Category Archives: Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions – The Original Adventures of Hank the CowDog #1

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

by John R. Erickson

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 3.0

Hank has been accused of murder! In a fit of despair, Hank resigns his position as Head of Ranch Security and decides to join the outlaw coyotes. There he's known as Hunk (that's Hank in coyote language). Hank meets Missy Coyote, sister to Scraunch — the meanest, roughest, toughest, most notorious coyote in the whole country. If Scraunch found Hank with his sister... Well, look out for trouble.

Vocabulary (by Steve)

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What was Hank’s job? Head of Ranch Security Pg. 1.
  2. Why did Loper shoot off the gun? Hank was barking at the coyotes. Pg. 3
  3. Who was Beulah? The neighbor’s collie that Hank liked. Pg. 4.
  4. What did Hank and Drover think killed the chicken? A coyote or a coon. Pg. 8.

Chapter 2

  1. Where did the porcupine stick Hank? In the face, nose, and paws. Pg. 12.
  2. What did Pete, the barn cat,  do to Hank? Flicked his tail on his nose. Pg. 14.
  3. How did Loper feel about Hank’s quills? It was Hanks fault for messing with a porcupine. Pg. 15.
  4. Why did Loper throw the pliers at Hank? He wet on his pants. Pg. 17.

Chapter 3

  1. What did Loper feel about Hank and the dead chicken? He barked all night and was expensive to feed. Pg. 19.
  2. Why did Hank tell Drover he was useless? He was playing with a frog. Pg. 22.
  3. What did Drover find in the night? A big monster with horns. Pg. 25.
  4. What did Hank actually attack? The milk cow.  Pg. 28.

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Slim nice to Hank? He wanted to wipe the dip stick on his ear. Pg. 31.
  2. How did Hank feel about Drover’s help the night before? He was not happy he didn’t give any . Pg. 33.
  3. Why was Drover not afraid to pee on the Boxer’s truck? He was chained up. Pg. 35.
  4. Why did Bruno get in trouble? The men thought the other dogs were asleep. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. What did Hank decide to do instead of guarding the chicken house? A steak-out. Pg. 44.
  2. Why did Hank fall asleep? Because he dreamt he was awake. Pg. 45.
  3. Who found Hank with the dead chicken? Sally May. Pg. 48.
  4. What did Loper do to punish Hank? Made him wear the dead chicken head. Pg. 50.
  5. What did Hank decide to do because he was punished? Leave and become an Outlaw. Pg. 53.

Chapter 6

  1. What did Hank think Loper and Sally Mae would feel about him being gone? They’d miss him. Do anything if he’d come home.  Pg. 57.
  2. How did Hank feel about the spring pool? A sewer is better. Pg. 58.
  3. What did Junior think about Hank? Thought he was d-d-d-dead. Pg. 59.
  4. What gave the signals that something was dead? The chicken head around hank’s neck. Pg. 62.

Chapter 7

  1. Why did the dog look headless? A Hawaiian Punch can was stuck on its head. Pg. 67.
  2. Why couldn’t the coyote understand hank? It didn’t speak Doglish. Pg. 69.
  3. Did Hank like the coyote’s name? No. Girl-Who-Drink-Blood. Pg. 72.
  4. Who was the coyote’s brother? Scraunch. Pg. 73.

Chapter 8

  1. Who is Chief Gut? The coyote father of Missy and Scraunch. Pg. 75.
  2. What did the coyotes call cowboys and guns? Big-hat and boom-boom. Pg. 76.
  3. What did the coyotes call Hank that upset him? Chicken dog. Pg. 77.
  4. Why didn’t the coyotes attack Hank? They were going to make him part of the tribe. Pg. 84.

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Hank’s secret work? Coyotes are superstitious. Pg. 85.
  2. What Did Hank’s mom say about coyotes? They were lazy, sneaky, undisciplined. Pg. 87.
  3. What did Rip and Snort want to do? Go carousing in the silage pit. Pg. 88.
  4. What is silage? Grass that ferments and turns into alcohol. Pg. 88.
  5. What did Drover think about Hank with the coyotes? He was a traitor. 95.

Chapter 10

  1. What did the coyote pups do to hank? Bit his tail. Pg. 99.
  2. How did Hank feel about coyote life? Told Missy too much noise. Pg. 102.
  3. What was the mutton feast? A piece of aged meat that was green with maggots on it. Pg. 103.
  4. What did Missy’s mom think made Hank sick? Brackish water. Pg. 105.

Chapter 11

  1. What did the coyotes like to eat and why? Juicy chicken because they are easy. Pg. 107.
  2. Who made the speech to the village? Scraunch and then led the raid. Pg.107.
  3. Where did Hank hope Drover was? Hiding in a corner of the shed. Pg. 109.
  4. What did Scraunch want Hank to do? Kill Drover, but he tried to save him. Pg. 114.
  5. When Hank “heard Saint Peter blow” what did he think? He was going to die. Pg. 116.

Chapter 12

  1. What did Loper do and why to Hank? He smiled; glad he was back. Pg. 119.
  2. What did everyone think happened to Drover? He was dead. Pg. 120.
  3. What did Hank tell Drover he was doing with the coyotes? He was undercover. Pg. 122.
  4. What did the Badger tracks turn out to be? Skunk tracks. Pg. 125.
  5. What did Hank do to Sally May? Run in to her clean laundry with skunk smell. Pg. 127.

Comprehension Questions – Bud, Not Buddy

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL U; AR pts: 8.0

It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but he's on a mission. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: posters of Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression! Bud's got an idea that those posters will lead to his father. Once he decides to hit the road and find this mystery man, nothing can stop him.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting at the beginning of this story? In an orphanage during the depression in Flint, Michigan
  2. Describe Bud. 10 years old, living in an orphanage because his mom died, been to foster homes, but always comes back, can’t cry anymore, thinks his dad is a musician
  3. How was Bud a good friend to Jerry? He comforted him and helped him feel better about going to his foster home

Chapter 2

  1. What provoked Bud to punch Todd? Todd had woken him up in the night sticking a pencil up his nose
  2. Why is Todd’s mother calling Bud ungrateful and sending him back to the Home? It looked like he was picking on Todd
  3. What’s the name of the book Bud’s writing? Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself

Chapter 3

  1. How did Bugs get his nickname? He’d gotten a bug stuck in his ear
  2. What was the “vampire bat” hanging on the ceiling of the shed? A hornet’s nest
  3. Why was Bud angry after he got out of the shed? He was angry at the Amos’s for treating him the way they had; and himself for believing Todd when he said there was a vampire bat in the shed and for getting into a situation where there wasn’t anyone who cared what happened to him

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Bud want to use the gun as revenge? Guns are too dangerous
  2. Where did Bud put the gun? Out on the porch
  3. How did Bud get his revenge with Todd? Made him wet the bed

Chapter 5

  1. After seeing he couldn’t sleep in the library basement, where did Bud find shelter? Under the Christmas trees by the library
  2. Why did his mom name him Bud and not Buddy? Buddy is a dog’s name; Bud is a flower-to-be, a flower-in-waiting, waiting for just the right warmth and care to open it up
  3. What does the phrase mean, “when one door closes in life, another door opens”? When one opportunity ends, another one is offered to you

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Bud late for breakfast? He slept in
  2. Why was Bud able to eat? A man pretended Bud was his son
  3. Why did Bud’s pretend mom and dad keep hitting him on the head? To help others think he really was their child; to keep him in line

Chapter 7

  1. Find an example at the beginning of this chapter that tells you Bud loves the library. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to smell the unique library smell
  2. What bad news did the librarian tell Bud? Miss Hill got married and moved away
  3. Why couldn’t Bud go back to the Home? It was getting crowded

