Category Archives: Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Questions – The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux

by Kate DiCamillo

Grades 4; Genre - Fables; GRL U; AR pts. 5.0

Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish.

These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives. And what happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

Book the First

  1. Describe the introduction to this story. In a castle in France; Despereaux was born and received his name from his mother for all the despairs of their lives; he’s the only mouse of the litter and the last mouse born to his mother; his mother’s favorite word is, disappointment; he opened his eyes and looked at the sun, which his family knew was strange p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Despereaux; he’s tiny, has large ears and was born with his eyes open; he’s sickly, faints at loud noises; shows no interest in mouse things; he notices things that other mice didn’t care for p.17
  2. Predict what Despereaux could hear? Listen to your child’s answer p.18

Chapter 3

  1. What happened to Despereaux in this chapter? He learned to read p.22
  2. What did the author warn us about? Despereaux will run into rats and need to be brave p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did Despereaux hear and understand? Music p.26
  2. Why is it dangerous for a mouse to reveal itself to humans? Humans don’t like mice p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Predict what will happen to Despereaux. Listen to your child’s answer p.32

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Despereaux’s action of being revealed affect the entire mouse community in the castle? It showed the humans they were in the castle p.36

Chapter 7

  1. What does the phrase, “I honor you” mean? To act in a deliberate and respectable manner p.40
  2. Who is Despereaux in love with? Princess Pea p.41

Chapter 8

  1. Define perfidy. an act or an instance of disloyalty p.45

Chapter 9

  1. Predict Despereaux’s fate. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize the trial. Despereaux went before the Head Mouse; he admitted what he had done truthfully; he didn’t admit that he was wrong; he was going to be sent to the dungeon with the rats; he fainted p.54

Chapter 11

  1. Describe the interaction Despereaux had with the threadmaster. The threadmaster put the thread around Despereaux’s neck and told him to be brave for the princess p.61

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Despereaux leave to the dungeon hopeless? No one helped him p.65

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Despereaux think of the word “perfidy” as he tumbled into the dungeon? His brother, family and community weren’t trustworthy and cast him out p.71

Chapter 14

  1. Who do you think the loud voice belonged to? Listen to your child’s answer p.75

Chapter 15

  1. How does the rope save the jailer’s life? To guide him through the dungeon mazes p.78
  2. Why does Gregory want to be told stories? He feels like they’re light and he lives in darkness p.81

Book the Second

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Roscuro. A rat; Gregory caught him and showed him light so he now longs for it; thinks the meaning of life is light p.88
  2. What do “real rats” do? Torture prisoners emotionally and physically p.90
  3. How is Roscuro not act like a rat? He loved the light 

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. A prisoner was sent to the dungeon; Roscuro was assigned the new prisoner, but saw the light from the door opening and closing; his friend told him to focus on the blanket that was given to the prisoners not the light p.92

Chapter 18

  1. Why did Roscuro decide he needed to go upstairs? The blanket didn’t give him happiness; he knew he needed to go to the light p.102

Chapter 19

  1. Who was born when Roscuro went upstairs in the castle? Despereaux p.103

Chapter 20

  1. What made Roscura realize he didn’t want to be a rat? Princess Pea saying “rat” and everyone’s reaction to him p.109

Chapter 21

  1. How did the Queen die? Roscuro fell in her soup and the shock killed her p.112
  2. How did Roscuro’s heart break? He saw Pea’s disgust and anger towards him p.113

Chapter 22

  1. Was it appropriate for Roscuro to seek revenge? Why, or why not? No; listen to your child’s answer p.116

 Chapter 23

  1. Define the word consequence. A result or effect of an action or condition p.117
  2. Why did Roscuro want revenge? For the way Pea looked at him p.120

Book the Third

Chapter 24

  1. Describe Miggory Sow. A girl who’s going to help Roscuro take revenge; a girl named for her father’s favorite prize-winning pig; born far away from the castle; her mother died when she was 6 years old; is the daughter of the prisoner Roscuro tortured and took the blanket from p.125

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Mig’s ears look like cauliflower? The man who purchased her, frequently hit her in the ears p.129
  2. Why is Mig’s life sad? She wasn’t able to hear anymore; she was never listened to; her owner hit her and didn’t love her p.129

Chapter 26

  1. What has been awakened in each of our main characters? Despereaux-love; Roscuro-light; Mig-hope p.134

Chapter 27

  1. Why couldn’t Mig be a princess? She’s not born into royalty p.137

Chapter 28

  1. Explain how Mig came to become a servant in the castle? The soldiers came to her hut to take away the soup supplies and Uncle and the soldiers took her with them since she was a slave p.141

Chapter 29

  1. Describe Princess Pea. Kind, happy, looks for the good in people and things; her mother died from Roscuro falling in her soup; patient p.147

Chapter 30

  1. What job did Cook give to Mig? Why, or why not? Take lunch to the jailer in the dungeon; she was lazy and not competent in the other tasks she was given p.154

Chapter 31

  1. Why isn’t Mig afraid of being in the dark dungeon? She can’t hear anything p.160

Chapter 32

  1. Predict how Roscuro will get revenge? How will Mig help him? Listen to your child’s answers p.165

Chapter 33

  1. How did Roscuro know Mig’s name? She yelled it out when hollering for the jailer to come get his lunch p.169
  2. What’s in the napkin Gregory put on the tray? Despereaux p.171

Book the Fourth

Chapter 34

  1. What did Despereaux lose in this chapter? His tail p.179

Chapter 35

  1. Why did Despereaux weep in this chapter? He was sad about his tail, happy he was freed, happy he can save Pea p.180
  2. Predict who the knight is in Despereaux’s dream. Listen to your child’s answer p.182

Chapter 36

  1. What’s Roscuro’s plan to get revenge on the princess? Mig will take her to the dungeon to be stuck there forever p.187
  2. Do you think the plan will work? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 37

  1. What phrases does the author use to show that Pea was not afraid on page 193.  “She concentrated on containing the rage that was leaping up inside of her”; “…her eyes were defiant”; “She stared at the rat” p.193

