Category Archives: Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Questions – The Outsiders

The Outsiders

by S.E. Hinton

(Contains gang violence and some swearing)

Grades 7-12; Genre - Fiction; GRL Z; AR pts: 7.0

Ponyboy can count on his brothers and on his friends. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up "greasers" like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect - until the night someone takes things too far.

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Ponyboy and he’s 14 years old; in a gang called the Greasers; parents were killed in a car accident; has two older brothers he lives with; Likes to watch movies alone and read books; has longer light brown reddish hair with greenish-gray eyes p.1
  2. How did Ponyboy get out of his tough situation with the Socials? He yelled and fought; Darry heard him and ran over p.6
  3. Why do you think Darry only gets after Ponyboy and has high expectations for him? Because Ponyboy is smart and can make something of himself; he has school smarts, but not street smarts p.13
  4. What did Soda say that Pony had a hard time believing? That Darry loved him p.18

Chapter 2

  1. Why did the girls invite Johnny and Pony to sit with them at the drive-in? they didn’t talk dirty and stood up to Dally p.26
  2. Why are the girls alone at the drive-in? their boyfriends brought beer with them and the girls didn’t want to have any part of it, so the boys left angry and the girls decided to stay and watch the movie p.27
  3. What did Cherry notice about Johnny? That he’d been hurt and scared by others p.31
  4. What did Cherry say about the Socs after Pony told her Johnny’s story? That not all Socs are like the ones that jumped Johnny and they have it rough too p.34

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Cherry and Pony feel comfortable talking about personal things? They could trust each other; they connected with each other p.38
  2. Who was in the blue mustang that drove by the kids as they talked? Socs Randy and Bob; Cherry and Marcia’s boyfriends; the guys who beat up Johnny p.41
  3. Why did Pony want to live in the country? There weren’t gangs and different social statuses to get stuck in p.48
  4. What made Pony decide to run-away? Darry hit him p.50

Chapter 4

  1. Who pulled up to the park while Johnny and Pony were hanging out? The blue mustang full of Socs p.54
  2. Why did Johnny kill Randy? They were drowning Pony and were going to beat Johnny up p.57
  3. What did Dally get for the boys to help them get out of town? $50 and a loaded gun p.60
  4. Where did the boys take cover and hide? In a church at Jay Mountain p.65

Chapter 5

  1. How did the boys disguise themselves? They cut each other’s hair and Pony put peroxide in his hair so he’d look blond p.72
  2. Why was Johnny upset when Pony talked about the previous night? Because he’d killed a guy and didn’t want to think about it p.74
  3. How did Johnny and Pony pass the time in the church? Reading Gone with the Wind, playing poker, talking p.75
  4. What are the two pieces of news Dally told the boys? There was going to be a war between the Socs and the Greasers, and Cherry is their spy p.83

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Johnny thinking about turning himself in? he doesn’t have a record and he killed the guy in self-defense p.87
  2. How did Dally feel about the boys turning themselves in? he was upset; he didn’t want Johnny to spend time in prison since it would change and harden him p.89
  3. Why was Johnny happy when they were saving the kids from the fire? He had purpose; he liked to do good and had an opportunity p.92
  4. What did Pony’s metaphor mean, “I had taken the long way around, but I was finally home. To stay.”? He had finally understood his brother and knew he accepted and loved him p.99

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Pony so upset about Johnny’s condition? Johnny might be paralyzed, and his family wouldn’t be good to him, and they wouldn’t be able to hang out like they used to p.102
  2. What made Pony worried that he and Soda might go to a boys’ home? The newspaper had talked about how the boys worked so hard to stay together p.108
  3. Why did Pony feel like he needed to clean his house? He wanted it to look like their family was put together, so he and Soda wouldn’t need to go to a boys’ home p.113
  4. What did Randy tell Ponyboy when he wanted to talk? That he wasn’t going to the rumble that night and that he was sick of things p.116

Chapter 8

  1.  Why did Johnny change and not want to die anymore? Now that dying was close, he realized he was too young and still had things he wanted to do p.121
  2. Why didn’t Johnny want to see his mom when she came to visit him in the hospital? She always made him feel bad and rejected p.123
  3. Why couldn’t Cherry go see Johnny in the hospital? She couldn’t look at the person who killed her boyfriend p.128

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Darry want Pony to fight in the rumble? He’d lost weight, wasn’t in shape and didn’t look very good p.134
  2. Why did Pony think Darry wouldn’t be a hood all his life? Because Darry wanted to make something of himself p.138
  3. Why was it such a big deal that Paul spoke up to fight Darry? They used to be buddies on the football team and in high school. Now they hated each other p.142
  4. What was Johnny referring to when he told Pony to stay golden? It was a reference to when they talked about gold in the sunset and in the poem p.148

Chapter 10

  1. Why had Dallas robbed a grocery store? He was upset Johnny had died and he wanted to die too p.153
  2. How had Pony been feeling all night and what finally happened to him? Sick; went unconscious for 3 days p.157
  3. Why was it bothering Pony that he might not have asked for Darry while he was sick? He didn’t want Darry to feel bad; he realizes he’s uncomfortable being alone with him p.158

