Category Archives: Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Questions – Sarah, Plain and Tall Series #3 Caleb’s Story

Caleb's Story

by Patricia MacLachlan

Grades 2-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts. 2.0

The stranger lurking on the Witting family's prairie farm turns out to be their long-lost grandfather, whose presence, plus prodding from Caleb, forces Jacob to deal with his past.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who’s telling the story? How do you know? Caleb; the journal entry at the beginning is his p.3
  2. Where’s Anna going? To work in town, she’s a nurse p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Predict who the old man is? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Should Sarah have let him into the house? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. Why did John want to play hide and seek with Cassie? To distract her so she wouldn’t stare at the man p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Who is the man and why is Jacob shocked to see him? Jacob’s father; he was told he was dead p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Jacob upset to see his father? He left their family when he was young and never came back p.44

Chapter 6

  1. Why was grandfather upset with Sarah? She found out about his pills and said they would take him to the doctor in town p.57

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Sarah warn Anna to be careful? She didn’t want her to get sick with the influenza that was spreading p.68
  2. Why didn’t Grandfather ever want to read? He didn’t know how p.72

Chapter 8

  1. What was the result of Cassie’s comment at dinner? Jacob and his father pushed each other around and Jacob got hurt p.81

Chapter 9

  1. What does it mean to set a bone? To line it up the broken bone so it can heal straight p.83

Chapter 10

  1. Why is it important for Jacob to forgive his father? So, he won’t be angry anymore p.99

Chapter 11

  1. How did Sarah get stuck in the snow? There was a bad snow storm and she tried to follow the rope, but it broke p.106

Chapter 12

  1. How could Jacob forgive his father? By sharing his own feelings as well as listening and understanding his father’s; by letting go of his pride p.112

Comprehension Questions – Sarah, Plain and Tall Series #2 Skylark

Skylark

by Patricia MacLachlan

This book mentions skinny dipping.

Grades 2-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts. 1.0

Maine was beautiful, but Anna missed home, and Papa. And as the weeks went by, she began to wonder what would happen if the rains never came. Would she and Caleb and Sarah and Papa ever be a family again?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe what is happening at the beginning of this book. Papa, Sarah, Anna and Caleb are getting a family picture taken; the land is in a drought; Caleb is worried Sarah’s going to leave; Papa said no matter how bad it gets they won’t ever leave p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Explain in your own words what Sarah meant on page 13. Some people can express more when they write than when they speak
  2. Do you write in a journal? What do you like to write about? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. What is Sarah thinking when she sadly and thoughtfully said, “I am surrounded by motherhood”? She wants to have a baby p.16

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Sarah want to read her aunt’s letter out loud? It talks of rain and green grass; Anna’s family is still in a drought and she didn’t want to make Papa feel stressed p.25

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Maggie get upset with Sarah in the store? Sarah doesn’t understand how hard it is to pack up and leave due to the drought p.31

Chapter 6

  1. What did Caleb see in the field and were they able to take care of it? A fire; yes they put it out p.35

Chapter 7

  1. What do you think Sarah day dreamed about if it’s not Maine? Having a baby p.41
  2. How does Sarah really feel about living there? She hates it p.44

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Sarah’s birthday party. The neighbors all came; there was music and dancing; lemonade and food; Anna gave Sarah a book she had written p.51

Chapter 9

  1. Why was it decided Sarah would take the children to Maine? Another fire burned down the barn and they have to travel further for water; it was getting too dangerous p.60

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. It tells of the journey to Maine and how Sarah’s aunts showered them with love when they arrived p.62

Chapter 11

  1. Predict what you think will happen. Is Maine going to be their new home? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. Which two birds was Sarah compared to in this chapter? Why? Skylark for singing and prairie lark that hasn’t come to earth p.80

Chapter 13

  1. Why do you think Anna wasn’t able to answer Caleb when he asked if they would see Papa again? She didn’t know if or when they would p.88