Chapter 38

  1. How is Pea empathetic? She was thinking about Mig while she held a knife in her back p.198
  2. Has there been a time you’ve been empathetic? Listen to your child’s answer
  3. Why is empathy important? We’re more understanding and have compassion when we can think about other people and what they’ve been through

Chapter 39

  1. Why did Despereaux need to find the king? To tell him what happened to the princess p.203

Chapter 40

  1. Summarize this chapter. Despereaux was looking for the king and found the Mouse Council meeting; he went into them and they thought he was a ghost; his father asked for his forgiveness and Despereaux forgave him; he demanded the Mouse Council to repent, they didn’t p.204

Chapter 41

  1. Why didn’t the king listen to Despereaux? He thought all rodents are liars p.214
  2. Were you correct in your prediction? Who is the knight in Despereaux’s dream? He is p.215

Chapter 42

  1. How did Hovis help Despereaux in this chapter? Gave him the spool of red thread and a needle p.221

Chapter 43

  1. What word would describe Despereaux in this chapter? Courageous; determined; strong; hopeful, brave p.223

Chapter 44

  1. Why did Cook’s laughter hurt Despereaux? He felt like she was making fun of him p.230

Chapter 45

  1. How did Cook help Despereaux in this chapter? She didn’t kill him and instead gave him soup; she held the dungeon door open for him p.233

Chapter 46

  1. Summarize this chapter. Despereaux’s pushing the thread down the stairs and it rolls too far, down to a rat p.238

Chapter 47

  1. Why did Despereaux trust the rat? He didn’t have another choice p.244

Chapter 48

  1. Describe the dungeon now that Despereaux could see it? There were human and mice bones, thread, tufts of fur; rats p.247

Chapter 49

  1. How did Pea get through to Mig? Her compassion; asking what she wanted p.254

Chapter 50

  1. What do you think Mig cut? Listen to your child’s answer p.259

Chapter 51

  1. What word describes Pea in this chapter? Forgiving; compassionate; gentle; understanding p.263

Chapter 52

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this book. Despereaux and Pea are friends; Roscuro can go back and forth from upstairs to the dungeon; Roscuro told Pea about the prisoner with the table cloth and she had him released; the prisoner treated Mig as a princess the rest of his days; Mig, Roscuro, Pea, the king and Despereaux are eating soup at the table; Antoinette, Lester and the threadmaster are peeking out of the curtain watching p.266

Comprehension Questions – #2 Isadora Moon Goes Camping

Isadora Moon Goes Camping

by Harriet Muncaster

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; Lexile 520L; AR pts. 1.0

When Isadora Moon and her family go on a camping trip to the beach, they're just like everybody else. They roast marshmallows and build sand castles and sleep in a tent But in a magical family, anything can happen. And when Isadora goes on a nighttime adventure, she makes an unusual friend under the sea. . . .

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Predict what Isadora did during summer break. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 2

  1. How does Isadora’s dad’s feel about camping? He didn’t want to; doesn’t like it p.11
  2. Where did her family go for their vacation? Camping at the beach p.22

Chapter 3

  1. How did Isadora figure out her dad was in the bathroom? There was a long line of people waiting to get in p.31

Chapter 4

  1. How was the special comb lost? Isadora put it on top of her sandcastle; the tide came in and washed it away p.46
  2. Why didn’t Isadora tell her dad what happened to it? She was too scared at first, but then he wouldn’t talk to her when she tried p.48

Chapter 5

  1. Who did Isadora meet on the beach? A mermaid p.60
  2. Should the mermaid princess give back the comb? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. How did Isadora get the comb back? She asked the princess and agreed to stay for a tea party p.75

Chapter 7

  1. What did Isadora do to Princess Delphina’s stuffed mer-bear? Why? Brought it to life; she was lonely p.83
  2. What did Isadora’s dad learn? He shouldn’t have brought his comb to the beach; spending time with his family is more important than a comb p.91

Comprehension Questions – #1 Isadora Moon Goes to School

Isadora Moon Goes to School

by Harriet Muncaster

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; Lexile 520L; AR pts. 1.0

Isadora Moon loves sunshine — and nighttime. She loves her magic wand — and her black tutu. She loves spooky bats — and Pink Rabbit. Isadora is half-fairy, half-vampire, and she’s special because she is different! Now Isadora’s parents want her to start school, but she’s not sure where she belongs — fairy school or vampire school?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Isadora. Half vampire, half fairy; has a vampire dad, fairy mom, and a little sister like her; her pink stuffed rabbit is alive; lives in the top tower of her large home p.2

Chapter 2

  1. What decision is Isadora trying to make in this chapter? What school to go to p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Why is Isadora embarrassed in this chapter? She was practicing her wand skills and instead of a carrot cake, a carrot appeared that grew to a great size and flew out the window p.32

Chapter 4

  1. What happened on Isadora’s first day at fairy school? She couldn’t use a wand; she couldn’t dance like the other fairies because she couldn’t wear her black tutu; she didn’t know she shouldn’t pick toadstools from a fairy ring and she got red spots from the toadstools p.43

Chapter 5

  1. Why isn’t Isadora prepared for vampire school? She wasn’t able to sleep all day and will be tired p.60

Chapter 6

  1. What did Isadora learn about herself in this chapter? That her wings flap and she doesn’t zoom and glide like other vampires p.68

Chapter 7

  1. How did Pink Rabbit get banned from vampire school? He opened the window and let all the bats out p.84

Chapter 8

  1. What did Isadora like about herself in this chapter? Her wild hair p.91

Chapter 9

  1. What made Isadora feel happy? She felt proud to be who she was; the human kids accepted her for who she was p.103

Chapter 10

  1. How did Isadora convince her parents to let her go to regular human school? Humans are all different, just like her; she really wanted to go p.114

Comprehension Questions – #5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

by J.K. Rowling

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 44.0

Fifteen-year-old wizard Harry Potter struggles with a threatening teacher, a problematic house-elf, the dread of upcoming final exams, and haunting dreams that hint toward his mysterious past. The plot contains mild profanity and violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why is Harry so anxious at the beginning of this story? Now that he knows that Voldemort is back, he’s waiting for something bad to happen p.10
  2. Who attacked Harry and Dudley? Two dementors p.16