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Ponyboy see in the yearbook and what did he think about? Bob, the Soc who Johnny killed; he thought about what he was like and that he was a real person p.161
  2. What did Randy say during his visit? He mentioned they were going to see the judge the next day and talked about how his dad wanted Randy to tell the truth p.164
  3. What did Pony say when Randy brought up Johnny? That he killed Bob and that Johnny wasn’t dead p.165

Chapter 12

  1. What was the result of the hearing? Pony was acquitted and the case was closed p.168
  2. How did Pony’s attitude change about fighting from the beginning of the story to when the Socs drove up to him at the grocery store? He used to not like fighting, he didn’t want to mess with the Socs; now he wasn’t scared of them and was ready to fight, he was tough and knew he had to be tough to not get hurt p.171
  3. What two things was Soda upset about? A letter he’d sent to Sandy came back unopened and he didn’t like to hear his brothers fight p.174
  4. What did Johnny explain being gold was? You’re gold when you’re a kid and everything’s new, like the dawn p.178
  5. How did Pony begin his theme paper? The same way this story began p.180

Comprehension Questions – #9 Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook

by Barbara Park

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

A terrible thing happened to Junie B. Jones! And it's called - someone took her new black furry mittens! And they kept them! They didn't even put them in the Lost and Found at school. So when Junie B. finds a wonderful pen, she should be allowed to keep it, too. Right? That's fair. Right? Right?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Grandpa Miller buy Junie B.? A pair of black furry mittens p.1
  2. What did Junie B. do at recess? Show her new mittens to everyone p.3
  3. How did Lucille react to Junie B.’s new mittens? She wasn’t impressed, she said her whole family owned fur clothing items p.6

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Mrs. suggest Junie B. put her mittens in her coat pocket? So Junie B. wouldn’t lose them p.8
  2. Who was Junie B. bothering during this chapter with her mittens? Lucille, Williams and Ricardo p.9
  3. Why did Mrs. take Junie B.’s mittens? Junie B. was out of her seat and bothering everyone p.12

Chapter 3

  1. When was Junie B. able to get her mittens back from her teacher? At recess p.15
  2. What was Grace’s idea when the girls were playing horses? Lucille and Junie B. trade horses so Junie B.’s horse can match her black mittens p.17
  3. What was missing when Mrs. blew the whistle at the end of recess? Junie B.’s mittens p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Mrs. want to take Junie B. to the office? To see if her stolen mittens were in the lost and found p.24
  2. What does it mean when someone steals something? To take something that belongs to someone else without their permission p.28
  3. Was Junie B.’s mittens in the lost and found? No p.31

Chapter 5

  1. What did Junie B. find at the drinking fountain? A pen that writes four different colors p.35
  2. What did Junie B. decide to do with the pen? Keep it p.38

Chapter 6

  1. What did Junie B. want her grandpa to do for her? Buy her new mittens p.41
  2. Why couldn’t Grandpa Miller buy Junie B. more furry mittens? He got the last pair p.45
  3. Tell me what happened to Grandpa Miller’s wallet. He lost it at the mall, and someone returned it by putting it in his mailbox; nothing was taken out of it p.46

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Junie B. looking for a kid with tattoos? The crooks she’d seen on tv had tattoos, so if a kid had a tattoo, they would have been a crook p.53
  2. Who had Junie B.’s mittens? A girl with a fluffy pink coat p.55
  3. What should the girl have done when she found the mittens in the grass? Taken them to the lost and found p.60

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Junie B. want the lost and found box? To turn in the pen she found at the drinking fountain p.64
  2. How did Junie B. feel about taking the pen to the lost and found? Happy p.66

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Mystery Writer Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Mystery Writer Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades K-2; Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

There's a book fair at school. Cam Jansen and her friends are excited because the famous mystery writer Jim E. Winter will be there to sign books. When Danny's parents discover their car is missing during the signing, Jim E. Winter thinks he can solve the mystery. But will Cam-with her famous photographic memory-solve it first? Click! See if you can spot the clues.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Cam and her mom driving to the school that night? To go to the book fair and see Cam’s favorite author p.1
  2. Describe what a book fair is? It’s a fair that comes into the school a couple of times a year and exhibits and sells lots of books p.7
  3. What did Cam think about Jim E. Winter when she saw him in person? She was surprised he looked much older than his picture, but she wanted to meet him anyway p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What did Danny want to do while they waited in line to see Jim E. Winter? Tell jokes from his new joke books p.12
  2. What does Barry Blake do each time after he solves a mystery? Goes home and helps his mom make dinner p.15
  3. What went missing at the end of this chapter? Danny’s dad’s car p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Jim E. Winter think he was qualified to help solve the mystery of the missing car? He was once a police detective p.18
  2. Why did Jim E. Winter think Mr. Pace didn’t remember what parking space he parked the car in? because he couldn’t remember his license plate number, so how could he remember what number he’d parked in p.21
  3. How would clicking the remote button help Jim E. Winter find the car? When you push the button the lights flash and there’s a horn or beeping sound, so they could easily find the car in the parking lot p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What happened when Jim E. Winter push the remote button? Nothing, they couldn’t see the car p.25
  2. Where did Jim E. Winter go when he couldn’t find the car? Back to signing books p.27
  3. Did Jim E. Winter solve the mystery? No p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Cam have to stay in the gym? The principal and her mother asked her to p.29
  2. Which police officer has been at the school before to help solve other mysteries? Officer Oppen p.30
  3. Who else’s car was stolen? Eric’s dad’s car p.32