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Bud’s experience in Hooverville. He got fed, kissed a girl and had a place to sleep with hope of going west
  2. Explain what happened when Bud and the others tried to catch the train. The police were there trying to stop them, but Bud and the rest ran. Bugs made it on, but Bud slowed down to catch his blue flyer and missed the train. Bugs threw his suitcase off
  3. What did Bud and the others find when they went back to Hooverville? The police had gone in and were breaking it up by burning the buildings and ruining the pots and pans

Chapter 9

  1. What was the special something the librarian had for Bud? A large history book about the Civil War
  2. What does the main character compare the idea of his dad to? A seed growing into a maple tree
  3. Why did Bud think the things in his suitcase were his momma’s treasures? Why else would she keep them

Chapter 10

  1. Why was the man nervous when talking to Bud on the side of the road? The city they were outside of wasn’t very kind to people with darker skin
  2. What convinced Bud to go with the man? He had food and would take him to Grand Rapids
  3. Why did Bud think the man was a vampire? Bud saw a box with the label, “Urgent, contains human blood”

Chapter 11

  1. How did Bud end up back in Flint? Mr. Lewis drove him there to drop off the blood
  2. Name three words that describe the Sleet family. Kind, generous, fun, warm, loving, accepting, giving, sharing
  3. Why did Bud have a hard time eating and talking with the Sleet’s during the breakfast? At the Home he had to be silent during meals and at the Sleet home they were asking him questions and expecting him to respond

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Bud worried when the policeman pulled them over? he thought the police were after him
  2. How is Lefty involved with the labor organizers? He’s helping deliver fliers to the railroad workers in Grand Rapids
  3. Why didn’t Bud want Lefty to into the Log Cabin with him? Herman Calloway didn’t know who Bud was and Lefty would have found out the truth

Chapter 13

  1. What deal did Mr. Jimmy make to get Bud to tell him the truth? He promised him dinner at a restaurant
  2. Choose a word to describe Thug and explain why? Mean, untrustworthy; giving him advice that would get him in trouble
  3. Why did Bud like Steady Eddie? He watched out for him; was good to him

Chapter 14

  1. What did Bud compare Miss Thomas’s humming to?  Walking on a railway and feeling the train getting closer and closer under your feet
  2. Why did Bud start crying after dinner? He was so happy and felt like he was home
  3. Find a word that describes Miss Thomas. Kind, warm, friendly, loving, accepting

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Mr. Calloway lock the closets in the room Bud was sleeping in? to keep Bud from stealing anything and getting into it
  2. What gave Bud the thought to steal from Mr. Calloway? Calloway threatened him
  3. What helped Bud go to sleep? A blanket around his head, imaging his mom telling him stories

Chapter 16

  1. What was Miss Thomas’ plan for Bud? If they got permission from the people in Flint, they were going to keep him
  2. Why did Steady Eddie give Bud a saxophone case? to carry his mother’s things in; his suitcase is too old and ratty to travel with the band
  3. What was Bud’s new name and how did he feel about it? Sleepy LaBone; he loved it

Chapter 17

  1. What was Bud pretending his mop and bucket were? Captain Nemo and the sea
  2. What did Miss Thomas’s singing and Steady Eddie’s saxophone sound like together? Like a conversation they were having with one another

Chapter 18

  1. How long has Bud been with the band at this point in the book? 7 days
  2. What was in Herman’s glovebox? Rocks with writing on them, just like Bud’s
  3. When Bud told Herman his mother’s name, why did Herman run into the house? Because it was his daughter’s name

Chapter 19

  1. How did Buddy prove his mother was Herman’s daughter? He had a picture from when she was a young girl
  2. Why did Bud’s mother run away from home? Her father was really hard on her and wanted her to become a teacher, but she didn’t want to
  3. Why was Herman so upset? He had just found out his daughter died
  4. What gift did the band give Bud? An alto saxophone

Comprehension Questions – The Great Treehouse War

The Great Treehouse War

by Lisa Graff

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; AR pts: 5.0

Winnie's last day of fourth grade ended with a pretty life-changing surprise. That was the day Winnie’s parents got divorced and decided that Winnie would live three days a week with each of them and spend Wednesdays by herself in a treehouse between their houses, to divide her time perfectly evenly. It was the day Winnie’s seed of frustration with her parents was planted, a seed that grew until it felt like it was as big as a tree itself.

By the end of fifth grade, Winnie decides that the only way to change things is to barricade herself in her treehouse until her parents come to their senses—and her friends decide to join. It’s kids vs. grown-ups, and no one wants to back down first. But with ten kids in one treehouse, all with their own demands, things get pretty complicated! Even if they are having the most epic slumber party ever.

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1

  1. Why was Winnie’s teacher, Mr. Benetto curious about Winnie? She comes to school happy and outgoing on Thursdays, but the rest of the week she’s quiet and reserved p.6
  2. What are Winnie’s parent’s names? Varun and Alexis p.17
  3. Why would Winnie think her parents were getting a divorce? They always fought p.14
  4. What are some other solutions Winnie’s parents might have come up with instead of having Winnie live in a tree house? listen to your child’s answers p.15

Chapter 2

  1. Why do you think Uncle Huck was so good to Winnie? She was his niece; he had a special connection with her p.30
  2. Why was Thanksgiving so important to Winnie’s family? That was the only holiday her family cared about and they had a huge feast p.34
  3. What was the first holiday Winnie’s mom decided to celebrate with her and why? Flag Day; to be better than Winnie’s father; to win Winnie’s favor p.35
  4. Can you answer Mr. Benetto’s inquiry about why Winnie comes to school so happy on Thursday now? Explain. Yes, because she’s in her tree house alone with no holidays or pressure from her parents p.38

Chapter 3

  1. How did Mr. B. start off his conversation with Winnie? He asked her if everything was all right at home p.49
  2. Why did Mr. B. talk to Winnie instead of her parents? Her parents were difficult and wouldn’t come to talk to Mr. B. if the other one was there p.52
  3. Why was Winnie failing 5th grade and what did she have to do to pass? She never had time to do her homework since her parents take all her time and celebrate holidays every day; she has to get an A or A- on a good local history report p.54

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Winnie want to tell her friends about her problems at first? Didn’t want to think about it and wanted to focus on happier things p.60
  2. Why did the friends wait to eat cupcakes at lunch? Squizzy wanted to wait for Winnie p.60
  3. Why was Squizzy grounded from reading books? She needed to get her grades up p.70
  4. Why would the next school year be so different than the previous ones? The kids are going to middle school p.74

Chapter 5

  1. Where was Winnie’s father planning on taking her for the summer? Kansas to study grouse feces p.90
  2. Why was Winnie upset about her mother’s idea of spending Wednesdays with her? That’s Winnie’s alone time and she loves it p.93
  3. Explain why Winnie’s parents aren’t doing the holiday celebrations for her, but for themselves. They don’t really care about Winnie’s feelings or grades and are more concerned about being the better, more fun parent p.94
  4. Predict what the letter stuck to the book said. Listen to your child’s answers p.96

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Winnie’s plan. Since the treehouse wasn’t a part of the U.S., Winnie didn’t have to follow the laws of the country or her parents and could do what she wanted. P.106
  2. Why did Winnie come up with this plan? To get her parents to stop being selfish and begin listening to her p.106
  3. Predict what Winnie’s parents will do when they read about her plan. Listen to your child’s answers p.108

Part II

Chapter 7

  1. Why do Winnie’s parents feel like everything has to be even? They don’t want the other parent to be better than them p.114
  2. What did Winnie demand since both of her parents wanted to talk to her? They both climb up the ladder and talk to her together p.116

Chapter 8

  1. Why wouldn’t Winnie want her friends to stay in the treehouse? She wanted to get her report finished p.125
  2. Who joined Winnie in the treehouse? The Tulip Street Ten p.126
  3. What did the kids in the treehouse write to their parents? Their demands; what it will take to get them to come down from the treehouse p.142