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Uncle Vernon want Harry to leave and not come back? Voldemort is after him and Harry’s uncle doesn’t want his family to get hurt p.38
  2. Who changed Uncle Vernon’s mind to let Harry stay? Why? Aunt Petunia; She got a howler from an owl that made her feel like Harry should stay p.40

Chapter 3

  1. Who visited Harry at his aunt and uncle's house? Why? 8-9 wizards; to take Harry to safety p.56
  2. Where did they take him? London; the house where the Order of the Phoenix is meeting p.58

Chapter 4

  1. What’s the Order of the Phoenix? A secret society of wizards who previously fought against Voldemort p.67
  2. Why is a portrait of Sirius’ mother in the house? It’s the home Sirius’ grew up in p.78

Chapter 5

  1. What did Harry learn in this chapter? Harry thwarted Voldemort’s plans; Voldemort is secretly recruiting Death Eaters and working on a weapon; the Ministry doesn't believe that Voldemort is back p.92

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Sirius’ family? Share two examples. They’re Voldemort supporters; don’t like anyone who’s not a pureblood; Sirius’s brother was a Death Eater and Draco’s dad is married to Sirius’s cousin p.113
  2. What hearing is Harry worryied about and why? He’s on trial for using magic in the muggle world; he could be expelled from Hogwarts and be forced to return to live at the Dursley’s p.119

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Describes the Ministry of Magic building and Harry and Mr. Weasley's travels; the location and time of the hearing changed and Harry and Mr. Weasley run to get there p.121
  2. Why do you think the hearing was changed to the new location? Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 8

  1. How do we know Fudge didn’t expect Dumbledor at the hearing? He was surprised and flustered when Dumbledor arrived; didn’t set out a chair; changed the time and location of the hearing intentionally so Dumbledor wouldn’t be there p.139
  2. Who do you think told Dumbledor of the change? Listen to your child’s answer
  3. Why doesn’t Fudge want to believe dementors attacked Harry? It would prove that Voldemort is back p.148

Chapter 9

  1. What was Harry feeling when he didn’t make Prefect? Jealous and selfish p.166
  2. Why was Mrs. Weasley so upset when she saw the bogart? She’s scared someone in her family is going to die p.176

Chapter 10

  1. What did Draco Malfoy say to unnerve Harry in this chapter? Why? “I’ll be dogging your footsteps in case you step out of line"; Draco’s dad might have noticed Sirius dropping off Harry at the train station and know where he's hiding out p.194
  2. Why was Harry alarmed his friends couldn’t see the creatures pulling the carriages? He’s not been able to see them until now; Luna has been able to see them as well, which concerned him p.199

Chapter 11

  1. What did the Sorting Hat sing about? The different houses; warnings; advice p.207
  2. Why was that strange? The Hat hasn't given advice or warnings since Harry's been at Hogwarts p.207
  3. Why is Harry frustrated and grateful at the end of this chapter? Seamus’ mom doesn't believe Harry and Dumbledor and doesn't want him at the school; Neville believes Harry and stood up for him p.220

Chapter 12

  1. What’s Harry’s Divination class about? Predicting the future p.237
  2. Why isn’t Harry happy about keeping a dream journal? His dreams are about Voldemort and come true p.238
  3. Describe Professor Umbridge. Very short; sweet voice and but very strict; determined to put Harry’s accusations about Voldemort to rest and called them lies p.239

Chapter 13

  1. What pun did Professor Umbridge use on page 266? “Oh, as long as it takes the message to sink in” p.266
  2. Why is it a pun? When Harry used the quill, it actually carved the words into his flesh p.267
  3. Why doesn’t Harry want to talk to Dumbledor about his detention or his scar? Dumbledor hasn’t talked to him since the summer p.277

Chapter 14

  1. What concerns did Sirius calm when Harry spoke with him? Harry’s scar isn’t anything to worry about; Professor Umbridge isn’t a Death Eater; Hagrid's away on a mission and is fine p.302

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Hermione suggest Harry teach the Defense against the Dark Arts class? Why? Harry; he’s been successful in using the spells against Voldemort p.326
  2. What’s Harry’s reaction? He didn’t feel qualified p.328

Chapter 16

  1. Which houses are the students from who came to the Dark Arts meeting? Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffondor p.338
  2. Why were the students hesitant to sign their names? They didn’t want to be found out p.346
  3. Why was Harry noticing how beautiful the village is now? Cho likes him p.349

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Professor Umbridge ban student organizations, societies, teams, groups and clubs? To prevent the secret Dark Arts class p.351
  2. Why are the teachers upset with Umbridge? She has the power to get rid of them, is questioning how they teach and putting them on probation p.364
  3. What caused Sirius to vanish? Umbridge came looking for him in the chimney floo p.372

Chapter 18

  1. Why weren’t the other elves picking up Hermione’s hats and socks? They were insulted p.385
  2. Describe the first lesson Harry taught. Harry was voted their leader; they call themselves the D.A., Dumbledor’s Army; they learned the Expelliarmus spell p.396

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the Quidditch match and what happened after. Ron missed three goals, Harry caught the snitch so they won; during the match Slytherin sang a mean song about Ron; Draco taunted Ron, Harry and George hit him; Umbridge banned Harry, George and Fred from playing Quidditch again; Ron left the field very discouraged p.406

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize this chapter. Harry and his friends went to see Hagrid; he told them how he went to the giants to gain their favor against Voldemort; the chief who liked them was killed and a new chief was put in, he was siding with the Death Eaters; Hagrid and Madame Maxine weren’t successful in convincing the other giants to join; Umbridge came to see Hagrid while the kids were there, but couldn’t see them due to the invisibility cloak; Hermione is worried Umbridge going to get rid of Hagrid p.424

Chapter 21

  1. Why was Harry so confused by Cho’s kiss? She cried about missing Cedric just before p.458
  2. What and who was Harry in his dream? A snake; Voldemort p.462

Chapter 22

  1. Why did Dumbledor remove Harry and the Weasley’s from Hogwarts? He didn’t want Umbridge to get involved; he wanted them to be able to see their father p.476
  2. Why didn’t Harry want to hear the conversation in the hospital room? He was disturbed Voldemort is possessing him p.491