Chapter 6

  1. What did Mrs. Jansen say when Cam asked her to help with the mysteries? Yes, but she wanted to come along to make sure she was safe and dry p.34
  2. How did Cam know the thief took the keys out of Mr. Pace’s pocket then returned them again? Mr. Pace is right-handed and puts his keys in his right pocket, but they were in his left pocket p.37
  3. What was missing on his keychain? The key to his car p.39

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Jim E. Winter writing down Cam’s explanation of how the thief stole the cars? He wanted to use it in a book p.41
  2. Why would the thief have parked the first car he stole close to the school? So he could get back to the school quickly and steal another car p.42
  3. Who does Cam think the thief is? The man they saw walking across the street as she and her mom drove up to the school p.44

Chapter 8

  1. Where were the cars being hidden? In a garage p.53
  2. What did the police officer ask Cam to do that made her mother nervous? Identify the man that walked across the street earlier p.54
  3. Why was Jim E. Winter going to put Cam Jansen’s name in a book? Because she helped him solve the mystery p.57

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Wedding Cake Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Wedding Cake Mystery

by David A. Adler

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

Cam and her friends are having fun performing in a talent show at the senior center and enjoying cookies from Ken's Bake Shop. But when a wedding cake goes missing from Ken's truck, it's up to Cam to solve the tasty case. Click! along with Came and follow the clues to catch the cake thief!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where was Mr. Jansen taking Cam and her friends? To the senior center p.1
  2. Why were they going to the senior center? To help with the talent show p.2
  3. Why was Lucy Lane taking a picture of Bob? So Bob can send the picture with a card to his friends and family for the holidays p.3

Chapter 2

  1. What did Danny do for the talent show? Tell funny jokes p.10
  2. What did Cam do for the talent show? She did memory magic where she took a mental picture of people, then faced the wall and gave the details what she remembered p.12
  3. Where did Lucy Lane and Ken need to go? to a wedding p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Why couldn’t Lucy and Ken go to the wedding? Ken couldn’t find the keys to his truck p.16
  2. Where were Ken’s keys? In the back door of his truck p.19
  3. What’s missing now? The cookies, cake and pastries that were in the back of the truck p.20

Chapter 4

  1. How did the seniors at the center feel about the mystery? They were excited p.22
  2. What clue did Bob find on the ground near the truck? A shopping list with broken cookie and cookie crumbs p.25
  3. What police officers came to help solve the mystery? The same ones that came to school and helped solve the case of the missing computers: Officers Oppen & Davis p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Danny think the thief was across the street? The house across the street has a large window the thief could have looked out and saw the opportunity to steal the desserts p.29
  2. Who lived in the house with the large window and what did they see? An elderly woman; she didn’t see anyone by the truck, but did say there were two trucks p.33
  3. Predict what clue Cam is missing. Listen to your child’s answers p.35

Chapter 6

  1. How did the young man in the bathrobe feel when he opened the door and saw the police officer? Worried that he was in trouble p.37
  2. What was the clue Cam, Eric and her dad were looking for on the ground near the truck? Cookie crumbs p.40
  3. Where did Cam find the cookie crumbs and where did they go? On the ground at the back of the truck; passed her car, passed the next car and on further down the road p.42

Chapter 7

  1. Who does Cam think stole the cake and other desserts? Mr. Fancy p.43
  2. Why does Cam think it was Mr. Fancy? He had a vehicle big enough to put a tall cake p.46
  3. What information did Cam remember from Mr. Fancy’s truck that will help the police find him? The name of his company, his phone number and email address p.49

Chapter 8

  1. What did everyone do while they waited for the police to find Mr. Fancy and call them? continue the talent show p.51
  2. What did Ken give to Cam as a reward for finding his cake and desserts? Lots of delicious muffins, cookies and breads at his bakery p.55
  3. How did Ken and the cake get to the wedding? He took it in Mr. Fancy’s truck and had a police escort p.57

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery

by David A. Adler

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

It's a very snowy day outside and Cam and Eric's class head to the computer lab. Cam, Eric and Danny can't do any work because three computers are missing! There are only two clues: footprints in the snow outside, and a locked window. This mystery seems impossible to solve, but with Cam Jansen on the case, the thieves don't stand a chance!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why are so many parents taking their kids to school? It’s snowing p.1
  2. Why did the bus driver, Mrs. Lane, turn off the engine to the bus before they got to school? There’s a long line of cars, that aren’t moving, leading to the school p.3
  3. Why do people call Jennifer, Cam? It’s her nickname for her photographic memory p.5