Chapter 14

  1. What good news did Papa and Sarah share in this chapter? Sarah was having a baby in the spring p.93

Chapter 15

  1. What was significant about Sarah writing her name in the dirt? It meant she was ready to come to earth and call the prairie her home p.96

Comprehension Questions – James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Grades 4-5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL S; AR pts. 4.0

James Henry Trotter loses his parents and is forced to live with his evil aunts. Luckily, he is given magic crystals, which he accidentally spills on his aunts' decrepit peach tree. One of the peaches begins to grow, and grow, and grow. Finally, James climbs into the peach and it rolls away from his aunts' yard and his miserably lonely life. With the giant peach, he begins a new life, making friends along the way with hilarious characters like the Grasshopper and the Earthworm.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe James’s situation. He lived near the ocean with his parents until he was 4 years old; his parents were killed by a rhinoceros in London one day and he went to live with his two horrible aunts who wouldn’t allow him to leave the garden where they lived; a peach tree was in the garden, but it never bore fruit p.1

Chapter 2

  • Describe the main character’s aunts. Selfish, lazy, thought they were beautiful, mean to James; Aunt Sponge was fat and short with piggy shaped eyes and sunken mouth; Aunt Spiker was tall and lean, would spit when she talked p.5

Chapter 3

  1. Who approached James and what did he give him? An old man; magic crystals p.10

Chapter 4

  1. What instructions did the man give James and what did he promise him? Put them in a large jug of water with ten hairs from his head and drink; wonderful things will happen to him p.12

Chapter 5

  1. Where did the crystals disappear to? Why? James tripped and the crystals all disappeared into the ground near the peach tree p.13

Chapter 6

  1. What was peculiar about the peach tree? A peach was growing on it p.16

Chapter 7

  1. What did Aunt Spiker want to do with the peach? Make money by charging people to see it p.24

Chapter 8

  1. What did the aunts have James do that day? Stay in his room locked up and clean up the garbage after everyone left p.26

Chapter 9

  1. What did James feel in the moonlight? Something more peculiar was going to happen to him p.28

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. James found a hole in the peach and climbed into it, crawling down a tunnel to the middle of the peach, through a doorway into the peach pit p.30

Chapter 11

  1. Why was James terrified in this chapter? He thought the human sized insects were going to eat him p.34

Chapter 12

  1. How did the insects get to be so large and human like? The magic crystals p.38

Chapter 13

  1. Describe how James felt about his new friends? He liked them, they were kind and helpful p.43

Chapter 14

  1. Where were the creatures and James going? They didn’t know, they just wanted to go somewhere to get away from James’s aunts and the hill they were on p.45

Chapter 15

  1. What happened to James’s aunts? The peach rolled over them and they were smashed p.48

Chapter 16

  1. What book, also written by Roald Dahl, was referenced in this chapter? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory p.50

Chapter 17

  1. Describe the journey James and the creatures had to the ocean? They were tossed around, hitting into each other until they landed on the water p.53

Chapter 18

  1. What good news did James have for the creatures in this chapter? They wouldn’t starve because they had the peach to eat p.60

Chapter 19

  1. What attacked the peach and why were the creatures worried? Sharks; with each bite from the sharks, the peach will be eaten away p.66

Chapter 20

  1. What was James’s plan to save them from the sharks? Take string from the spider and silk worm and tie it from the peach stem to seagulls to lift the peach out of the water p.70

Chapter 21

  1. Why did James become the captain of the peach ship? He took charge p.75

Chapter 22

  1. What word would you use to describe James in this chapter? Listen to your child’s answer; determined, hard worker, clever, smart p.75

Chapter 23

  1. Why do you think the peach wasn’t damaged by the sharks? Listen to your child’s answer; magic, the sharks couldn’t get their teeth into it p.83

Chapter 24

  1. List one thing James learned in this chapter? How grasshoppers play music; where their ears are; where crickets and katydids ears are p.87

