Category Archives: Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Questions – Owl Diaries #1 Eva’s Treetop Festival

Eva's Treetop Festival

by Rebecca Elliott

Grades 1-2; Genre - Diaries & Journals; GRL M; AR pts. 0.5

Having a Bloomtastic Festival at school to celebrate spring is a great idea, but Eva Wingdale, a young owl, discovers that it is also a lot of work, and there is nothing wrong with asking her friends for help.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Eva. She’s a red, blue and pink owl, has likes and dislikes, has a pet bat named Baxter, has a family, Lucy is her best friend, goes to school p.1
  2. Name three facts about owls. Awake in the night, sleep in the day, turn heads almost all the way around, can fly p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What do you think Eva’s idea is? Listen to your child’s answer p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What advice did Miss Featherbottom give Eva? Not to take on too much as she plans the festival p.23
  2. Why is this good advice? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Eva accept Sue’s help? Sue is mean and Eva didn’t want to accept from her p.32

Chapter 5

  1. What did Eva spend her day doing? Helping her friend Lucy get ready for the festival p.37
  2. What should she have done instead? Prepare for the festival p.41

Chapter 6

  1. Was it a good idea that Eva turned down help from Lucy? Listen to your child’s answer p.45

Chapter 7

  1. What’s Eva worried about in this chapter? That she’ll need to cancel the festival p.50

Chapter 8

  1. What did Eva do in this chapter? She thought of the talents the other owls had and asked them to help get things ready for the festival p.52

Chapter 9

  1. What word describes Eva for asking Sue for help when she was scared? Courageous, brave, etc p.56

Chapter 10

  1. Why didn’t Eva enjoy the festival? Everything went wrong for her p.61
  2. Have you ever felt like Eva? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 11

  1. Why couldn’t Eva accept the prize from Miss Featherbottom? She wasn’t the only one who worked on the festival p.69
  2. Why did Eva give everyone a chance to hold the trophy? Her classmates helped the festival be successful p.71

Comprehension Questions – The Whipping Boy

The Whipping Boy

by Sid Fleischman

Grades 5-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts. 2.0

A bratty prince and his whipping boy have many adventures when they inadvertently trade places.

Phrases

  • Mad enough to spit ink p.1
  • Puts my spine a-shiver p.23
  • Catchpenny rogues p.25
  • It’s me that’s in the soup p.39
  • Knockin’ about outside the castle walls p.49
  • Sweat and stew p.49
  • As close as a cow’s tail p.75

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the purpose of a whipping boy? It is forbidden to whip a prince, so a boy is found on the streets and brought into the castle to be whipped when the prince is in trouble p.2

Chapter 2

  1. Why did the whipping boy learn to read, write and do sums when the prince learned nothing? Jemmy needed to be close by when the prince took his lessons p.6

Chapter 3

  1. Why was Jemmy worried to run away with the prince? He knew he’d be whipped when they were caught p.8

Chapter 4

  1. What’s happening at the end of this chapter? The boys were getting kidnapped p.11

Chapter 5

  1. Why didn’t Jemmy want the prince to tell the men who he was? They’d hold them for ransom p.13

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the kidnappers. Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy; Billy smelled of garlic, was big, thick, and loud with red hair; Cutwater was tall and thin p.18
  2. Why is Billy nicknamed, Hold-Your-Nose Billy? He smelled of garlic

Chapter 7

  1. What do you think Jemmy’s plan is? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. What was untrue in the letter Jemmy wrote? He signed it, “your obedient son”; the prince isn’t obedient p.26

Chapter 9

  1. Who’s the whipping boy now? The prince p.28
  2. How’s Jemmy going to free the prince? Sending the “whipping boy” to the castle with the note p.29

Chapter 10

  1. What decision did the prince make to fowl up Jemmy’s plan? He refused to go to the castle p.32

Chapter 11

  1. Who was to deliver the note since Prince Brat won’t? The horse p.38

Chapter 12

  1. Describe the prince. Selfish, not very clever or smart; won’t learn to read or write p.40

Chapter 13

  1. How did the boys escape? Jemmy ran with Cutwater chasing him; a bear distracted Cutwater so Jemmy could hide; the prince found Jemmy p.41 