Chapter 2

  1. How did Beth feel about Danny’s jokes? She didn’t like them p.10
  2. What was missing in the computer lab? 3 computers p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why didn’t the thief take the new printer when he stole the computers? He couldn’t fit it through the window p.14
  2. Why did Beth write the clues on the chalkboard? To help them remember then and to help solve the mystery p.17
  3. Why was Eric so confident that Cam could solve this mystery? Because she’s solved other mysteries p.19

Chapter 4

  1. Why is Danny in the school office more than the secretary? Because he gets in trouble a lot p.23
  2. How does Danny think the thief stole the computers? Used a big magnet to unlock the window from the outside, climbed in, then took the windows out through the window p.24
  3. What’s Cam’s theory? That there are two thieves, one handing the computers to another outside p.25

Chapter 5

  1. How did Mrs. Bell feel about her computers being stolen? Upset; she didn’t care that kids were being loud p.30
  2. What two doors did Cam and Eric check to see if they could find where the thief entered the school? The gym doors and back door p.32
  3. Who’s also asking questions and trying to figure out the mystery? The two policemen p.33

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Eric want to go inside so badly? It was cold outside p.37
  2. Why was it easy for the thieves to get away? There were so many people at the school that morning p.37
  3. How did Mrs. Adams show kindness to Cam and Eric when they came back into the school? Let them warm up by her heater and gave them pretzels p.38

Chapter 7

  1. Who does Cam think stole the computers? A person in a blue car p.46
  2. How does she know? A blue car left from the back of the school during the morning drop off p.48

Chapter 8

  1. What did Beth say Danny was guilty of when the police came towards them? bad jokes p.54
  2. What’s the good news the police officers gave the kids? They found the car and computers were still in the trunk p.54
  3. What did Dr. Prell give to the class as a reward for finding the computers? Ice cream cups p.56

Comprehension Questions – The Dark is Rising Sequence #2 The Dark is Rising

The Dark is Rising

by Susan Cooper

Grades 6-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: 13.0

On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift — that he is destined to seek the six magical Signs of Light. He is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. And for the twelve days of Christmas, while the Dark is rising, life for Will is full of wonder, terror, and delight.

Comprehension Questions

Part One

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the Walker. A hunched over little old man that Will saw scuttle behind a tree p.8
  2. What birthday present did Mr. Dawson give Will and what were his instructions? An iron ring quartered with a cross; to always have it with him and to put it on his belt loop; to keep it safe and not talk about it; he’ll want to have it after the snow comes p.9
  3. What happened to the radio when Will went close to it? It would go crazy with static and erupt into high pitched screeches p.14
  4. What had Will found amongst the snow piled in his room? A rook feather p.23

Chapter 2

  1. What did Will hear and see when he first awoke on his birthday? Music; the country around his home had turned to a forest p.24
  2. Describe the man Will saw getting his horse shod. his horse was black as midnight, he had red brownish hair, bright blue eyes with a different accent than Will’s, tall, wore a long black cloak, he knew Will’s name and that it was his 11th birthday, p.29
  3. Why didn’t Will ride the white mare? He felt like he needed to find the Walker alone p.33
  4. Why was Will in danger and what saved him? He had left the road through Hunter’s Comb and the Rider was going to attack him; the white stallion p.37

Chapter 3

  1. What was inside the two huge wooden doors? A castle with a woman and man inside waiting for Will p.40
  2. What’s the gift Will possesses? The power of the Old Ones; magic p.45
  3. What’s Will’s quest? To find and guard the 6 great signs of Light made by the Old Ones p.51
  4. When would Will see Merriman again? After Will has gotten the sign from the Walker p.66

Chapter 4

  1. What happens to the iron attached to Will’s belt when there’s evil close by? It turns so cold it burns p.70
  2. How many children are in Will’s family? 9 p.72
  3. What did Maggie want from Will? The sign he’d just gotten from the Walker p.79
  4. Who saved Will and stopped Maggie from taking the signs? Merriman Lyon p.81

Part 2

Chapter 5

  1. What did Old George give to Will’s family and why? A bunch of holly with berries; he told Will to put it over a window or door and it will protect him from the Dark p.93
  2. Why didn’t Farmer Dawson carve a “W” for Will? Names are a power the Dark could use against him, so he carved a circle with the cross instead p.97
  3. Who was acting as Miss Greythorne’s butler? Merriman p.103
  4. Where did Merriman take Will after the others in the room were caught in time? To the hillside with the big wooden doors p.107

Chapter 6

  1. Why do the Old Ones use Rowan for the wood of the third sign? The Dark doesn’t like it p.114
  2. When can Will receive the third sign? After he’s finished with his Learning p.115
  3. What’s Hawkin’s and Merriman’s relationship? Merriman took Hawkin in as a boy when his parents died and made him his foster son and liege; Merriman is his lord and trusts him greatly p.119
  4. What language is the Book of Gramarye written in and what language do Will and Merriman converse in? the Old Speech p.123

