striking the bus and the kids running into the woods p.163

Chapter 11

  1. What was the business the three characters came to as they exited the woods and how did Grover feel about it? Aunty Em’s Garden Gnome Emporium; a strange business that had a forest of statues on the front lawn; he thought it was strange and smelled monsters p.171
  2. Why wasn’t Percy anxious to leave the shop like Annabeth and Grover? His food had made him sleepy p.176
  3. What creature was Aunty Em and describe her? Medusa; she had a head of snakes and she turned people to stone when they look her in the eyes p.180
  4. What did Percy send to Olympus and why? Medusa’s head; because he was angry at them p.186

Chapter 12

  1. What did the Furies say that confused Grover and Annabeth? Instead of saying where is he, they said where is it? P.192
  2. What was Percy’s dream in this chapter? Percy stood in a dark cavern before a large pit; spirits of the dead tried to pull him back, but Percy felt compelled to walk to the very edge of the chasm; the pit was black and seemed bottomless, but Percy could feel something huge and evil trying to rise from the abyss; a voice spoke to him calling him a little hero and that he was too weak and young, but would do; it also said he’s been mislead and to barter with it and he would give Percy what he wanted and he saw his mother before she died; the voice told Percy to help him rise and to bring him the bolt to strike a blow against the gods; the spirits of the dead whispered around him to wake up; Percy felt the thing in the pit wasn’t trying to pull him down, but was using him to pull itself out p.194
  3. What did Grover find to help them travel west? A poodle they could return to its family to get the reward money to pay for train tickets p.195

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Annabeth run away from home? Her dad and stepmom treated her like a freak and wouldn’t let her play with their mortal children, if anything dangerous happened with monsters they would look at her like, “how dare you put our family to risk” p.201
  2. Describe a time Athena and Poseidon worked together? Athena invented chariots and Poseidon created horses out of the crest of waves p.202
  3. Describe the creature the chihuahua turned into. He turned into a Chimera: a rabid, fire-breathing, poisonous creature with a head of a lion and the body and hooves of a goat, a serpent for a tail with a ten-foot long diamondback growing out of its behind p.207
  4. Why did Percy jump from the arch into the river? To escape the Chimera; Echidna tempted him to do it; he was hoping the water would help him heal and that he would find his sword p.210

Chapter 14

  1. What did Percy realize as he was underwater in the river? He could breathe and he was dry p.213
  2. What did the messenger tell Percy? His dad wanted him to go to the beach in Santa Monica before going to the Underworld; to not trust the gifts; his father believes in him p.214
  3. Why is Percy wanted by the police and being talked about on the news? He is being accused of hurting his mom, hurting the three old women on the bus, and for causing the damage to the arch p.217

Chapter 15

  1. How did Annabeth call Half-Blood Hill from Denver? They created a rainbow and threw a Drachma in to the goddess of rainbows, who carries messages for the gods, and asked to be connected p.220
  2. Who came to eat dinner with Percy, Annabeth and Grover and why? Ares; he wanted Percy to get his shield at a waterpark p.227
  3. Why didn’t Ares want to retrieve his shield himself? It was a trap Hephaestus made to make Ares and Aphrodite look like fools p.236
  4. How did Percy and Annabeth survive the prank? Percy made water come through the pipes and take their boat on the ride; they then jumped to safety with Grover trying to slow their fall p.238

Chapter 16

  1. What information about Percy’s mother did Ares tell him? That she’s not dead, but being held hostage p.244
  2. How did Percy, Annabeth and Grover travel to Las Vegas? In a big semi with animals in the back p.245
  3. What did Percy dream of in this chapter? At first, he was in school in a straight jacket trying to take a test with Thalia next to him in the same situation. The straight jacket melted off Percy and he went to give Hades a piece of his mind. He found the same voice talking to someone else about him and the bolt. The voice realized Percy was there with them and gave him a dream of his quest and he saw his mother frozen in golden light and he was turning into a skeleton p.252
  4. What casino did the kids go in and what happened to them in there? The Lotus Hotel and Casino; they were given a room and card with unlimited money and then showered and ate; they enjoyed all of the cool things and perks of the casino and Percy started talking to people and realized they didn’t know how long they’d been there and wasted 5 days in there p.258

Chapter 17

  1. What was Annabeth’s piece of evidence that they were on the right track by going to the Underworld? Percy saw spirits of the dead in his dream p.269
  2. Who did Percy talk to in the sea at Santa Monica and what did she tell him? The same messenger he met in the Mississippi River, a Nereid; She told him that they’ve been watching him grow up with interest and that Poseidon can’t play favoritism to him so can’t help Percy directly; she gave him three pearls to use in times of great need and gave advice on how to beat Hades p.271
  3. What happened in Crusty’s Waterbed Palace? Crusty is the owner and put Annabeth and Grover on a bed. The bed had ropes come out and tie them down. Then more ropes came out grabbed them and began to stretch them out to fit 6 feet long. Percy distracted Crusty and tricked him into lying onto one of the beds and gave the word to make the ropes tie him up, then he loped off his head p.277
  4. How did Percy and his friends find the location of DOA Recording Studio? On a billboard coming out of the waterbed store p.282

Chapter 18

  1. How did the kids get past Charon? Percy bribed him with a lot of Drachmas p.286
  2. As the kids traveled in the elevator on the way to the Underworld, how did the spirits of the dead and Charon change? The spirits of the dead went from wearing normal clothes to gray hooded robes and Charon transitioned to wearing a black robe, his eye sockets were black empty sockets and the flesh of his face became transparent p.288
  3. Who is Cerberus and what was the “plan” to get past him? The creature/dog guarding the Underworld; to throw a stick and hope he plays fetch to leave the entrance p.293
  4. When the plan didn’t work what did Annabeth do? She found a red ball she’d gotten from the water park and told the creature to sit and threw it to him. Grover and Percy got through, then she threw it again and the three heads fought over it, so she could sneak through as well p.295
  5. Why did Annabeth shed tears? It reminded her of her own dog and taking him to obedience school; She was sad about Cerberus and that she couldn’t help him p.298

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the Field of Asphodel. A huge area with a million people whispering and milling around, standing on black grass with clumps of black poplars, a light moist swampy breeze p.300
  2. Why did Annabeth and Percy have to chase Grover? His shoes started flying on their own and he sped ahead of them p.303
  3. Where did the shoes lead them to? A huge dark cavern with a chasm that was in Percy’s dream p.304
  4. Why did Hades send the Furies after Percy? Hades thought Percy had stolen his magic helm p.312
  5. Why had Hades taken Percy’s mother? To barter with Percy to get his helm back p.315

Chapter 20 

  1. What god did the kids run into after arriving on the beach? Ares p.321
  2. Who stole the lightning bolt and helm and why? Ares; to start a war between the three gods p.322
  3. How did Percy win and what happened to Ares? Percy was able to stab Ares in the heal and make him bleed Ichor, his godly blood, an evil came and stopped Ares from killing Percy, then he disappeared in a flash p.330
  4. How did Percy get the helm to Hades like he promised? He gave it to Mrs. Dodds since she works for Hades p.331

Chapter 21

  1. How did Percy convince the guard at the Empire State Building to let him see Zeus? Showed him the lightning bolt p.336
  2. Who was sitting on their thrones as Percy reached Olympus? Poseidon and Zeus p.339
  3. Who’s in the pit that’s been in Percy’s dreams? Kronos p.344
  4. What was on Percy’s bed and what did he decide to do with it? Medusa’s head; leave it for his mom as a weapon to turn Gabe into a statue if needed p.350

Chapter 22

  1. What did the letter from Percy’s mom say? She made Gabe a statue and sold him to an art gallery; got a new apartment and is going to go to school the next semester; she had put a down payment down for a good private school in NYC if Percy wants to go p.355
  2. Where was Grover heading? On a quest to look for the god Pan p.357
  3. Who is the friend that has betrayed Percy? Luke p.365
  4. Where did Annabeth and Percy decide to live during the winter? At their homes with their families p.374

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #4 Prince Caspian

Prince Caspian

By C.S. Lewis

Grades 3-8; Genre – Fantasy; GRL T; AR pts: 7.0

Narnia…the land between the lamp-post and the castle of Cair Paravel, where animals talk, where magical things happen… and where the adventure begins. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are returning to boarding school when they are summoned from the dreary train station (by Susan’s own magic horn) to return to the land of Narnia—the land where they had ruled as kings and queens and where their help is desperately needed.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What happened to the children at the train station and where did they find themselves? They felt a pulling and realized magic was at work; the train station disappeared and they found themselves in a thicket. They worked their way out and found a beach p.4
  2. Where did the children find a stream they could drink from? More than halfway around the island on the beach p.9
  3. What did the children find after drinking out of the stream? Apples trees and a wall with an arch leading into a large open area p.11