Chapter 23

  1. Why was Harry so upset at the beginning of this chapter? He thought Voldemort was using him as a weapon p.493
  2. What helped Harry feel better? Talking to his friends; Ginny reminded him she’d been possessed by Voldemort too p.499
  3. Who did Harry and his friends see on the closed ward of the hospital? Why? Neville Longbottom; his mom and dad were cursed by Bellatrix Lestrange p.515

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Dumbledor want Harry to learn Occlumency? It would teach him to control and protect his mind from Voldemort p.518
  2. Why was Harry so sick at the end of this chapter? He’d had his first lesson with Snape and his mind was weakened and tired p.542

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Harry’s date with Cho go poorly? Harry didn’t want to talk about Cedric and then said he was meeting Hermione and that made Cho jealous p.562
  2. Why did Hermione want Harry to meet her? To tell Rita Skeeter the truth about Voldemort p.567
  3. How did Hermione convince Rita to do the story about Harry for free? She blackmailed Rita since she’s not a registered Animagus p.569

Chapter 26

  1. What was the reaction to the article written about Harry and Voldemort? Umbridge was angry and put up a new decree that students were forbidden to read it; the students believed Harry; Harry received lots of fan mail p.579
  2. How does Snape know that Harry dreamt of Voldemort? He can see Harry’s memories as they practice Occlumency p.593

Chapter 27

  1. Why was Harry taken to Dumbledor’s office? Umbridge caught him doing the D.A. Class p.611
  2. Why did Dumbledor take the blame for organizing the class? He didn’t want Harry to get expelled; he knew he could handle the consequences p.618
  3. What advice did Dumbledor give Harry before he left? To study Occlumency as hard as he could and close his mind p.623

Chapter 28

  1. Why was Snape so enraged to find Harry watching his memory? It was humiliating to him; it was about how Harry’s dad treated him when they were younger p.645
  2. Should Harry have looked into the Pensieve? Why, or why not? No; Snape’s memories were personal like a journal 

Chapter 29

  1. What did Sirius tell Harry about his father? That he was 15 years old and an idiot; that his father was a show off when Lily was around; he was his best friend and a good person p.671
  2. What diversion did Fred and George do so Harry to talk to Sirius? Made a swamp in the school p.675

Chapter 30

  1. What was Hagrid hiding in the Forbidden Forest? His brother, a giant p.690
  2. Why did Hagrid need Harry and his friends to visit his brother? He was worried Umbridge was going to fire him p.701
  3. Why did Harry and Hermione decide to wait to tell Ron about Hagrid's brother? Ron had just won the Quidditch Cup p.702

Chapter 31

  1. What event interrupted the astronomy test? Umbridge telling Hagrid to leave Hogwarts p.719
  2. Who was Voldemort torturing in Harry’s dream and why? Sirius; Voldemort wanted Sirius to fetch something p.728

Chapter 32

  1. Do you think Snape got Harry's message? Listen to your child’s answer p.745
  2. Predict the weapon Hermione and Harry are taking Umbridge to? Listen to your child’s answer p.748

Chapter 33

  1. How did Luna, Neville, Ginny and Ron escape? They used spells Harry taught them p.761
  2. Why were they so determined to go with Harry? They wanted to use the skills Harry taught them against Voldemort p.761

Chapter 34

  1. Why wasn’t Sirius where Harry saw him in his dream? It was a trap Voldemort planned to get Harry into the room with the orb p.780

Chapter 35

  1. Summarize this chapter. The kids were all fighting for their lives running from the Death Eaters when members of the Order of the Phoenix arrived to help them; Sirius fell through the veil and died p.781

Chapter 36

  1. What did Fudge finally admit? That Voldemort’s back p.817

Chapter 37

  1. Who took the blame for Sirius’s death? Why? Dumbledor; he should have told Harry everything long before p.826
  2. Who lied to Harry and betrayed the Order? Kreacher p.829
  3. Why did Dumbledor wait to tell Harry the prophecy? He would need to one day kill Voldemort or be killed by him p.844

Chapter 38

  1. What was Nicks response when Harry asked him about Sirius? Sirius moved on and wouldn’t come back as a ghost p.860
  2. What did Luna say that helped Harry feel better? That those who have died are just behind the veil, they’re not gone p.863
  3. Why was Harry confident going home with the Dursley’s? The Order stood up for him and told the Dursley’s they’d better be nice to Harry; Harry knew he had support from his friends p.870

Comprehension Questions – When You Trap a Tiger

When You Trap a Tiger

by Tae Keller

Contains a subtle non-graphic LGBTQ+ theme at the end of the story.

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts. 8.0

When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now they want it back. And when one of the tigers approaches Lily with a deal--return what her grandmother stole in exchange for Halmoni's health--Lily is tempted to agree. But deals with tigers are never what they seem! With the help of her sister and her new friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice...and the courage to face a tiger. The plot contains a lesbian element.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does this sorry begin? Lily, Sam and their mom are driving from California to Washington state to live with their grandma (halmoni); their father has passed away; Sam and their mom fight a lot and Sam didn’t want to leave California; it’s raining; Lily feels invisible p.1

Chapter 2

  1. What’s a good memory Lily has of her halmoni? Listening to her stories p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Why is Sam difficult? She doesn’t seem to like anything; she’s angry and critical; she rocks the boat in their family; she’s selfish p.18

Chapter 4

  1. Explain what kosa is? A Korean tradition; lay food out for the ones who’ve gone before p.30
  2. Why does Halmoni hiss when Lily tells her about the tiger? She believes the tiger is coming to get her because she stole something from them p.33

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize the story in this chapter. Two little girls lived with their halmoni; the halmoni went to the village and bought rice cakes but a tiger came, ate her and pretended to be the halmoni; the girls opened the door to the tiger and the tiger chased them; the sky god made one the sun and the other the moon; the younger sister was first the moon but didn’t like being stared at, so the older sister who was the sun traded her p.36