Chapter 14

  1. Why didn’t the prince want to go back to the castle? His dad doesn’t notice him; he doesn’t want to get in trouble; he likes the freedom p.49

Chapter 15

  1. Who did the boys run into again? Hold-Your-Nose Billy and Cutwater p.54

Chapter 16

  1. Why didn’t Jemmy get satisfaction when the prince was whipped? The prince became his friend p.58

Chapter 17

  1. How is the prince’s character growing and developing? He took a whipping and didn’t cry out; he’s being called brave; he’s not being selfish; he didn’t turn in Jemmy p.61

Chapter 18

  1. What did the prince learn at the fair? That his subjects didn’t like him and dreaded the day he’d become king p.69
  2. What did Jemmy learn? The king blamed him for the prince’s disappearance and has a reward for whoever brings him in, dead or alive p.73

Chapter 19

  1. How has the relationship between the two boys changed from when they first ran away? At first, they didn’t care what happened to each other, now they are becoming friends and respect and trust each other p.77

Chapter 20

  1. How does this story end? Betsy and captain Nips get the reward, the prince promises to do his lessons, behave himself and blow out his night candle; Jemmy stays in the castle and gets acknowledged for helping the prince; Billy and Cutwater get put on a ship to go to an island for prisoners p.87

Comprehension Questions – #3 Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet

Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet

by Harriet Muncaster

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

Isadora Moon goes on a school trip to her first ballet with her parents as chaperones and Pink Rabbit at her side.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What does Isadora want to be when she grows up? A ballerina p.6

Chapter 2

  1. Why doesn’t Isadora want her parents to go on the field trip? She’s embarrassed with who they are p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Why does Isadora’s dad dislike mornings? He’s a vampire who prefers the night p.30

Chapter 4

  1. What are two ways Isadora could have been embarrassed by her parents in this chapter? Her dad left the class to go do his hair and her mom made flowers and grass grow at the train station p.35

Chapter 5

  1. What exercise did Isadora’s dad get in this chapter? He flew p.47

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the auditorium. Glittering; velvet seats; large; massive stage with a curtain p.51
  2. Predict what’s going to happen next. Isadora will go look for Pink Rabbit p.53

Chapter 7

  1. Where did Isadora find Pink Rabbit? Where the actors and dancers go to get ready p.63

Chapter 8

  1. Why can’t the show go on? Tatiana Tutu tripped and hurt her leg p.71
  2. What do you think Isadora’s idea is? Listen to your child’s idea p.76

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pink Rabbit danced as the white rabbit in the ballet p.79
  2. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 10

  1. What was in the gift? The tiara and tickets to Tatiana’s next ballet show p.101
  2. What’s the moral of this story? It’s important to be kind in big and small ways, you never know how much it means to someone p.104

Comprehension Questions – The Girl Who Drank the Moon

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill

Grades 6-9; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts. 12.0

A witch, a swamp monster, and a perfectly tiny dragon raise a young girl named Luna, who must unlock the powerful magic buried deep inside her to save the people of the Protectorate.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1 

  1. Tell me what you know about the history of this village from this first chapter? There’s a witch in the woods; a child needs to be sacrificed so everyone else stays safe; an older brother was sacrificed p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the Sisters of the Star guards. Ruthless; well trained; long braids wrapped around their waists; all females; years of training in the Tower p.9
  2. Tell me about the society in this story and how you feel about it. The Elders are in charge and have created the witch and the need to sacrifice a baby to control the people in the village p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Xan. A true witch; kind; thoughtful; takes the babies to the Free Cities to be raised by a good family p.20
  2. Why was The Grand Elder confused to see six trees? Xan transformed herself into a tree p.21
  3. Why did she decide to keep Luna? She accidentally fed her moonlight and made her magic p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Who is speaking in this chapter? A mom who lost her baby to the Witch p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Glerk resistant to loving Luna? He didn’t want to get attached to her; he thought keeping her was a bad idea p.37