Chapter 25

  1. Summarize what James learned in this chapter? How each of his insect friends help the world p.89

Chapter 26

  1. How did James help the centipede in this chapter? He saved him; the centipede fell over the edge of the peach into the water and James asked silk work to spin rope and went in after him p.95

Chapter 27

  1. What caused hail stones to hit the peach? The Cloud-Men because Centipede called them names p.104

Chapter 28

  1. What danger were the friends in this chapter? The Cloud-Men saw them and threw whatever they could at them p.112

Chapter 29

  1. Why is Centipede upset in this chapter? The Cloud-Men hit him with paint and he was stuck p.113

Chapter 30

  1. What freed Centipede? The Blood-Men dumped water on them and it washed the paint off p.118

Chapter 31

  1. What did the author say the weather is a result of? The Cloud-Men working their sinister magic upon the world below p.120

Chapter 32

  1. What’s James’s plan to get the peach down to the earth? Cut a few of the strings holding the peach p.122

Chapter 33

  1. What did the people in America think the peach was? A bomb p.123

Chapter 34

  1. Why did the friends think they were going to die? An airplane came through the air and sliced through every string holding the peach p.126

Chapter 35

  1. Summarize this chapter. People in the city thought they were going to die along with those in the peach p.127

Chapter 36

  1. What saved the peach? It fell onto the Empire State Building p.128

Chapter 37

  1. What helped the fire fighters and police officers not be afraid of the creatures in the peach? James spoke up for them p.134

Chapter 38

  1. Why was James so happy in this chapter? 10,000 Children asked if they could try the peach; he’d never seen so many children in his life p.141

Chapter 39

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. It describes what happens to each of the creatures and James; James was so happy to have so many children who wanted to meet him and hear his story p.145

Comprehension Questions – #4 Isadora Moon Has a Birthday

Isadora Moon Has a Birthday

by Harriet Muncaster

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Half-fairy, half-vampire Isadora Moon wants a normal human birthday party, but will her parents be able to meet her request?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Isadora like human birthday parties? There’s fun games and activities, party favors, cake and ice cream p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Isadora get in trouble at school? Her dad had sent her birthday invitations via bat wings and they flew into the classroom interrupting the lesson p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Why is Isadora irritated her cousin Wilbur came to the party? He can do magic tricks, but she wanted a human magician who would do pretend magic p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Isadora changed into her costume for her party and guests arrived in their costumes p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What made Isadora nervous in this chapter? Wilbur turned her friend into a box of frogs and she was worried he couldn’t turn him back again p.47

Chapter 6

  1. What went wrong in this chapter? Wilbur gave the cloud more bounce and as the children bounced on it, the pegs snapped and the clouds went back into the sky with Isadora’s friends p.62

Chapter 7

  1. What’s Samantha’s plan to get back down? Isadora make wings on the costumes real so the children can fly themselves and each other down p.75

Chapter 8

  1. How did the children react when Isadora’s mom admitted they should have made the party more like human parties? Isadora’s friends said they liked it just the way it was; that they liked her family just the way they were p.85

Chapter 9

  1. What part of the cake did the children want to eat? The vampire and fairy layer p.90

Chapter 10

  1. Why was it important for Wilbur to apologize to Isadora? He should have listened to her p.96
  2. What gift did Isadora’s parents give her? A wand p.100

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #35 Camp Time in California

Camp Time in California

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie back in time, they land in the tallest tree in Yosemite, California where they join nature conservationist, John Muir, and US President Teddy Roosevelt on a historic trip through the woods.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where’s the setting for this story? Yosemite, a National park in California p.7

Chapter 2

  1. How did Jack and Annie learn their pencils were magic? They had to start using them p.17

Chapter 3

  1. Did Jack and Annie follow Jack’s instructions when they ran into the bear? Explain. No, they ran away from it and Jack read people shouldn’t run from bears p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jack and Annie meet some travelers in the forest and were invited to join them for the night p.29
  2. Is it smart for Jack and Annie to join them? Why, or why not? Yes, it’ll keep them safe p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Do you know who Teddy is? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. How did Teddy help Jack? Helped him feel like he could ride the mule p.41