Chapter 9

  1. Why were there so many reporters and cameramen gathered around the treehouse? They were all curious and thought this story would make a great headline p.145
  2. What did Uncle Huck want when he came to visit? To check on Winnie and to show support p.149
  3. Do you feel Winnie’s demand for her parents is reasonable? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answers p.153
  4. How did other parents around the world feel about the treehouse war? They thought the kids were brats and that the parents should hold out and not give the kids what they want p.156

Chapter 10

  1. Describe what’s going on with the war at the beginning of this chapter? Parents aren’t giving in to the demands and the kids are confused p.163
  2. Create your own strategy of how the parents could get the kids to give up and come down. Listen to your child’s thoughts p.164
  3. Explain why the sleepover wasn’t as fun as when it first started? The kids are all tired and grumpy p.178
  4. Why couldn’t the kids just leave and go home when they wanted to? They wouldn’t have their demands met and they knew they’d lose the war p.178

Chapter 11

  1. Do you agree with Lyle or Squizzy? Explain. Listen to your child’s answers p.190
  2. Why couldn’t Winnie pick a side? She agreed with both of their opinions and didn’t want to hurt either of their feelings p.191
  3. What was the new war created in the treehouse? Squizzy supporters were against Lyle’s supporters and all were against Winnie since she wouldn’t choose a side p.194

Chapter 12

  1. Why was it important for Winnie to escape to Uncle Huck’s? she needed to finish her report and got to talk to Uncle Huck about everything p.203

Part III

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Winnie think she couldn’t communicate very well? No one listened to her p.209
  2. Why did Winnie need to fix everything quickly? Someone was hired to find a loophole in the law and stop the war p.212

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. Winnie took her uncle’s advice, looked at her friends with her Artist Vision and realized what was really going on with her friends p.218

Chapter 15

  1. Who did Winnie write letters to and why? Her friends’ families and others they respect. She wanted to communicate to them what her friends needed and were interested in so they could reach out to them and help them come home p.226

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Winnie happy to be alone? It’s quiet p.244
  2. Why weren’t Winnie’s friends made at her? They got what they needed, and the demands weren’t important anymore p.248
  3. What favor did Lyle do for Winnie? Wrote notes to her parents p.256

Chapter 17

  1. How was Winnie able to get through to her parents? She respectfully kept talking and trying to explain until they started to listen p.260

Chapter 18

  1. How have Winnie’s parents grown and changed? They don’t fight anymore, aren’t competitive or selfish, and they respect Winnie’s wishes p.271
  2. What were the kids going to do with the treehouse? Make it fun for all kids and allow them to come hang out on Wednesdays p.280

Comprehension Questions – Baseball Pals

Baseball Pals

by Matt Christopher

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

Jimmie learns an important lesson about the misuse of power when he is elected captain of his baseball team and makes decisions that are not in the team's best interests.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. On the ballfield; the characters of the story were gathered talking about which position everyone would play; autumn time p.3
  2. Who convinced everyone he was to be the pitcher and how did he do it? Jimmie; he was the new team captain, he said he’d been practicing all summer, and he found other positions for the team members to play p.3
  3. Why did Ervie make Jimmie feel unsettled? Jimmie didn’t know if Ervie was happy or not; Ervie looked at Paul in a certain way p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Why wasn’t Tiny playing with Jimmie’s team this year? The Red Rockets had already asked him to be on their team and gave him a jersey p.9
  2. Describe Jimmie’s experience while he was pitching in this chapter. He struggled getting it over the plate and walked two guys. Then he slowed down his pitches and the batters hit them p.15
  3. Why was Jimmie pleased with himself at the end of the chapter? He hit a ball way out in the field and made it to third base p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Who’s the team’s new manager? Mr. Nichols p.19
  2. After the game why did Ervie want to go home? He was hungry and it was getting late p.22
  3. How does Jimmie feel about Ervie? He wishes he didn’t have to bring him with him to the field; he’s impatient with him p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Jimmie lie to his mom about coming home on time? He didn’t want to come home on time and wanted to stay at the field p.26
  2. When Jimmie went to Paul’s after dinner, what did he find Paul doing? Practicing his pitching p.28
  3. What was the news Tiny told Jimmie at the end of this chapter? Paul wasn’t playing the Planets, instead he was going to play with the Red Rockets p.31

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. Jimmie went home and to his room. He was upset about Paul joining the other team, and got angry to the point that he decided he didn’t care anymore, then he went to play with Ervie p.35

Chapter 6

  1. How did Mr. Nichols react to Paul leaving the team? He said it was ok and that Jimmie could become a good pitcher too with practice p.38
  2. Who went out to pitch after Jimmie continued to throw bad pitches during batting practice? Mr. Nichols p.41

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jimmie go to Mose’s house early Saturday morning? To practice pitching since Mose was going to be the catcher p.43
  2. How did Jimmie do while he was practicing? Not very well; he never threw to the mitt p.44
  3. Why did the umpire yell “Balk!” when Jimmie was winding up before a pitch? A pitcher can’t wind up if there are men on base, because after a pitcher winds up, he can’t stop and throw it to the base to get them out p.46

Chapter 8

  1. Find a simile at the top of page 52. Jimmie ran like a deer p.52
  2. Who won, the Mohawks or the Planets? The Mohawks p.53
  3. Why didn’t Ervie think the Planets were going to win any games in the league? He said they didn’t have a good pitcher p.55

Chapter 9

  1. Where did Jimmie go with his father? Fishing p.56
  2. What important lesson did Mr. Todd teach Jimmie while they were fishing? To be patient and to keep at something if you want it p.61

Chapter 10

  1. What was Jimmie’s plan so Paul would come and watch TV with him that evening? Have his mom invite over his parents and Paul would come over too p.63
  2. What did Ervie say that made Jimmie mad and run out of the room when the Karoski’s came over? that Paul was mad at Jimmie because they both wanted to pitch for the Planets p.66

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Jimmie see during their Sunday walk and how did he feel? Some boys playing baseball from his team and Paul was pitching; made him mad p.68
  2. Why did the praise, Jimmie’s dad said about Paul, hurt Jimmie? His own dad said that Paul had really nice form and was going to be a great pitcher one day when Jimmie struggled at being a pitcher p.71

Chapter 12

  1. What secret did Jimmie tell Wishy? That Jimmie doesn’t think he’ll be a pitcher and instead he should play infield p.75
  2. What did Wishy help Jimmie practice? Catching grounders p.76

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Jimmie feeling confident, like he could hit anything? He had decided not to be pitcher and felt good about his decision p.80
  2. What position did Jimmie play for the last two innings? First basemen p.85
  3. Whose name did Jimmie cry out when he was cheering for the pitcher? Paul’s name p.86

Chapter 14

  1. When does the team list need to be turned in? Before Thursday p.87
  2. Why was Mr. Nichols impressed with Jimmie as he practiced playing infield? He didn’t realize Jimmie was so good p.90

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Jimmie take Ervie along to see Paul? He didn’t want to be alone to talk to Paul p.91
  2. Why was Paul’s mom upset when Jimmie told her Paul left in a blue car? She was worried about him and sad that he didn’t tell her where he was going p.98

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Paul gone for four hours? His cousin asked him to go for a ride, but only thought it would be a half hour, then as they got to the lake the car stopped, and they had to get a ride home from somebody p.101
  2. How did Paul respond when Jimmie told him he could pitch for the Planets? He said he was already pitching for the Red Rockets p.103

Chapter 17

  1. Who was in the alley waiting to talk to Jimmie? Paul with team members from the Planets p.106
  2. How did Wishy convince Paul to come play for the Planets? He gathered other team members, took them over to Paul’s house, and they talked him into it p.108
  3. Why did Jimmie want Mr. Nichols to call the Red Rockets manager about Paul switching teams? He was worried what the other manager would say p.110

Chapter 18

  1. How did Jimmie feel as he played short stop? Confident; happy; had fun; enjoyed playing p.112
  2. Who won the game? The Planets p.117
  3. What was more important to Jimmie than winning the game? Having Paul on the team 117