Why are Glerk and Xan worried about Luna’s magic growing? She’ll be out of control p.38

Chapter 6

Why are the Elders unhappy with Antain? He’s not arrogant and pompous enough p.49

Chapter 7

  1. How did Luna’s magic manifest? In thought and deed; she wanted a hat, so the dough turned into a hat p.54
  2. Why did Xan think she was missing something? She couldn’t remember very well p.56

Chapter 8

  1. Do you see commonalities between what the narrator has told you about the story and what this mom is telling her child? Explain. The Wizard saving the town; the dragon going into the volcano; the witch flying the dragon p.58

Chapter 9

  1. What was happening to Xan? Her magic was going into Luna, so she was getting weaker p.66
  2. How did Xan stop Luna from using her magic? Sure wrapped her in a cocoon p.68

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Xan have difficulty remembering her memories? She buried them p.72

Chapter 11

  1. What’s the spell Xan came up with? To keep Luna’s magic inside until she turns 13 years old p.78
  2. What will be a consequence of doing this? Xan will be drained of her magic and will die p.79
  3. Do you agree with Xan’s reasoning to hold in Luna’s magic? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Tells of the creation of the world starting with the bog and a beast p.82
  2. Who do you think the beast is? Glerk

Chapter 13

  1. What did Antain find when he visited the prisoner? Birds made out of paper covering the room and “she is here” written on a paper p.95
  2. Define day of reckoning. A time when the consequences of a course of mistakes or misdeeds are felt 
  3. Who did the prisoner threaten? Antain’s uncle the Grand Elder p.98
  4. What happened to Antain at the end of this chapter? He was attacked by the paper birds p.99

Chapter 14

  1. Describe how Luna felt when she woke. She felt different; expected magic things to happen but didn’t know why; couldn’t hear, see or comprehend magic p.100
  2. What did Xan tell herself to prevent feeling sorrow? Luna’s a regular girl now and she was never magic p.110

Chapter 15

  1. Why was the Tower significant to Antain? He lived there when he was younger and was scarred by the paper birds here p.121
  2. How has Antain changed since his last visit to the Tower? He’s a carpenter and lives alone lost in his work; becoming comfortable with lying p.121
  3. Why did Antain feel like his heart was flying at the end of this chapter? He was so elated to see and help Ethyne p.126

Chapter 16

  1. What animal does the author frequently use to foster imagery in this story? Birds p.127
  2. Summarize who this chapter is about and describe what happens at the end of this chapter. It’s about the mom who has her baby ripped away from her at the beginning of the story; the scars on Antain’s face are a map; the madwoman has paper, quills and ink appear magically and is always drawing a map or writing “she is here”; she doesn’t feel sorrow anymore, she feels hope p.131

Chapter 17

  1. How was Luna “off”? A pain in her head was getting worse through the day; she could see the nut full of magic in her forehead and felt it pulsing like a clock ticking; she knew it was bringing her closer to something p.138
  2. Which family was Luna thinking about and how did she tell a lie? Her mother and father; she told Fyrian she was thinking about her family, but didn’t clarify that she wasn’t thinking about him, Glerk and Grandmama p.139

Chapter 18

  1. Describe the interaction between Xan and Antain? Xan was trying to protect the baby, so she threw him aside and turned into a large hawk to take the baby to safety; Antain was just trying to talk to the Witch, but she misunderstood him p.149

Chapter 19

  1. What did Luna become aware of in this chapter? That her grandmother never spoke of memories; that they’re keeping secrets from each other p.164

Chapter 20

  1. Who us telling this story in this chapter? How do you know? Luna; The chapter title; these are all things about Luna p.166

Chapter 21

  1. How did Fyrian return to Luna? How? By crying out her name; the spell Xan gave him must have transferred to Luna p.177
  2. Why did the smell of the boots give Luna a headache? They were magical p.179
  3. What did she forget at the end of this chapter? To ask Glerk about the boots p.180