Chapter 6

  1. What helped Jack enjoy his experience? Forgetting about himself p.52

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Annie upset and what helped her feel better? Finding out the oldest tree in the world was cut down; Jack took her up to the cliffs edge and looked at the stars p.59

Chapter 8

  1. Who is Teddy? Theodore Roosevelt, the President of the United States p.69
  2. Why did he go on an adventure in the Yosemite wilderness? To see the value in making it a National Park p.71

Chapter 9

  1. Explain John’s attitude of being in the wilderness. He loves it more than being inside p.78

Chapter 10

  1. What did Jack and Annie learn about drawing? Helped them understand what they drew p.90

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #1 The Dragonet Prophecy

The Dragonet Prophecy

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts. 10.0

The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy, a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the introduction to the story. Clay is a dragonet learning to fight, but he doesn’t like it. Kestrel is his teacher and wants more out of him. Tsunami is another dragonet who stands up for Clay. She suggests they leave the caves earlier than two years when the prophecy is to take place p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. The five dragonets acted out the prophesy, but got in trouble when Kestrel found them; Tsunami shared her desire to escape with the other dragons, except for Sunny since she can’t keep a secret p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Describe how the Minders treat the dragonets and if you’d like to be under their tutelage. Why, or why not?  Angry, mean, bossy, condescending and say rude things to them; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize Morrowseer’s visit? He wanted to see which of the dragonets were up to the task p.34

Chapter 5

  1. What disturbing information did Clay hear when he spied on the Minders? Morrowseer ordered them to kill Glory by noon the next day p.53

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the plan the dragonets put in place to save Glory? Clay would swim downriver until he was out of the cave; the dragonets in the cave would build a fire so Clay could see where the cave is from the outside; meanwhile Glory would use her dragon skills and camouflage herself to prevent the Minders from finding and killing her p.60

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Clay took to his journey in the river; he was still underground when he came to a stream and a waterfall; he decided to go up the stream, but something stung him and he blacked out p.66

Chapter 8

  1. Who helped Clay? Tsunami p. 74
  2. How did she break free of the chains? Sunny and Fireflight breathed fire on them together p.75

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Clay excited to see dirt? He’s a mud dragon; he’s much more comfortable in the dirt p.84

Chapter 10

  1. Who did the dragonets run into above the surface? Scarlet, the queen of the Sky Wings p.93
  2. Is that good or bad? Why? Bad; she will want to prevent the prophecy and destroy the dragonets p.93

Chapter 11

  1. Describe the interaction Tsunami and Clay had with Scarlet. She wanted to take them with her, but they knew they couldn’t go with her; Tsunami stabbed her tail with a claw and the dragonets flew off p.95

Chapter 12

  1. List a consequence the dragonets will have because they left the cave. Queen Scarlet knows where the secret hideout is; she knows about the 5 dragonets p.109

Chapter 13

  1. Why is Clay surprised Kestrel was willing to give herself up to save the dragonets? Kestrel isn’t loyal to any dragon except her own kind and she hated the dragonets p.114

Chapter 14

  1. Describe the prison cell Clay has. It’s outside, hundreds of feet above the ground; on a spire/column by himself with many other columns around him with dragons on them; high above the arena p.119

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the battle between Peril and Horizon. Peril burned Horizon with her touch, to end the fight, Horizon held onto Peril and died p.132
  2. Predict what will happen the next day. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Peril. She’s the queen’s champion; she’s a Sky Wing dragon; she burned her twin to death in their egg; her mother tried to drop her over a cliff but the queen saved her; she has too much fire, anyone that touches her is burned; needs a friend p.138

Chapter 17

  1. Why did the queen bring the three friends to her? To decide who she should put in the arena with an Ice Wing p.152
  2. Why did both Clay and Tsunami volunteer to fight in the arena? They wanted to protect each other and their friends p.153