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #4 Prince Caspian

Prince Caspian

By C.S. Lewis

Grades 3-8; Genre – Fantasy; GRL T; AR pts: 7.0

Narnia…the land between the lamp-post and the castle of Cair Paravel, where animals talk, where magical things happen… and where the adventure begins. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are returning to boarding school when they are summoned from the dreary train station (by Susan’s own magic horn) to return to the land of Narnia—the land where they had ruled as kings and queens and where their help is desperately needed.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What happened to the children at the train station and where did they find themselves? They felt a pulling and realized magic was at work; the train station disappeared and they found themselves in a thicket. They worked their way out and found a beach p.4
  2. Where did the children find a stream they could drink from? More than halfway around the island on the beach p.9
  3. What did the children find after drinking out of the stream? Apples trees and a wall with an arch leading into a large open area p.11

Chapter 2

  1. What did Susan find by the well and what did it remind her of? A gold chess piece; Being a queen in Narnia and playing chess with the fauns and giants of Narnia p.19
  2. Where were the children? At their castle in Narnia in Cair Paravel p.20
  3. What did the children find in the treasure room? Suits of armor, rings, bowls, dishes, necklaces, gems, big padlocked chests, and their gifts from Aslan p.25
  4. Describe the children’s gifts from Aslan. Lucy was a small diamond bottle full of a healing cordial; Susan’s was a bow, arrows and a horn that calls and sends for help; Peter’s is a sword and shield; Edmund didn’t get one p.27

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Susan shoot an arrow? Two soldiers were going to throw a tied-up dwarf into the water p.33
  2. Why did the soldiers want to kill the dwarf? He said he was a criminal p.36
  3. Who is the dwarf? King Caspian’s messenger p.39

Chapter 4

  1. What were the stories Caspian’s nurse told him about that his uncle didn’t like? Stories of old Narnia p.43
  2. Describe Doctor Cornelius. He was very short and fat; very old, ugly and kind with a twinkle in his eyes; knew about old Narnia and taught Caspian p.46
  3. Why did Doctor Cornelius take Caspian to the tower in the middle of the night? To show him two stars; to tell him about Narnia, the tower is the only place they should ever talk about it p.51
  4. Why is there a belief that ghosts live in the woods? The Telmarines don’t want their people to go to the sea since Aslan is from across the sea, so they let the wood grow and told them there were ghosts in it p.55

Chapter 5

  1. When did Doctor Cornelius awake Caspian in this chapter and why? In the middle of the night; because he knew Miraz was going to kill Caspian, so he helped pack food, a sword and clothing so Caspian could escape p.57
  2. Why does Miraz want to kill Caspian? Caspian is the real king. Miraz’s wife had a son so if Caspian is dead, his son will become king p.60
  3. Find a metaphor on page 61. “You must fly at once.”
  4. Where was Caspian after waking up from hitting his head while riding his horse? In a cave on a bed of heather being nourished by a badger and two dwarves p.67

Chapter 6

  1. How did the animals feel when Trufflehunter introduced Caspian to the animals of old Narnia? Excited; happy; kissed him p.73
  2. What gifts did the dwarves give to Caspian, Trumpkin and Nikabrik? Mail shirts, helmet and swords p.76
  3. How did the Fauns respond to the news of King Caspian? They were merry; danced and played their music around him p.82

Chapter 7

  1. How did Doctor Cornelius find the war council and why? He used magic; he knew Caspian had been found out and needed to tell him his life and all of Old Narnia’s was in danger p.88
  2. What’s Aslan’s How and why was it a good place to stay during a war? It’s a cave of tunnels built around a magical stone to the Narnian’s with lots of room for stores and people when needing to retreat p.91
  3. Why was the Giant Wimbleweather so sad? He ruined a battle by attacking at the wrong time and place p.93
  4. What missions were Pattertwig and Trumpkin sent on? Caspian was going to blow Susan’s horn and they were sent to different places where help would come. Pattertwig was sent to Lantern-hill and Trumpkin sent to the mouth of the river where the castle Cair Paravel is p.97

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Trumpkin feel like the horn didn’t work? It called children not warriors to help them p.102
  2. Why did the children have competitions with Trumpkin? To show him they were more than children p.107
  3. What did Lucy do for Trumpkin? Used her cordial to cure his wound p.108
  4. What did the children call Trumpkin? DLF: Dear Little Friend p.111

Chapter 9

  1. What did Lucy do when she couldn’t sleep? She got up, walked around, and spoke to the trees, trying to wake them p.116
  2. How did Trumpkin protect Lucy? He shot a bear that was sneaking up on her p.121
  3. Why did the children think they were lost? The river they came to was far below them in a gorge and they remember the river being different p.124
  4. Why was Lucy crying bitterly at the end of the chapter? She had seen Aslan and knew he wanted her to follow them, but no one would believe her p.128

Chapter 10

  1. What shot at the children and dwarf as they could see the Great River and where they fought the Battle of Beruna and why? Arrows; Miraz has an outpost in that area and they saw the traveling party p.133
  2. What were the trees doing when Lucy woke up and saw them? dancing, moving around p.138
  3. Who had called to Lucy while she was sleeping and why? Aslan; she was to wake to the others and tell them to follow her p.143
  4. How did Lucy have the strength to wake to the others and do what Aslan asked her to? Aslan gave it to her; she put her face in his mane and she could feel lion strength going into her p.143  

Chapter 11

  1. How did the children feel about following Lucy and doing what she said? Edward was the only one fully supportive of her since she’d been right before; Susan didn’t want to follow at all, but because Peter did, they all followed p.147
  2. Why did it take so long for Susan and the Dwarf to see Aslan? They didn’t believe; bad attitude p.152
  3. How did Aslan make friends with the Dwarf? Aslan called him to him, threw him in the air after grabbing him with his teeth and asked if they could be friends p.154
  4. How did Aslan call the Narnians? By roaring p.156

Chapter 12

  1. When Peter, Edmund and Trumpkin went into the Mound, what did they hear the King, Nikabrik, Doctor Cornelius and the others talking about? That the horn didn’t work and Nikabrik spoke of another way to win the battle p.163
  2. Who were the visitors that came to the war council? Nikabrik’s friends; they know black magic p.165
  3. Who did Nikabrik want to bring back so they could have power? The White Witch p.168
  4. Who died from the fight in the council room? Nikabrik, the Hag and the Wer-Wolf p.172

Chapter 13

  1. What was Peter’s strategy to winning the war? He was going to challenge Miraz to single combat (a duel) p.175
  2. Who was chosen to go with Edward to deliver the message to Miraz? Glenstorm and the Giant Wimbleweather p.178
  3. Explain what Sopespian and Glozelle spoke of as they realized Edward was bringing a challenge to Miraz. If Miraz won the challenge the war would be over, but if he died, he wouldn’t be their king anymore p.180
  4. How did these two convince Miraz to accept the challenge? They suggested he would be a coward and have no honor if he didn’t accept since Peter and Edward look so dangerous p.182

Chapter 14

  1. Who caused the first blood to be drawn in the duel and how? Peter stabbed Miraz in the armpit p.191
  2. How was Peter hurt? his wrist got sprained from the shield driving into it p.192
  3. How did the duel turn into a full battle? Spespian and Glozelle interrupted the battle when MIraz wa face down from tripping and shouted out the King Peter had killed him while he was lying down. Then Glozelle stabbed Miraz and the battle ensued p.194
  4. How did the chains loosen from the river god? Bacchus and his people made vines grow all over the bridge and it collapsed p.198
  5. Who was the old woman Aslan healed while she was in her bed? Caspian’s old nurse p.204