Chapter 7

  1. Name three things Will learned as he read the Book of Gramarye? He learned of the sky, water and wind; spells for all of those; the history of the Old Ones p.125
  2. How did Will feel after learning from the book? Weighed down and melancholy p.130
  3. Why was Hawkin going to be betray Merriman and the Old Ones? Maggie told him that Merriman doesn’t love him, that Merriman used Hawkin and put him in danger, and would have let him die p.137
  4. How did Will protect Merriman, Paul, and himself from the Rider and Maggie? He threw up a wall of resistance around them and yelled their names out loud p.146

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Stephen send Will’s present to him for his birthday and Christmas present combined? An old man who named himself as an Old One told him to p.156
  2. Who came to visit unexpectedly on Christmas morning? The Black Rider p.160
  3. How did Will defeat the dark after the Christmas service in the church? He held up the three signs p.176
  4. What ceremony did Merriman take Will to see? The Lady coming back to life p.190

Part 3

Chapter 9

  1. Why was the town gathering at the Manor? Supplies were going to be dropped on the Manor property and it looked like the storm was going to get worse that night, so everyone gathered for safety, comfort and food p.200
  2. Why didn’t Will’s father want to go to the Manor when Merriman first mentioned it? He thought they were safe as they were in their own home; he didn’t want to crowd the Manor and take their supplies p.203
  3. Who did Will see when he stared at the fire and what did she tell him? The Lady; that he needed to break the power of the cold with the Sign of Fire p.211
  4. Who’s the Walker? Hawkin, Merriman’s liege p.221

Chapter 10

  1. Did Hawkin turn from the Dark and turn to the Light? no p.224
  2. Why is the Dark able to come into the Manor? The Walker had invited it in p.226
  3. How was Will able to get the Sign of Fire? The Doctor gave the Walker a sedative and made him sleep which stopped the Dark’s way into the home. The Old Ones grabbed the candles lit by the Walker with the power of the Dark and put them into the candle holder in the great hall with the Lady. The blue fire of the Dark turned vermillion red and Will’s fire from his candle then turned into a flower in the shape of the quartered sign p.230
  4. How had the Dark injured Will’s mother? The large clap of thunder they all heard startled his mom at the top of the stairs and made her fall down, falling unconscious p.235

Chapter 11

  1. How did Will get separated from Paul when they were looking for Mary? The rooks flew close around them and drove them away from each other p.237
  2. What were Merriman and Farmer Dawson doing at the Manor while Old George and Will were out in the storm? keeping everyone busy at the Manor so Will and George could work p.243
  3. How did Will travel in the storm to his place of testing? The white horse p.247
  4. How did Will save Mary from the Dark forever? He didn’t give the signs that he had obtained to the Black Rider and then retrieved the 6th sign, so he had all of the signs p.261

Chapter 12

  1. Where did the white mare take Merriman and Will and why? The Great Park; the horse was needed for the Hunt p.266
  2. How did the ship come out of the ground that held the dead king and made the head of the Hunter? The stag head that Will got from his brother for his birthday and Christmas p.268
  3. Who did Herne call when he sounded like a hunting horn? A pack of ghostly white hounds with red eyes and ears p.271
  4. What did Herne hunt? The Dark p.274

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Will anxious to go home? He thought of his family dealing with the floods p.280
  2. Who did the little procession of boys carry to the smithy on a bier? The Lady p.283
  3. What did the Lady put around Will’s neck? The necklace made with all the signs p.285
  4. What gifts did Miss Greythorne give to Will and Paul? A small hunting horn and the old flute p.292

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds

The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds

by David A. Adler

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

Cam and Eric are sitting in the mall when an alarm goes off. Cam jumps onto a bench to get a better view and sees a man race out of the jewelry store. Cam knows that she has to act fast, especially after the police arrest the wrong person. It's up to Cam and Eric to catch the real thief.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why is “Cam” the main character’s nickname? It’s short for Camera since she has a photographic memory p.6
  2. Why didn’t Eric want to play memory games anymore? He was tired of losing to Cam p.7
  3. Why do you think the alarm went off in the jewelry store? Someone might have stolen something p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Who came out of the store after the man ran out of it? A couple with a baby and two elderly women p.11
  2. How did Eric get his baby brother to stop crying when the alarm was going off? He fed him a bottle p.14
  3. How did the policemen know what the man looked like and which direction he went? He asked the people outside of the store who saw him p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Who told Cam and Eric about what happened in the jewelry store? The two elderly women who came out of the store p.20
  2. Who was yelling as Cam and Eric were talking to the elderly women? the police had caught the man and he was yelling, “I didn’t do it! You’ve got the wrong man!” p.23
  3. What did the elderly women say about the man the police had caught? They said he didn’t do it p.24

Chapter 4

  1. What did Cam think was strange about the couple who left the store with the baby? They didn’t have a baby bag or anything, just a baby in a blanket and a rattle p.28
  2. What direction did the man go when the police let him go? The same way the couple went when they left the store p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What did Cam and Eric do, when following the man, as he stopped and looked at them? kept walking right passed him p.33
  2. How did Eric keep Howie quiet while they were spying through the window at the man and couple? Rocked the carriage p.36
  3. What made Howie cry after Eric left to go get the police? an acorn that dropped out of a tree after a squirrel ran along a branch p.40

