Category Archives: Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Questions – The Sword in the Tree

The Sword in the Tree

by Clyde Robert Bulla

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL O; AR pts: 2.0

In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, long lost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and happiness. It was then than Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, took on the duties of a knight and hid the sword in the hollow of the giant oak. The days that followed were filled with adventures that tried the courage of the young boy.

Comprehension Questions (by Sylvia)

Chapter 1

  1. When Lady Marion is afraid Shan tells her not to be afraid for what two reasons? King Arthur has beaten all their enemies and that they have the strongest castle in England. P.2
  2. Who is the wounded knight? Shan’s uncle, Uncle Lionel. P.7

Chapter 2

  1. When Uncle Lionel wakes up, what rude name does he call Shan?  A young dog p.9
  2. Uncle Lionel does not apologize to Shan, but tells Shan it was only a what?  A joke p. 9

Chapter 3

  1. When Lionel sees Nappus in the garden what does he want to do to him?  Throw a rock at him. P. 17
  2. Why does Lionel get angry at Shan?  Because Shan will not jerk the reins of his horse around as Lionel is telling him to do. P. 22

Chapter 4

  1. What responsibility does Shan ask his father for?  To take care of his father’s sword. P.25
  2. How does Lionel say his brother died?  Lionel says that Lord Weldon road his horse into quicksand. P. 28

Chapter 5

  1. How did Lionel take over the castle?  Lionel brought his friends and their servants to live in the castle and sent the old servants away. P 32
  2. Where does Shan hide his father’s sword?  In the garden, in the hollow of the oak. P. 34

Chapter 6

  1. What does Nappus tell Shan and Lady Marion? That Lionel killed Lord Weldon in a trap. P42
  2. Because Shan and his mother are in danger what do they do?    They leave the castle quickly. P 43

Chapter 7

  1. When Shan and Lady Marion run away what does Shan take with him? A small purse of money, a tinderbox to make a fire, and string to make a trap. P. 51
  2. What trouble do they run into?  They get robbed of their money and jewels. P. 51

Chapter 8

  1. What does the boy think Shan is doing with his goat?  He thinks Shan is going to steal it. P. 56
  2. With whom do Lady Marion and Shan find shelter?  Adam the herdsman and his wife Phebe. P. 59

Chapter 9

  1. What idea does a lost hunter give Shan?  To go to Camelot and ask King Arthur for help. P. 64
  2. Shan only gets permission to go to Camelot after what happens?  Adam says that Magnus can go with Shan. P. 66

Chapter 10

  1. While on Twigg’s raft what do the boys do?  They fish for dinner. P. 70
  2. What do Magnus and Shan find on the way to Camelot?  A little gray donkey. P. 72

Chapter 11

  1. While the boys wait in Camelot for 6 days what do they do?  Magnus and the donkey get a job carrying firewood and Shan gets a job with a shoemaker. P. 77
  2. To find out if Shan is telling the truth King Arthur send which of his knights to Weldon castle?  Sir Gareth. P 83

Chapter 12

  1. Sir Gareth tells Shan that if his story is true King Arthur might make him a knight.  How does Sir Gareth say that King Arthur turns boys into knights?  First, he finds them young, then he makes them pages and they work in the kitchens and at table, then they become squires to knights and finally, if they have learned their lessons well they become knights. P. 87
  2. What does Lionel say happened to Lady Marion and Shan?  That they went away into the woods and were killed by wolves. P. 89

Chapter 13

  1. How does Shan prove to Sir Gareth that his story is true?  He goes into the garden and retrieves his father’s hidden sword from the hollow of the tree. P. 94
  2. When Sir Gareth sees Shan’s proof, he challenges Lionel to battle. Who wins and who loses?  Sir Gareth wins and Lionel yields. P. 97

Chapter 14

  1. Where does Nappus take Shan?  To the dungeons. P. 99
  2. Who is in the dungeon?  Shan’s father, Lord Weldon. P. 101

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #30 Hurricane Heroes in Texas

Hurricane Heroes in Texas

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; AR pts: 1.0

Jack and Annie are on a mission! When the magic tree house whisks them back to Galveston, Texas, in 1900, they find out that a big storm is coming. But even though there is rain and wind, no one believes there is any danger. As the storm grows, seawater floods the city. Now everyone needs help! Jack and Annie have a little bit of magic and a lot of hope, but will it be enough?

Vocabulary Words

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why would it be dangerous for Jack and Annie to take a walk when there’s thunder and lightning? They could get hit by lightning or a tree near them could get hit and they could be electrocuted. P.4
  2. Who had Jack and Annie met the last time they were in Texas? Slim p.6
  3. What is on the necklace? A tiny star p.8

Chapter 2

  1. What helped Jack and Annie realize they had traveled to the early 1900’s? their clothes; no cars or trucks; horse buggies; street trolleys p.12
  2. What were the landmarks Jack and Annie used to make sure they would find the tree house again? Blue house, iron fence, Avenue L. p.15
  3. How did people respond to Jack and Annie when they introduced themselves in the café? Cheerful; helpful; kind p.17

Chapter 3

  1. Explain what a storm surge is? When high winds push the ocean water over land p.22
  2. Where is the lowest ground on the island? The Strand p.26
  3. How did Jack and Annie know the storm surge had begun? There were gigantic waves out at sea p.28

Chapter 4

  1. What did Jack and Annie do to show courage while the water was rising?  Save a toddler; help dogs; help a man p.31
  2. Why weren’t Jack and Annie able to climb into the tree house? the wind had blown the ladder over a branch p.34
  3. How did Jack and Annie get to safety? A woman had thrown them a rope and pulled them to the porch of her house p.36

Chapter 5

  1. Tell me about Rose. Kind; strong p.39
  2. Why was Rose worried? Her husband; he was expected home any minute and hadn’t made it yet p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Where did Rose know they needed to go to get out of the water in the house? the roof p.46
  2. How did they get onto the roof? Through a hole; they climbed onto a chest, then dresser, then onto a chair p.47
  3. Tell me what happened after they all climbed onto the roof? The house was swaying and cracked; part of the house crumbled into the water and their part of the roof slid on the flood waters and they were pushed around with the current p.51

Chapter 7

  1. How did Annie know the Ursuline Academy would be a safe place? She read it in the guide book p.56
  2. What is a Catholic nun? A woman who has devoted herself to Jesus Christ p.59
  3. When Jack put on the shoes and made Rose laugh, why do you think he was ok with it? It felt good to laugh; they had in a stressful situation and now could relax p.61

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Lucas call out Rose’s name? he heard the song they always sang to Lily and thought it was Rose singing it p.67
  2. Why was Mother Mary Joseph worried about others finding their way to the school in the dark? They didn’t have a light and the nuns have very little oil left for their lamps p.70
  3. What did Annie use to light up the darkness? the star necklace p.71

Chapter 9

  1. What did Galveston look like now that the storm was over? No buildings were standing from where Jack and Annie were to the seashore; puddles of mud; mounds of trash; debris everywhere p.74
  2. Who was the hero Morgan wanted Jack and Annie to learn about? Mother Mary Joseph p.77
  3. Why do you think Jack focused on Frog Creek woods, his home and his mom and dad? He didn’t want to think about the destroyed city and wreckage; what was around him was sad and overwhelming p.78

Chapter 10

  1. How would you feel if you were Jack and Annie and saw the tree house in ruins? P.81
  2. Why did the people of Galveston call Mother Mary Joseph a shining light? Because of her love and compassion that saved more than a thousand from the storm p.85
  3. After the hurricane, what did the people of Galveston do to protect the city from another storm? Pumped sand from the ocean floor to raise the level of the entire city; built a high sea wall p.86

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #24 Soccer on Sunday

Soccer on Sunday

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie find themselves in the streets of Mexico where they must find the final secret of greatness for Merlin. There they meet a young soccer player who dreams of one day playing just like his hero, the great Brazilian soccer player, Pele.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Annie know the Magic Tree House was back? She saw a streak of light in the night p.4
  2. What time of day do Jack and Annie go to the tree house? Early morning; dawn p.5
  3. Where was the World Cup going to be? Mexico p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Mexico City.  Hot; many cars honking and tires screeching; busy street; trees; tall buildings; a big city p.12
  2. How did Jack feel about being in Mexico and going to The World Cup? Excited p.15
  3. What’s the metro? Public transportation; like a subway p.18