Chapter 15

  1. What did Lucy do for Reepicheep? He was almost dead when the other mice brought him before Aslan. He asked Lucy to heal his wounds. He revived but was still missing his tail that had been cut off p.207
  2. How did Reepicheep convince Aslan he needed his tail? Because mice have been made small, so they have to prove their honor and dignity; all of the other mice had their swords drawn to cut off their own tails; because of the love the mice have for each other and for the kindness the mice showed to Aslan long ago when they chewed the cords when the White Witch killed him p.209
  3. How did the food appear for the great feast? Wherever Bacchus, Silenus and the Maenads danced it appeared p.211
  4. Where are the Telmar’s originally from? The same world (our world) that Peter, Susan, Edward and Lucy came from p.216
  5. How did the children and Telmarines get back to their original homes? A magical doorway p.218

Comprehension Questions – The Sign of the Beaver

The Sign of the Beaver

By Elizabeth George Speare

Grades 3-5; Genre – Historical Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 5.0

Until the day his father returns to their cabin in the Maine wilderness, 12-year-old Matt must try to survive on his own. During an attack by swarming bees, Matt is rescued by an Indian chief and his grandson. A Newbery Honor Book.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story? In Maine during summer of 1768 at brand new township; Matt and his father had built the first cabin p.2
  2. Why did Matthew’s father leave him alone at the cabin? He went back to their home in Quincy, MA to get Matthew’s mom, sister and new baby and bring them to the new cabin p.2
  3. What two things did Matthew’s father give him before he left and how will that help Matthew while he’s away? A watch- it will keep him company while he’s gone; a rifle- for protection p.4
  4. How old is Matt when his father leaves him? 12 years old p.6

Chapter 2

  1. How was Matthew feeling about living alone in the wilderness? He liked it; could do the chores and other tasks as he pleased and when he pleased; he filled his days up quickly p.7
  2. How did Matthew feed himself? He shot rabbits and ducks; caught fish; had flour to make cakes p.8
  3. What’s the advice Matt’s dad gave him about the Indians? Be polite if you should ever meet one p.9
  4. Why was Matt uneasy about the Indians? He could feel one was watching and around, but never got to see him p.10

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Ben and what happened in the town he left? Heavyset, stomach bulging, wearing a ragged blue army coat, tangled reddish whiskers, said the town was after him and he decided to go get some beaver pelts and live with the Indians p.11
  2. Why was Matt uneasy with Ben? He didn’t know how long he’d stay at the cabin, he didn’t know if he could trust him, didn’t’ know if he was dangerous p.17
  3. What was the consequence of Ben seeing the gun and Matt falling asleep? Ben stole the gun p.18

Chapter 4

  1. How had Matt been careless in this chapter? He didn’t bar the door well enough and a bear got in and scattered the flour and ate the molasses p.20
  2. How was Matt going to have to survive without flour, salt and molasses? On fish as long as he had a fishing line p.21

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Matt so anxious to get some honey from the bees? He was tired of plain fish and wanted something tasty p.22
  2. What’s Matt’s consequence for disturbing the bees? He got stung all over p.23
  3. Who saved him and how? Two Indians; they got him out of the water and pulled out the poisonous needles from the stings; carried him home and gave him medicine p.26

Chapter 6

  1. How did Saknis help Matt when he saw he was awake? Checked his ankle to see if it was broken, left delicious food for him; gave him a crutch and moccasins to wear since Matt lost one of his boots p.27
  2. How did Attean respond to Matt? He looked like he despised him and the cabin along with everything in it; seemed to inwardly laugh at Matt p.28
  3. What did Matt give to repay Saknis for the kindness his gave him? A book; Robinson Crusoe p.29
  4. What are the signs Saknis is talking about? The writing in the book p.30
  5. Why did Saknis want Matt to teach Attean to read? So he could understand what the white man writes; the white man has fooled the Indians because the Indians haven’t understood their writing p.31

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Matt call Attean a savage? Indians were considered savages when the colonists first came to America; the colonists didn’t realize how intellectual and kind the Indians were p.32
  2. Find a simile on page 33. As rigid as a cedar post p.33
  3. Describe how the first reading lesson went. Attean could pick out the letter “a”, but got impatient and left p.35

Chapter 8

  1. What did Matt decide to do for the next reading lesson? He wanted to get Attean interested in learning to read, so he read a portion of Robinson Crusoe p.37
  2. How did Attean respond? He didn’t look at all interested but ended up making comments about the story p.37

Chapter 9

  1. What did Attean teach Matt to do? Make a snare to catch a rabbit p.40
  2. Give some examples of the offerings Attean would bring Matt. Meat, nuts, cakes p.41
  3. How did Attean feel about the passage Matt read to him? He said it wasn’t right; the Indian would never say he was a slave to a white man p.43

Chapter 10

  1. Explain how Attean taught Matt how to fish. Made a spear, got in the water and threw it at a fish p.46
  2. Why did Matt decide to fish his usual way? He made a fool of himself and thought Attean was mocking him p.47
  3. What else did Attean teach him after Matt lost his hook? How to make a hook out of a twig, how to make fire with a rock and how to cook the fish they caught p.48

Chapter 11

  1. What did Attean say when he saw Matt pulling weeds and what does it mean? “Squaw work”, the women do that work p.52
  2. Describe Attean’s dog. Mangy tail, thin, coat of coarse brown hair, whitish patches on his face that made him look like a clown, pointed nose with bumps and bristles, ears were beat up like they’d won lots of battles p.52
  3. Where did Attean take Matt? To a part of the woods he’d never been to; to a beaver dam p.55
  4. What will help Matt find his way to where he wants to go and not get lost? Making signs like the Indians p.57

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Matt want to make a bow? He was tired of eating fish and wanted something to shoot birds and other animals p.59
  2. Describe how Attean and Matt made a bow. Got a thick branch, took off the bark, used a stone to smooth it and shape it; used roots to make the string p.60

Chapter 13

  1. Why couldn’t Attean and Matt have the fox or let it go? It was on the Turtle Clan territory and the Beaver clan don’t take animals on the Turtle Clan territory p.64
  2. Why was Matt so confused and angry about leaving the fox? He couldn’t understand the Indian code that makes an animal suffer just because of a mark on a tree p.65
  3. What had Attean learned from Matt in the time they spent together? He could speak English more easily and picked up some slang words and phrases p.67

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Attean disappointed that Matt’s finished reading Robinson Crusoe to him? He likes to tell the adventures he hears to his brothers p.68
  2. What did Matt read from to share more stories with Attean? The Bible p.68
  3. What story did Attean tell Matt? A similar one to Noah building the ark and the rain flooding the earth p.69
  4. Who’s Gluskabe? A mighty hunter that came from the north who was very strong. He made the wind blow and made thunder. He made all animals and Indians p.70

Chapter 15

  1. What did Matt and Attean run into on the way to the beaver dam? A bear and her cub p.72
  2. Describe what happened between the boys and the bear. The bear looked angry, Matt threw a rabbit he had just shot at the bear and hit her in the nose. Attean then had time to shoot the bear two times and stab her with a knife. Matt stabbed too, but she was already dead p.72
  3. What did Attean say to the bear? That he was sorry he had to kill her, he didn’t want to p.74
  4. What will Matt have to show his father that he helped kill a bear? Attean’s praise that he moved fast like an Indian p.75

Chapter 16

  1. Where did Attean take Matt the evening they killed the bear? To his home to participate in the bear feast p.77
  2. How did Matt feel around the children and other tribe members after being alone so long at his cabin? Confused from all the noise; overwhelmed p.79
  3. How did Matt feel as he danced with the Indians? Happy, excited, relaxed, like he was one of them p.81
  4. Attean said he wouldn’t eat this dinner since he had killed it. Why? It’s their tradition to not eat what you kill; there was a pride there; he might not get another bear p.82

Chapter 17

  1. Where had all the men gone and why hadn’t Attean gone with them? Hunting; He couldn’t go because he didn’t have a gun p.86
  2. Why didn’t Attean’s grandmother want Matt to come to the feast? She doesn’t like white man; they shot Attean’s mother. Then Attean’s father went to find the man who killed his mother and never came back p.87
  3. What was Attean’s response when Matt said that Indians did the same thing to white settlers and that the white women were afraid to come out of their cabins? Attean asked why the white settlers built their cabins on the Indians’ hunting grounds p.88
  4. Why had Saknis invited Matt to the feast when his wife was opposed to it? Out of kindness or fairness since Matt had helped to kill the bear p.89