Chapter 6

  1. What was inside the baby rattle? 81 diamonds p.44
  2. How did Cam trick the thieves while they were counting the diamonds? She slammed the door to the room and jumped behind a bookcase in the room they were in p.46
  3. Why was Cam worried about Howie crying? Someone would find them p.49

Chapter 7

  1. Who did Cam see in the window? A policeman p.51
  2. How did Cam and Howie get out of the house and away from the thieves? Cam ran to the open window and handed Howie to Eric, then climbed out herself p.52
  3. How did the police capture the thieves? A policeman called to them with a megaphone and the thieves came out with their hands up p.54

Chapter 8

  1. How did Eric’s mom feel when they weren’t in the mall with Howie when she was done shopping? Worried sick p.56
  2. Why did the elderly woman think the couple with the baby should know the thieves were captured? She was worried about them and didn’t know that the man and woman were the actual thieves p.56

Comprehension Questions – The Trumpet of the Swan

The Trumpet of the Swan

by E.B. White

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 6.0

Louis, a romantic swan, is in love with the angelic Serena, but he can't tell her how he feels; he has no voice. When he meets eleven-year-old Sam Beaver, a human friend, he goes to school with him to learn how to read and write. Louis' father also helps out; he steals a brass trumpet for his son. In the end, Louis learns to play, wins Serena's heart, and repays the music shop owner for his stolen trumpet.

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. Where was Sam camping and what was it like? Canada; a big wilderness.  Pg 2.
  2. Where was home for Sam and his father?  A cattle ranch in Montana. Pg. 4.
  3. Why did Sam want to return in thirty-five days? It takes that long to hatch swan eggs. Pg 6.
  4. What are baby swans called? Cygnets. Pg 7.

Chapter 2

  1. Describe a trumpeter swan? Large white, black bill, black feet, makes “Ko-hoh!” sound. Pg 12.
  2. Why was the nesting spot perfect? Surrounded by water. Pg13.
  3. What is a male swan? A cob. Pg. 14.
  4. How did the swans feel about their 6 foot nest? Proud and happy. Pg 16.

Chapter 3

  1.  What did the swans think boys do? Throw stones and sticks. Pg20.
  2. How did the cob think the swan felt about sitting on eggs? It was onerous or irksome. Pg 23.
  3. What happened when the swan got a drink of water? The Red Fox tried to steal eggs. Pg. 25.
  4. Who saved the swan? Sam Beaver with a stick. Pg 25.

Chapter 4

  1. What do baby swans have to break open the shells? A powerful neck muscle and a dagger tooth. Pg 30.
  2. What did Sam use to see the swans from a distance? Field glasses. Pg. 33.
  3. How do they swim? Cob first, cygnets in a line, mother last. Pg. 36.
  4. How did the last cygnet greet Sam? It untied his shoe lace. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. What did the parent swans never hear Louis do? Beep or burble. Pg. 42.
  2. Why did they think this was serious? He wouldn’t attract a mate. Pg. 44.
  3. What did the cob tell Louis about being dumb? Two meanings; not smart and not able to speak. Pg. 49.
  4. What was the advantage in not being able to speak? Makes you a good listener. Pg. 50.

Chapter6

  1. Where are the swans going for winter? South to Red Rock Lakes, Montanan. Pg. 54.
  2. What is special about Red Rock Lakes? Warm water from a hidden spring. Pg. 54.
  3. What are the three parts of flying? The takeoff, the ascent, and the leveling off. Pg. 55.
  4. What did Louis fear would happen if he couldn’t fly? Be left behind and starve. Pg. 58.

Chapter 7

  1. What did Louis decide he should do since he couldn’t use his voice? Learn to read and write. Pg. 62
  2. Who did Sam’s father need to check with for the swan to stay? The game warden. Pg. 67.
  3. Why did Mrs. Hammerbotham say swans don’t need to read & write? They don’t communicate. Pg. 68.
  4. How did Mrs. Hammergotham discover Louis name? He shook his head when asked. Pg. 71.
  5. What grade was Sam in and what lesson was he learning? Fifth, arithmetic. Pg. 75.

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the cob not go search for Louis? There were too many directions he could have gone. Pg. 79.
  2. How long was Louis gone? One year and a half. Pg 81.
  3. With whom did Louis realize he could converse with the slate? People not animals. Pg. 85.
  4. What did Louis mother see him do? Unable to talk to Serena that he loved. Pg. 88.

Chapter 9

  1. Where did the cob go to get a trumpet? A music store in Billings. Pg. 91.
  2. How did he get the trumpet? Dove into the glass window and took it. Pg. 92.
  3. How did the cob feel about stealing? Bad for his honor; good to help his son. Pg. 95.
  4. Why did the cob steal the trumpet? He had no money. Pg. 98.

Chapter 10

  1. Why did the young females start to notice Louis? Because he carried things around his neck. Pg. 99.
  2. Where did Louis go for help with the trumpet? To Sam Beaver at the Bar Nothing Ranch. Pg.103.
  3. What songs did Louis learn to play? Reveille, mess call, and taps. Pg. 107.