Chapter 18

  1. Who do you think won the fight? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.161

Chapter 19

  1. Why does Clay think he’s going to make the prophecy fail? Because he thinks he’s weak p.163
  2. Who does Clay think Peril’s mother is? Kestrel p.172

Chapter 20

  1. What’s Kestrel and Peril’s story? Kestrel had the twins and fled, but the queen caught her and told her if she killed one of the dragonets she and the other dragonet could go free; Kestrel killed the one twin, but the queen lied and didn’t free her; Kestrel tried to escape, but was burned when she grabbed Peril; she dropped her and left her to the queen p.180

Chapter 21

  1. Why did Clay feel like they had to escape that night? Queen Burn was coming and she will be ruthless with the dragonets; he was worried one of them would have to fight Peril the next day; he knew he had to save Sunny before Burn took her home p.188

Chapter 22

  1. What’s stopping the dragonets from leaving Peril’s cave? A fire burning from black rocks p.197
  2. Who do you think sprayed Fjord with poison? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter23

  1. Describe Peril’s actions in this chapter. The dragonets thought she was helping them, instead she betrayed them p.209

Chapter 24

  1. How did Clay fulfill a prophecy? He came from a blood red egg and can walk through fire p.212

Chapter 25

  1. Describe the crowd’s attitude toward the fighting in the arena? They like the fight; they wanted death p.221
  2. Compare the relationship the five dragonets have to the rest of the dragons in this world. They care about each other; they are friends and help each other; the other dragons have no care for each other and don’t know how to be real friends p.221

Chapter 26

  1. How did the audience react when Tsunami and Starflight wouldn’t fight? They thought it was sweet p.224
  2. Who showed up at the end of the chapter? Morrowseer p.228

Chapter 27

  1. What did Morrowseer do in this chapter? He saved Starflight and flew away p.231

Chapter 28

  1. What word would you use to describe Clay in this chapter? Why? Noble; loyal; dedicated; listen to your child’s answer p.241

Chapter 29

  1. Do you agree that the dragonets should free Kestrel? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 30

  1. How did Peril grow in this chapter? She realized Clay would be her friend even if she helped free him and his friends p.259

Chapter 31

  1. Why is Glory mad at Clay? He made her feel like she wasn’t wanted p.266

Chapter 32

  1. Describe Clay’s experience as he walked into the Mud Wing domain? They weren’t friendly; no one paid him and Glory any attention; people seemed bothered by them; they were in military groups and only talked with each other p.280

Chapter 33

  1. Why was Clay disappointed after speaking with his mother? She wasn’t happy to see him; she didn’t care about him; he didn’t receive any answers from her about his father; she sold Clay’s egg to the Talons of Peace p.283

Chapter 34

  1. What did Clay find in this chapter? Explain. The answers he’d been looking for; his family; what life would have been like had he been born in the tribe p. 290
  2. Why couldn’t Clay stay with them? He has his own destiny; he didn’t want to tear his sibs apart; his sibs would feel like they had to choose between him and Reed who was their current bigwings p.293

Chapter 35

  1. What did Clay realize at the end of this story? That he was good enough to fulfill the prophecy just the way he was p.300
  2. Why is that important? Listen to your child’s answer

Epilogue
1. What did you learn from reading the epilogue? Morrowseer is evil and has made a deal with Blister; he wants her to be the next queen; Morrowseer gave instructions to Starflight to betray his friends; the dragonets are in danger; he killed Kestrel and are looking for Webs p.301

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #34 Late Lunch with Llamas

Late Lunch with Llamas

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

The magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie away to South America, where they must climb Machu Picchu to save a baby llama. 