Chapter 18

  1. What did Matt find in a trap on the Turtle clan territory? Attean’s dog p.92
  2. How did Matt get into to see Attean’s grandmother? He spoke with authority to the girls who came out of the stockade p.94
  3. What did Attean’s grandmother do for Matt’s hand? She washed it and put a salve with a bandage on it p.96
  4. How did Matt get the dog out of the trap? He had gone for help at Attean’s home; Attean’s sister Marie came with Matt; she put a blanket over the dog’s head and Matt was able to get the trap open p.97

Chapter 19

  1. Why was Matt so curious and interested while watching the squaws work? He was interested to see how they did things since he had to do the same work at his cabin p.100
  2. What activities did the Indian boys let Matt participate in? A gambling game of sticks, a game of hitting the ball with sticks and putting it in the goal, swimming p.100
  3. How did Matt lose his shirt? By losing at the gambling game p.101
  4. Why didn’t Matt feel alone in the forest anymore? He had made a positive bond with the tribe p.105

Chapter 20

  1. What’s a manitou? A spirit that comes in a dream; all Indian boys need to have one p.107
  2. How was Attean supposed find his manitou? He had to make special preparations: bath himself carefully, take special medicine to make him clean inside and out, go far into the forest and build himself a wigwam of branches, he would stay alone for many days and wouldn’t eat anything, he could drink a little bit of water from the brook at night, sing sacred songs, repeat the ancient prayers of his people, and wait faithfully, then when he received it he could go back to his people p.108
  3. Why was it so important for Attean to find his manitou? He couldn’t hunt with the men until he received it p.109

Chapter 21

  1. Why did Saknis come with Attean to visit Matt? To ask him to come with the Indians up north on the hunt so he wouldn’t be alone during the winter p.111
  2. Why couldn’t Matt go with them on the hunt? He had to wait in case his father and family came; he was entrusted with taking care of the cabin p.112
  3. Why do you suppose Attean didn’t say good-bye? He was too proud; he would come back to see Matt before leaving p.114

Chapter 22

  1. What did Matt do to finally earn Attean’s respect? Stay at the cabin and wait for his father instead of going with Attean and Saknis p.115
  2. What gifts to Saknis and Attean give to Matt before leaving? Snowshoes, a small basket of maple sugar and the dog p.116
  3. What gift did Matt give to Attean? The watch his father left with him p.118

Chapter 23

  1. What did Matt do with one of the blankets from his bed and why? He made pants because it was cold outside p.122
  2. How did Matt make his fur hat? He made a deadfall trap, caught an animal, scraped the skin clean, washed it, rubbed and stretched it smooth, then sewed it p.124
  3. What did Matt make for his family as he waited for them? new dishes for his mom, a cradle for the baby, a cornhusk doll with silk hair for Sarah p.125

Chapter 24

  1. How did Matt know it was going to snow? The clouds were dark gray, feeling in the air p.127
  2. What helped Matt feel free and happy with the winter ahead and why? The snowshoes; they gave him a freedom to move about the snow p.129

Chapter 25

  1. Who showed up at the cabin? Matt’s family p.130
  2. What had taken them so long to get there? They all got sick with typhus and were all too weak and sick to travelp.131
  3. Why was the baby with Matt’s family? It only lived five days and then died p.132
  4. Was Saknis right about more white men coming? Explain. Yes.  Matt’s mother heard from another couple that they were settling 5 miles from their cabin and three other families were coming and were going to set up a mill; they would have a town and maybe a school p.135

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #32 To the Future, Ben Franklin!

To the Future, Ben Franklin!

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre – Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; AR pts: 1.0

Jack and Annie know all about Ben Franklin. He was a Founding Father, a journalist, and a famous inventor! When the magic tree house whisks them back to meet the man himself, they're not sure what their mission is. But Ben Franklin has a mission of his own. Intrigued by Jack and Annie, he's curious to learn more about where they came from. And very curious about their tree house…

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Annie see that gave her a clue the tree house might be there? A flash of lightning p.4
  2. Who do you think Dr. Ben is? Benjamin Franklin p.6
  3. Where were Jack and Annie supposed to travel this time? Old Philadelphia in 1787 p.9

Chapter 2

  1. In what way did Jack and Annie serve the gardener so they could meet Dr. Ben? They offered to take his lunch to him p.13
  2. How did the gardener describe Dr. Ben? He stole lightning bolts out of the clouds; an inventor and scientist; a diplomat and writer; a scholar and businessman p.15
  3. Why wasn’t Jack impressed with Old Philadelphia? Blue flies buzzing around his head; it was stinky from crowded horse stables; garbage on the ground p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Who answered the door to the state house? a soldier p.20
  2. Why was it a soldier? To keep people out; Dr. Ben was in a meeting with others and they needed it guarded to protect them and what they were saying p.21
  3. What was the meeting about? The men all gathered were writing the Constitution for the United States of America p. 26
  4. What’s the Constitution of the United States of America? A very important document that contains basic laws that define how the American government works p.26

Chapter 4

  1. Describe what George Washington did in the meeting? He was in charge p.29
  2. Did George Washington recognize them? Yes, but he didn’t’ think it was them. He said the kids he met would have been older since that was 11 years ago p.32
  3. What was Dr. Ben’s reaction when Jack and Annie said they were from the press and with the Gazette? He was panicked and hurried them out of the back of the state house to talk p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What newspaper did Annie say they were from to help Dr. Ben feel better? The Frog Creek News p.38
  2. What’s a lightning rod and who invented it? a rod with a wire attached that lightning hits and goes through the wire to the earth; Benjamin Franklin p.41
  3. How are lightning rods useful? They direct the lightning to the ground to prevent it from hitting the house and causing a fire p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Benjamin Franklin only go to school for two years? He was one of fifteen children and they were very poor, so he had to go to work to help his family p.44
  2. List two inventions Benjamin Franklin invented. Your child should list two of the following: Lightning rods, bifocals, new kind of ship’s anchor, candle that makes a bright white light and lasts longer than other candles p.45
  3. How does Benjamin Franklin feel about the document he’s working on with the other delegates? He doesn’t know if it will ever be ready; they can’t agree on what to put in it; he doesn’t know if he wants to sign it p.47

Chapter 7

  1. What’s Ben Franklin’s biggest concern for America? He knows they need to end slavery p.50
  2. What’s the big secret Annie told Ben? She told him about the magic tree house p.53
  3. Why did Annie tell him about the tree house? so she and Jack could take him to their own time in Frog Creek woods; he needs to see a hope for America so that he signs the Constitution p.52
  4. What did Ben first think about the magic tree house? that Jack and Annie were pretending and that it was a game p.57

Chapter 8

  1. How did Ben react to traveling to the future? Confused and perplexed at first, but accepted it and became excited to see how things were p.59
  2. Name two things Ben thought were amazing in Frog Creek. Smooth black paved road, a car, sprinkler system, power lines and telephone lines, an airplane p.61

Chapter 9

  1. After seeing the airplane, what did Ben Franklin want to do and why? He wanted to go home; he was overwhelmed by the technology p.68
  2. What did Annie want to show Ben before he went back home and why did Jack say that it was a brilliant idea? The public library; Ben respects books and opened the first library in Philadelphia p.70
  3. How did Ben Franklin respond when Jack and Annie told him America has free schooling that goes for 12 years and is for all boys and girls? He got teary eyed p.74