Chapter 3

  1. When Jack and Annie were lost what did they do? Asked people for help p.25
  2. Why did it take so long for Jack and Annie to get on the train? There were a lot of people and the doors didn’t stay open very long p.27
  3. Why were Jack and Annie unsure which stop to get off the metro? Jack lost the paper with the directions p.29

Chapter 4

  1. Who helped Jack and Annie which stop to get off the train? A Mexican boy; Roberto p.33
  2. Why was Roberto going to the soccer game alone? His parents couldn’t afford it; they gave him the ticket for his birthday; he has 8 brothers and sisters p.35
  3. How did Roberto get to the stadium so quickly if he’d never been there before? He’d practiced it in his mind many times; his father told him what to do p.39

Chapter 5

  1. Where were Jack and Annie’s seats for the game? On the second row, right on the aisle p.44
  2. Where was Roberto’s seat? Up at the top of the stadium p.45
  3. In what way were Annie and Jack generous? They gave Roberto one of their tickets and decided to trade seats at halftime p.47

Chapter 6

  1. Why wasn’t Jack able to trade seats with Annie as they had planned? It took a long time to get down to the right section, but he couldn’t find them in time before half time was over and an official told him to go back to his seat p.55
  2. How was Jack feeling about not being able to find Annie at the end of the game? worried p.56
  3. Why do you think it was hard for Jack to sit so high in the stadium and come down and see Annie and Roberto have a wonderful time? Because he couldn’t see the game p.61

Chapter 7

  1. When the soccer team got on the bus, what was Annie’s solution for finding them? Go to the city and look for them p.65
  2. What did the kids playing soccer in the mud say that made Roberto sad? That they didn’t want him to play soccer with them p.70
  3. What was Annie’s solution to help them all play soccer better? Merlin’s magic mist p.72

Chapter 8

  1. Who made all of the goals on Miguel’s team? Roberto p.80
  2. After the game was over, and somebody asked what the score was, what did the referee say? Who cares? That was amazing! P.82
  3. Why did Jack and Annie think it was a good idea to leave the neighborhood while the magic was still working? They wouldn’t be so light footed and amazing as just their regular selves; it was better for them to run away from the kids chasing them while they still had the magic p.83

Chapter 9

  1. What made the ring explode with light? Roberto’s comment, “enthusiasm is everything” p.89
  2. What did Jack and Annie teach Roberto when he got sad about not being able to play soccer? To have humility, showing hard work, have meaning and purpose in your life & enthusiasm (the four things they’ve learned on Merlin Missions p.92
  3. Why did Jack and Annie think Roberto was such a great kid? He was polite, he was helpful, he was a good friend p.96

Chapter 10

  1. Why were so many people gathered when Jack and Annie got to Camelot? They were all grateful for Jack and Annie p.102
  2. Name three of the people gathered in Camelot? Merlin; Morgan; King Arthur; Teddy; Kathleen p.105
  3. Why did Jack and Annie want to invite their friends over? To play soccer p.111


Comprehension Questions- Ruby Holler

Ruby Holler

by Sharon Creech

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL V ; AR pts: 6.0

"Trouble Twins" Dallas and Florida are orphans who have given up believing there is such a thing as a loving home. Tiller and Sairy are an eccentric older couple who live in the beautiful, mysterious Ruby Holler, but they're restless for one more big adventure. When they invite the twins to join them on their journeys, they first linger in the Holler to prepare for their adventures, and the magic of the place takes over. Two pairs of lives grow closer, and are changed forever.

Vocabulary Words- Ruby Holler

Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did the silver bird that Dallas saw out the window represent? A good luck charm p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Tell me about the city of Boxton.   Tired town; neglected; old homes and shacks clustered around stores and buildings p.4
  2. Describe Dallas and Florida. They’re twins; oldest children in the children’s home; tall; dark haired; dark-eyed; sturdy frames and looked rough and unkempt  p. 5
  3. Find a simile in this chapter.  Mr. and Mrs. Trepid were middle-aged, cranky and tired, and growing stiff and cold as winter-bound trees p. 5; Mr. Putrid walks like a crab scuttling across the ocean floor; the main building pgs.4-11
  4. What was the Boxton Creek Home for Children? An orphanage p. 8
  5. What did Dallas and Florida plan to do one night to escape? Jump on a freight train and ride out of town p.11

Chapter 3

  1. What do you think of the small gray bird that landed on the railing listening to the couple talk about moving?  It looked as if it were listening; it was the same silver bird Dallas saw out the window p.13

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Florida getting in trouble while eating dinner? She was talking; waving; being sassy p.15
  2. Why does Florida get upset when she thinks about the Hoppers? She felt that she and Dallas had been very bad at their home and would never be in a real family p.19
  3. How did Dallas comfort Florida from her bad dreams? Talked to her about the beautiful place they would go. P.20

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Dallas dream of beautiful green and sunny places? To comfort himself from bad memories p.22
  2. Why did Florida call the woman walking by the children’s home, “mother”? the woman had hair like Florida’s p.23

Chapter 6

  1. Why didn’t Florida want to go to a “foster place”? because they’d had bad experiences and were always brought back p.26
  2. What’s the opportunity Mr. and Mrs. T want to give the twins? One would go to Kangadoon and one would go to Rutabago and split up for three months to be a companion for an older couple p.29

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Florida hesitant to go on vacation to Rutabago? She felt like this couple would be just like every other couple and she didn’t want to be separated from Dallas p.33

Chapter 8

  1. How did Dallas feel about Ruby Holler? So excited; thought it was amazing p.36
  2. Why was Sairy apologetic about the sleeping arrangements? Because Dallas and Florida would have to sleep in the same room/loft p.37
  3. Tell me about Florida’s reaction to the Morey’s and her experience so far at their home? She keeps expecting the worst; being locked in a cupboard, having to dig a well, etc.  p.39

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Tiller want to send the twins back to the children’s home? Because he thought Sairy and he should go on each other’s vacations instead of have the kids go with them p.42

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Florida feel uneasy when Dallas asked her questions about who they were or about their future? She felt as if they had no control over who they were or their future p.44
  2. What happened to the tiny blue egg Florida found outside? She held it too tight and it cracked p.45

Chapter 11

  1. Why was Sairy so full of energy? She was happy to have the kids around p. 49
  2. Why was Tiller grumpy? He hadn’t found a way to tell Sairy he wanted her to come on the trip with him p. 49

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Florida ready to work on the boat day and night to fix it? Tiller was going to pay her $5 an hour p.52
  2. What was Dallas so excited about when he and Sairy started to plan their trip? They were going to buy new stuff p.53

Chapter 13

  1. How did Tiller help Florida feel better about the mistakes she’d made the day before with the varnish? He told her about the day he got red paint on the cat, chicken and pig p.59
  2. How did Florida continue to make Tiller think he’d been tricked? She made him talk about old stuff p.61
  3. Name some of the creative meals the Morey’s made to help them get used to their kids being gone. Getting-over-kid -stew; beat-the-blues broccoli; anti cranky crumpets p.66

Chapter 14

  1. How did Sairy react when Dallas and Florida broke the wooden bird and wooden boat? She said they would fix them later p.70
  2. What does Sairy mean, when said, “we find those just about everywhere. We pick the ones that speak to us”? She and Tiller choose to whittle something out of a stick by just knowing something can be made with it p.71

Chapter 15

  1. Who do you think the man with the gold tooth is that met another man behind the Boxton Creek Home?  Whatever ideas your child comes up with P.74
  2. Who told Sairy that the Trepids call Dallas and Florida trouble twins? A lady named Grace p.76
  3. Why is the valley they’re in called Ruby Holler? In the fall the maple tree leaves turn a scarlet red p.78

Chapter 16

  1. What does it mean to “lose your marbles”? not be thinking straight; going crazy p.81
  2. What two things did Dallas and Florida do that tested Sairy and Tiller’s patience? Chopped down Tiller’s favorite maple tree and chopped a hole in the barn wall p.83
  3. How did Sairy respond to Florida when she said she and Dallas were going to go?  She said they were just surprised and that it had been a long time since someone had done something so thoughtful p.85