Chapter 22

  1. What is this person’s perception of the boots? They’re old and magical; they can travel the world covering great distances faster than normal boots; the Witch put them on and was able to find more magic p.182

Chapter 23

  1. What is the second map Luna drew? The village she came from; the place she was laid to be eaten by wolves and the Tower with the words, “she is here” p.195

Chapter 24

  1. How are each sacrificial baby chosen? It’s the youngest baby at the time of the sacrifice p.201
  2. What’s Antain’s plan? To give up his baby, go to the Witch’s home and kill her p.205

Chapter 25

  1. What word did Luna learn in this chapter? Magic p.211
  2. Why is that important? She hasn’t been able to read, see or hear magic for the last 8 years
  3. How old is Luna? 13 years old

Chapter 26

  1. Who overheard the Grand Elder and Sister Ignatia talking? How? The madwoman; she’d turned herself into a beetle and traveled on a shoe to her office p.215
  2. What could Sister Ignatia smell? The madwoman and her magic p.216
  3. What plan were they coming up with? To kill Antain p.218

Chapter 27

  1. Why is Xan careful she doesn’t feel sorrow? To protect her from the Sorrow Eater p.223
  2. Who do you think the Sorrow Eater is? Sister Ignatia p.223

Chapter 28

  1. Who is traveling in this book and where are they going? Xan, Luna, Glerk, Fyrian, Sister Ignatia, Antain, the madwoman; Antain and the madwoman are traveling to the Witch’s home, Sister Ignatia is going after Antain to kill him, Xan to pick up the baby being sacrificed, Luna’s going after Xan and Glerk and Fyrian are going after Luna p.225

Chapter 29

  1. What had happened to this history? It has been changed, twisted to fit what Sister Ignatia and the Elders want the people of Protectorate to believe p.242

Chapter 30

  1. Summarize this chapter. Luna becomes lost, then fell into darkness as rocks gave way p.243

Chapter 31

  1. What’s does the madwoman find at the treehouse? No one is home; pictures that Luna drew; her daughter’s name is Luna p.252

Chapter 32

  1. What helped Xan remember who she was and what she was doing? Glerk and Fyrian p.258
  2. Where do you think the paper birds came from? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 33

  1. Who is the Witch in the history that traveled the world in the Seven League Boots? The Head Sister; Sister Ignatia p.258
  2. Which two peoples were blocking the Head Sister’s view? Xan and Luna p.267

Chapter 34

  1. Why is Ethyne’s home happy and bright? She has hope p.275
  2. Why do you think Ethyne has power over the Grand Elder? She has a strength inside of her and is not intimidated by him p.276
  3. Who created the birds that are protecting Luna? Her mother, the madwoman p.284

Chapter 35

  1. Who did Glerk smell? Sister Ignatia 288
  2. Where is Sister Ignatia’s home? The same place Xan and Luna live p.291

Chapter 36

  1. Who do you think was blocking the scrying device in this chapter? Listen to your child’s answer; Xan p.299

Chapter 37

  1. What was Xan hearing for the first time? Why the babies were left in the ring of trees p.303

Chapter 38

  1. Who is possibly telling the history of the world to their child? The madwoman or Ethyne; So many families lost children to the evilness of the Grand Elder and Head Sister, it represents what all parents could have told their children p.248/307
  2. What characteristic does Ethyne have that helped her find the truth? She was curious and asked questions; she desired to know the truth p.309
  3. Do you think the Grand Elder should be nervous? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 39

  1. What happens to Fyrian in this chapter? He begins to grow to an enormous size p.320
  2. Which Witch is Antain threatening to kill? Luna p.326

Chapter 40

  1. Predict how you think this story will conclude. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 41

  1. How does Luna, her mother and grandmother receive more and more strength? From the moon p.341

Chapter 42

  1. What color of magic does Xan shine? Licheny green p.341
  2. Who reached Luna just as she reached her grandmother and Antain? The madwoman/her mother p.342

Chapter 43

  1. What stopped Antain from attacking the Witch? The trauma of being attacked by the birds p.343
  2. What spell did Luna cast for the first time? Transformation; changed her grandmother back into a person p.348