Chapter 2

  1. What did Susan find by the well and what did it remind her of? A gold chess piece; Being a queen in Narnia and playing chess with the fauns and giants of Narnia p.19
  2. Where were the children? At their castle in Narnia in Cair Paravel p.20
  3. What did the children find in the treasure room? Suits of armor, rings, bowls, dishes, necklaces, gems, big padlocked chests, and their gifts from Aslan p.25
  4. Describe the children’s gifts from Aslan. Lucy was a small diamond bottle full of a healing cordial; Susan’s was a bow, arrows and a horn that calls and sends for help; Peter’s is a sword and shield; Edmund didn’t get one p.27

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Susan shoot an arrow? Two soldiers were going to throw a tied-up dwarf into the water p.33
  2. Why did the soldiers want to kill the dwarf? He said he was a criminal p.36
  3. Who is the dwarf? King Caspian’s messenger p.39

Chapter 4

  1. What were the stories Caspian’s nurse told him about that his uncle didn’t like? Stories of old Narnia p.43
  2. Describe Doctor Cornelius. He was very short and fat; very old, ugly and kind with a twinkle in his eyes; knew about old Narnia and taught Caspian p.46
  3. Why did Doctor Cornelius take Caspian to the tower in the middle of the night? To show him two stars; to tell him about Narnia, the tower is the only place they should ever talk about it p.51
  4. Why is there a belief that ghosts live in the woods? The Telmarines don’t want their people to go to the sea since Aslan is from across the sea, so they let the wood grow and told them there were ghosts in it p.55

Chapter 5

  1. When did Doctor Cornelius awake Caspian in this chapter and why? In the middle of the night; because he knew Miraz was going to kill Caspian, so he helped pack food, a sword and clothing so Caspian could escape p.57
  2. Why does Miraz want to kill Caspian? Caspian is the real king. Miraz’s wife had a son so if Caspian is dead, his son will become king p.60
  3. Find a metaphor on page 61. “You must fly at once.”
  4. Where was Caspian after waking up from hitting his head while riding his horse? In a cave on a bed of heather being nourished by a badger and two dwarves p.67

Chapter 6

  1. How did the animals feel when Trufflehunter introduced Caspian to the animals of old Narnia? Excited; happy; kissed him p.73
  2. What gifts did the dwarves give to Caspian, Trumpkin and Nikabrik? Mail shirts, helmet and swords p.76
  3. How did the Fauns respond to the news of King Caspian? They were merry; danced and played their music around him p.82

Chapter 7

  1. How did Doctor Cornelius find the war council and why? He used magic; he knew Caspian had been found out and needed to tell him his life and all of Old Narnia’s was in danger p.88
  2. What’s Aslan’s How and why was it a good place to stay during a war? It’s a cave of tunnels built around a magical stone to the Narnian’s with lots of room for stores and people when needing to retreat p.91
  3. Why was the Giant Wimbleweather so sad? He ruined a battle by attacking at the wrong time and place p.93
  4. What missions were Pattertwig and Trumpkin sent on? Caspian was going to blow Susan’s horn and they were sent to different places where help would come. Pattertwig was sent to Lantern-hill and Trumpkin sent to the mouth of the river where the castle Cair Paravel is p.97

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Trumpkin feel like the horn didn’t work? It called children not warriors to help them p.102
  2. Why did the children have competitions with Trumpkin? To show him they were more than children p.107
  3. What did Lucy do for Trumpkin? Used her cordial to cure his wound p.108
  4. What did the children call Trumpkin? DLF: Dear Little Friend p.111

Chapter 9

  1. What did Lucy do when she couldn’t sleep? She got up, walked around, and spoke to the trees, trying to wake them p.116
  2. How did Trumpkin protect Lucy? He shot a bear that was sneaking up on her p.121
  3. Why did the children think they were lost? The river they came to was far below them in a gorge and they remember the river being different p.124
  4. Why was Lucy crying bitterly at the end of the chapter? She had seen Aslan and knew he wanted her to follow them, but no one would believe her p.128

Chapter 10

  1. What shot at the children and dwarf as they could see the Great River and where they fought the Battle of Beruna and why? Arrows; Miraz has an outpost in that area and they saw the traveling party p.133
  2. What were the trees doing when Lucy woke up and saw them? dancing, moving around p.138
  3. Who had called to Lucy while she was sleeping and why? Aslan; she was to wake to the others and tell them to follow her p.143
  4. How did Lucy have the strength to wake to the others and do what Aslan asked her to? Aslan gave it to her; she put her face in his mane and she could feel lion strength going into her p.143  

Chapter 11

  1. How did the children feel about following Lucy and doing what she said? Edward was the only one fully supportive of her since she’d been right before; Susan didn’t want to follow at all, but because Peter did, they all followed p.147
  2. Why did it take so long for Susan and the Dwarf to see Aslan? They didn’t believe; bad attitude p.152
  3. How did Aslan make friends with the Dwarf? Aslan called him to him, threw him in the air after grabbing him with his teeth and asked if they could be friends p.154
  4. How did Aslan call the Narnians? By roaring p.156

Chapter 12

  1. When Peter, Edmund and Trumpkin went into the Mound, what did they hear the King, Nikabrik, Doctor Cornelius and the others talking about? That the horn didn’t work and Nikabrik spoke of another way to win the battle p.163
  2. Who were the visitors that came to the war council? Nikabrik’s friends; they know black magic p.165
  3. Who did Nikabrik want to bring back so they could have power? The White Witch p.168
  4. Who died from the fight in the council room? Nikabrik, the Hag and the Wer-Wolf p.172

Chapter 13

  1. What was Peter’s strategy to winning the war? He was going to challenge Miraz to single combat (a duel) p.175
  2. Who was chosen to go with Edward to deliver the message to Miraz? Glenstorm and the Giant Wimbleweather p.178
  3. Explain what Sopespian and Glozelle spoke of as they realized Edward was bringing a challenge to Miraz. If Miraz won the challenge the war would be over, but if he died, he wouldn’t be their king anymore p.180
  4. How did these two convince Miraz to accept the challenge? They suggested he would be a coward and have no honor if he didn’t accept since Peter and Edward look so dangerous p.182

Chapter 14

  1. Who caused the first blood to be drawn in the duel and how? Peter stabbed Miraz in the armpit p.191
  2. How was Peter hurt? his wrist got sprained from the shield driving into it p.192
  3. How did the duel turn into a full battle? Spespian and Glozelle interrupted the battle when MIraz wa face down from tripping and shouted out the King Peter had killed him while he was lying down. Then Glozelle stabbed Miraz and the battle ensued p.194
  4. How did the chains loosen from the river god? Bacchus and his people made vines grow all over the bridge and it collapsed p.198
  5. Who was the old woman Aslan healed while she was in her bed? Caspian’s old nurse p.204

Chapter 15

  1. What did Lucy do for Reepicheep? He was almost dead when the other mice brought him before Aslan. He asked Lucy to heal his wounds. He revived but was still missing his tail that had been cut off p.207
  2. How did Reepicheep convince Aslan he needed his tail? Because mice have been made small, so they have to prove their honor and dignity; all of the other mice had their swords drawn to cut off their own tails; because of the love the mice have for each other and for the kindness the mice showed to Aslan long ago when they chewed the cords when the White Witch killed him p.209
  3. How did the food appear for the great feast? Wherever Bacchus, Silenus and the Maenads danced it appeared p.211
  4. Where are the Telmar’s originally from? The same world (our world) that Peter, Susan, Edward and Lucy came from p.216
  5. How did the children and Telmarines get back to their original homes? A magical doorway p.218

Comprehension Questions – The Sign of the Beaver

The Sign of the Beaver

By Elizabeth George Speare

Grades 3-5; Genre – Historical Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 5.0

Until the day his father returns to their cabin in the Maine wilderness, 12-year-old Matt must try to survive on his own. During an attack by swarming bees, Matt is rescued by an Indian chief and his grandson. A Newbery Honor Book.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story? In Maine during summer of 1768 at brand new township; Matt and his father had built the first cabin p.2
  2. Why did Matthew’s father leave him alone at the cabin? He went back to their home in Quincy, MA to get Matthew’s mom, sister and new baby and bring them to the new cabin p.2
  3. What two things did Matthew’s father give him before he left and how will that help Matthew while he’s away? A watch- it will keep him company while he’s gone; a rifle- for protection p.4
  4. How old is Matt when his father leaves him? 12 years old p.6

Chapter 2

  1. How was Matthew feeling about living alone in the wilderness? He liked it; could do the chores and other tasks as he pleased and when he pleased; he filled his days up quickly p.7
  2. How did Matthew feed himself? He shot rabbits and ducks; caught fish; had flour to make cakes p.8
  3. What’s the advice Matt’s dad gave him about the Indians? Be polite if you should ever meet one p.9
  4. Why was Matt uneasy about the Indians? He could feel one was watching and around, but never got to see him p.10

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Ben and what happened in the town he left? Heavyset, stomach bulging, wearing a ragged blue army coat, tangled reddish whiskers, said the town was after him and he decided to go get some beaver pelts and live with the Indians p.11
  2. Why was Matt uneasy with Ben? He didn’t know how long he’d stay at the cabin, he didn’t know if he could trust him, didn’t’ know if he was dangerous p.17
  3. What was the consequence of Ben seeing the gun and Matt falling asleep? Ben stole the gun p.18