Chapter 17

  1. What piece of furniture had Florida never seen before? A rocking chair p.87

Chapter 18

  1. How did the baby respond to Mrs. Trepid? The baby stiffened and stared wide eyed at her p.92
  2. What did Dallas do for Joey when he was sick? Put a cool clothe on his forehead; watched over him; spoke to him; breathed into Joey’s mouth p.94
  3. What had happened to Joey? He died  p.94

Chapter 19

  1. Where do Sairy and Tiller keep their money? They’ve buried them in holes in the ground p.98
  2. After Tiller and Sairy leave to go to their “private banks”, what do Florida and Dallas want to do? Follow them p.100

Chapter 20

  1. When had Tiller and Sairy finally shared with each other where their hiding places for their “banks” were? on their 60th birthdays. P.102

Chapter 21

  1. What did Tiller and Sairy do while they waited for Dallas and Florida to come back? Whittled p. 103
  2. Why didn’t Tiller want Sairy talking about their understone funds? It was too much temptation for kids who had so little p.109
  3. Why did Florida change her mind and not want to know where the money is? She remembered her experience at the Hoppers and that money is trouble p.110
  4. What did Dallas want to do with their money? Bury it as well p.111

Chapter 22

  1. How did the twins feel when Sairy said she needed to go to the children’s home to talk to the Trepids? they didn’t want to go back and were worried about getting thrown into a cobwebby room p.114
  2. What did Dallas and Florida tell Mr. Trepid that they probably should have? They told him about the understone funds p.116
  3. What is a passport? A document that lets you travel out of your country p.118

Chapter 23

  1. When Dallas and Florida were getting ready to catch the train, why did they want to leave money for the Morey’s? because they bought them new things p.121
  2. Why was Sairy concerned about the passport? The birthday didn’t match the day Dallas said his birthday was p.123
  3. What do you think “hit the grit” means? Left them; hit the road p.125

Chapter 24

  1. Where did Sairy go to college? New York City p.130
  2. What made Sairy move back to Ruby Holler when she was in New York City? Tiller wrote a postcard to her every week about the holler and she missed it p. 131
  3. What does Sairy wonder as she looks at a photo of her younger self? Who are you? p.132

Chapter 25

  1. Why do you think the holler felt so dark to Dallas and Florida? They had never been in the holler at night before alone; they also had only been in the city with lights around them at night p.133
  2. Why did Florida and Dallas decide to stop and pull out their sleeping bags and sleep for a few hours? They wanted to wait until there was a tiny bit of light from the sun to help them know where they were. P.138
  3. What nickname does Florida call Dallas all of the time?  Mr. Boss p.142
  4. Why did Dallas and Florida put ants, snakes, spiders and a frog into the Burgerton boys’ beds? Because they were getting blamed for things they hadn’t done and they might as well do something to get blamed p.144

Chapter 26

  1. Who is Z? Someone who worked for Mr. Trepid wanted p.145
  2. What’s the first part of the project Mr. Trepid needed Z to do in the holler? Find out when the Morey’s are leaving p.146

Chapter 27

  1. When Florida and Dallas climbed out of the sleeping bags, what did they smell? Bacon p.149
  2. Why do you think Sairy and Tiller were out cooking bacon over a fire in the morning? They found Florida and Dallas sleeping out trying to run away and came to them with the compliment of what a good idea it was to try out the equipment before their trips. P.151
  3. What was Tiller worried the kids had snuck out to get? Their money p.155

Chapter 28

  1. When the twins were babies, why were they never placed in a home? Mrs. Trepid would always keep them hidden and when someone saw them, she told them they were already taken, because she wanted them for herself p.158
  2. What made Mrs. Trepid change her mind about the twins? They would howl and squirm; she didn’t have patience for them p. 159
  3. How was Mrs. Trepid feeling about children now? She didn’t know she could live through more children p.160

Chapter 29

  1. What’s the promise Dallas and Florida made to each other? To never split up p.163

Chapter 30

  1. What was this chapter about? The nightmares Dallas, Florida, Tiller and Sairy had about their trips p.168

Chapter 31

  1. What was Sairy’s bad-dream medicine? Homemade peach ice cream on waffles p.169
  2. What is a rehearsal? To practice something to make sure you get it right p.170

Chapter 32

  1. Why is the river called Hidden River? It’s not on any maps p.173
  2. Why are there no mosquitos in the holler? The bats eat them p.175
  3. Did Dallas or Sairy know if they were different without Florida or Tiller? Not yet p.178

Chapter 33

  1. What does Mr. Trepid want Z to find? Any special stones p.180
  2. Why was Mrs. Trepid so happy to get away from children’s home? She’s tired of children p.183

Chapter 34

  1. How did Sairy respond to the way Mr. Dreep treated Dallas and Florida? She said it was criminal p.185

Chapter 35

  1. How is Tiller different from Dallas? Tiller complains a lot like Florida p.189
  2. What were Tiller and Sairy both starting to talk to the kids about as they were on their trips? The different families they were with and how they treated them. P.191

Chapter 36

  1. What do you think, would it be harder to miss a mother you had loved, or miss a mother you had never known? Listen to your child’s ideas P.194

Chapter 37

  1. Why do you think it is good that Dallas is dreamy? He can dream up a really nice future for them and helps make things positive when they’re scary and dark p.196

Chapter 38

  1. Why do you think Z wanted to stall Trepid? He didn’t want to hurt the Morey’s p.197

Chapter 39

  1. Tell me the times Dallas had cried. After Joey died; sometimes at night at the home p.200
  2. Tell me the story of the piece of wood that Sairy and Tiller both grabbed at the same time. Sairy wanted it but let Tiller have it. He put it on their dresser since he couldn’t decide what to make with it.  He gave her permission to use it but couldn’t get herself to whittle with it. It’s still there now P.201
  3. Why did Sairy and Dallas call themselves worrywarts? They were worrying Tiller and Florida miss them p.205

Chapter 40

  1. How did Florida and Dallas get their names? The box they were in on the porch of the orphanage had travel pamphlets in it and Florida was on one that said “Fly to Florida” and Dallas was on the one that said “Destination: Dallas” p.210
  2. What helped Florida be able to whittle? Not paying any attention to what she was whittling p.211

Chapter 41

  1. Explain what putting something on layaway means. Have the store hold it for you, then you pay a little each month until it’s all paid for, then you get to take it home. P.214
  2. Why do you think Mr. Trepid was in the dealership looking at cars? He wanted to buy one  P.217
  3. What was this chapter about? Mr. and  Mrs. Trepid thinking about the investments Mr. Trepid was going to receive and what they could do with the money. P.217

Chapter 42

  1. Why was Dallas mad if the Trepids didn’t tell him when his real birthday was? A person should know when their birthday was p.219

Chapter 43

  1. Why doesn’t Tiller get mad when Florida goofs up? He’s too old to get mad or what she considers goofs aren’t what he considers goofs p.222
  2. What do you think Tiller meant when he said it was interesting having Dallas and Florida in Ruby Holler?  Good or bad- let your child give their opinion. P.223

Chapter 44

  1. Was Mr. Trepid happy with the report Z gave him? No, because Z said he wasn’t done yet p.225

Chapter 45

  1. Tell me what happened when the boat hit the rock? It tipped over and Tiller and Florida went in the water and got pushed under. P.228

Chapter 46

  1. What did Z put into his sack? Sairy’s bank box p.230
  2. If he can also find Tiller’s box, what do you think he’s going to do with them? Listen to your child’s ideas P.230

Chapter 47

  1. How did Dallas know that Florida was in trouble? He had a bad feeling inside p.231

Chapter 48

  1. What were the Trepids doing in the jewelry store? Looking at a necklace and watch they would like p.232

Chapter 49

  1. Why was Tiller regretting that he and Florida weren’t wearing their life jackets? She couldn’t swim and they would have been keeping them afloat at that time instead of being pushed under the water. P.239

Chapter 50

  1. Who helped Sairy and Dallas find their way out of the woods? Two boys hunting a deer p.245
  2. Do you think it was a good idea for Sairy and Dallas to leave their backpacks with the two boys? No, they might steal their stuff p.246