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where is Jack and Annie going in this book? Peru p.7
  2. What continent is Peru on? South America 

Chapter 2

  1. Why is the boy so upset in this chapter? His baby llama was stolen p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Why are Jack and Annie afraid to cross the bridge? It’s made of rope and hangs between two mountains p.25
  2. Why are Jack and Annie determined to cross the bridge? Their mission is to go across and save the llama p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Jack and Annie feel sick while hiking up the mountain? They didn’t have water and they needed to slow down to let their bodies get used to the high altitude p.35

Chapter 5

  1. How did Jack and Annie know they were taken back hundreds of years into the past? Topa and his grandparents called Machu Picchu the Secret City p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Where did Jack and Annie find drinking water? In one of the many springs in the city p.47

Chapter 7

  1. How will the legend help Jack and Annie? The llama will speak and tell the Emperor what it wants p.61

Chapter 8

  1. Name one thing that was scary for Jack in this chapter? The Emperor wouldn’t believe them; the trail to the rope bridge was on a cliff; condors were flying overhead p.62

Chapter 9

  1. How did Jack keep Cria safe from the condors? He remembered the legend and asked the condors to tell the constellations to keep Cria safe p.74

Chapter 10

  1. What’s Annie’s explanation of “the secret of the brave”? People can’t be brave unless they’re afraid first p.85

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #33 Narwhal on a Sunny Night

Narwhal on a Sunny Night

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

The magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to Greenland, where their mission is to save a narwhal.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What do you know about Greenland from this first chapter? It’s cold, by the Arctic Circle, can’t have a lot of grass and trees, icebergs and reindeer p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Name one fact you found interesting in this chapter. The earth is warming causing the polar caps to melt; 56,000 people live there with most of them Inuits; there are three kinds of seals and 15 kinds of whales that live there p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why were Jack and Annie worried about the orcas swimming toward the narwhals? Orcas will kill and eat narwhals p.22

Chapter 4

  1. How did Annie convince the boy not to kill the narwhal for its horn? She told him they’re special and mysteries of nature; they know secrets humans will never know and hear things in ways we’ll never hear; they talk in a language we’ll never understand p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Describe how the kids free the narwhal? Leveraged a spear into the ice to break it p.34

Chapter 6

  1. Describe what you know about Erikson and his family. They’re seafarers; came from Iceland 8 years ago p.40

Chapter 7

  1. Describe the village Erikson lives in. His dad is the chief; long wooden house; thatched huts; barns; dogs; families live there: shocked to see Jack and Annie p.48

Chapter 8

  1. Why are Jack and Annie wanting to sneak away from Leif’s house? His family is under the impression they have a ship and want to take the entire village to see it in the morning p.62

Chapter 9

  1. What gift did Jack and Annie give Leif? Their map of Greenland p.69

Chapter 10

  1. Why do you think “thanks” is the special word Jack and Annie saw glow? Listen to your child’s answer p.79

Chapter 11

  1. Who can you thank? Make sure to write them a note or tell them! P.84

Comprehension Questions – The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by Elizabeth George Speare

Grades 6-9; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

Puritan neighbors regard Kit Tyler with suspicion, fear, and anger when she befriends an old woman accused of witchcraft.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where is Kit from originally and why is coming to America so strange for her? Barbados; people don’t swim; they don’t know who she is; people are critical and judge quickly and unfairly p.6
  2. In whom did Kit find a friend in this chapter? Nat at the beginning; the little girl whose doll she saved; John Holbrook p.10
  3. Define the word “heathen”. a person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim; an irreligious, uncultured, or uncivilized person p.11
  4. Why was John concerned for Kit at the end of the chapter? Kit is not accustomed to the culture she is entering to and he doesn’t want to see her get hurt or be judged wrongly 