Chapter 4

  1. How had Matt been careless in this chapter? He didn’t bar the door well enough and a bear got in and scattered the flour and ate the molasses p.20
  2. How was Matt going to have to survive without flour, salt and molasses? On fish as long as he had a fishing line p.21

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Matt so anxious to get some honey from the bees? He was tired of plain fish and wanted something tasty p.22
  2. What’s Matt’s consequence for disturbing the bees? He got stung all over p.23
  3. Who saved him and how? Two Indians; they got him out of the water and pulled out the poisonous needles from the stings; carried him home and gave him medicine p.26

Chapter 6

  1. How did Saknis help Matt when he saw he was awake? Checked his ankle to see if it was broken, left delicious food for him; gave him a crutch and moccasins to wear since Matt lost one of his boots p.27
  2. How did Attean respond to Matt? He looked like he despised him and the cabin along with everything in it; seemed to inwardly laugh at Matt p.28
  3. What did Matt give to repay Saknis for the kindness his gave him? A book; Robinson Crusoe p.29
  4. What are the signs Saknis is talking about? The writing in the book p.30
  5. Why did Saknis want Matt to teach Attean to read? So he could understand what the white man writes; the white man has fooled the Indians because the Indians haven’t understood their writing p.31

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Matt call Attean a savage? Indians were considered savages when the colonists first came to America; the colonists didn’t realize how intellectual and kind the Indians were p.32
  2. Find a simile on page 33. As rigid as a cedar post p.33
  3. Describe how the first reading lesson went. Attean could pick out the letter “a”, but got impatient and left p.35

Chapter 8

  1. What did Matt decide to do for the next reading lesson? He wanted to get Attean interested in learning to read, so he read a portion of Robinson Crusoe p.37
  2. How did Attean respond? He didn’t look at all interested but ended up making comments about the story p.37

Chapter 9

  1. What did Attean teach Matt to do? Make a snare to catch a rabbit p.40
  2. Give some examples of the offerings Attean would bring Matt. Meat, nuts, cakes p.41
  3. How did Attean feel about the passage Matt read to him? He said it wasn’t right; the Indian would never say he was a slave to a white man p.43

Chapter 10

  1. Explain how Attean taught Matt how to fish. Made a spear, got in the water and threw it at a fish p.46
  2. Why did Matt decide to fish his usual way? He made a fool of himself and thought Attean was mocking him p.47
  3. What else did Attean teach him after Matt lost his hook? How to make a hook out of a twig, how to make fire with a rock and how to cook the fish they caught p.48

Chapter 11

  1. What did Attean say when he saw Matt pulling weeds and what does it mean? “Squaw work”, the women do that work p.52
  2. Describe Attean’s dog. Mangy tail, thin, coat of coarse brown hair, whitish patches on his face that made him look like a clown, pointed nose with bumps and bristles, ears were beat up like they’d won lots of battles p.52
  3. Where did Attean take Matt? To a part of the woods he’d never been to; to a beaver dam p.55
  4. What will help Matt find his way to where he wants to go and not get lost? Making signs like the Indians p.57

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Matt want to make a bow? He was tired of eating fish and wanted something to shoot birds and other animals p.59
  2. Describe how Attean and Matt made a bow. Got a thick branch, took off the bark, used a stone to smooth it and shape it; used roots to make the string p.60

Chapter 13

  1. Why couldn’t Attean and Matt have the fox or let it go? It was on the Turtle Clan territory and the Beaver clan don’t take animals on the Turtle Clan territory p.64
  2. Why was Matt so confused and angry about leaving the fox? He couldn’t understand the Indian code that makes an animal suffer just because of a mark on a tree p.65
  3. What had Attean learned from Matt in the time they spent together? He could speak English more easily and picked up some slang words and phrases p.67

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Attean disappointed that Matt’s finished reading Robinson Crusoe to him? He likes to tell the adventures he hears to his brothers p.68
  2. What did Matt read from to share more stories with Attean? The Bible p.68
  3. What story did Attean tell Matt? A similar one to Noah building the ark and the rain flooding the earth p.69
  4. Who’s Gluskabe? A mighty hunter that came from the north who was very strong. He made the wind blow and made thunder. He made all animals and Indians p.70

Chapter 15

  1. What did Matt and Attean run into on the way to the beaver dam? A bear and her cub p.72
  2. Describe what happened between the boys and the bear. The bear looked angry, Matt threw a rabbit he had just shot at the bear and hit her in the nose. Attean then had time to shoot the bear two times and stab her with a knife. Matt stabbed too, but she was already dead p.72
  3. What did Attean say to the bear? That he was sorry he had to kill her, he didn’t want to p.74
  4. What will Matt have to show his father that he helped kill a bear? Attean’s praise that he moved fast like an Indian p.75

Chapter 16

  1. Where did Attean take Matt the evening they killed the bear? To his home to participate in the bear feast p.77
  2. How did Matt feel around the children and other tribe members after being alone so long at his cabin? Confused from all the noise; overwhelmed p.79
  3. How did Matt feel as he danced with the Indians? Happy, excited, relaxed, like he was one of them p.81
  4. Attean said he wouldn’t eat this dinner since he had killed it. Why? It’s their tradition to not eat what you kill; there was a pride there; he might not get another bear p.82

Chapter 17

  1. Where had all the men gone and why hadn’t Attean gone with them? Hunting; He couldn’t go because he didn’t have a gun p.86
  2. Why didn’t Attean’s grandmother want Matt to come to the feast? She doesn’t like white man; they shot Attean’s mother. Then Attean’s father went to find the man who killed his mother and never came back p.87
  3. What was Attean’s response when Matt said that Indians did the same thing to white settlers and that the white women were afraid to come out of their cabins? Attean asked why the white settlers built their cabins on the Indians’ hunting grounds p.88
  4. Why had Saknis invited Matt to the feast when his wife was opposed to it? Out of kindness or fairness since Matt had helped to kill the bear p.89

Chapter 18

  1. What did Matt find in a trap on the Turtle clan territory? Attean’s dog p.92
  2. How did Matt get into to see Attean’s grandmother? He spoke with authority to the girls who came out of the stockade p.94
  3. What did Attean’s grandmother do for Matt’s hand? She washed it and put a salve with a bandage on it p.96
  4. How did Matt get the dog out of the trap? He had gone for help at Attean’s home; Attean’s sister Marie came with Matt; she put a blanket over the dog’s head and Matt was able to get the trap open p.97

Chapter 19

  1. Why was Matt so curious and interested while watching the squaws work? He was interested to see how they did things since he had to do the same work at his cabin p.100
  2. What activities did the Indian boys let Matt participate in? A gambling game of sticks, a game of hitting the ball with sticks and putting it in the goal, swimming p.100
  3. How did Matt lose his shirt? By losing at the gambling game p.101
  4. Why didn’t Matt feel alone in the forest anymore? He had made a positive bond with the tribe p.105

Chapter 20

  1. What’s a manitou? A spirit that comes in a dream; all Indian boys need to have one p.107
  2. How was Attean supposed find his manitou? He had to make special preparations: bath himself carefully, take special medicine to make him clean inside and out, go far into the forest and build himself a wigwam of branches, he would stay alone for many days and wouldn’t eat anything, he could drink a little bit of water from the brook at night, sing sacred songs, repeat the ancient prayers of his people, and wait faithfully, then when he received it he could go back to his people p.108
  3. Why was it so important for Attean to find his manitou? He couldn’t hunt with the men until he received it p.109

Chapter 21

  1. Why did Saknis come with Attean to visit Matt? To ask him to come with the Indians up north on the hunt so he wouldn’t be alone during the winter p.111
  2. Why couldn’t Matt go with them on the hunt? He had to wait in case his father and family came; he was entrusted with taking care of the cabin p.112
  3. Why do you suppose Attean didn’t say good-bye? He was too proud; he would come back to see Matt before leaving p.114

Chapter 22

  1. What did Matt do to finally earn Attean’s respect? Stay at the cabin and wait for his father instead of going with Attean and Saknis p.115
  2. What gifts to Saknis and Attean give to Matt before leaving? Snowshoes, a small basket of maple sugar and the dog p.116
  3. What gift did Matt give to Attean? The watch his father left with him p.118

Chapter 23

  1. What did Matt do with one of the blankets from his bed and why? He made pants because it was cold outside p.122
  2. How did Matt make his fur hat? He made a deadfall trap, caught an animal, scraped the skin clean, washed it, rubbed and stretched it smooth, then sewed it p.124
  3. What did Matt make for his family as he waited for them? new dishes for his mom, a cradle for the baby, a cornhusk doll with silk hair for Sarah p.125

Chapter 24

  1. How did Matt know it was going to snow? The clouds were dark gray, feeling in the air p.127
  2. What helped Matt feel free and happy with the winter ahead and why? The snowshoes; they gave him a freedom to move about the snow p.129