Chapter 51

  1. Who lived in the cabin at the far side of the holler? Z p.247
  2. What two confessions did he need to make to Sairy? He was the one who got Dallas’s passport & that the twins could be his kids p.249
  3. What was the form Z read that told him the twins could be his? Hospital record p.249

Chapter 52

  1. What happened to Florida in this chapter? She found a log and was able to stay afloat as she called out for Tiller p.252

Chapter 53

  1. When Sairy and Dallas couldn’t find the diner the boys pointed them to, what did they realize and do? They realized the boys lied and stole their packs and decided to keep hiking to find a town p.253
  2. What did Dallas finally spot? A farm p.256

Chapter 54

  1. Why was Tiller holding his chest? It felt tight p.256
  2. What did Tiller think about as he was underwater? Rose his daughter and Sairy p.258

Chapter 55

  1. What did Z end up doing with the understone funds? He kept them for safe keeping p.261
  2. What did the person who went to Kangadoon get? Malaria p.263

Chapter 56

  1. Why do you think Florida was mad at Tiller for not saving her from the river? Because he was supposed to protect her and keep her safe p.265
  2. How did Florida save Tiller? Tied a rope to a tree and held on to it as she walked out to where he was p.265
  3. What does Florida mean instead of “artificial perspiration”? Artificial Respiration p.266
  4. What do you think Tiller means when he says he has a “soggy heart”? He’s having a heart attack p.267

Chapter 57

  1. Why did Z feel when Dallas asked him when the doctors were going to tell them about Tiller? Responsible, important p.269

Chapter 58

  1. Who do you think the be-nice-to-orphans brownies are for? Mr. Trepid p.272
  2. What was Mr. Trepid going to do with the Ruby Holler treasure map? Try and find Sairy and Tiller’s understone funds p.274

Chapter 59

  1. How did Mrs. Trepid feel about Mr. Trepid leaving her alone with the kids for the day?  Unhappy; mad; p.275

Chapter 60

  1. What did Sairy and Tiller discuss in this chapter? Boxton Creek Home; all of the families Dallas and Florida went to; what Z wanted to talk to Tiller about; the Trepid’s coming p.278

Chapter 61

  1. What did Mr. Trepid take with him to Ruby Holler? Shovel, trowel, sack, map p.283
  2. What are some things Mr. Trepid found while digging? Brownies; lizards; mash blackberries; stinging nettles; mousetrap; leaves & berries; etc. p.284

Chapter 62

  1. Where was Mr. Trepid going to take the gems to be appraised? The jeweler he went to look at the watch p.289

Chapter 63

  1. What does it mean to get pictures developed? Get them printed so you have the actual picture p.292
  2. How much did the jewels cost that Mr. Trepid found? $1.99 p.292
  3. What was Florida worried about at the end of the chapter? That Sairy and Tiller were going to get rid of them p.293

Chapter 64

  1. Where did Mr. Trepid test drive the new Cadillac to? The jewelry store p.295
  2. How did the salesman react toward Mr. Trepid when he saw the fake gems on the counter? Polite; stared at them and cleared his throat; asked if he could talk to his manager; chewed on his lip p.297

Chapter 65

  1. Why did Dallas begin packing up his things? He thought Sairy and Tiller were going to take them back to the home p.300
  2. How did Florida feel about leaving now? She didn’t want to; she wanted to say good-bye p.301
  3. Why was Sairy hesitant to keep the twins? She didn’t know if staying in the holler was the best thing for them p.303

Chapter 66

  1. Why didn’t Florida want to leave Ruby Holler? She liked it there; The Morey’s were the nicest couple so far; who would help out with things around the farm while Tiller was getting back his strength. P.307
  2. What were Dallas and Florida hoping would happen when they fell asleep in the fort made by trees? That Sairy and Tiller would find them like last time. P.309
  3. How did Dallas and Florida know that Sairy and Tiller found them? When they woke up, they smelled bacon p.310

Comprehension Questions- The Tiger Rising

The Tiger Rising

by Kate DiCamillo

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 3.0

Walking through the misty Florida woods one morning, twelve-year-old Rob Horton is stunned to encounter a tiger — a real-life, very large tiger — pacing back and forth in a cage. What's more, on the same extraordinary day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a girl who shows her feelings as readily as Rob hides his. As they learn to trust each other, and ultimately, to be friends, Rob and Sistine prove that some things — like memories, and heartaches, and tigers — can't be locked up forever.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Rob's dad rip his clothes?  slapping Rob to make him stop crying  p.3
  2. Name two of Rob's "not-thoughts".  his mom's death, rash, the Threemonger brothers) p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Billy and Norton.  boys who ride the bus with Rob; they were bullies to Rob; had bad breath;  p.5
  2. What does Mr. Nelson, the bus driver, do as Billy and Norton bully Rob?  nothing; whistles a tuneless song ignoring the situation p.6
  3. What gives Rob the strength to not-cry when the boys bully him on the bus? He had the extra power of the tiger with him  p.6

Chapter 3

  1. What did Rob think of Sistine?  she's strange p.8
  2. Where did the name "Sistine" come from? a chapel  p.9
  3. Describe Sistine.  wore pink lacy dress; gravelly, deep, clipped, sharp voice; sharp nose and chin; black black eyes; didn't seem bothered by the boys; confident  p.9

Chapter 4

  1. Why does Rob want to whittle the tiger? his mother taught him how to whittle and it makes stuff come alive  p.12
  2. What is Sistine's attitude toward Robert? hate's him p.12

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Mr. Phelmer, the principal, worried about Rob's legs?  parents of the other students think his rash might be contagious  p. 15
  2. Why is Rob's heart singing when the principal tells him he should stay home for a few days for the medicine to work?  he doesn't have to go to school; he can see the tiger; he can begin to whittle the tiger into wood  p.17

Chapter 6

  1. Why didn't Rob yell at Sistine to run when kids were throwing objects at her?  he knew if he did he would get bullied as well  p.19
  2. Why did Rob feel a thrill when the children were chasing him after he stopped them from ganging up on Sistine? he was saving Sistine p.21

Chapter 7

  1. What type of figurative language is this an example of? "He opened his mouth and the words fell out, one on top of the other, like gold coins."  simile  p.23
  2. Why did Sistine put her hand on Rob's leg, then rub her hand up and down her own legs?  so she would get the rash and not have to go to school  p.24

Chapter 8

  1. Will anyone catch Rob's sickness?  no p.26
  2. What will Rob do when he is out of school? work with his dad p.27
  3. How did Rob's dad feel about him missing school?  he was ok with it; thought a break from the bullies would do him good; thought it would be good to have Rob help him around the motel  p.27

Chapter 9

  1. Why does Rob not like sunshine? it reminds him of his mom's funeral p.33

Chapter 10

  1. What did Willie May say to Rob that would help him be cured of his rashes?  let the sadness from his mom's death rise up to his heart, not go down to his legs  p.37
  2. What certificate does Rob's principal not have? sense certificate  p.37

Chapter 11

  1. When Sistine had brought Rob his homework the first time, why were her clothes dirty and her knuckles bloody?  she'd been fighting at school  p.40
  2. When Rob told Sistine about the tiger, how did he know he told the right person? The only question she asked was, "where?"  p.41

Chapter 12

  1. Who was the sculptor that painted the Sistine Chapel?  Michelangelo  p.43
  2. How did Rob feel when Sistine called him an artist?  joyful and embarrassed p.43

Chapter 13

  1. How does Sistine get Rob to tell her about his mother? starts to leave and walks away from him p.48

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Sistine upset about the tiger being caged in Florida? it was not running free  p.50-51
  2. Why didn't Rob want to do what Sistine wanted to do and let the tiger free?  It wasn't his tiger to let go p.51
  3. What emotion did Rob feel when he grabbed Sistine's hand and ran away from the car approaching them and the tiger?  happiness  p.52
  4. Why had Rob started to feel happiness again?  he had a friend  p.52

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Rob scolding himself for leaving open his "suitcase"?  now his words, feelings and emotions were out   p.55

Chapter 16

  1. How did Sistine's parents meet?  they were both looking up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and ran into each other.  p.57
  2. Why doesn't Sistine listen to, or respect her mother? she feels like she's a liar  p.60