Chapter 6

  1. Why was the main character confused? Her halmoni told her the basement had been flooded, but she found it wasn’t true; she found her halmoni throwing up p.43

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Lily feel like a bad granddaughter? She didn’t jump in to help Halmoni when she was throwing up p.46

Chapter 8

  1. What did Halmoni steal? The stars; the bad stories p.50

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Lily anger at her mom? She doesn’t know the real Lily p.58

Chapter 10

  1. Describe Jensen. A girl around Sam's age; works at the library; optimistic and friendly; accepting and tries to be helpful p.63

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Lily run into at the library? Describe him. A boy named Ricky who’s friendly and being tutored by Jensen p.70

Chapter 12

  1. How does Sam feel about Halmoni? She loves her but thinks she’s crazy p.82
  2. What advice does Halmoni give Ricky’s dad? During hard times family should come together p.88

Chapter 13

  1. What does Lily mean, when she thinks, “it’s ok, I’ll be the moon”? Lily wants her sister to comfort and help her like the older sister did in the story in chapter 5 p.92

Chapter 14

  1. Do you think Lily should have made the deal with the tiger? Listen to your child’s answer p.98

Chapter 15

  1. What illness does Halmoni have? Brain cancer p.103
  2. Why is Lily hopeful that Halmoni can be cured? She thinks the tiger can cure her p.105

Chapter 16

  1. What do Ricky and Lily agree to in this chapter? To build a tiger cage/trap p.115
  2. Why is Sam mad? Lily ran out when they were talking p.116

Chapter 17

  1. What does it mean when the author describes someone as “sticky“? People are attracted to them; they’re likable and make friends easily p.117
  2. What does Lily struggle with? Her self-esteem p.117

Chapter 18

  1. What is significance of the jars? Halmoni put the star stories into them p.130

Chapter 19

  1. What makes Ricky worried that Lily thinks he’s stupid? She got frustrated at him when he brought up his comic book stories p.132
  2. What will Lily use as bait? The jars p.137

Chapter 20

  1. Using two examples, list how Sam and Lily remember the story differently. Sam- sees it from the eyes of the protective older sister, Lily- sees it through the eyes of the younger sister and that they're going through the trial together; Sam- the older sister is supposed to protect her younger sister and instead puts her in danger of the tiger; Sam- the older sister opened the window, Lily- the younger sister opening the door; Sam- a sad story, Lily- a happy story; Sam- the sisters are alone and can only wave to each other across the sky, Lily- the sisters are safe and escape the tiger forever p.141

Chapter 21

  1. What bargain did Lily accept from the tiger? The tiger will heal Lily’s halmoni if she returns the stories and listens to them p.147
  2. Do you think this will heal Halmoni? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 22

  1. What does it mean when the tiger said, “there are consequences to telling the truth”? Telling the truth is good, but bad things can come along with p.155

Chapter 23

  1. What’s Alzheimer’s disease? A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
  2. Why did the server think Halmoni has Alzheimer’s? Halmoni forgot where she was and what they were doing p.164

Chapter 24

  1. Describe the drive home from the restaurant. Sad; mom explained the doctor doesn’t know how long Halmoni will live, so they want to make the best of what they have p.169

Chapter 25

  1. Describe Lily’s experience at Ricky’s house. Her mom knows his dad; he lives in a mansion; she and Ricky make their own rendition of rice cakes p.173

Chapter 26

  1. What are the sisters doing in this chapter? They both have something separate they’re doing but promise not to tell on each other; Lily is going down the stairs to the tiger and Sam is going down the rope outside p.182

Chapter 27

  1. What happened in the story and what was Lily’s reaction? It was a continuation of the first story; the granddaughter was still cursed being half human, half tiger; she turned into a tiger and ran away; the halmoni looked everywhere for her and filled jars with love; she released a jar into the ocean each full moon; she feels a connection to the granddaughter p.186

Chapter 28

  1. How does Lily’s mom try to comfort her? She hugs her; they share a late-night snack; tells her she wishes she could protect her p.193

Chapter 29

  1. List two similarities between the story and what’s going on at Lily’s home? The pendant, the white streak, Halmoni thinking her granddaughter’s a tiger p.199

Chapter 30

  1. Why does Lily feel betrayed by Ricky? He didn’t defend her Halmoni and told his friends about her sickness p.209

Chapter 31

  1. What did the tiger mean when she said, “it seems you have a tiger side after all”? She’s got a wild side, tricking Ricky p.214

Chapter 32

  1. Why is Lily’s mom upset that she put mud in Ricky’s pudding cup? Ricky’s dad offered her a job; it wasn’t nice of her to do p.219

Chapter 33

  1. Why isn’t the tiger in the basement? Lily told her to leave her alone p.227

Chapter 34

  1. How does Ricky respond to Lily’s apology? He apologizes for saying mean things about Halmoni p.232

Chapter 35

  1. Why is it important for Halmoni to tell Lily her sad stories? People can’t bury the past, we need to know what happened to learn and be better p.241
  2. Why has Halmoni given up? She’s at peace with dying and knows it’s her time p.244

Chapter 36

  1. Summarize this chapter. Lily goes back to the attic, Sam comes in the window; Lily throws the jars against the wall and they shatter; she’s wondering if she’s imagined everything p.245

Chapter 37

  1. Describe the imagery the author uses to describe how Lily’s feeling when she smashed the blue jar. The explosion made a supernova of Lily’s emotions; anger, fear, lost hope p.249

Chapter 38

  1. Why does Sam think it’s her fault that Halmoni’s going to the hospital? She said she hoped Halmoni would die soon p.253
  2. What’s Sam been doing to show she still believes? Scattering rice outside p.253

Chapter 39

  1. Do you agree with Lily? Are stories meant to be told? Listen to your child’s answer p.257
  2. Predict what you think Lily’s idea is. Listen to your child’s answer p.258

Chapter 40

  1. Why did Lily break into the library? To find the tiger and ask for her magic p.262

Chapter 41

  1. Who is the tiger? Halmoni’s mom p.268

Chapter 42

  1. What has Halmoni been scared of her entire life? The tiger inside of her p.270
  2. How has this hurt her? She doesn’t see the love around her and doesn’t realize she can be both the tiger and the human p.270