Chapter 10

  1. What did Jack look up on the computer to show Ben Franklin? Information on the United States of America p.77
  2. Ben Franklin said it is so important for the people of America to come together as one. Why? We’re all different, but we need to learn to work together, be kind to each other and listen to each other p.78
  3. What did Ben realize about the Constitution and why he needed to sign it? That it’s only the first step to this country and that even though he doesn’t agree with everything in it, the delegates first need to come together to be one country p.80
  4. What did Jack and Annie promise Ben Franklin? That they would never take the wondrous things of their world for granted p.83

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #31 Warriors in Winter

Warriors in Winter

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; Lexile 410L; AR pts: 1.0

We are warriors! Jack and Annie have met knights, pirates, ninjas, and Vikings, but they have never met the most fearsome warriors of all: Roman soldiers. When the magic tree house whisks them back to the early 100s AD, Jack and Annie find themselves in a Roman camp. Their mission: Be like a warrior.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What animal appeared on the lamppost in Jack and Annie’s yard? An eagle p.3
  2. Where are Jack and Annie traveling to? By the Danube, a river that ran along the border of the Roman Empire p.7
  3. What were Jack and Annie supposed to do on this mission? Write in journals, do what warriors do, give a silver coin to a hero p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What’s a journal? Something you keep your notes, memories and important ideas in p.14
  2. Describe the rider on the black horse. Friendly, a warrior, helpful p.17
  3. How did Jack and Annie enter the camp so easily? The rider told them the password and said to explain they were visiting scholars under the command of the Imperial Guard p.21

Chapter 3

  1. Where did Jack and Annie find the warriors? On the field training p.25
  2. Describe a centurion. A super-strict commander that carries a big stick to hit their own men p.20
  3. Describe the life of a warrior in the legion. They have to train every day, they have heavy packs to carry including 60 pounds of weapons, have to march 20 miles with full armor and packs three times a month, if they get out of step they die, when they’re not training they work at other things p.29

Chapter 4

  1. List two items the cook make for his squad. Cheese, beans, salted fish, bread, olives, barley p.36
  2. What’s the symbol that stands for the legion? An eagle p.38
  3. What was so heavy Annie fell over when trying to hold it and Jack couldn’t lift it higher than his knees? A hammer in the forge p.39

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack and Annie try on the armor? Morgan told them to do what warriors do, and warriors put on armor p.42
  2. How did Jack and Annie feel as they put on the armor? That it was very heavy and hard to see; they had a lot of respect for warriors p.44
  3. Why did warriors pour into the armory, making Jack and Annie hide in the shadows? They were getting ready for the Emperor’s parade at noon p.46

Chapter 6

  1. Why did a warrior call Jack and Annie deserters? The warrior thought they were getting out of their armor to sneak away from the army p.50
  2. Who did the centurion think the rider on the black horse was? An enemy spy p.55
  3. Why were Jack and Annie taken captive? The centurion was suspicious of them and was worried about the black rider telling them the secret password p.56

Chapter 7

  1. Where did the centurion take Jack and Annie? To see the emperor p.59
  2. Who did the emperor turn out to be? The rider on the black horse p.62

Chapter 8

  1. How did the emperor treat Jack and Annie? With kindness; he trusted them p.65
  2. What does the emperor do when he’s scared? He looks deep inside and finds an inner strength p.67
  3. Why was the emperor so startled by the coin? Its engravened with him and his warriors on a frozen river and it has a later date p.70

Chapter 9

  1. What were Jack and Annie’s feelings when the emperor first ordered them to march in the parade? Scared; intimidated; they didn’t want to p.73
  2. What were Jack and Annie assigned to do for the parade? Carry the eagle standard and flag and lead the rest of the army around the field p.73
  3. How did Jack and Annie leave the camp? On a white horse with the emperor on his black horse p.77

Chapter 10

  1. What does Marcus have written down in his journal? Poetry and a list of things he feels have a special beauty p.79
  2. Why was it strange for the Roman Emperor to write down things of beauty in his journal? You wouldn’t expect a leader to do that 85
  3. What did Jack and Annie learn from Marcus? To write down and appreciate the beautiful things in life p.85

Comprehension Questions – Little Women (Unabridged Version)

For the abridged version click here.

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott

Grades 4-9; Genre – Fiction; GRL Z; AR pts: 33.0

Growing up in New England during the Civil War, the March sisters share everything — their joys and troubles, their loves and secrets. But the four girls couldn't be more different. Meg, the oldest, is the sensible writer. Jo is funny and mischievous. Beth is the shy, dreamy one, and Amy is pretty and artistic. From dances to despairs, through weddings and funerals, the March girls stand as sisters. This is one family you will never forget.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Part I

Chapter 1

  1. What is the setting, the characters’ situation and explain what they’re doing at the beginning of the story? New England during the Civil War in a home in front of the fire and it’s almost Christmas; they’re all sitting around talking and complaining about not being rich and how their father is away to war p.3
  2. Describe each character. Meg: 16 years old, the oldest of all four sisters, good big sister who lectures them; Josephine or Jo: 15 years old, Tom-boy, bookworm, loves to write, jokester, loud; Elizabeth or Beth: peace maker, the “Mouse” or pet of the family, loves music, shy & quiet, gentle, her father calls her “Little Tranquility”; Amy: the youngest, around 12 years old, carries herself like a prim and proper young lady, artistic, feels she’s the most important out of the sisters
  3. How do the girls feel about their mother and what do they call her? They adore her; Marmee p.7
  4. What motivated the girls to become and do better? A letter from their father p.11

Chapter 2

  1. What did the girls all receive from their mother on Christmas morning? Books (possibly the Bible) p.14
  2. What good deed did the March family do on Christmas morning? Give breakfast to a very poor family with a sick mother; gave them wood and started a fire to warm their freezing home; Hannah the house servant stuffed the cracks of the house with old hats and her own shawl; gave them clothes p.17
  3. How did the March family spend Christmas day? After serving the family down the lane, they got out their costumes and props and put on a play about Roderigo and his love Zara. Then they had a lovely dinner p.23
  4. Who brought the March family such a lovely dinner and why? Old Mr. Lawrence because he heard of the girls helping the family that morning and wanted to send them a treat p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What happened to Meg’s hair as Jo curled it? The curling iron was too hot and burned her hair off p.27
  2. Why was Jo destined to not enjoy the party? She had to hide and not dance because of her clothes and she’s not prim and proper like the other girls and instead would rather go talk to the boys, but isn’t able to p.28
  3. Why did Joe and Laurie get along so well? Jo was comfortable to be with and Laurie had interesting things to talk about p.30
  4. What happened to Meg the party? She twisted her ankle p.33
  5. How did the girls get home from the party? In Laurie’s carriage p.34

Chapter 4

  1. Why did the girls work and have jobs? Because their father lost his property by trying to help a friend and the girls wanted to help their parents bring in income p.39
  2. Describe why Meg struggles with being poor. She remembers when her family had wealth and knows what she’s missing out on and the family she works for is wealthy and has sisters that are her age and doing the things she wants to be doing p.39
  3. Why didn’t the March’s let their Aunt March adopt the girls? They didn’t care about money, worldliness or the fortune they would have gained and know that staying all together rich or poor was more important p.39
  4. List two things that are important to Beth. Taking care of the dolls; music p.41
  5. Summarize Marmee’s experience she’d had that day that she shared with the girls. She was at work thinking about her husband at war, when a man came in and said two of his sons died, one was a prisoner of war and he was going to the one son he could go to. She felt rich and happy, thinking of her blessings and made him a nice bundle, gave him some money and thanked him for the lesson he had taught her p.46

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jo visit Laurie? He invited her; he was sick and wanted to read to him so he wouldn’t be lonely p.50
  2. Describe what happened when Mr. Laurence overheard Jo making comments to herself while looking at his picture? He liked what she said, he knew her grandfather and invited her to tea p.55
  3. What medicine did Jo’s mom send to help Laurie get better? Jo p.57