Chapter 17

  1. What is Willie May's opinion on caged animals?  she wants to let them go p.64
  2. Tell me about the parakeet Willie May got for her birthday.  called him Cricket because he sang all the time; could feel his heart beating in her hand when she held him; let him go since she couldn't stand him being locked up; her dad beat her  p.62

Chapter 18

  1. What special job does Beauchamp want to give Rob?  taking care of the tiger  p.67
  2. What do you think the bloody meat in Beachamp's jeep is for?  to feed the tiger p.68

Chapter 19

  1. How did Beauchamp come into possession of the tiger? a fellow owed him some money and paid him with a tiger  p.70
  2. Why did Beauchamp give the entire set of keys to the tiger cage to Rob? Beauchamp trusted him not to open the door  p.71
  3. What does Rob have that will set the tiger free?  the keys p.73

Chapter 20

  1. When Sistine presses Rob into letting the tiger go, why does he resist? the tiger won't be safe  p.76
  2. Why does Sistine break down crying when Rob won't let the tiger go?  she wants to go live with her dad; she hates it in Florida; she wants to let the tiger go  p.77
  3. How does Rob comfort Sistine when she breaks down crying? put his hand on her neck like his mother used to do to him; told her to cry and that he had a good hold on her p.77

Chapter 21

  1. What does Willie May compare Sistine's anger to?  lightning that was snapping out of her  p.81
  2. What was the advice that Willie May gave to Sistine? no one was going to rescue her; she had to rescue herself  p.82

Chapter 22

  1. When Rob's dad found the rotten meat under his bed, what's a word that would describe how his dad felt? inadequate; frustrated; angry p.83
  2. Why did Rob's father stare at the gun and crack his knuckles after finding the meat?  he was thinking about using it on Beauchamp p.84
  3. What did Rob carve? Willie May's bird, Cricket  p.85

Chapter 23

  1. When Rob put the wooden carving into Willie May's hand, what was her response?  she didn't want to open her eyes for fear she would frighten the wooden bird away; she knew what it was with her eyes closed; soothed her heart  p.88
  2. Why doesn't Willie May have to dream of Cricket anymore?  now she had Rob's carving of her Cricket  p.88

Chapter 24

  1. Why does Rob like Sistine so much?  her voice changes when she sees something beautiful  p.92
  2. When Rob and Sistine first told Willie May about the tiger, what was her reaction?  surprised; shocked; wanted to see the tiger  p.93

Chapter 25

  1. What does Sistine always say when she gets sad, frustrated or doesn't get her way?  she can't wait until her father comes to get her and that he'll set the tiger free; puts the blame on other people by calling them liars  p.95
  2. After Willie May told Rob that she would like to see the tiger "rise on up out of his cage", Rob realized what he had to do.  What do you predict he'll do?  p.97

Chapter 26

  1. When Beauchamp drives up in his jeep toward Sistine and Rob, what does Sistine do that surprises Rob?  smile and sweetly say "Sissy" to Beauchamp  p.100
  2. What is the truth that Rob and Sistine learn about Beauchamp and the tiger?  Beauchamp is scared of the tiger  p.101

Chapter 27

  1. When Rob unlocks the tiger cage, why do they rock it?  so the tiger will leave  p.103
  2. What did the author compare the tiger running away from Rob and Sistine to? he looked like the sun, rising, setting again and again

Chapter 28

  1. What happens to the tiger after the kids let him go?  Rob's dad shoots it p.106
  2. What was a positive outcome to Rob's dad shooting the tiger?  Rob was able to finally tell his father how he feels about his mother being gone and they could talk and cry together  p.106
  3. Why do you think it was important to touch the tiger after Rob's dad had shot it?  helps you mourn, say good-bye and accept what has happened  p.109

Chapter 29

  1. What attended both Rob's mother's and the tiger's funeral?  the sun  p.111
  2. On the way back to the motel after the funeral, Rob felt lighter, as if he had put something heavy down and walked away from it.  Why?  he and his dad had talked; he was able to cry; he felt good about his decision to let the tiger go  p.112

Chapter 30

  1. Why does Rob feel all right about going to school now? Sistine is there p.114
  2. What will Rob carve for Sistine? a tiger  p.116

Comprehension Questions- I Survived The Attacks of September 11, 2001

I Survived The Attacks of September 11, 2001

by Lauren Tarshis

Grades 4-6; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 1.0

The only thing Lucas loves more than football is his Uncle Benny, his dad's best friend at the fire department where they both work. Benny taught Lucas everything about football. So when Lucas's parents decide the sport is too dangerous and he needs to quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan.  So the next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It's a bright, beautiful day in New York. But just as Lucas arrives at his uncle's firehouse, everything changes — and nothing will ever be the same again.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Tell me the setting of this story.  New York City, New York; Tuesday, September 11, 2001; 8:46 am; streets busy with taxis, cars & buses  p.1
  2. What's the definition of "careened"?  (verb)  to lean, sway, or tip to one side while in motion p.2
  3. Describe the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.  two silver and glass buildings next to each other; rose a quarter of a mile high in New York City

Chapter 2

  1. The author introduced this story by beginning in the first chapter with the events of September 11th unfolding in New York City. In the second chapter, the author shifted the sequence of the story by going back in time. Explain why you think the author used this style of writing.  To get the audience’s attention; interesting way to introduce Lucas and the events of September 11th.  p.4
  2. Why was Lucas the happiest when playing football with his team?  he felt he belonged  p.5
  3. How did Lucas feel about football when Uncle Benny took him to his first practice?  didn't like it; didn't feel like he could play  p. 9

Chapter 3

  1. What's a "concussion"?  (noun) injury to the brain or spinal cord due to jarring from a blow or fall  p.12
  2. What did Lucas' dad do for a living?  fire fighter  p. 15
  3. What are two consequences of Lucas' dad being burned in the warehouse fire?  arms that are still scarred; made him quiet; far away look in his eye   p.16

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Lucas’ mom take him to the doctor? To get him checked out before he could play football again  p.18
  2. The doctor showed Lucas pictures of football players. What did they all have in common? They all died from concussions  p.21
  3. Why did the doctor suggest that Lucas never play football again? 3 concussions in 2 years is too many for an 11 year old boy  p.22

Chapter 5

  1. How do you know the firefighters were fond of Lucas?  they hugged him; rubbed his head; said they missed him; said he was growing like a weed  p.30
  2. Who told Lucas' mom about Dr. Barrett?  Uncle Benny  p. 32
  3. What was flying overhead when Uncle Benny was talking to Lucas about quitting football?  an airplane  p. 33

Chapter 6

  1. What is the definition of "hypnotized"? (verb) being frightened or startled so that movement is impossible  p.37
  2. what did the plane crash into when it was flying low over the city?  one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center  p.38
  3. How would you feel if you saw an airplane flying low in a city and crashing into a building? Sad; scared; panicked; terrified  p.38

Chapter 7

  1. How big was every floor of the Twin Towers?  About the size of a football field  p.42
  2. Why was it important for Lucas to call his mom and leave a message about where he was after the airplane hit the tower? She didn’t know where he was and would be worried p.45
  3. What did Uncle Benny’s words mean, “we’ll do what we always do”?  they’ll fight fires and save lives  p.45

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Benny feel like he needed a job after all of the fire fighters disappeared to the twin tower? He wanted to help   p.47
  2. What job did Benny choose to do to help? Clean up the breakfast dishes  p.47
  3. When Benny was washing dishes and watching the news in the firehouse, what made him drop the skillet into the sink, shattering plates and glasses? Another plane crashed into the second tower  p.49

Chapter 9

  1. Why couldn’t Lucas get a hold of his parents when he tried to call them? There were too many people using the phones and all of the circuits were busy  p.52
  2. Lucas didn’t want to be alone after the second airplane hit. Where did he go?  Down south to the crash site  p.56
  3. Who came out of the crowd and grabbed Lucas and held him tight? His dad  p.58

Chapter 10

  1. What did Lucas' dad mean when he said they weren’t going to be able to put out the fires, but that it was a rescue operation now? Save all of the people they can  p.60
  2. What do you think made the roaring noise, the ground tremble and felt like a boiling hot tornado hit in New York City? One of the buildings fell down  p.66
  3. Why did Lucas feel like the world had ended and that he was the only person left? There was silence and he couldn’t see anything when he opened his eyes  p.66

Chapter 11

  1. Describe how the dust felt that coated Lucas. Made it hard to breathe; it was everywhere- between his teeth, stuck to his tongue and the back of his throat; grains were jagged with bits of ground glass; cut into his skin as he tried to brush himself off  p.68
  2. When dad turned on his flashlight to gather everyone together in the convenience store, what did Lucas compare it to? The moon on a foggy night p.68
  3. What type of figurative language is this an example of? Simile  p.68
  4. What had happened to one of the towers? It had completely collapsed  p.72

Chapter 12

  1. What was Uncle Benny's outcome? He made it out carrying a man a minute before the second tower collapsed; he sought shelter under an engine truck  p.81
  2. Write a paragraph of 35 words or more- What was one good thing that Lucas had realized had come out of that day? How can going through a catastrophe help people and their relationships become stronger?