Chapter 43

  1. How does the story Lily told reflect her relationship with Sam? It tells of the journey they’ve been on as sisters and that they’re not alone p.276

Chapter 44

  1. How did the stories save Halmoni? They reminded her that she could be anything and that she was everything to her family p.278

Chapter 45

  1. What connection does Halmoni have to the library? It was one of her projects; she painted it and added cheesy posters p.282

Chapter 46

  1. Describe how this story ends. The bake sale turned into a kosa for Halmoni; Joe forgives Lily; Sam and Jensen are a couple; Ricky passed his language arts test and will be in the same grade as Lily; Sam asks Lily to tell her a story p.283

Comprehension Questions – Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 5.0

He wasn't born with the name Maniac Magee. He came into this world named Jeffrey Lionel Magee, but when his parents died and his life changed, so did his name. And Maniac Magee became a legend. Even today kids talk about how fast he could run; about how he hit an inside-the-park "frog" homer; how no knot, no matter how snarled, would stay that way once he began to untie it. But the thing Maniac Magee is best known for is what he did for the kids from the East Side and those from the West Side.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does the introduction differ from the first chapter of the story? The introduction describes Maniac Magee, the legend, the first chapter describes who Jeffrey Lionel Magee really was p.1
  2. Why does Jeffrey scream during the performance and run? He’s angry that his aunt and uncle hate each other and that he’s had to live with their selfishness p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Jeffrey. Friendly, 12 years old; homeless; could run far and fast p.8
  2. What unusual behavior did Jeffrey show? He was friendly p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Amanda. Friendly, kind, African American; close to Jeffrey’s age; smart, liked books p.10

Chapter 4

  1. Why were the high school kids in awe? Jeffrey intercepted a football, ran down the field and punted it to the wide receiver all while holding a book in one hand p.14

Chapter 5

  1. How did Jeffrey go against the grain in this chapter? He carried a kid out of a mean neighbor’s backyard and then read his book on the front porch p.18

Chapter 6

  1. How did Jeffrey show bravery in this chapter? He joined a family for dinner without an invitation and he ran on the train rail p.21

Chapter 7

  1. What did the author compare McNab to in this chapter? A shark waiting for his victims to walk the gangplank p.23
  2. How did Jeffrey humble McNab? He hit every ball McNab threw at him; hit a home run with a frog McNab pitched to him p.24

Chapter 8

  1. How did Jeffrey receive the name, “Maniac”? Nobody knew his name, but in awe, they called him a maniac p.28
  2. Where did Jeffrey stay? In the shed at the Elmwood Park Zoo p.29

Chapter 9

  1. Why was it such a big deal for Maniac to cross the boundary from the West End to the East End? People knew that the kids that didn’t belong in one or the other would be treated badly; the people with white skin lived in one and the people with darker skin lived in the other p.32
  2. What didn’t McNab and his buddies realize about Maniac? He’d already been on the East End and was fine p.32

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Maniac got into a challenge with another kid; the kid took his book, Maniac grabbed it back but a page was torn out; a lady stopped the fight with her broom and separated the boys; the kid gave Maniac the page and left; the woman told Maniac she couldn’t always save him and to leave p.34

Chapter 11

  1. Who saved Maniac from Mars Bar and his friends? Amanda p.39

Chapter 12

  1. Describe Maniac’s evening with the Beale family? They played, ate, read stories and they gave Maniac a place to sleep p.42
  2. Why was it important for Maniac to have an address? He didn’t have a home and now someone shared their home with him p.44

Chapter 13

  1. List two ways Maniac was a good addition to the Beale household? He read stories and played with the kids, he helped around the house without being asked, walked (ran) the dog, able to untie knots; kept his room clean, bathed with the kids p.45

Chapter 14

  1. List three ways Maniac enjoyed his life at the Beale’s. His new sneakers; running with the dog; pancake batter hissing while cooking; going to church; Fourth of July block party; the color of the people in the neighborhood; playing with the kids in the neighborhood p.50

Chapter 15

  1. How did hanging out with the other kids influence how Maniac behaved? Give an example from this chapter. He started to behave like them; “trash talking” p.56
  2. What happened when he “trash talked” at home? Mrs. Beale slapped his mouth and he hugged her and told her he loved her p.56

Chapter 16

  1. What couldn’t Maniac see? That people didn’t like him due to the color of his skin p.57
  2. Why didn’t they like him? He was a white boy in a black neighborhood p.58

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Maniac feel like he needed to leave? Someone had written graffiti on their home, telling Maniac to leave; Maniac didn’t want Amanda’s family to get hurt p.63

Chapter 18

  1. Why did Maniac take on the attitude that he didn’t care? He felt rejected and sad p.65

Chapter 19

  1. Describe Amanda’s plan. Maniac should go untie the famous knot at the pizza restaurant and everyone will like him p.69

Chapter 20

  1. Was Maniac able to untie the knot? Explain. Yes, but it took him all day p.70

Chapter 21

  1. What made Maniac decide to leave town for good? Someone went into Amanda’s home and tore up her Encyclopedia A book p.75

Chapter 22

  1. Where was Maniac staying and who found him? In the buffalo pen at the zoo; Grayson the park attendant p.79

Chapter 23

  1. Predict the little worm feeling Grayson has.  Listen to your child’s answer p.86

Chapter 24

  1. Why couldn’t Maniac accept Grayson’s offer? He felt like he had bad luck with parents p.89

Chapter 25

  1. Describe Earl Grayson. Loved baseball; went to play in the minor league and was up for the major leagues when he played poorly while a scout was watching; he was 40 years old when he left baseball and started work at the park p.94

Chapter 26

  1. What school does Maniac go to? His own; he buys books from the library and studies them p.98
  2. What did Grayson ask Maniac to do? Teach him to read p.99

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize this chapter. Maniac taught Grayson how to read p.100

Chapter 28

  1. List two ways Maniac was good to Grayson. Taught him to read; baked for him; hugged him; loved him; invited him to sleep on his mat; praised him p.104