Chapter 25

  1. Who showed up at the cabin? Matt’s family p.130
  2. What had taken them so long to get there? They all got sick with typhus and were all too weak and sick to travelp.131
  3. Why was the baby with Matt’s family? It only lived five days and then died p.132
  4. Was Saknis right about more white men coming? Explain. Yes.  Matt’s mother heard from another couple that they were settling 5 miles from their cabin and three other families were coming and were going to set up a mill; they would have a town and maybe a school p.135

Comprehension Questions – #6 Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim’s Birthday

Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim’s Birthday

By Barbara Park

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

That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday — except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to "It's a Small World After All" in Disneyland?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Junie B. do with the chocolate birthday cakes when she told Lucille she’d throw them in the trash? She snuck behind the trash can and ate them p.2
  2. What made Lucille so angry at Junie B.? Junie B. was showing her how to eat her ice cream and some fell in Lucille’s lap p.5
  3. What does “laying low” mean? It means stay out of the way and to not draw attention to yourself p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What’s the name of Jim’s birthday party for this year? Old MacDonald’s Farm p.11
  2. Who was Jim inviting to his birthday party? Everyone in their class but Junie B. p.13
  3. How did Junie B. feel about being left out of Jim’s party? Very sad p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Junie B. have to wait to rock on her grandma’s lap and when could she get a turn? Her brother was already in her lap and she had to wait for him to go to sleep p.17
  2. Where did Junie B. go to say the things she didn’t like? Under her covers p.19
  3. What did Grandma mean when she told Junie B., “you’ve got to stop worrying about that boy’s party. He’s just trying to get your goat?” Jim’s just trying to make Junie B. sad and mad p.21

Chapter 4

  1. What advice did Junie B.’s parents give her deal with not getting invited to Jim’s party? Pretend she doesn’t care that she’s not invited to the party p.29
  2. Where did Junie B. decide to move to? Disneyland’s It’s a Small World After All ride p.29
  3. How is Grampa Frank Miller helping Junie B. deal with her problem? He invited her over to do odd jobs on Saturday p.31

Chapter 5

  1. How did Junie B. react when her mother tried to help her dress for school? She said she was moving and didn’t need to wear school clothes and made her body stiff p.36
  2. How did Junie B. get an invitation to the party when she first got to school? She took it from William p.41
  3. What creature did she act like to get the invitation? A bee p.41
  4. Who made sure William got the invitation back? Mrs. p.45

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Junie B. want to be twins with Lucille? Junie B.’s thinks twins do everything the same and so if Junie B. doesn’t go to the party, Lucille can’t go to the party either p.50
  2. Why was Junie B. sent to the principal’s office? She made Jim turn his head around p.51
  3. Why didn’t Junie B. want to go to the principal’s office? Her mother told her not to be sent there again p.54

Chapter 7

  1. Who did the principal call on the phone? Junie B.’s mom p.58
  2. What did the principal put over Junie B. so others wouldn’t see her on the naughty chair? A big paper bag p.60
  3. Why was Jim in the principal’s office? The principal was talking to him about being mean to Junie B. and made him apologize to her; Jim then gave her an invitation because his mother told him to give one to everyone in his class p.64

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Junie B. go with her mother Saturday morning? To the store to buy Jim a birthday present p.67
  2. What did Junie B. want to buy for Jim? A tool belt p.69
  3. Why was Junie B.’s mother worried to buy the tool belt? Junie B. loved it so much she might want to keep it for herself p.71
  4. Why did Junie B. nail her door shut? So her mom wouldn’t come and get her to take a bath and wrap the tool belt for the party p.75

Chapter 9

  1. How was Jim ruining Junie B.’s Saturday? She had to go shopping; take a bath and get clean and give away the tool belt p.79
  2. How did Junie B.’s parents help her see that being the “only one” is ok? They told her the good ways it is to be the only one p.80
  3. What happened to the tool belt? It got returned to the store p.82

Comprehension Questions – Brian’s Hunt

Brian’s Hunt

By Gary Paulsen

(This book contains graphic scenes of animal violence and gore)

Grades 6-8; Genre – Fiction; GRL S; AR pts: 3.0

This story takes place two years after Brian had been stranded in the Canadian wilderness. When Brian finds a dog one night, a dog that is wounded and whimpering, he senses danger. The dog is badly hurt, and as Brian cares for it, he worries about his Cree friends who live north of his camp. His instincts tell him to head north, quickly. With his new companion at his side, and with a terrible, growing sense of unease, he sets out to learn what happened. He sets out on the hunt.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Brian’s dreams right after the accident of crashing in the lake and how they’re different now. They were more tarrying and traumatizing then and now they’re more fond memories and comical p.2
  2. How old is Brian now? 16 yrs old p.2
  3. Why did Brian decide against shooting the moose? It was a lot of meat to deal with and he didn’t want to waste any of it p.5
  4. Why did Brian think about Susan Smallhorn? She sounded interesting; pretty; brave; had a scar under her eye he thought of as a beauty mark; he’d never met her p.6

Chapter 2

  1. Why had school and studying become different after his airplane crash? He started to realize the things you could learn and know from books. Being in his life and death situation changed his perspective p.10
  2. Why did the world Brian’s parents live in look ugly to him? He didn’t like the sights, sounds and smells anymore. They focused on “things”, money, the right car, the right girls and the right clothes p.11
  3. Why did Brian take so long to move the canoe after studying the pike? He didn’t want to scare it p.14
  4. What lesson did Brian learn from the Inuit hunting seal? To be patient and not get frustrated p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Brian check his equipment every day? To make sure it was in good shape; make sure it was all there p.21
  2. Why did Brian like to sleep in the canoe in the middle of the lake? Less mosquitoes, like a cradle rocking him to sleep p.24

Chapter 4

  1. How did Brian wake up in the middle of the night? He heard an odd sound and he’s very in tune with odd sounds out in the wilderness/bush p.27
  2. What was making the sound? A dog that was in his cooking spot p.30
  3. How did Brian know the dog he could approach the dog? It was wounded, it was female and a type of dog he had seen in Cree camps, whimpering and not growling p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Describe the dog’s condition. Its side was ripped open about 1.5 feet long, there was a torn back flap of skin on the shoulder that exposed muscle p.33
  2. How did the dog respond to Brian sewing up it’s shoulder? Moaned, looked him in the eyes, seemed to trust him p.36
  3. What Brian know about the dog? She was a female, she was a human dog, couldn’t hunt for herself, away from her people and wondered why so far away from them p.38
  4. What kind of thinking skills is Brian using to figure out what happened to the dog and what conclusion did he come to? Critical thinking, process of elimination; a bear attacked the dog p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What were the two reasons Brian gives of why the rabbit screamed when he shot it? It warned other animals there was a predator and other predators came to the area out of curiosity p.46
  2. What were the ingredients to Brian’s stew? Rice, rabbit meat, fish meat p.48
  3. How does the author describe how Brian felt about the dog? She was a friend in need p.50
  4. Explain why you think Brian felt a push to move and go north? He felt a pressing need to know where the dog came from and why it was injured p.50

Chapter 7

  1. How did Brian get over the beaver dams as he was traveling? He had to unload his canoe, lower it by hand, then repack it in the stream below p.54
  2. What does the phrase mean, “he saw inside things” relating to hunting? He saw a line of where the arrow should hit p.56
  3. Why did Brian say “thank you” to each animal after he had killed it? Because it cost the animals their lives to feed him and he was grateful to them p.49

Chapter 8

  1. What did Brian realize about having a dog? That he would never go without a dog again, there was a loneliness that was always there, until now p.61
  2. Why did Brian think the dog left his people? Something hurt them or the camp p.62
  3. How did Brian know he was in the woods where man lived? The animals were quiet and out of sight p.66
  4. How did the dog feel about drawing nearer to the island? She was up and whining and growling p.67

Chapter 9

  1. Who did Brian find and what condition was this person in? David Smallhorn; he was ripped up and dead p.72
  2. Why didn’t Brian grab the gun? He wasn’t as familiar with it and knew his broadhead could do good damage p.74
  3. Where did he find Anne’s body? Dragged off into the brush p.76
  4. What had happened to Susan? She was berry picking along the shore and saw what had happened as she came back and ran back to the canoe and was able to get away from the bear p.79
  5. Where did Brian find Susan and what condition was she in? down the lake 4 miles from the island; she was crazed and exhausted p.82

Chapter 10

  1. What was Susan’s reaction to finding out both of her parents are dead? Sobbed for hours p.86
  2. Where were the two small children? In Winnipeg with relatives p.86
  3. Why did Brian want to stay on the island and not fly out with the rescuers? He wanted to hunt the bear p.87

THE HUNT

  1. Why was Brian able to trust the dog? She could smell out the bear’s tracks even if Brian couldn’t see them; the dog would warn him if there was danger p.91
  2. How was Brian able to discern between the bear he was hunting to the other bears he saw? The other bears didn’t chase him or go after him; their claw prints were different since the big bear had a missing claw and broken claw p.93
  3. How did Brian feel when he first realized the bear was hunting him? Scared; coldness on his neck, no breath, everything stopped 94
  4. How did Brian fight the bear once his bow was knocked out of his hands and the bear attacked him? Picked up arrows that had been flung to the ground around him p.96
  5. Was Brian satisfied now that he’d killed the bear? Explain. No, he just felt sorrow for his friends that had died p.98