Chapter 44

  1. What is happening to Xan in this chapter? She’s dying now that Luna’s magic is unlocked p.350

Chapter 45

  1. What made the Sorrow Eater’s magic disappear? Luna opened the woman’s heart and all the sorrow that was stored inside from her own memories spilled out; her magic came from sorrow p.366
  2. What does the phrase, “she is here, she is here, she is here” mean throughout this story? Luna is here; where Luna is on the map; Luna’s mother is here p.368

Chapter 46

  1. Why was Xan happy to hear the cries of joy when the Star Children returned? She had saved each one from death and was happy to hear them return to their original families p.379

Chapter 47

  1. What does Glerk do in this chapter? He takes Xan to the bog and leaves a poem for Luna p.383

Chapter 48

  1. How does this story end? Someone is telling what the village has become, who the Witch is and what will happen in the future p.385
  2. Did you enjoy reading this story? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answers

Comprehension Questions – Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff)

Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten

(and Other Thankful Stuff)

by Barbara Park

Grades Pre-K-2; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts. 2.0

To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, Mr. Scary's first-grade class prepares a Thankful List for the school contest, but Junie B. finds it hard to be grateful for squash or Tattletale May.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Mr. Scary’s class going to write what they were thankful for on the blackboard? There was a school thankful contest for Thanksgivingp.5
  2. What’s the price for winning? Pumpkin pie p.6
  3. How did the class feel about it? They didn’t like pumpkin pie p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What items comprised the thankful list is this chapter? Food and toilet paper p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Why do you think Roger was nervous to go first? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. What did Mr. Scary want the class to realize in this chapter? They shouldn’t dive for money; it’s important to be thankful for what we have and not focus on what we don’t have; we can be happy if we don’t have a lot of money p.39

Chapter 5

  1. Name three things you’re thankful for. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Mr. Scary smiling at the beginning of this chapter? Junie B. and May brought the same stuffed elephant from home; they have something in common p.57
  2. Why did Mr. Scary get angry at the end of the chapter? The two girls were running around with their elephants p.63

Chapter 7

  1. Do you think Mr. Scary cares if his class wins the contest? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Sheldon showed pictures of the turkeys they’ve eaten and shared family traditions p.76

Chapter 9

  1. Who won the prize for the Thankful Contest? Junie B.’s class p.96
  2. How did Lennie help everyone feel better in this chapter? He told them they could spit the pumpkin pie out of their mouths into the sink at the back of the room p.97

Chapter 10

  1. What did Junie B. mean when she said the sink was going to get a real workout? The kids would all be spitting pumpkin pie and stewed onions into the sink p.105
  2. Why were the children so excited in this chapter? Their families were coming to the school with food to share in a Thanksgiving feast p.106

Chapter 11

  1. Did the sink get used that day? Why, or why not? No, the children weren’t required to eat the different foods and when they tried the pumpkin pie, they thought it was delicious p.114

Chapter 12

  1. How does this book end? May and Junie B. realized they liked being different from each other and that they could be friends; everyone yelled “Happy Turkey Day” to each other p.130

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #5 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

by C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin, Eustace, are magically transported onto the ship, "Dawn Treader", where King Caspian is searching for the seven friends of his father.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Eustace. Doesn't have friends; collects bugs; enjoys reading non-fiction books; doesn't like his cousins the Pevansies; is bossy and a bully p.3
  2. Explain the port side and starboard side of a ship. Port means the left side when looking at the front of the ship; starboard is the right-side p.6
  3. How do the children travel to Narnia in this book? When looking at a painting of a boat driving forward in the sea, it came alive and swept the three children into the ocean p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Where are the voyagers going? To find the lost counselors of the king p.20
  2. What helped Eustace feel better? Lucy’s cordial p.24
  3. What sparked the conflict between Reepicheep and Eustace? Eustace swung Reepicheep around by his tail p.33