Chapter 11

  1. How did Mr. Brickle introduce Louis? Louis the Swan, a musician. Pg. 113.
  2. What did Applegate say? He didn’t like birds. Pg. 114.
  3. What does Kookooskoos mean? An Indian word for Great Horned Owl. Pg. 115.

Chapter 12

  1. Why was the skunk in trouble? He had a can from the dump stuck on his head. Pg. 120.
  2. How did Sam help the skunk? He used a fishing pole with a looped line. Pg. 123.
  3. Why did Applegate go out alone in the canoe? He was mad at the other boys for mocking his name. Pg. 125.
  4. Why couldn’t Louis fly out to help? His flight feathers fall out in summer. Pg. 127.

Chapter 13

  1. What is the difference between a trumpet and a bugle? A bugle has no valves. Pg. 134.
  2. Why couldn’t Louis play the trumpet valves? Because he had webbed feet. Pg. 135.
  3. What did Louis compose for Serena? A love song. Pg. 138.

Chapter 14

  1. How did the Swan Boat move? A paddle wheel by pedaling like a bike. Pg. 144.
  2. What song did Louis play in front of the Swan boat? Row, row, row your boat. Pg. 145.
  3. Why did Louis need money? Because his father was in debt for stealing the trumpet. Pg. 147.
  4. Why did the Boatman want Louis to stay at the Ritz? Because the park wasn’t safe at night. Pg. 148.

Chapter 15

  1. What did the boatman tell the clerk Louis was? A celebrity. Pg. 151.
  2. What convinced the clerk that Louis was a celebrity? The girls wanted his autograph. Pg. 152.
  3. What did the bellboy and the waiter want from Louis? A tip. Pgs. 158, 161.
  4. What did Louis send Sam in the letter? The newspaper clipping. Pg. 164.

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Louis go to Philadelphia?  He got a telegram job offer from Abe Lucky Lucas. Pg. 169.
  2. What surgery was performed on birds in the Lagoon and why? Pinioned, so they can’t fly. Pg.175.
  3. Why was Louis not going to be pinioned? He would give a free Sunday concert. Pg. 176.

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Serena fly to Bird Lake at the Zoo? A storm blew her off course. Pg. 182.
  2. Who stole Louis’ Trumpet? The Wood Duck. Pg. 187.
  3. What song did Louis wake Serena with? Beautiful Dreamer. Pg. 189.
  4. How did the swans show that they liked each other? They placed their necks over the others’ neck. Pg. 197.

Chapter 18

  1. What did Louis do to the keepers? Jabbed one in the behind and beat one with his wing. Pgs. 201, 202.
  2. What did Louis tell the Head Man about safety? “Safety is all well and good: I prefer freedom.” Pg. 206.
  3. What 2 favors did Louis ask the Head Man? #1 to leave Serena alone until Christmas, #2 to send a telegram to Sam Beaver. Pg. 206.
  4. What was Sam’s plan? For Louis to donate cygnets that need extra security to the zoo. Pg. 210.

Chapter 19

  1. What did Sam say would happen to Louis in captivity? He would pine away. He would die. Pg. 215.
  2. Why did the Head Man think animals had it easier than men? They didn’t have to buy things. Pg. 218.
  3. Why were warning messages sent at the airport? Because there were swans on the airstrip. Pg. 221.
  4. Why would Louis be triumphant when he returned? He was famous, had money. Pg. 224.

Chapter 20

  1. Why was the cob’s wife worried about him going to the music store? It was dangerous. The storekeeper might shoot him again.  Pg. 227.
  2. Where was Alfred Gore going? To the candy store because he was thirsty.  Pg. 234.
  3. How did the doctor classify the cob’s wound and what did the cob think it meant? Superficial; He thought that meant very serious. Pg. 237.

Chapter 21

  1. Where did Louis and Serena go to nest? Back to the woods in Canada. Pg. 243.
  2. What did Serena like about Boston? The Ritz. Pg. 246.
  3. Did Sam ever tell his dad where Louis lived? No. pg. 250.

Comprehension Questions – #19 Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch

Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch

by Barbara Park

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

Something very wonderful is happening to Junie B. Jones; she's getting to be a professional lunch lady! That means hanging out with Mrs. Gutzman in the cafeteria, standing behind the counter, and even wearing a real actual hair net! Who knows? Pretty soon she could be the boss of the whole entire lunch operation!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Junie B. get in trouble for? Opening her new lunch box under her desk p.4
  2. Why is Junie B. so excited about her lunch box? She’s waited a long time to get it and is happy she doesn’t have to carry her lunch in a brown paper bag p.7
  3. Why does May think buying a lunch is better than bringing a lunch? School lunch is prepared by professionals and doesn’t get soggy p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Why did most of Junie B.’s class want to buy school lunch? The cafeteria was serving hoagies p.14
  2. Why didn’t Junie B. want to sit by Sheldon? His nose was runny and he wouldn’t blow it p.16
  3. What was on the hoagie sandwich? Ham, cheese, tomato and lettuce p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What did Herb share with Junie B. at lunch? His cookie p.20
  2. Why did Junie B. think she was Mrs. Gutzman’s favorite in room nine? She would sometimes give her an extra cookie during snack time in kindergarten p.22
  3. What other person thought they were also Mrs. Gutzman’s favorite? Jose p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What did Mrs. Gutzman wear to protect food from germs and hair? Hair net and plastic mitts p.27
  2. Why won’t Mrs. Gutzman deliver cookies to Junie B.’s class this year? The cookies are only for the kindergarteners since the other grades get their cookies during lunch p.28
  3. What did Mrs. Gutzman give Junie B. to take home? A permission slip and plastic mitts p.33