Comprehension Questions – #2 Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business

Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business

By Barbara Park

Grades 1-4; Genre – Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

Junie B.'s mom is about to have a baby. Junie B. isn't excited about the new baby until her grandma says he's a little monkey.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Junie B. know how to spell baby? Her mom is going to have a baby p.1
  2. How does Junie B. feel about having a little brother or sister? Not very excited p.4
  3. Why was Junie B. upset at the news? She was expecting a present after her parents said they had a surprise; babies stink p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What’s Junie B.’s favorite jungle animal? A monkey p.9
  2. Why did Junie B. think Teeny would be a good name for their baby? Because babies are small p.12
  3. What were Junie B.’s parents pasting on the wall? Jungle decorated wallpaper p.14

Chapter 3

  1. What did Junie B. have for dinner when her parents went to the hospital? Lemon pie p.18
  2. Why was Junie B. afraid while sleeping in her grandpa’s guest bedroom? It was a dark and big room p.19
  3. What did Grandma Miller really mean when she said, “Your new brother is the cutest little monkey I’ve ever seen!”? That her brother was such a little darling and not really a monkey p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Grace made at Junie B.? because Junie B. didn’t ride the bus and save her a seat, so she had to sit next to someone she didn’t want to p.25
  2. Why did Grace and Lucille begin fighting? Grace was jealous of Lucille finding out Junie B.’s secret p.26
  3. What did William bring for show and tell? Two dead crickets in a jar p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What did Junie B. share about her brother during show and tell? That’s he’s a monkey p.33
  2. Why does Junie B. think her brother’s a monkey? Her grandma said so; she also told Junie B. he has long fingers and toes, lots of black fur all over himself; the crib looks like a cage and her parents put jungle wallpaper on the walls of his room p.35
  3. How does Mrs. feel about Junie B.’s news? She’s suspicious and called it monkey business p.37

Chapter 6

  1. What were Grace and Lucille doing in this chapter? Fighting over who would see Junie B.’s baby brother first p.39
  2. How did Junie B. respond to their fighting over this privilege? She got gifts from them p.44

Chapter 7

  1. Who helped Grace and Lucille get their things back from Junie B.? Mrs. p.48
  2. How did Grace and Lucille feel about giving their things to Junie B.? sad p.49
  3. Where did Mrs. take Junie B. after finding out what happened on the playground? To the office to see the principal p.52

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Junie B. go to the principal’s office and have to tell him what happened? Because she was in trouble p.55
  2. How did the principal help Junie B.? he understood what her grandma meant and called her grandma to explain it to Junie B. p.58
  3. How did Junie B. respond to learning her baby brother was a real little baby and not a monkey? Sad p.60

Chapter 9

  1. What did the principal explain about the way adults talk sometimes? He gave examples of metaphors/figurative language since adults use that to show expression p.63
  2. Who met Junie B. after school and what did they bring with them? Junie B.’s parents and her baby brother p.65
  3. How does Junie B. feel about her baby brother now that she’s met him? She thought he was the cutest little monkey she’d ever seen p.68

Comprehension Questions – Little Women (Unabridged Version)

For the abridged version click here.

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott

Grades 4-9; Genre – Fiction; GRL Z; AR pts: 33.0

Growing up in New England during the Civil War, the March sisters share everything — their joys and troubles, their loves and secrets. But the four girls couldn't be more different. Meg, the oldest, is the sensible writer. Jo is funny and mischievous. Beth is the shy, dreamy one, and Amy is pretty and artistic. From dances to despairs, through weddings and funerals, the March girls stand as sisters. This is one family you will never forget.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Part I

Chapter 1

  1. What is the setting, the characters’ situation and explain what they’re doing at the beginning of the story? New England during the Civil War in a home in front of the fire and it’s almost Christmas; they’re all sitting around talking and complaining about not being rich and how their father is away to war p.3
  2. Describe each character. Meg: 16 years old, the oldest of all four sisters, good big sister who lectures them; Josephine or Jo: 15 years old, Tom-boy, bookworm, loves to write, jokester, loud; Elizabeth or Beth: peace maker, the “Mouse” or pet of the family, loves music, shy & quiet, gentle, her father calls her “Little Tranquility”; Amy: the youngest, around 12 years old, carries herself like a prim and proper young lady, artistic, feels she’s the most important out of the sisters
  3. How do the girls feel about their mother and what do they call her? They adore her; Marmee p.7
  4. What motivated the girls to become and do better? A letter from their father p.11

Chapter 2

  1. What did the girls all receive from their mother on Christmas morning? Books (possibly the Bible) p.14
  2. What good deed did the March family do on Christmas morning? Give breakfast to a very poor family with a sick mother; gave them wood and started a fire to warm their freezing home; Hannah the house servant stuffed the cracks of the house with old hats and her own shawl; gave them clothes p.17
  3. How did the March family spend Christmas day? After serving the family down the lane, they got out their costumes and props and put on a play about Roderigo and his love Zara. Then they had a lovely dinner p.23
  4. Who brought the March family such a lovely dinner and why? Old Mr. Lawrence because he heard of the girls helping the family that morning and wanted to send them a treat p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What happened to Meg’s hair as Jo curled it? The curling iron was too hot and burned her hair off p.27
  2. Why was Jo destined to not enjoy the party? She had to hide and not dance because of her clothes and she’s not prim and proper like the other girls and instead would rather go talk to the boys, but isn’t able to p.28
  3. Why did Joe and Laurie get along so well? Jo was comfortable to be with and Laurie had interesting things to talk about p.30
  4. What happened to Meg the party? She twisted her ankle p.33
  5. How did the girls get home from the party? In Laurie’s carriage p.34

Chapter 4

  1. Why did the girls work and have jobs? Because their father lost his property by trying to help a friend and the girls wanted to help their parents bring in income p.39
  2. Describe why Meg struggles with being poor. She remembers when her family had wealth and knows what she’s missing out on and the family she works for is wealthy and has sisters that are her age and doing the things she wants to be doing p.39
  3. Why didn’t the March’s let their Aunt March adopt the girls? They didn’t care about money, worldliness or the fortune they would have gained and know that staying all together rich or poor was more important p.39
  4. List two things that are important to Beth. Taking care of the dolls; music p.41
  5. Summarize Marmee’s experience she’d had that day that she shared with the girls. She was at work thinking about her husband at war, when a man came in and said two of his sons died, one was a prisoner of war and he was going to the one son he could go to. She felt rich and happy, thinking of her blessings and made him a nice bundle, gave him some money and thanked him for the lesson he had taught her p.46

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jo visit Laurie? He invited her; he was sick and wanted to read to him so he wouldn’t be lonely p.50
  2. Describe what happened when Mr. Laurence overheard Jo making comments to herself while looking at his picture? He liked what she said, he knew her grandfather and invited her to tea p.55
  3. What medicine did Jo’s mom send to help Laurie get better? Jo p.57

Chapter 6

  1. What influence did the March girls have on Laurie? Good; made him want to be better p.61
  2. How did Mr. Laurence mend his relationship with Beth? Spoke kindly to her; invited girls to play his piano p.62
  3. What did Mr. Laurence give to Beth as a thank you for the slippers she made him? A piano p.64
  4. What did Beth do in response to receiving the piano? Walked into Mr. Laurence’s study, kissed and hugged him p.66

Chapter 7

  1. What do the limes represent at the beginning of this chapter? Friendship, popularity and they were debts of honor p.69
  2. Describe Mr. Davis. Amy’s teacher; didn’t like limes or any other fad the girls go through; very intelligent; fine teacher p.70
  3. Explain how Amy became humiliated. Getting slapped by the ruler on the hand for bringing limes to school p.72
  4. How did Mrs. March respond to Amy’s punishment? She didn’t like it and took her out of the school, but still felt Amy shouldn’t have disobeyed the rules p.73

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Meg and Jo get to go that made Amy jealous and whine like a spoilt child? The theatre with Laurie p.77
  2. What did Amy do to get revenge on Jo? Burned her manuscript p.79
  3. What was Jo’s reaction to Amy burning her book? She said she’d never forgive her and stopped talking to her p.80
  4. What helped Jo repent of her anger towards Amy? Jo didn’t stop her from ice skating to the middle of the river and Amy fell in p.82

Chapter 9

  1. Where was Meg going for a fortnight and why was her mother hesitant to give permission? To be with a girl named Sallie who has a fashionable life; her mother was worried since Meg would probably come back feeling more discontented then she already was p.89
  2. What did Laurie send Meg that helped cheer her up? Flowers p.91
  3. Describe the interaction between Laurie and Meg at the party? She was embarrassed to be all dressed up; Laurie disapproved of her dress and behavior; they danced and Meg asked him not to tell her mother p.97
  4. How did MIrs. March respond to Meg’s confessions? She felt sorry that she allowed her daughter to have to deal with her experiences of overhearing the Moffat’s gossip p.101
  5. What ambitions does Mrs. March have for her daughter? To marry for love; to be respected, happy, contended, beloved rather than to be rich and not respected; She’d rather them be old maids then to marry for the wrong reasons p.103