Chapter 3

  1. What mishap occurred when the group went to the Lone Islands? They were captured and were going to be sold on the market as slaves p.41
  2. Who purchased Caspian? Lord Bern; one of the Lord’s Caspian’s uncle sent to sea p.46
  3. Why did Lord Bern believe that Caspian was the real King Caspian? His voice, Caspian remembered Lord Bern’s name, Caspian spoke the same as his father p.47

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Pug call Eustace Sulky? Sulky means to be morose, bad-tempered, and resentful, refusing to be cooperative or cheerful. Eustace is all these things p.63
  2. Why does Duke Bern want Caspian to stay? He foresees war from Calormen p.65

Chapter 5

  1. Define what a poop is in this context. The aftermost and highest deck of a ship, especially in a sailing ship where it typically forms the roof of a cabin in the stern p.68
  2. Why was it a bad idea for Eustace to wander away from the group? He got lost p.78
  3. Why did Eustace think the ship would leave him? He thought Caspian and Edmund were out to get rid of him p.81
  4. Is this true? No p.81

Chapter 6

  1. Why is it a bother for Eustace to disappear? Everyone needed to take the time to find him p.89
  2. What made Eustace realize Caspian and Edmund weren’t his enemies? Turning into a dragon made him miss them p.92
  3. How did everyone realize the dragon wasn’t going to hurt them? He tried to communicate with them p.96

Chapter 7

  1. Explain how Eustace became a human again? Aslan came and helped him shed his skin p.107
  2. How did Eustace’s character grow when he was a dragon? He learned how to be helpful and to have a better attitude towards those around him p.112

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The ship was attacked by a sea serpent then landed on an island; after getting water, a group decided to explore; they came upon a lake that turned things to gold; they started getting greedy, but they saw Aslan who helped them come to their senses; they came back to the ship with the realization it was a Narnian Lord who was lost at the bottom of the golden lake p.116

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the invisible people threaten to kill the group who came on land? To get Lucy to read a spell to make them visible again p.141
  2. Why did Lucy need to read the spell? Only the magician or a girl could make the spell work p.141

Chapter 10

  1. List two spells Lucy came across in the magic book. Beautification; how to hear what your friends say about you; how to make things visible; cures for warts, toothaches, cramps p.151
  2. What did Aslan mean when he said he’d been invisible this entire time? He has been there with her, but couldn’t show him to Lucy since she didn’t believe p.159

Chapter 11

  1. Did Lucy need to be afraid of the invisible people when they were made visible? No, they looked like dwarves with one foot p.166
  2. Did the Dufflepuds learn to appreciate who they were? Yes p.173
  3. Name two things the magician did for Caspian and his party? Fed them; gave them a place to rest; fixed the boat; created a map of where they had sailed; gave them treasures when they left p.173

Chapter 12

  1. What happened when Lucy prayed to Aslan for help? A beam of light shined on the ship, an albatross appeared and guided them to the sun; Aslan whispered courage to Lucy and breathed a delicious smell into her face p.186
  2. Was it purposeful to go into the darkness? Why? Yes; to find Lord Rhoop p.188

Chapter 13

  1. Why had the three Lords fallen asleep at the table? They began to fight over what they should do, and someone grabbed the dagger the White Witch used to kill Aslan p.200

Chapter 14

  1. How did Caspian persuade the sailors to sail to the end of the World? He made it sound like it was a privilege and that not everyone could go; by possibly taking away the opportunity they wanted it more and more p.215
  2. Predict what Caspian wanted to talk about with Ramandu’s daughter. Listen to your child’s answer p.217

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize this chapter. The ship sails and Lucy sees sea people; they can drink right from the ocean and can now handle looking at the sun; they don’t need to eat; the ship sailed without wind p228

Chapter 16

  1. Why do the shipmates travel without speaking? The closer they get to Aslan’s land its more sacred and reverent p.234
  2. Why aren’t Lucy and Edmund coming back to Narnia? They’re getting too old p.247