Chapter 2

  1. List one character and Kit’s interactions with them on the ship. Nat couldn’t believe she jumped in the water and became angry when finding out she had slaves in Barbados; John was always surprised and seemed to have a warning voice when learning about her background; Goodwife Cruff didn’t like Kit and didn’t want her near her child; Prudence admired Kit p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Kit’s family. Aunt Rachel is old and thin; Uncle Matthew is old and serious; Judith is beautiful as her mother once was; Mercy has extraordinary eyes and uses a crutch p.32
  2. Summarize Kit’s history and how she came to live with her aunt and uncle. Her grandfather was sick and an overseer ran the plantation; the overseer finished the crop and then disappeared; when her grandfather died there were debts; Kit sold the land to settle the debts; she sold her own slave for passage to America p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Matthew’s reaction so shocking to Kit? She grew up with fine clothing and didn’t realize her aunt’s family felt beautiful clothing was wrong p.44
  2. Why did Kit cry on her pillow that night? She felt useless; it would have been better if she was a boy p.49

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Kit’s experience at church and why she was upset at the end of the chapter. People stare and talked about her; she was uncomfortable; she had to sit still for two hours and went numb; there was a second service in the afternoon they were going to p.53

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the altercation between the reverend and Kit’s uncle. The reverend is a loyalist and supports the king, but Uncle Matthew doesn’t p.61
  2. Why did the Reverend think that Mercy is weak and why does Kit disagree? Mercy is lame and can’t walk well, but she has an inner strength the entire family relies on p.64

Chapter 7

  1. What helped Kit enjoy Saturday evenings? William called on her each Saturday and he didn’t expect her to be useful; the prospect of marrying him p.74

Chapter 8

  1. What helped Kit better understand her uncle? Knowing that he was angry and sad all the time from losing two babies, both boys p.81

Chapter 9

  1. What was the answer Kit received from Hannah? That though she’s like the alien flower, she can grow where she’s planted; to talk to Mr. Kimberley about her mistake and the school p.97

Chapter 10

  1. How does Kit’s family feel about Hannah. She’s dangerous because she’s a Quaker p.99
  2. Who’s Hannah’s seafaring friend? Nathaniel from the ship p.106

Chapter 11

  1. What secret world did Kit pull Prudence into? Learning to read; meeting Hannah; meeting with Kit secretly p.118
  2. Do you agree Kit should have pulled Prudence into her world? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. What awkward situation did Nat put Kit in when he walked her home? She had to tell her uncle where she was; William was jealous seeing Kit with him p.132

Chapter 13

  1. What tragic event happened in this chapter? Judith thought John wanted to court her, when in reality he was asking Matthew for permission to court Mercy; now he is courting Judith because he didn’t want to hurt her feelings p.142

Chapter 14

  1. What did Nat mean when he said, “To think I worried about that little bird. I might have known it would gobble up a nice fat partridge in no time”? The bird is Kit and he’s mocking her; he was worried about her coming to Connecticut, but she’s done well for herself in finding a wealthy young man to marry and take care of her p.151

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Kit proud of her uncle? For taking a stand in what he believed in p.163

Chapter 16

  1. What danger is Prudence in? Prudence’s mom will punish her for learning to read and for meeting with Hannah and Kit p.173
  2. Why is Judith so upset? John’s enlisted in the militia as a doctor p.176

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mercy and many in the town are very sick; a crowd came wanting Matthew to help them kill Hannah, they think she’s cursing the town; Kit sneaks out, runs to Hannah and gets her away from her home; the people burn her home and look for her but can’t find her; Kit noticed the Dolphin sailing by; Nat brought Hannah and her cat to the ship; Kit returned home and Mercy’s fever broke p.177

Chapter 18

  1. Why is Kit locked up in a shed? She was accused of being a witch since she had gone to see Hannah p.200

Chapter 19

  1. What happened at the trial? Nat brought Prudence to prove that Kit wasn’t a witch p.218
  2. How did Prudence’s parents react when she told them she had been going to Hannah’s home and Kit had been teaching her to read? Her mom was angry, but her father was proud of her for learning to read

Chapter 20

  1. Describe Kit’s first winter. Harsh, cold, snowy, gray, dreary, depressing, dark p.234
  2. Who arrived at the end of the chapter and why was it so shocking? John Holbrook; he’d been taken captive by Indians; he looked gaunt and ragged; When coming in the house, he went straight to Mercy and not Judith p.238