Chapter 10

  1. Why would the sisters call their private club the “Pickwick Club” if they liked Charles Dickens? It was the name of his first novel p.105
  2. What was included on the “Pickwick Portfolio”? poems; stories; letters to Pickwick; news; dedications; advertisements; announcements; helps p.105
  3. Why didn’t the girls want to allow Laurie into their club? They were worried he’d laugh and make fun of their paper; they’re not proper p.111
  4. What did Laurie bring as a gift of joining the P.C.? a mailbox/post office to put between their homes p.112

Chapter 11

  1. What’s the experiment the girl’s mom said they could try? To have all play and no work the entire week p.115
  2. What happened when the girls woke up and found Hannah wasn’t working in the morning? They were a bit dismayed, but got to work and put together breakfast and tea p.118
  3. What happened to Meg’s canary a result of her not doing her jobs and taking care of him? He died p.119
  4. What was the lesson the girls learned that week of idleness? Comfort depends on each doing their part; burdens are good for us and work is wholesome; it keeps everyone out of mischief; 124

Chapter 12

  1. What did Laurie invite the girls to? A picnic at his house the next day p.128
  2. Describe Jo’s experience playing croquet. She was highly competitive with Fred, who rolled his ball with his foot. Jo was angry and called him a cheater. Her ball got knocked away and she came back cool and quiet. She was patient and won her team the game p.132
  3. What was going to happen to Mr. Brooke after Laurie headed off to college? He’s to become a soldier p.142
  4. What language did Miss Kate encourage Meg to continue learning? German p.142

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Laurie follow the girls as they left their yard? He was anxious since he was having a bad day and wanted to spend time with them p.147
  2. What’s the Celestial City spoken of? Heaven p.150
  3. What plan did Jo make while spending the afternoon on Delectable Mountain? That in ten years they would all meet and see how close they were to making their castle (or dream) p.152
  4. What was the result of Meg’s reprimand and motherly kindness toward Laurie? He resolved to do his duty and stay with his grandfather while he needs him p.155

Chapter 14

  1. What’s a billiard saloon and why didn’t Jo want Laurie to go in one? A bar with a pool table; she’s worried he would get in bad habits of spending money, wasting time and becoming unrespectable p.159
  2. What secrets did Laurie and Jo exchange? Jo had turned in two stories to the newspaper; Laurie knew where Meg’s missing glove is p.161
  3. Why was Jo emotional and thrilled at her stories being published? It meant a lot to her to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved p.165

Chapter 15

  1. What did the telegram say that came to the March’s home? Their father is ill and beckoned Mrs. March to come at once p.168
  2. What did Jo do to contribute to Mrs. March’s travels to go help her husband? Earned $25 by cutting off her hair p.171
  3. Who went from bed to bed looking at each girl and kissing each face? Mrs. March p.174

Chapter 16

  1. What motto did the girls come up with to say while Mrs. March was away? “Hope and keep busy” p.177
  2. Who wrote letters to Mrs. March? Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, Laurie, Hannah, Mr. Laurence p.178
  3. What did the letters express? Their love for Mrs. and Mr. March; what they’re doing at home; how others are treating them p.178

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Beth want the other girls or Hannah to go to the Hummels? The baby was sick and she didn’t know what to do p.186
  2. Describe Beth’s experience at the Hummels when no one else would go? The baby died in her arms and now she has Scarlet Fever as the rest of the family p.188
  3. Why was Amy upset she was being sent to Aunt March’s? she didn’t want to be gotten rid of; it’s dull at Aunt March’s and she’s cross p.189

Chapter 18

  1. Why did the doctor send for Beth’s mom? Because Beth was getting near death p.195
  2. In what ways did Laurie comfort Jo? Got her wine, held her hand, spoke encouragingly, stroking her head, telegrammed her mother about the sickness so she’d be there tonight p.196
  3. What did it mean for Jo to “fly” at Laurie and how did he respond? She wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her; He liked it p.198
  4. What turn did Beth take in the night as the doctor predicted? She turned for better; her fever went away p.200

Chapter 19

  1. Describe Amy’s experience at Aunt March’s home. Difficult; the dog and bird made things difficult; Aunt March desires to bring her up properly; Esther is kind and helpful to her and lets her look through the jewelry in the Indian cabinet p.203
  2. What legal document did Amy write and why was it so important to her? A will; to make sure her treasures were handed out and that no ill will was caused in case she died p.208
  3. What was Amy’s last and greatest sacrifice that she wanted to add to her will? Her locks cut off and given to her friends p.210

Chapter 20

  1. What did Aunt March give to Amy? The turquoise ring and guard p.213
  2. What was Amy’s biggest trial? Being selfish p.214
  3. How does Mrs. March feel about John Brooke and why? She likes him; he spoke to her and Meg’s father about loving Meg; he’s respectable and has a good heart p.216
  4. How does Meg feel about John Brooke? She doesn’t love him yet, but will learn to p.217

Chapter 21

  1. What was the mischief Laurie got into and why? Jo wouldn’t tell him her secret and he figured it was about Mr. Brooke and Meg, so he wrote love letters from Mr. Brooke to Meg p.220
  2. Why was Laurie so upset when Jo went to go apologize to him? His grandfather wanted to know why Jo’s mother wanted to talk with him and he wouldn’t say since he’d promised Mrs. March, so his grandfather got angry and shook him for not telling p.224
  3. How did Jo make peace with Mr. Laurence? Told him that Laurie had already gone through the process and really wasn’t able to tell on account of someone else involved and that Mr. Laurence should write a letter apologizing to Laurie p.228
  4. How did the prank from Laurie affect Meg? It made her think more about Mr. Brooke in a romantic way p.230

Chapter 22

  1. What was the grandest gift on Christmas Day? Mr. March returning home p.234
  2. What did the March girls’ father say about each of them? How proud he is of them; complimented and noticed how each of them is maturing and growing in the areas they’ve been working on p.236

Chapter 23

  1. What was Meg’s original plan to tell Mr. Brooke if he asked her to marry him? That she’s too young and that they should continue to be friends p.241
  2. How did Meg respond when Mr. Brooke professed his love to her? She acted strangely and said she’d choose not to learn to love him, to please go away and let her be p.243
  3. What did Aunt March say to switch Meg over from acting strangely toward Mr. Brooke to defending him? If Meg married Mr. Brooke, she wouldn’t receive any money from Aunt March’s inheritance p.244
  4. Why was Jo so upset with Meg’s engagement? She felt she had lost her best friend p.249

Part II

Chapter 24

  1. What’s Mr. March’s line of work? He’s a minister at a parish p.253
  2. Describe Meg and John’s first home. The name of it is Dovecote; small and brown with a little garden behind it and a tiny lawn p.256
  3. How did Laurie come by the nickname “Mr. Toodles”? Jo named him that because every week he was bringing an “ingenious article” for Meg to help her get her home ready p.258
  4. Why does Laurie spend so much money? He loans it to people p.262

Chapter 25

  1. What is the metaphor on page 266 that describes Mrs. March’s feelings and what does it mean? “there was a secret sorrow hidden in the motherly heart, at the flight of the first bird from the nest”; it means her mother was sorrowing for her first daughter leaving home p.266
  2. Describe Meg on her wedding day. She wore a dress she made herself; didn’t want to be made up to be a show, but wanted to be herself; kind and loving; thoughtful; didn’t care if people saw her in her wedding dress before the wedding p.267
  3. What promise did Meg press Laurie into making? That he would never accept wine from a young lady p.169
  4. What did Mr. Laurence mean when he said, “Laurie, my lad, if you ever want to indulge in this sort of thing, get one of those little girls to help you, and I shall be perfectly satisfied.” If Laurie ever wanted to get married, have one of the March girls help him plan it and put it together p.271

Chapter 26

  1. Why does being an attractive and accomplished woman come easily to Amy? She was a happy person who could please others without effort, she could make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily p.274
  2. How did Amy want to show appreciation to her friends at the art school? Having them over for a lunch and art day p.275
  3. Who all came to Amy’s gathering? One young woman, Miss Eliott p.281
  4. What did Amy gain from this experience? That she had been a fool p.282

Chapter 27

  1. What did Jo decide to try after talking with the boy at the lecture? Writing a story that wasn’t her style for a prize p.285
  2. What did Jo’s prize money pay for? Time away for Mrs. March and Beth to go to the sea-side p.287
  3. How much money did Jo get for her novel? $300 p.289

Chapter 28

  1. Who is the Martha the author is referring to at the beginning of this chapter? Martha the sister of Mary in the Bible who Jesus told was “careful and troubled about many things” as she was cumbered about much serving p.291
  2. Why was Meg crying in the kitchen as John arrived home with a friend for dinner? She had tried all day to make the jelly become thick and wasn’t able to and the house was a mess and she was exhausted p.295
  3. What was the consequence of Meg buying the silk for the dress? She felt terrible and it haunted her since it was so expensive; made John feel bad that he didn’t make very much money p.302
  4. How did this chapter end? John and Meg had twins named Margaret and John Laurence p.305