Chapter 29

  1. What holiday did Maniac and Grayson celebrate in this chapter? Thanksgiving p.106
  2. How did they celebrate? Went to a high school football game; ate a feast; danced; and Maniac wrote 101 on the building he lived in p.109

Chapter 30

  1. What does it mean to trim the tree? Decorate a Christmas tree p.111

Chapter 31

  1. What special gifts did Maniac and Grayson give to each other? A homemade book about Grayson’s experience and Grayson’s old baseball mitt p.114
  2. What happened at the end of this chapter? Grayson died p.114

Chapter 32

  1. Was Grayson’s funeral special? Explain. No, only Maniac, the funeral director and the grave diggers were there; everyone was smoking and disrespectful to Maniac and Grayson p.116

Chapter 33

  1. Why was Maniac waiting for death? He was giving up p.123

Chapter 34

  1. What gave Maniac purpose? Taking care of the two little boys that we’re running away p.126
  2. How did Maniac get them back to town? He convinced them with his free pizza coupon p.127
  3. Who came looking for the little boys? McNab p.128

Chapter 35

  1. Describe the McNab household. Dirty; cockroaches everywhere; windows covered with wood; fighting; rough housing; no furniture; Dad brought home hamburgers then left and came back drunk; boys pretending to shoot the people in the East End p.131

Chapter 36

  1. What kind of deals did Maniac make with the boys to keep them in school each week? He first gave them pizza, then he went into Finsterwald’s backyard and knocked on the door p.137

Chapter 37

  1. How did Maniac feel about the challenges the boys gave him? He loved them; he was glad to give the boys the glory; he was happy to do them to make sure the boys were in school p.142
  2. Why did the little boys think going into the East End was such a perilous challenge? They were white and were told that white people shouldn’t cross over into the black neighborhoods p.142

Chapter 38

  1. Why did Maniac regret how he ran the race? He showed off and finished backwards p.147

Chapter 39

  1. Why didn’t Maniac want to hang around McNab’s anymore? They were getting a bazooka ready to shoot the black people from the West End p.152 

Chapter 40

  1. Why did Maniac stay with the McNab’s? He cared about them and knew they needed him p.155
  2. Predict who Maniac’s going to invite to the party. Listen to your child’s answer p.157

Chapter 41

  1. Who did Maniac bring to the party? Why? Mars Bar Thompson; so, the different colored people could see they weren’t different from each other p.158
  2. Why did Maniac take him to the Pickwell’s first? So, Mars Bar could see good white people p.160

Chapter 42

  1. Did the party end up the way Maniac thought it would? Explain. No; the McNab’s and Mars Bar didn’t learn what Maniac was wanted them to p.166

Chapter 43

  1. Why did Maniac notice the homes and start sleeping in backyards or kitchen? He wanted a home p.168

Chapter 44

  1. How did Maniac respond to Piper’s pleas? He walked away p.173
  2. Predict how you think Russell was saved. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 45

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mars Bar comes to the zoo and finds Maniac; he tells him what happened to the McNab boys, he saved the one and took them home and his mom took care of them and they stayed all day and played games; Mars Bar’s mom wants to know why Maniac doesn’t go to his house; Maniac doesn’t answer but jumps into the buffalo fence p.174
  2. Why is Maniac struggling with going over to Mars Bar’s? He doesn’t want them to get hurt p.179

Chapter 46

  1. What did the author mean when Maniac said, “…at long last, someone was calling him home”? He was so happy to have someone tell him he was their family p.184
  2. List one theme the author tried to get across in this book? All people are the same no matter the color; everyone wants a place to call home; people are good no matter where they come from; love and kindness is key

Comprehension Questions – Tales from the Odyssey Book #6 The Final Battle

The Final Battle

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL P; AR pts. 1.0

This sixth book of the series presents an excerpt from Homer's ODYSSEY where Odysseus returns to Ithaca and finds that he must fight to regain control from those who are plaguing his family.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Athena give Penelope the gift of sleep? She couldn’t sleep on her own; she was heartbroken for Odysseus and worried the gods would support the killing of Telemachus p.13

Chapter 2

  1. Why was Odysseus broken hearted to see his dog? No one has taken care of him since Odysseus leftp.21

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Athena told Odysseus to beg from each man to learn who was good and who was evil; Telemachus told the suitors to leave and they did; Athena guided the father and son as they moved the weapons to an upstairs room p.23

Chapter 4

  1. What contest was Penelope going to require of the suitors? To string Odysseus’s bow and shoot an arrow through the rings of 12 ax handles p.39
  2. Why did Athena call Odysseus a faithless mortal? He was beginning to doubt in her p.42

Chapter 5

  1. What were the gods trying to tell the men and Odysseus’s family in this chapter? Odysseus would prevail and the suitors would die p.44

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Penelope and the other women told to go to their rooms? To protect them from seeing the battle that was about to ensue p.56
  2. Could Odysseus string the bow and shoot through the ax handles? Yes p.57

Chapter 7

  1. How did Athena help Odysseus in this battle? She sent the enemies spears away from them; gave the enemies a cloud of her shield which meant certain death p.64

Chapter 8

  1. What convinced Penelope she had her husband home? Odysseus’s upset reaction when she told her maid to carry out her bed p.74

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Odysseus fight the suitors' kin? Athena and Zeus told him not to seek their lives and that there was to be peace p.86

Comprehension Questions – Tales from the Odyssey Book #5 Return to Ithaca

Return to Ithaca

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL P; AR pts. 1.0

With the help of the gray-eyed goddess, Athena, Odysseus and Telemachus must set out to regain control of Ithaca.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize how this story begins. Odysseus survived the storm and is sleeping on an island hoping to get home; Penelope is heart-broken that her son and husband are gone and in danger; Telemachus is trying to decide if he go search for his father or go home to help his mother; Athena is going to help them p.9

Chapter 2

  1. How is Athena helping Odysseus in this chapter? She sent the daughter of the king down to the beach where Odysseus is sleeping p.21

Chapter 3

  1. How did Odysseus make it to the palace without being noticed? Athena put a mist around him and made him invisible p.28