Comprehension Questions – The Bailey School Kids Christmas Special Mrs. Claus Doesn’t Climb Telephone Poles

Mrs. Claus Doesn’t Climb Telephone Poles

By Marcia Thornton Jones & Debbie Dadey

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

There are some pretty weird grown-ups living in Bailey City. But why is Mrs. Claus repairing telephone and cable wires in Bailey City after a big blizzard? And could Santa be so worried about her that he'd forget all about Christmas? The Bailey School Kids are going to find out.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s causing the internet to be down and the school to be closed until after Christmas? snow storm  p. 1
  2. How was snow stopping the kids from going to school and from playing video games or using the internet? The power was out  p.3
  3. Who did the children see up on the telephone pole? A woman  p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the woman who was working on the telephone pole. Grandma; said “Ho! Ho! Ho!” into the receiver; friendly; wore red; name is Joy;  p.3-6,8
  2. What made Liza try sledding down the hill? It looked like more fun than standing and watching p. 11
  3. How did Liza feel about sledding after she zoomed down the hill for the first time? It was exciting, but she didn’t want to do it again  p.16

Chapter 3

  1. What is “fruitcake”? a rich cake containing dried or candied fruit, nuts, etc.  p.17
  2. How did Eddie cheat when racing Melody to the Burger Doodle Restaurant? Cut in front of her, forcing her into a snowdrift, then threw a snowball at her p.18
  3. What is the definition of “bickering”? to argue  p.21
  4. Why was Joy unhappy? She doesn’t feel appreciated by S.C. p.23

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Liza scream when she heard the name “Eli”? she recognized Eli was the same man talking to the janitor who turned out to be Santa Claus  p.28
  2. What does “abominable” mean? Very unpleasant; disagreeable p.28
  3. How did Joy respond when Liza said that “Santa can do anything, can’t he?” she cleared her throat, lost her sparkle, ran out of the restaurant  p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What is a “microscope”? an instrument with a  magnifying lens, used to inspect objects too small to be seen p.34
  2. When the children went to the bakery to pick up a cake for Melody’s aunt, what did they overhear Joy saying behind the counter? Telling the baker how to make cookies  p.37
  3. What does Joy compare her husband’s red nose to? a cherry gum drop  p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Where did the children follow Joy to? A small cottage  p.42
  2. List 2 ways to describe the cottage. Looks like the house from Hansel and Gretal; lots of Christmas lights; snowman on the roof; spruce trees with lights; candy canes lining the brick sidewalk  p.44

Chapter 7

  1. What does “bragging” mean? To boast; acting arrogant; to speak of one’s own achievements p.47
  2. When the children were going to sledding the second time, why did their breath make little white clouds? The warm air from their mouths mixed with the cold air outside   p.49
  3. What happened to Eddie’s sled after it slid down the hill without him? Broke into 3 pieces  p.50
  4. What did Joy do for Eddie’s sled? Fix it  p.52

Chapter 8

  1. How did Joy want Eddie to thank her for fixing his sled? Be more careful; think how his family would feel if he got hurt  p.55
  2. What did Joy do to help make sledding easier for Liza? Went down the hill with her p.57
  3. Who does Liza think Joy is? Mrs. Claus  p. 60

Chapter 9

  1. A simile is a figure of speech in which two unlike things are compared using like or as. Give me an example of a simile on page 64.  Eddie tossed snowballs like a catapult
  2. How would you describe Eddie during the snowball fight? Mean; bullyish; crazy  p.66
  3. Why do you think Joy calling Eli at the end of this chapter? To tell Eli that Eddie is being naughty  p.67

Chapter 10

  1. What’s the definition of “romantic”? displaying or expressing love p.69
  2. Who is Cupid? A winged, infant boy with a bow and arrow that symbolizes love  p.70
  3. Why do the friends feel like they need to help Joy and her husband? Christmas will be ruined if they don’t  p.72

Chapter 11

  1. How did Liza trick Joy? When Liza spoke about what friends do when they have disagreements, Joy joined in explaining that friendship isn’t easy but worth saving.  Joy realized she needed to work it out with her husband  p.76-77

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Eddie acting so calm and unlike himself? He got the present he wanted from Joy p.81
  2. Why did it bother Eddie he got a present from Joy? He didn’t really believe until then that Joy was Mrs. Claus  p.81

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #23 High Time for Heroes

High Time for Heroes

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL S; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie are on a mission for Merlin the magician! This time, the magic tree house whisks them off to Thebes, Egypt, to find Florence Nightingale, a world-famous nurse. But when they find her, the Florence Nightingale they meet is not a famous nurse at all—she’s not even a regular nurse! Have they found the right person? Or did Merlin make a mistake? An easy mission turns dangerous when Jack and Annie try to solve the mystery!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1
1. What was Jack working on when Annie wanted to see if the tree house was in the woods? A magic show for his parents and grandparents p.3
2. Who are Jack and Annie visiting in this adventure? Florence Nightingale p.7
3. Where were Jack and Annie traveling to find Florence Nightingale? Egypt p.12

Chapter 2
1. Who is Ali? A boy Jack and Annie met when they first got to Egypt. He has two donkeys and was napping in a rowboat. His grandfather is a tourist guide p.15
2. What part of Egypt did Jack and Annie get sent to? Thebes; on the River Nile; across from the Temple of Luxor p.18
3. Who is Mustafa? Ali’s grandfather; the guide p.23

Chapter 3
1. What is the definition of an “aristocrat”? a person who lives within the standards of exceptional rank and privileges, especially the hereditary nobility (upper class) p.28
2. Describe the Bickerson’s. Aristocrats; easily upset; miserable and frightened in Thebes p. 31
3. Who is Countess von Kensky? A woman from Hungary who has a baby baboon for a pet named Koku p.32
4. What does Florence enjoy doing in Egypt? Taking notes of the ruins p.37

Chapter 4
1. Why did Lord Bickerson call Jack and Annie “impolite”? they were standing up for Florence; shared their opinions which were the same as Florence’s p.42
2. Why did the countess need Annie and Jack to babysit Koku? The countess wanted to visit a sick friend who didn’t like wild animals p.48
3. What does “rendezvous” mean? To meet up with each other at agreed time and place p.49

Chapter 5
1. What’s the definition of “solitude”? being alone p.55
2. Where did Jack and Annie travel to when they rented the donkeys? Valley of the Queens p.55
3. How did Jack feel as they saw and approached the Valley of the Queens? nervous; couldn’t shake his uneasy feeling p.62

Chapter 6
1. What does the word “shrieking” mean? A loud, sharp, shrill cry p.65
2. When the jackals were coming after Annie at the entrance of the tomb, why did Koku jump from Annie’s arms and run away? To distract the jackals and get them to chase her p. 67
3. What were two skills Jack and Annie gained as expert rock climbers after they inhaled the mist? Confidence; shift body weight; relax their grip; 100% focused on finding new places to grip; knowing where to put feet and hands p.71
4. What is the definition of “hoisted”? lifted; raised p.72

Chapter 7
1. Why did Annie have to remind Jack not to “freak out”? he could lose his concentration and fall down the cliff side p.78
2. How far did Jack get down the cliff side when he realized the mist had worn off? Half-way down p. 79
3. What does it feel like to have the breath knocked out of you? Can’t breathe or talk; tightness in chest; scary p.80
4. Predict what you think is going to happen next. Florence will tend to Jack and Annie’s injuries and realize she has a gift to take care of people; She will admit to Jack and Annie she enjoys taking care of people p. 82