Chapter 29

  1. How did Jo feel about making calls with Amy? She didn’t like it at all; she didn’t like dressing up or acting agreeable p.308
  2. How did Jo act around rich people? She didn’t put on airs and felt like she could tell stories since the people knew they were poor p.311
  3. What’s Jo’s reaction to boys? She’s very comfortable; casual; doesn’t care about her dress so gets it dirty; loves to share stories p.313
  4. Describe the contrast between Amy’s attitude and Jo’s attitude by the time the girls called at Aunt March’s? Amy was angelic, kind and grateful; Jo was harsh, independent and negative p.317

Chapter 30

  1. Why did Amy get angry at the Chester’s? May was jealous of Amy and found out about the things Jo had said about her, so told her mother and they made Amy leave the table she had been given p.322
  2. What quote did Amy read that helped her love the Chesters? “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” p.322
  3. Who came and helped Amy out during the fair? her family; Laurie and his friends; Hayes by bringing lots of flowers p.324
  4. What did Aunt March and Aunt Carrol invite Amy to do? Go abroad and travel p.328

Chapter 31

  1. Who came to visit Amy while in London? Laurie’s friends Fred and Frank that Amy met at Camp Laurence p.335
  2. Who joined Amy’s touring group in France and why was Amy grateful? Fred; he spoke French; he’s very agreeable and polite p.337
  3. What does Amy assume Fred is going to ask her? To marry him p.340

Chapter 32

  1. What did Jo think the matter was with Beth upon her first observation? That she was in love with Laurie p.343
  2. What do you predict is wrong with Beth? Could be she’s sad to not marry; she’s in love with Lauri; she’s still very weak and sick p.349
  3. Where does Jo want to go and why? New York to a boarding-house; she fears Laurie is growing too fond of her p.350
  4. What did Laurie tell Jo as they said good-bye? That his eye was on her and to mind what she does, or he’ll come and bring her home p.352

Chapter 33

  1. Who does Jo find interesting at Mrs. Kirke’s home? Professor Bhaer p.356
  2. Who follows around the Professor? Tina p.357
  3. What agreement did Jo and Mr. Bhaer come to? She would mend his things; he would teach her German p.362
  4. How did Jo and the boarding-house celebrate the New Year? They had a masquerade p.364

Chapter 34

  1. Why was Jo nervous to write another novel? Because of the public opinions she received the first time around p.367
  2. What effect did Jo feel from writing sensational stories? She was beginning to desecrate some of the womanliest attributes of a woman’s character p.371
  3. What did Jo realize about the celebrities she saw at the symposium? That they were just like everyday people p.373
  4. What did Mr. Bhaer say that troubled Jo? The sensational stories in the newspapers are trash p.376

Chapter 35

  1. What did Laurie finally tell Jo? That he loved her p.384
  2. What made Laurie so upset about the Professor? He felt that Jo loved him or would learn to love him p.385
  3. Why didn’t Laurie want to go abroad anymore? He wanted to stay home to call on Jo still; he never planned to go abroad alone p.390
  4. What did Mr. Laurence plan to help Laurie get through his heartache? Traveling abroad with him p.391

Chapter 36

  1. What’s Beth secret? That she’s dying p.395
  2. What did Beth compare her health to? The tide of the ocean p.396
  3. What did Jo’s parents know about Beth upon their arriving home from the beach? That Beth was going to die p.398

Chapter 37

  1. Who came to spend Christmas with Amy in Nice? Laurie p.400
  2. What did Amy notice as she first spent time with Laurie? That he had changed and seemed dispirited and indifferent p.402
  3. What did Laurie notice as he spent time with Amy? That she was mature, carried herself well and was interested in and like what he saw as he looked at her p.403
  4. How did the two like the new impressions they were giving and receiving? They found them agreeable p.410

Chapter 38

  1. Why did John go to the neighbors in the evening? Because Meg was always busy with the babies and he felt uncomfortable and even lonely p.412
  2. What’s the advice Meg’s mother gave her about John? Children should draw you nearer to each other than separate you; let John help her in the nursery with the babies; Let John take care of Demi and let Hannah come and help her p.414
  3. How did Meg’s mother’s advice help? John was pleased; he helped with Demi and Meg was glad for it; he read to her what he was interested in and he asked in return about the bonnet she was sewing p.421
  4. Why did Sallie Moffat like to be at Meg’s home? There’s a charm there with the love between Meg and John as well as the joy that comes from children p.423

Chapter 39

  1. Why did Amy get easily frustrated with Laurie? Because he was lazy and indifferent p.428
  2. Why doesn’t Amy want to be an artist anymore? She realized how insignificant she was after going to Rome and seeing the wonders there p.429
  3. What did Amy figure out after seeing the old ring Jo gave Laurie? That Laurie loved Jo and she rejected him p.433
  4. What was Amy’s advice to Laurie and how did she show him who he used to be? Find another task that will make him happy; by showing him a picture of the past when he was taming a horse p.435

Chapter 40

  1. How did Beth’s family show their love to her as she came closer to death? Gave her the most pleasant room in the house; surrounded her with the things she loved; all put their work things in there to be with her consistently p.439
  2. How was Beth preparing for death? Praying, reading the Bible and singing songs p.441
  3. Why did Jo’s poem comfort Beth? She realized she had done good and helped someone p.444
  4. What’s the “valley of the shadow”? death p.444

Chapter 41

  1. Why did Laurie begin to wish he had to work for his daily bread? He needed something purposeful to do and it wasn’t easy to do this being rich p.448
  2. How was Mozart an example to Laurie? When he couldn’t have one sister, he married the other p.450
  3. What did Laurie do once Jo had responded and left him no hope of her loving him? He took of the ring, put it in the box with Jo’s letters and locked them all up. Then he started writing Amy p.451
  4. How did Laurie propose to Amy? During the day when they were on the lake and were sitting side by side rowing together. Laurie said that he wished they might always pull in the same boat, then asked, “will you, Amy?” p.457

Chapter 42

  1. What was Jo trying so hard to do? Her duty; devote her life to her parents as she promised Beth and cheerfully live for others p.461
  2. Explain why Jo’s heartfelt stories were now accepted and paid for? Jo put her heart into it and didn’t write for fame or money, so it was good and true p.462
  3. Why didn’t Marmee tell Jo her suspicions about Amy and Laurie? Jo might be jealous; she might congratulate them before things were finalized; since Jo was so lonely, she might have said yes if Laurie came back and asked again p.463
  4. Who did Jo wish would come to her? The professor p.465

Chapter 43

  1. Who did Jo see as she woke up from her nap? Laurie p.468
  2. Why were Amy and Laurie married before coming home? The Carrol’s were staying another winter and Mr. Laurence wanted to come home and Laurie was to join him, but the Carrol’s wouldn’t let Amy go without a chaperone p.470
  3. What kind of relationship will Laurie and Jo continue to have? A brother, sister relationship p.471
  4. Who arrived after Amy and Laurie and how did Jo feel about it? Mr. Bhaer; she was thrilled and so happy p.476

Chapter 44

  1. What are Laurie’s plans now that he’s married and back at home? He wants to start his own business p.483
  2. How does Laurie feel about Jo marrying Mr. Bhaer? He’s happy for her though he does wish he was younger and richer p.485
  3. What’s Amy’s dream come true now that she’s married to Laurie? She has the power to give freely p.485
  4. What bargain did Amy and Laurie make with each other at the end of the chapter? They would help other people in need p.487

Chapter 45

  1. Describe Daisy. Rosy, chubby, sunshiny, everyone was a friend and she offered kisses to them p.489
  2. Describe Demi. Very inquisitive, philosopher, wanted to know everything p.490
  3. Who did Mr. Bhaer call on when he visited? Mr. March p.492
  4. Why did Jo squeeze Demi in the china closet and give him a slice of bread with jelly instead of punishing him? She was happy to learn Mr. Bhaer was referring to her in his answer to Demi asking about great boys liking great girls p.494

Chapter 46

  1. How did Jo feel about Mr. Bhaer not visiting for three days in a row? Cross; agitated p.496
  2. How did the shopping go with Mr. Bhaer? Her shopping didn’t go well, but when she shopped for things he needed it went really well p.500
  3. What happened under the umbrella? Friedrich asked Jo to marry him p.502
  4. What did Jo call the Professor and how did he respond? Friedrich; he was grateful p.503

Chapter 47

  1. What did Jo decide to do with Plumfield that was left to her by Aunt March? She wants to open a boys’ school p.511
  2. Why did she want to open a boys’ school? She loves boys and wants to help them p.513
  3. How many children did Jo and Fritz have? Two boys p.515
  4. Describe Amy and Laurie’s daughter and how she is similar to Amy’s sister Beth. She’s frail and sickly p.519

Comprehension Questions – Ready, Freddy! Halloween Fraidy-Cat

Halloween Fraidy-Cat

By Abby Klein

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

Join Freddy and his friends for another 1st grade adventure! The eighth in the popular series by an elementary school teacher who's seen it all.