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. The engagement announcement of Judith and William and Mercy and John was made; Kit realized she wanted to be with Nat; Nat bought his own ship; Nat walked with Kit to get her uncle approvals to marry her

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #7 The Last Battle

The Last Battle

by C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 7.0

Jill and Eustace join Prince Tirian as he tries to defeat the evil that has infested Narnia.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Shift. An ape; bosses Puzzle around; manipulative; gets what he wants; not a good friend; makes Puzzle feel guilty for telling him “no” p.3
  2. Why didn’t Puzzle want to wear the lion skin? He felt it would be wrong and disrespectful to Aslan p.9
  3. Why did Shift want Puzzle to wear the lion skin? To pretend to be Aslan so he could get what he wants p.14
  4. Do you think it’s a good idea? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 2

  1. Has Aslan shown himself in the land? No, it’s Puzzle in the lion skin p.17
  2. What tidings did Roonwit bring the king? There’s evil that hangs over Narnia p.19
  3. How did the king act rash in this chapter? He raced in with Jewel and killed the Calormenes instead of waiting for his army p.27

Chapter 3

  1. Why is everyone believing Puzzle is Aslan? That’s what Shift is telling them; They’ve never seen Aslan before; they don’t know what he looks like or what his nature is p.30
  2. What’s Shift doing in this chapter? Lying to the Talking Beasts to make them go along with his plan; being deceitful p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Compare Puzzle to the real Aslan? Stiff in stature; Shift speaks to the people for him; Aslan always shows himself and speaks for himself when he wants and he wouldn’t kill the trees or enslave the animals p.48
  2. What shoes Tirian do in this chapter? Calls out for help to Aslan and to the children/friends of Narnia p.50

Chapter 5

  1. Who’s sitting at the table Tirian saw? The Professor, Aunt Polly, Eustace, Jill, Peter, Lucy, Edmund p.57
  2. Where did Tirian take the children? The battlements p.60

Chapter 6

  1. Where had Jill gone and what did she find? To the stable; Puzzle in the lion skin p.74
  2. Why didn’t the group feel the need to whisper anymore? They had the false Aslan and could prove to everyone they had been tricked p.76

Chapter 7

  1. How did the dwarfs react when Tirian saved them and cheered for Aslan? They didn’t believe in Aslan and didn’t want a king anymore p.83
  2. Summarize the conversation Poggin overheard. The Cat and the Calormene Captain agreed to use the Ape to their advantage to make Narnia a Calormene province p.90

Chapter 8

  1. What news did the Eagle bring to Tirian and the others? Calormene ships attacked Cair Paravel and the dying Roonwit sent a message with Farsight that all worlds draw to an end p.103

Chapter 9

  1. How was the king’s plan ruined? Shift told the Beasts that a donkey had dressed up as Aslan, so now the Beasts want to kill Puzzle p.116

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. The Ape challenged Narnians to go into the stable; the Cat goes in and comes out unable to talk; a Calormene soldier goes in, but a different soldier comes out dead; the Ape threatens a Boar to go in and Tirian and his group come out with their weapons; Tirian invites the Narnians to stand at his side and fight the Calormenes p.117

Chapter 11

  1. Name something discouraging that happened in this chapter. The dwarfs shot and killed the Talking Horses; the Calormenes reinforced the enemy army; many Narnian Animals left and wouldn’t help fight; Narnians joined the enemy p.134

Chapter 12

  1. What did Tirian find inside the stable? Tash took Rishda away and 7 kings and queens stood before him, the same as in the dream he had when he called to them p.150

Chapter 13

  1. Why couldn’t the dwarfs be helped? They didn’t want to be p.169
  2. Who appeared in the stable? Aslan p.169

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter. The animals of the world all had to face Aslan; the world of Narnia ended; Emeth the Calormene was sitting against a tree p.174

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Emeth able to see Aslan? He believed in him p.188

Chapter 16

  1. What had happened to the children and their parents? There was a railway accident and they all died p.210