Comprehension Questions – Sarah, Plain and Tall Series #1 Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sarah, Plain and Tall

by Patricia MacLachlan

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL R; AR pts. 1.0

In this loving story of a motherless family, a tall, plain woman comes to stay with them.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does this story begin? Anna is telling Caleb about their mother who died the day after he was born; their pa said he put an advertisement in the paper for a wife and got a response p.3
  2. Who is telling this story? Anna

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Caleb read Sarah’s letters repeatedly? He was excited at the prospect of having a mother and liked what Sarah said p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why does Anna think Sarah wouldn’t like living on the prairie? It’s very different than living by the ocean; dusty and dry; no ocean or beach; away from her home p.20

Chapter 4

  1. What’s the significance of the words Caleb is pointing out that Sarah is saying? Sarah is using terminology that imply she’s staying longer than a month; he’s hoping she stays and marries his pa p.24

Chapter 5

  1. How did pa help Sarah feel at home in this chapter? He gave her a dune to slide down in the barn, like the dune by the ocean p.31

Chapter 6

  1. What did Sarah teach the children in this chapter? How to swim p.36
  2. Is Sarah being a good mother to them? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer. 

Chapter 7

  1. Give two examples of how Maggie is a good friend to Sarah. She helped Sarah know that she wasn’t alone; brought her flowers to plant and chickens to eat; helped her understand she needed to learn to drive a wagon p.40

Chapter 8

  1. What type of storm did the family experience in this chapter? A tornado p.47
  2. Why were the children happy when they saw their father hold Sarah like he had their mother? Their father was beginning to show love to Sarah; they wanted her to be their mom p.49

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Caleb so bothered that Sarah wanted to go into town by herself? He was worried she’d leave them and not come back p.52
  2. How does this story end? Sarah went to town and came back with three colored pencils, candles, flower seeds, and a book of songs to teach them; she marries their father p.57

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #3 A Dandelion Wish

A Dandelion Wish

by Kiki Thorpe

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 2.0

Mia and her friends have discovered a magical passageway to Never Land, but when her little sister, Gabby, goes to Never Land alone, the passageway closes up, with a fairy stuck on the Main Land side, too.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Mia sulk in this chapter? She wanted to go to Pixie Hollow with her friends, but she had to babysit Gabby p.4
  2. Was it responsible of Mia to go to Pixie Hollow anyway? No, she should have stayed and watched her sister p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Was Mia being a good example and taking good care of her sister? Why or why not? No, because she was more worried about herself p.24
  2. Why was Mia worried at the end of this chapter? Gabby went through the fence and their father fixed it so Gabby couldn’t come home from Pixie Hollow p.30

Chapter 3

  1. Why was everyone so busy in Pixie Hollow? They were cleaning up the mess Bingo made p.32
  2. Do you think it will be easy for Iridessa to look after Gabby? Listen to your child’s answer p.41

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Rosetta fainted realizing she couldn’t go home; Mia called her friends over and they tried to find the right slat in the fence to Never Land, but they loosened the wrong one and Rosetta disappeared through it p.43

Chapter 5

  1. How did Gabby and Iridessa get lost in this chapter? Gabby ran ahead into some trees and Iridessa followed p.62

Chapter 6

  1. How did Rosetta serve Mia in this chapter? She fixed up her neighbor’s yard so Mia could go back through the fence p.76

Chapter 7

  1. How could Mia have prevented this whole mess? She should have just babysat Gabby and not gone to Never Land

Chapter 8

  1. Why wasn’t Gabby scared in this chapter? She had faith in fairy magic p.100

Chapter 9

  1. How did the dandelion wishes help Gabby? They helped her get back to Pixie Hollow and they created another passage to Never Land so she could go home p.102
  2. How did this situation change Mia’s heart toward her little sister? She realized she has messed up and just wanted her sister back p.108

Chapter 10

  1. What promise did the girls make to each other? They wouldn’t go to Never Land without the four of them together p. 116
  2. Why did Iridessa stay close to Gabby? She cared for her and was a good friend p.117
  3. Why was Tink going back to the mainland with the girls? To fix the lawn mower p.118