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Junie B.’s mother want to talk about her being a lunch helper at dinner? So she could discuss it with Junie B.’s dad p.37
  2. How did Junie B. practice being a lunch helper? She put on her plastic mitts and touched food in the refrigerator p.39
  3. What does “a helper is not the boss” mean? A helper does what the boss tells them to do and doesn’t act like the boss p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What did the other kids call Junie B. in her dream? Boss of Lunch p.45
  2. What made Junie B. feel like a princess? Her white kitchen apron p.49
  3. Why couldn’t Junie B. stop staring at her reflection in the oven? She looked like a professional lunch maker p.50

Chapter 7

  1. What three jobs did Junie B. get as a lunch helper? Stock the napkins, wipe off the counter with a sponge and be the lunch greeter p.51
  2. How did Junie B. feel about being the lunch greeter? She was nervous and shy to talk to the big kids she doesn’t know p.55
  3. Why did Junie B. plug her nose? The lunch for that day was stinky p.58

Chapter 8

  1. How did the older boys treat Junie B.? They made her feel bad p.60
  2. Why did Junie B.’s classmates put their lunch trays back and not eat lunch? Junie B. grossed them out by talking about germs and hair and called the lunch tuna noodle stinkle p.64
  3. How did this chapter end? Junie B. was fired from being a lunch helper p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What did Mrs. Gutzman bring into Junie B.’s classroom? Two boxes p.69
  2. How did Mrs. Gutzman help the class forgive Junie B.? She said Junie B. was responsible for the cookies being brought to their class p.75
  3. Why did Junie B. decide she wanted to be the Boss of Cookies? She did a perfect job handing out the cookies p.76

Comprehension Questions – #18 Junie B., First Grader (at last!)

Junie B., First Grader (at last!)

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

It's a new school year, and everything is different. Junie B. Jones has a new class, a new teacher, and even some new friends. She also has a new problem: She might need to get glasses! Will Junie B. manage to convince her parents that her eyes are just fine the way they are? How important could that blurry stuff on the chalkboard be, anyway?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why doesn’t Junie B. like first grade? She doesn’t know the kids in her class, and she has to write in her journal p.5
  2. Why was Junie B. so excited Lucille was in her class? It made her feel comforted to know her best friend was in her class p.8
  3. How does Lucille feel about being friends with Junie B. in first grade? She doesn’t want to; Lucille already had one whole year of being friends with Junie B., now she wants to have Camille and Chenille as friends p.12

Chapter 2

  1. Who sat next to Grace on the bus? Her new friend from class, Bobbi Jean Piper p.16
  2. Why didn’t Junie B. know Herbert rode on her bus? He had switched schools and was new on the bus p.18
  3. Is Herb going to be a good friend? yes, he likes Junie B. and is nice to her p.21

Chapter 3

  1. What languages does Jose know? English and Spanish p.23
  2. What should Junie B. have done when she didn’t understand the assignment? Asked her teacher p.28
  3. Who tattletaled on Junie B. for talking during the assignment? May p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Junie B. want Mr. Scary to see her assignment? She did it wrong p.32
  2. What did Junie B. draw? A screaming chicken p.35
  3. Predict why couldn’t Junie B. read any of the words on the board correctly? She didn’t know how to read; she couldn’t see the words very well p.36

Chapter 5

  1. What did Junie B. do during recess? Read sentences for Mr. Scary p.38
  2. Where was Junie B. when she first read the sentences on the board? In the back of the classroom p.40
  3. Why did Mr. Scary take Junie B. to Mrs. Weller? To get her eyes tested p.47

Chapter 6

  1. What’s the E game Junie B. played in Mrs. Weller office? The E’s on the eye chart were facing all different directions and Junie B. was supposed to point which direction each E was facing p.51
  2. How did Junie B. feel about the game? She liked it and she felt it was easy at first, but then the E’s became smudges p.54
  3. Why doesn’t Junie B. like Mrs. Weller? She said she needed glasses p.56

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Junie B. late for school? She went to the eye doctor p.59
  2. Who are some good friends to Junie B.? Lennie, Jose, and Herbert p.61
  3. Why was Junie B. worried about getting glasses? She thought the kids in her class would laugh and make fun of her p.61

Chapter 8

  1. What did Junie B. share for show and tell? Her glasses p.71
  2. How did May respond when Junie B. put on her glasses? She laughed at her p.71
  3. Name one friend that helped Junie B. feel happy about her glasses. Have your child name one of the following friends: Herbert, Lennie, Jose, Lucille p.73