Since Freddy is in the first grade, he should be old enough to go to a Halloween party without his parents. When a ghostly howl terrifies Freddy and all of his friends at the party, can Freddy find the courage to save the day?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

What did Chloe invite everyone in the class to? A Halloween party p.9 

What does Freddy like to dress up as for Halloween? Different kinds of sharks p.14

How does Freddy feel about scary stuff? He doesn’t like it; he’s worried he’ll get nightmares for months if he sees something scary p.19

Chapter 2

What does it mean to be a “fraidy-cat”? someone who is easily scared p.22

Where does Freddy’s shark costume come from every year? His mom makes it p.29

How did Freddy behave so his family would support him going to the party? Pretended to not be scared p.30

Chapter 3

What did Suzie want to be for Halloween? Frankenstein’s bride p.34

What was on the wall that scared Freddy? Scary masks p.36

What did Freddy decide to be after going to the costume store? A shark p.40

Chapter 4

What type of figurative language is “scare the pants off you” and what does it really mean? Idiom; you frightened me very badly p.43

What game did Max love? Bobbing for apples p.46

Why did Max threaten Freddy? Freddy made a comment about Max’s mouth being big, so Max told Freddy he’d be sorry for saying that and to wait until the party p.48

Chapter 5

What always helped Freddy feel better? Rubbing his lucky shark tooth p.50

How was Suzie a good sister in this chapter? She helped Freddy find his lucky shark tooth p.52

How did Freddy whisper to himself when looking at himself in the mirror with the costume on? That he was a big, tough shark p.57

Chapter 6

What characteristic did Freddy have as he went to the party even though he was scared? Courage p.59

Who did he hold hands with and why? Jesse because she wasn’t scared of anything p.61

Describe the Halloween party. Dracula and Frankenstein were there; Dracula let the children into a room with skeletons and ghosts floating around; another room full of coffins with zombies coming out and screaming; a room full of jars the children had to put their hands in that felt that eyeballs, brains and worms; a room with bats flying around; games p.62

Chapter 7

What game did Max challenge Freddy at? Bobbing for apples p.70

What helped Freddy not be afraid during the contest? Max calling him a fraidy-cat; pretending he was a shark p.75

Who won the contest? Freddy p.76

Chapter 8

What noise did the children hear coming from the basement? An eerie noise p.80

Who went downstairs to check it out? Max and Freddy p.81

Summarize what happened when Max and Freddy went downstairs? Max was so scared he couldn’t move and Freddy went to go check out what the noise was and found a kitten p.84

What was Freddy’s response to Max being a fraidy-cat? Freddy was very kind and didn’t tell any of the other kids and in fact told them that Max and he saved the cat together p.86

Comprehension Questions – Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia

By Katherine Paterson

Grades 4-8; Genre – Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 5.0

There's only one thing Jess Aarons is looking forward to in fifth grade, and that's being the fastest kid in school. He's been practicing all summer. He hasn't had much else to do, since his mom spends all her time with his four sisters and his dad is always working. But when Jess arrives at the school playground to show off his speed, his new neighbor, Leslie Burke, beats him to it. She's way faster than Jess. But instead of being jealous, Jess admires Leslie's skill, confidence, and wild imagination. The two become instant friends, spending hours in the woods by their houses creating a magical kingdom. Then tragedy strikes, and Jess is left alone. How can he ever go on?

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Jesse, loves to draw, love to run and wants to win at school, straw colored hair, long legs, 10 years old, in 5th grade determined p.4
  2. Find an example of figurative language and what type it is on page 5.  like a country music star – simile;  Pop her buttons - simile; something to chew their cuds on - idiom 
  3. Describe the main character’s family situation. He had three sisters, two younger with May Belle who adored him, and two older sisters; they all seemed to whine and complain about him to their mother; his mother didn’t have much patience for him and doted on his sisters; Jesse’s dad drove a truck and was tired all of the time p.6
  4. On page 7, what does “Miss Bessie’s bag is probably dragging ground by now” mean? Her udder is so full of milk it’s dragging on the ground p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Who did Jess love and adore? Miss Edmunds the music teacher Why? She had a soft voice, played the guitar well, was gorgeous and kind to him about his art p.14
  2. What word would you use to describe how Jess felt when his father paid attention to the little girls? Jealous; sad p.19
  3. Who did Jess meet in this chapter? His neighbor, Leslie Burke p.22

Chapter 3

  1. Why was everyone shocked to see the new student Leslie Burke, when she came into class? She was dressed in faded blue jeans and a t-shirt, wearing shoes without socks when the rest of the students were wearing their Sunday best p.24
  2. Where did the students each their lunch? In their classrooms p.29
  3. Why didn’t Jess want to look at Leslie during the races? Maybe she would go away; he didn’t want her there p.32
  4. Who had run the race and how did Jesse react? Leslie; Jess still wanted nothing to do with her p.35

Chapter 4

  1. Explain the change that happened to Jess during music time. He wanted to become Leslie’s friend p.40
  2. How did students respond to Leslie stating she didn’t have a television? Shocked; made fun of her p.44
  3. How did Leslie get May Belle to go home when she and Jess wanted to run in the woods? Gave her paper dolls p.48
  4. What is Terabithia? A pretend country where Leslie and Jess would build their fortress p.51
  5. How did Jess feel about Leslie? She was more than a friend; she was his other, more exciting self p.59

Chapter 5

  1. Why was May Belle so upset with Janice Avery? Janice stole her twinkies p.62
  2. How did Leslie and Jess get back at Janice for stealing the twinkies? Writing a love note from a boy everyone has a crush on; humiliating her p.65
  3. How did Leslie distract the teacher Mrs. Pierce from going into the classroom where Jess was hiding the note for Janice? To go look at a nest and identify what built it p.68
  4. Why were May Belle’s eyes shining at the end of this chapter? She was so happy and excited Jess and Leslie got Janice back for stealing her twinkies p.71

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Jess want to give Leslie a Christmas present? She was a good friend; he cared for her p.73
  2. Who is Prince Terrien? The puppy Jess gave Leslie for Christmas p.77
  3. Describe two examples of how Jess’s family reacted on Christmas morning? Jealousy for not getting hose, frustration cars wouldn’t work on racetrack, crying since doll stopped talking, showing off and rubbing in present, patience with May Belle p.80
  4. What did Leslie do to help it feel like Christmas again? She came and visited with Jess while he milked the cow that morning p.82

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jess have a hard time liking Leslie’s dad? He was jealous of him taking all of Leslie’s time p.86
  2. How was Jess helpful to Leslie and her dad? He knew how to do things around the house p.87
  3. Why was Janice Avery crying in the bathroom? She’s embarrassed because she told her friends about her father beating her and they told the entire seventh grade p.95
  4. Why was it so important to Jess that May Belle keep Terabithia a secret? It’s a special place that he and Leslie go, and he doesn’t want that to get ruined p.98

Chapter 8

  1. was Leslie interested in going to church on Easter? She’d never been to church before and she’d like to experience it p.103
  2. How did Leslie feel about the church service? She thought it was beautiful p.107
  3. What did May Belle, Jess debate about after church? That Leslie needed to believe in the Bible or she’d be damned to hell p.109

Chapter 9

  1. What was the result of Jess and Leslie’s adventures to Terabithia as rain was pouring? Wet; had to cross the creek bed as it rose higher and higher; water beginning to leak into their fortress p.115
  2. Why did Jess want to go to Terabithia when it was raining? It scared him p.119

Chapter 10

  1. When thinking about crossing the creek come summertime, what solution did Jess come up with to help him get over his fear? Leslie could teach him to swim p.122
  2. Why had Miss Edmunds invited Jess to go to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.? so he could go to an art gallery p.126
  3. How was the display of the Indians and buffalo like Jess’s drawings? He had animals falling off cliffs p.128
  4. Why was Jess’s family so worried about him when he came home from Washington D.C.? Leslie had died and they thought he was with her and died too p.130

Chapter 11

  1. What word could describe Jess as he learned how Leslie had died? Sad, in denial, shocked p.131
  2. Why was Jess eating pancakes like nothing had happened? He thought it was all a bad dream and didn’t really happen p.137
  3. Why was it important for Jess and his parents to go see the neighbors about Leslie’s death? To show them they care and were sorry for their daughter’s death p.139

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Jess feel important when he realized his best friend was dead? People would treat him with respect and be nice to him p.143
  2. When Jess found out Leslie was being cremated, why was he so angry? He wouldn’t be able to see her again, even dead p.145
  3. Why did Jess throw his painting supplies and paper into the creek? He was angry at Leslie for leaving him p.147

Chapter 13

  1. What important thing did Jess do in the stronghold? Make a funeral wreath for Leslie p.152
  2. Where had Jess gotten the words he said aloud in the sacred grove? The Bible; Jesus Christ said them as he died on the cross p.153
  3. Why did May Belle try to cross the creek? She didn’t want Jess to be lonesome p.156
  4. What did Jess learn from his conversation with Ms. Myers? That he would never forget Leslie p.160
  5. How did Jess turn Terabithia over to May Belle? Put flowers in her hair and helped her see the magic of Terabithia and making her queen p.163