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #2 The Space Between

The Space Between

by Kiki Thorpe

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 2.0

Just as they were settling in at Pixie Hollow, Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby have to go home, but even when they leave Never Land, its magic seems to follow them.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. If you could be a talent Clumsy what would it be? 
  2. What talent did Lainey have? Animal-talent p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Why were the girls sad in this chapter? It was time to go home p.17
  2. What gift did the queen give them? Fairy dust to fly back to Never Land p.22
  3. Where do you think the dust disappeared to? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. What happened to Fawn in this chapter? She’d traveled through the tree to the Clumsy world; was chased by a cat; then ended back up in Pixie Hollow as she squeezed through a fence p.35

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Lainey disappointed to be back in her world? She had lost so much in Pixie Hollow and was worried she wouldn’t be anyone special p.50
  2. How do you think the dairy mouse came to Lainey’s world? Listen to your child’s answer p.56

Chapter 5

  1. What caused mischief in Pixie Hollow? The cat p.65
  2. What stopped the cat from feasting on the fairies in the kitchen? Peppercorns p.66

Chapter 6

  1. Name two strange things in this chapter. Mia can’t find her cat and a flamingo appeared in her backyard p.76

Chapter 7

  1. What was Fawn’s plan to get the cat back to the mainland? Lure it to where it came to into Never Land p.90

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Milkweed disappear to? Back to Never Land p.93
  2. What do you think the flamingo was trying to tell Lainey? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Did Lainey’s plan work? Why or why not? No; she saw Milkweed at the tree and didn’t want to cat to eat the mouse p.104
  2. Where did the flamingo lead Lainey? Back to Never Land p.108

Chapter 10

  1. Who did the cat belong to that was running through Never Land? Mia p.114
  2. Why did Lainey realize at the end of the story? She’s special, she has a fairy for a friend p.120

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #1 In a Blink

In a Blink

by Kiki Thorpe

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

In a blink of an eye, four best friends all get whisked off to Never Land, home to Tinker Bell and her fairy friends.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where does this story gets its name? four friends were outside; one heard the ocean, one saw flamingos, one heard bells jingling and one saw a fairy; there was a great wind and at the end of the chapter, in a blink they weren’t in the backyard anymore p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Prilla go see Tink? She accidentally brought the four girls to their land and needed help; everyone went to Tink with their problems p.15
  2. How would you feel if you were called to see the queen? Listen to your child’s answer p.23

Chapter 3

  1. Where did the girls blink to? Never Land p.30
  2. Why do the fairies keep calling the girls Clumsies? That’s what fairies call the humans from the mainland p.31

Chapter 4

  1. Define what a talent is. A natural aptitude or skill p.37
  2. Why do you think it bothered Kate that the other children who have come to Never Land go home and forget about it or stay forever? It wasn’t really a fair choice; she might have wondered who could forget about Never Land p.49

Chapter 5

  1. Describe where the girls slept that night in Never Land. A huge willow tree; hammocks with moss and silk sheets; lights that were fireflies; pillows stuffed with rose petals p.51
  2. Why didn’t the girls need to worry about time passing at home? They realized time passed differently in Never Land and hoped no time had passed at homep.59

Chapter 6

  1. What did the girls want to do for their last day in Never Land? Learn to fly p.71
  2. What do you think Kate’s plan is? Listen to your child’s answer p.72

Chapter 7

  1. What did Kate learn about flying? It was harder than it looks p.76
  2. Why didn’t Kate remember Prilla’s warning about Vidia? She stopped listening to Prilla because she was bored p.85

Chapter 8

  1. How did Vidia trick Kate? She taught her to fly, then took off with the pixie dust p.96

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Vidia need Kate to get the dust for her? The queen put a magic spell around the pumpkin so she couldn’t go near it p.99
  2. Who found Kate? Where? How? Gabby; tangled in the branches of a tree far from Pixie Hollow; she covered more distance than usual because of her belief in magic p.108

Chapter 10

  1. Did the girls make it home? No p.118
  2. How did the girls feel about being stuck in Never Land? They knew they’d get home someday but we’re glad for the extra time they could spend there p.118