Chapter 8
1. When Jack and Annie were wanting to go back to the river, how did they know which way to go? Followed the moon since it rose over the Nile p. 83
2. What does the word “jostle” mean? Bump, shove, push, brush against p. 84
3. Give two examples of onomatopoeia on page 88. Baaing of sheep; bleating of goats; croaking of frogs; rustling of reeds; hee-haw of donkeys p.88
4. What’s the definition of “moored”? to make fast with or as if with cables, lines, or anchors; to secure  p. 91

Chapter 9
1. What would Florence love to do with her life? Be a nurse p. 97
2. Why did Florence think Jack and Annie hit their heads when they fell off the cliff? They said she would be a great nurse someday p. 98
3. What did Florence say that caused the ring to finally glow? One’s life must have meaning and purpose p. 101

Chapter 10
1. Why wouldn’t Mustafa accept payment from Jack after all he had done to help the children? Mustafa did it because they needed help,  not for the money p. 112
2. What happened to Jack and Annie’s injuries when they reached Frog Creek, Pennsylvania? They were gone p. 114
3. After the adventure to Egypt, how many secrets of greatness had Jack and Annie learned? 3 p. 115

Comprehension Questions – Peter Pan

Peter Pan

J.M. Barrie (Penguin Classics)

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: not listed

A classic and original story of "the boy who would not grow up".

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. When describing Wendy’s mother, it talks about a kiss that Wendy will never get. What does the author mean by this?  It’s a foreshadow of the interchange that Wendy and Peter will have about a thimble and a kiss. Pg. 5
  2. What was Mr. Darling’s career? Traded stocks and shares  pg 6
  3. How did Mrs. Darling “tidy up her children’s minds?” Listen to them while they slept and tried to talk to them  8 & 10
  4. Why was Mrs. Darling so concerned about the leaves in the nursery? She didn’t know how they got there, they weren’t from England pg. 11
  5. Who was the first person to see Peter Pan in the Darling family? Darling  pg. 12

Chapter 2

  1. What does “mea culpa, mea culpa” mean? It’s my fault, it’s my fault p. 15, 228 (explanatory notes)
  2. What is a word you would use to describe Mr. Darling’s behavior after Wendy fetched his medicine, when he said he would take his medicine to show Michael how “to be a man”? Childish, immature, cowardly  19
  3. Why was Mrs. Darling nervous to have Nana outside while they were away at their party? She barking her DANGER bark and was worried about the boy p. 21
  4. Why were Mr. and Mrs. Darling upset and recalling the memories of “the Friday night”? their children were gone and they didn’t know if they’d see them again. P.21

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Peter come into the nursery the night the Darlings left for the party? Did retrieve his shadow p. 23
  2. After Wendy sewed on Peter’s shadow why did she go hide under her covers? Peter took the credit for Wendy’s cleverness of sewing on his shadow  26
  3. Why did Peter give Wendy an acorn, when he “kissed” her after her offer to kiss him? He thought a kiss was giving something small away to someone because Wendy gave him a thimble instead of a kiss p.26
  4. How did the Lost Boys come to be? As babies, they fell out of their perambulators (baby carriages) p. 29
  5. Why did Peter want Wendy, John and Michael to go to Neverland with him? So Wendy could tell stories to the Lost Boys and himself p. 30

Chapter 4

  1. When the children were flying with Peter to Neverland, how did he feed them? Take food away from birds that had food suitable for humans in their mouths  37
  2. Why did Wendy urge her brothers to be nice to Peter as they flew to Neverland? She didn’t want Peter to leave them, she didn’t know the way home, they couldn’t pick up food as well, they bumped into things and Peter helped them out  38
  3. On page 40, how is the sun a good example of personification? The sun was wanting them to reach Neverland before leaving them for the night; protecting; guiding with it’s rays; being a friend p.40
  4. When they were on their tip toes in the air and looking down into Neverland, why were they familiar with the things they were seeing? They had pretended all of those things p.40
  5. When Peter Pan spoke of Captain Hook, why were the children so afraid? Hook was Blackbeard’s first officer and he was the only man Long John Silver (Barbecue) in Treasure Island was scared of  43 & 228

Chapter 5

  1. What happens to Neverland when Peter is away? It goes to sleep, things are quiet p.47
  2. What are the four main groups that inhabit Neverland? Pirates, redskins, beasts, Lost Boys p. 47
  3. Name three of the Lost Boys and one characteristic of each. Tootles-kind, melancholy, humblest of them all; Nibs-happy debonair; Slightly-whistles and most conceited; Curly-he’s a pickle and always in trouble; Twins-apologetic, vague and hard to describe since Peter didn’t know what twins were  48
  4. Describe Mr. Smee. Genial, stabbed without offence, nonconformist p.49
  5. Who is the leader of the redskins or Piccaninny tribe? Princess Tiger Lilly p.50,52
  6. How does Hook know when the crocodile he fears is near? It swallowed a clock and it makes a ticking sound  54
  7. How did the pirates discover the home of the Lost Boys? They sat on the hidden chimney and felt heat p.54
  8. How did the Lost Boys defeat the pack of wolves running toward them? Looked between their legs and flatulated  55

Chapter 6

  1. What saved Wendy when Tootles his her with the arrow? The button on the chain she put around her neck p.59
  2. Why did Slightly leave and pretend to come back as a doctor when Peter told him to fetch a doctor? Peter believed make believe was true and if they broke down in their make believe he would rap them on their knuckles p. 61
  3. When Peter wanted to build Wendy a house and she was lying on the ground with her eyes closed, how do you know she wasn’t still injured? She answered Peter in song, the kind of house she would like  62
  4. How did Wendy feel about being the Lost Boys mother? Delighted  How do you know? She was shining when they asked p.65

Chapter 7

  1. Describe 3 things about the tree house Wendy and her brothers stayed in with Peter and the Lost Boys. It had one large room; the colorful mushrooms used as stools; the Never tree grew every morning in the middle of the floor: they’d put a door on top to make a table and sawed it off after tea time to make room to play; bed tilted by the wall in the day and let down at 6:30: all of the boys slept in it except Michael and was tight they had to give a signal to turn over; enormous fireplace; had a private apartment for Tinker Bell  P.68
  2. What did Wendy do to make sure her brothers wouldn’t forget their mother and father back home when they were living in Neverland?  Give them tests/examinations about them  p. 70

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the mermaids treat Peter differently than Wendy and the boys?  They liked him p.73
  2. After Hook swam aboard in the Mermaid’s Lagoon, why was he melancholy?  He found out Peter and the boys have a mother (Wendy) p.77
  3. When Hook was trying to guess who the voice was, what game did he play with it to figure it out?  20 questions p.80
  4. Why did Hook withdraw in the fight with Peter on the rock?  The crocodile was after him p.82
  5. What made Peter become resolute in surviving his wounds and not drowning on the rock? He realized that dying would be an adventure in itself and he was ready to face that adventure  p.84

Chapter 9

  1. Who tried to save Peter when he was wounded and trapped on the rock? The Never bird p.86
  2. When they couldn’t understand each other’s language, how did Peter and the Never bird treat each other?  With insults, calling names, bad manners  p.84
  3. After Peter was in the nest, why was the Never bird watching him closely? To see what Peter would do with her eggs p.86
  4. What did Peter do with the Never bird’s eggs? Put them in Starkey’s hat and used it for a boat to float upon the water p.87

Chapter 10

  1. Why did the redskins call Peter the Great White Father?  He saved Tiger Lilly from the pirates p.88
  2. How did Tiger Lilly, Wendy and Tinkerbell feel about Peter? They loved him p.94
  3. Give me two examples in which the author prepares the reader for the terrible events that are coming up in the story?  The author called the evening the Night of Nights; Wendy snapping, but wouldn’t have if she knew what was to happen before the night was out; none of them knew, perhaps it best not to know; their ignorance gave them one more glad hour; it was to be their last hour on the island; Peter stayed and sat on the stool and listened to the story;  p.89;93
  4. Why does this author give us hints that something terrible is going to happen in the story?  To help us anticipate it; to build our excitement for the story  p.89;93