Chapter 4

  1. What did Odysseus do in this chapter to betray who he was? Wept openly twice p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Describe how the sailors treated Odysseus. They put a blanket over him to sleep and let him sleep the entire way home; they carried him onto his island and left him with the gifts p.47

Chapter 6

  1. What word describes Odysseus’s relationship with Athena? He has faith in her; loyal; trust; listen to your child’s answer
  2. How would you answer Odysseus if you were Athena? Why did you take away his son? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 7

  1. How do you know the swine herd is a good servant to Odysseus? He loves him; is respectful and protective when talking about him and his family; he longs for him to return home; he cares about his swine and went into the storm to watch them through the night p.63

Chapter 8

  1. What instructions did Athena give Telemachus? Set sail for home immediately; don’t sail close to the shore in the strait; send your men on the ship to the harbor, but Telemachus go to his father’s swine herd p.71
  2. Why did Athena direct Telemachus to go to the swine herd? That’s where his father is p.76

Chapter 9

  1. Explain what this phrase on page 86 means: “it is easy for the gods to cast a man down and then raise him up again”. Gods have power to humble and help men p.86

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Telemachus believe they would win against the suitors? They would have the gods, Zeus and Athena, helping them fight p.90
  2. What’s Odysseus’s plan? Telemachus will go to the palace; Odysseus will dress as a beggar and go to the palace later; when Athena gives the word, Telemachus is to take most of the weapons to an upstairs room p.92

Comprehension Questions – Tales from the Odyssey Book #4 The Gray-Eyed Goddess

The Gray-Eyed Goddess

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL P; AR pts. 1.0

For nearly twenty years, Odysseus has fought terrifying giants and monsters, weathered the loss of his men, and angered gods and goddesses. Now he is trapped on the island of the alluring sea goddess, Calypso. Back in Ithaca, his wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus, are desperately warding off the suitors who want to marry Penelope in order to take control of Odysseus's island. Then a visit from a mysterious stranger gives Telemachus the courage to confront the suitors, and to head off in search of his long-lost father. Could the stranger be the gray-eyed warrior goddess, Athena?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does this story begin? Odysseus has been captive on Calypso’s island for 7 years; the story turns to what’s happening at Odysseus’s home with his family p.13

Chapter 2

  1. Explain what Mentor commanded Telemachus to do? Get rid of the suitors, go in search of his father, make a name for himself, have strength and courage p.30

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Telemachus think Athena came to him? Mentor’s spear was like hers, his sandals were like hers, his gray eyes shone like her eyes, she had favored Odysseus before p.41

Chapter 4

  1. How did Athena help Telemachus in this chapter? Find a crew for the ship; put everyone to sleep at his home so they wouldn’t know what he was doing; sailed on the ship with him p.52

Chapter 5

  1. What’s causing Telemachus to look like a god? His presence and confidence p.67
  2. Why is Telemachus traveling to see King Menelaus? He was the last to arrive home after the Trojan War and might have seen or heard what happened to Odysseus p.64

Chapter 6

  1. What does it mean to “hold fast”? Hold on tight and not let go p.80
  2. Predict what Telemachus is going to do. Listen to your child’s answer p.81

Chapter 7

  1. How did Calypso help Odysseus prepare for his journey? She gave him a bronze ax; gave him linen cloth for a sail; gave food for the journey; told him what stars to follow; blew a fair warm breeze out to sea p.91

Chapter 8

  1. How did Odysseus survive swimming in the ocean for three days? He had a veil from the white goddess and Athens kept the winds calm p99
  2. How has Athena answered Odysseus’s prayer? She’s sending Telemachus to find him; she helped him get to shore, helped him sleep and took away his sorrow and pain p.103

Comprehension Questions – Tales from the Odyssey Book #3 Sirens and Sea Monsters

Sirens and Sea Monsters

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL P; AR pts. 1.0

Retells a part of the Odyssey in which Odysseus and his men, returning from the Land of the Dead determined to sail home to Ithaca, encounter Scylla, the six-headed monster, and Charybdis, the deadly whirlpool.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize how this story begins. Odysseus and his men return to Circe’s island; she feeds them and they rest; Odysseus shares who he talked with at the Land of the Dead p.13

Chapter 2

  1. List the warnings Circe gave Odysseus. He was going to pass the sirens, he needed to make sure his men put beeswax in their ears or they will die; he is to pass the sea monster Scylla but not fight her, if he fights more men will die, only 6 men will die if they hurry past her; he’ll reach the sun god’s island and he is not to touch the animals or his men will die and he’ll have trouble when he arrives home p.23

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Odysseus want to tell his men about the dangerous voyage ahead of them? So, they could be prepared and know what to expect p.37
  2. Describe the experience Odysseus and his sailors had while passing the sirens. The wind stopped blowing; Odysseus prepared the beeswax and his men put it in their ears; they tied Odysseus to the mast; the men rowed past the island; the sirens sang and Odysseus desired to throw himself into the water, but his men wouldn’t untie him; they got past the island, and they were all safe p.39

Chapter 4

  1. What does it mean to defy something? openly resist or refuse to obey p.51
  2. Why did Odysseus defy Circe’s counsel? He didn’t want any of his men to die p.51

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Odysseus understand Circe’s words at the end of the chapter? He saw that there was no way he could fight Scylla and that the best thing he could do was to hurry past her p.56

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Odysseus worried about Eurylochus’s plan? He knew that this plan could still go wrong and that circumstances might make his men want to eat the sheep and cattle of the sun god p.63

Chapter 7

  1. How did the plan go wrong? Zeus caused a storm to rage on the island for so long that they ran out of provisions and found less and less to eat, so his men were hungry p.66

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The men killed the sun god’s animals; Odysseus was angered; they sailed away, and a horrible storm hit and all of the men but Odysseus were killed p.73

Chapter 9

  1. What word would you use to describe how Odysseus was feeling at the end of this chapter? Betrayed by his gods; alone; devastated 

Chapter 10

  1. Who did Odysseus meet and how did she help him? Calypso; she sang to him which helped him feel comforted and at peace p.89

Describe how Odysseus felt at the end of this story. He was broken (heart and body); worried about his family; but relieved to find peace and safety after all the troubles he and his men have been through p.91