Chapter 11

  1. What was Wendy’s story about in this chapter?  Wendy, Peter and John going to Neverland p.96
  2. What made Peter upset about his own mother? He thought she would always leave the window open for him, but when he finally went home, it was barred and another little boy was sleeping in his bed p.98
  3. How did the Lost Boys react when Wendy, John and Michael said they wanted to go home?  Advanced upon her threateningly, wanted to keep her prisoner p.99
  4. How did Tinkerbell feel about Wendy going back home?  Happy, but she didn’t want to take her p. 99

Chapter 12

  1. What time of day did Hook attack the redskins?  Just before dawn; when the sky was grey p.104
  2. What strategy did Captain Hook use to win the battle?  He used the element of surprise  p.105
  3. Who did Hook want to destroy? Peter Pan  p.105
  4. Why did Hook have such a hatred for Peter?  Peter’s cockiness  p.106

Chapter 13

  1. What was Slightly’s secret Hook discovered that betrayed Peter? No boy so big could use a tree wherein an average man could fit, so there was a hide out in a tree under the ground  p.109
  2. What made Hook decide to stay and capture Peter, his enemy? Peter’s impertinent appearance as he slept; Peter’s personification of cockiness p.111
  3. Who drank the poison Hook put in Peter’s medicine cup? Tink p.113
  4. Why did Tink drink the poison? To save Peter; she loved him  p.113

Chapter 14

  1. Hook was haunted by the action of “good form” from his school days. What was it? behaving properly p.117&231
  2. Where on Hook’s ship were the children kept prisoner? In the hold   p.119
  3. When Wendy was brought on deck from the hold and Hook spoke “as if he spoke in syrup”, how would his voice have sounded? Heavy, smooth, sweet  p.120
  4. What stopped Hook immediately, when he was ready to make Wendy watch the boys walk the plank?  The tick-tock of the crocodile  p. 122
  5. Who was really making the ticking sound?  Peter  p.122

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Slightly counting during this chapter?  He was counting the number of people that died after Peter came aboard the ship and went through the process of saving the children p.126
  2. Who is the “doodle-doo” on the ship killing people?  Peter  p.127
  3. Who did Hook send in to fight the doodle-doo?  The children p.127
  4. How did Peter at last defeat Hook?  Pushed him off the ship to the crocodile p.132

Chapter 16

  1. What was the setting of the beginning of this chapter?  The children were aboard the pirate ship, wearing pirate clothes, acting like sailors  p.134
  2. Where was the ship sailing? to the mainland; take the children home p.134
  3. Why did Peter and Tink fly into the room while Mrs. Darling was playing the piano and Mr. Darling was falling asleep in the kennel?  To bar the window to prevent Wendy from returning home  p.139
  4. How did the children finally convince Mrs. Darling they were really back home again and not a  dream? They ran into her arms   p.141

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Mr. Darling treat the Lost Boys unfavorably when they wanted to come live with the Darlings? He felt they only asked for Mrs. Darling’s consent and not his  p.143
  2. How often did Mrs. Darling allow Wendy to go to Neverland? For a week every year and do his spring cleaning  p.145
  3. What happened to Peter’s spring cleaning when Wendy grew up?  Her daughter Jane would go and Jane’s daughter Margaret would go, etc.  p.153

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #22 Hurry Up Houdini!

Hurry Up Houdini!

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL P; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie continue their journey as they find the second key to greatness under the direction and assistance of Merlin,  They get to meet the Great Houdini at the amusement park on Coney Island and even get to perform on the same stage as the great illusionist.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What two things did Merlin give Jack and Annie to help them during their quest? A gold ring (Ring of Truth) and a tiny bottle of Merlin’s magic mist p.7
  2. Where did Merlin want them to go for this mission?  Coney Island, NY  p.8
  3. Who were Jack and Annie going to visit for this adventure? The Great Houdini p.8
  4. What do you know about the Great Houdini?  A magician, performer

Chapter 2

  1. After the tree house landed in New York, Annie thought they had arrived at the time of the Middle Ages.  What made her come to that conclusion?  She saw spires, towers, turrets, domes  p.10
  2. Back in 1908, how much was a penny worth if compared to a coin in our time?  A quarter p.11
  3. What ride did Jack and Annie go on before buying their tickets for Houdini’s show? A water roller coaster; Shoot the Chutes p.21
  4. Why do you think Jack wanted to buy the tickets to Houdini’s show before eating the hot dog, ice cream and going on Shoot the Chutes?  It might be sold out; they might miss it  p.22

Chapter 3

  1. How did Jack like the Shoot the Chutes ride he and Annie went on?  He didn’t like it; it made him queasy p.23
  2. What’s the definition of “coincidence”?   an occurrence of events happening by chance  p.27
  3. Give an example of onomatopoeia in this chapter.   Ah-OO-ga! Ah-OO-ga!  p.29
  4. Why was Mr. Dewey so upset when Jack and Annie tried to buy tickets for the Great Houdini’s show?  The opening act, the Bambini Brothers ran off stealing from the box office, now the Great Houdini’s show doesn’t have an opening act and it will start late  p.32

Chapter 4

  1. How did Jack and Annie help solve Mr. Dewey’s problem of not having an opening act for the Great Houdini?  Jack and Annie used the magic mist to become great performers and do the opening act p.36
  2. What was the name of Jack and Annie’s act for the performance? Jolly Jack and the Amazing Annie p.38
  3. How did Jack feel about performing in the opening act of the Great Houdini? He didn’t like it  p.39&44
  4. What’s the definition of a “horde”? a large group of people  p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack turn around and go back to the theater, especially when he was so angry at Annie? She was going to use the magic mist to become a great performer, but he realized he had the mist p.46
  2. How did Jack sneak into the theater? He climbed onto a garbage can and crate to reach the window of Annie’s dressing room p.49-50
  3. How did Jack feel about performing after he inhaled the mist? The crowd wasn’t so scary, he couldn’t wait to get on stage and show them what he could do  p.54

Chapter 6

  1. What are illusionists?  Magicians  p.59
  2. Tell me three magic tricks Jack and Annie did during their act.  Pulled rabbits and doves from their hats, made cards appear from thin air, made wands appear, connecting three solid rings  p.62-67
  3. Tell me the definition of “flourish”. To make dramatic, sweeping gestures  p.69

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jack and Annie go back on stage and perform a second time?  The Great Houdini hadn’t shown up to do the show  p.71
  2. Why did the audience “boo” Jack when the curtain lifted for the second performance? They wanted the Great Houdini p.76
  3. Why was the Great Houdini late for his performance?  He and Bess got trapped on the Trip to the Moon ride p.81

Chapter 8

  1. What was one of the Great Houdini’s nicknames? The Master of Escape  p.88
  2. Describe to me the Great Houdini’s most thrilling and dangerous escape he performed that night? He escaped a huge locked milk can full of water with three pairs of handcuffs around his wrists p.89
  3. What magic trick did the Great Houdini do that included his wife Bess? He tied her arms behind her back, she stepped into a large bag that Houdini tied at the top, she was placed in a trunk that was inside a cabinet, then the cabinet was locked with padlocks. She escaped and opened the trunk and bag and the Great Houdini jumped out p.94

Chapter 9

  1. How did Harry and Bess leave the theater after the show? Through a secret exit out of their dressing room p.97
  2. Where did Jack and Annie find Harry and Bess? On a bench eating ice cream cones p.101
  3. Why do Harry and Bess wear such big hats? So fans won’t recognize them p.101
  4. What did Bess say to Jack and Annie that made the Ring of Truth glow?  Anyone would have to work hard to be truly great at something p.105

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Jack and Annie want to walk with Harry and Bess to the Japanese Tea Garden? That’s where the magic tree house was p. 107
  2. When Jack and Annie were telling their new friends about the magic tree house, how did Harry and Bess respond? They didn’t believe them, they winked at each other, went along with Jack and Annie p.109
  3. Why did Jack and Annie tell Harry and Bess their secret about the tree house? Harry mentioned he would be happy to just once see a bit of magic he could never do or never explain p.107&112
  4. What was Jack and Annie’s new secret of greatness? Hard work  p.112