Chapter 6

  1. What influence did the March girls have on Laurie? Good; made him want to be better p.61
  2. How did Mr. Laurence mend his relationship with Beth? Spoke kindly to her; invited girls to play his piano p.62
  3. What did Mr. Laurence give to Beth as a thank you for the slippers she made him? A piano p.64
  4. What did Beth do in response to receiving the piano? Walked into Mr. Laurence’s study, kissed and hugged him p.66

Chapter 7

  1. What do the limes represent at the beginning of this chapter? Friendship, popularity and they were debts of honor p.69
  2. Describe Mr. Davis. Amy’s teacher; didn’t like limes or any other fad the girls go through; very intelligent; fine teacher p.70
  3. Explain how Amy became humiliated. Getting slapped by the ruler on the hand for bringing limes to school p.72
  4. How did Mrs. March respond to Amy’s punishment? She didn’t like it and took her out of the school, but still felt Amy shouldn’t have disobeyed the rules p.73

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Meg and Jo get to go that made Amy jealous and whine like a spoilt child? The theatre with Laurie p.77
  2. What did Amy do to get revenge on Jo? Burned her manuscript p.79
  3. What was Jo’s reaction to Amy burning her book? She said she’d never forgive her and stopped talking to her p.80
  4. What helped Jo repent of her anger towards Amy? Jo didn’t stop her from ice skating to the middle of the river and Amy fell in p.82

Chapter 9

  1. Where was Meg going for a fortnight and why was her mother hesitant to give permission? To be with a girl named Sallie who has a fashionable life; her mother was worried since Meg would probably come back feeling more discontented then she already was p.89
  2. What did Laurie send Meg that helped cheer her up? Flowers p.91
  3. Describe the interaction between Laurie and Meg at the party? She was embarrassed to be all dressed up; Laurie disapproved of her dress and behavior; they danced and Meg asked him not to tell her mother p.97
  4. How did MIrs. March respond to Meg’s confessions? She felt sorry that she allowed her daughter to have to deal with her experiences of overhearing the Moffat’s gossip p.101
  5. What ambitions does Mrs. March have for her daughter? To marry for love; to be respected, happy, contended, beloved rather than to be rich and not respected; She’d rather them be old maids then to marry for the wrong reasons p.103

Chapter 10

  1. Why would the sisters call their private club the “Pickwick Club” if they liked Charles Dickens? It was the name of his first novel p.105
  2. What was included on the “Pickwick Portfolio”? poems; stories; letters to Pickwick; news; dedications; advertisements; announcements; helps p.105
  3. Why didn’t the girls want to allow Laurie into their club? They were worried he’d laugh and make fun of their paper; they’re not proper p.111
  4. What did Laurie bring as a gift of joining the P.C.? a mailbox/post office to put between their homes p.112

Chapter 11

  1. What’s the experiment the girl’s mom said they could try? To have all play and no work the entire week p.115
  2. What happened when the girls woke up and found Hannah wasn’t working in the morning? They were a bit dismayed, but got to work and put together breakfast and tea p.118
  3. What happened to Meg’s canary a result of her not doing her jobs and taking care of him? He died p.119
  4. What was the lesson the girls learned that week of idleness? Comfort depends on each doing their part; burdens are good for us and work is wholesome; it keeps everyone out of mischief; 124

Chapter 12

  1. What did Laurie invite the girls to? A picnic at his house the next day p.128
  2. Describe Jo’s experience playing croquet. She was highly competitive with Fred, who rolled his ball with his foot. Jo was angry and called him a cheater. Her ball got knocked away and she came back cool and quiet. She was patient and won her team the game p.132
  3. What was going to happen to Mr. Brooke after Laurie headed off to college? He’s to become a soldier p.142
  4. What language did Miss Kate encourage Meg to continue learning? German p.142

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Laurie follow the girls as they left their yard? He was anxious since he was having a bad day and wanted to spend time with them p.147
  2. What’s the Celestial City spoken of? Heaven p.150
  3. What plan did Jo make while spending the afternoon on Delectable Mountain? That in ten years they would all meet and see how close they were to making their castle (or dream) p.152
  4. What was the result of Meg’s reprimand and motherly kindness toward Laurie? He resolved to do his duty and stay with his grandfather while he needs him p.155

Chapter 14

  1. What’s a billiard saloon and why didn’t Jo want Laurie to go in one? A bar with a pool table; she’s worried he would get in bad habits of spending money, wasting time and becoming unrespectable p.159
  2. What secrets did Laurie and Jo exchange? Jo had turned in two stories to the newspaper; Laurie knew where Meg’s missing glove is p.161
  3. Why was Jo emotional and thrilled at her stories being published? It meant a lot to her to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved p.165

Chapter 15

  1. What did the telegram say that came to the March’s home? Their father is ill and beckoned Mrs. March to come at once p.168
  2. What did Jo do to contribute to Mrs. March’s travels to go help her husband? Earned $25 by cutting off her hair p.171
  3. Who went from bed to bed looking at each girl and kissing each face? Mrs. March p.174

Chapter 16

  1. What motto did the girls come up with to say while Mrs. March was away? “Hope and keep busy” p.177
  2. Who wrote letters to Mrs. March? Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, Laurie, Hannah, Mr. Laurence p.178
  3. What did the letters express? Their love for Mrs. and Mr. March; what they’re doing at home; how others are treating them p.178

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Beth want the other girls or Hannah to go to the Hummels? The baby was sick and she didn’t know what to do p.186
  2. Describe Beth’s experience at the Hummels when no one else would go? The baby died in her arms and now she has Scarlet Fever as the rest of the family p.188
  3. Why was Amy upset she was being sent to Aunt March’s? she didn’t want to be gotten rid of; it’s dull at Aunt March’s and she’s cross p.189

Chapter 18

  1. Why did the doctor send for Beth’s mom? Because Beth was getting near death p.195
  2. In what ways did Laurie comfort Jo? Got her wine, held her hand, spoke encouragingly, stroking her head, telegrammed her mother about the sickness so she’d be there tonight p.196
  3. What did it mean for Jo to “fly” at Laurie and how did he respond? She wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her; He liked it p.198
  4. What turn did Beth take in the night as the doctor predicted? She turned for better; her fever went away p.200

Chapter 19

  1. Describe Amy’s experience at Aunt March’s home. Difficult; the dog and bird made things difficult; Aunt March desires to bring her up properly; Esther is kind and helpful to her and lets her look through the jewelry in the Indian cabinet p.203
  2. What legal document did Amy write and why was it so important to her? A will; to make sure her treasures were handed out and that no ill will was caused in case she died p.208
  3. What was Amy’s last and greatest sacrifice that she wanted to add to her will? Her locks cut off and given to her friends p.210

Chapter 20

  1. What did Aunt March give to Amy? The turquoise ring and guard p.213
  2. What was Amy’s biggest trial? Being selfish p.214
  3. How does Mrs. March feel about John Brooke and why? She likes him; he spoke to her and Meg’s father about loving Meg; he’s respectable and has a good heart p.216
  4. How does Meg feel about John Brooke? She doesn’t love him yet, but will learn to p.217

Chapter 21

  1. What was the mischief Laurie got into and why? Jo wouldn’t tell him her secret and he figured it was about Mr. Brooke and Meg, so he wrote love letters from Mr. Brooke to Meg p.220
  2. Why was Laurie so upset when Jo went to go apologize to him? His grandfather wanted to know why Jo’s mother wanted to talk with him and he wouldn’t say since he’d promised Mrs. March, so his grandfather got angry and shook him for not telling p.224
  3. How did Jo make peace with Mr. Laurence? Told him that Laurie had already gone through the process and really wasn’t able to tell on account of someone else involved and that Mr. Laurence should write a letter apologizing to Laurie p.228
  4. How did the prank from Laurie affect Meg? It made her think more about Mr. Brooke in a romantic way p.230

Chapter 22

  1. What was the grandest gift on Christmas Day? Mr. March returning home p.234
  2. What did the March girls’ father say about each of them? How proud he is of them; complimented and noticed how each of them is maturing and growing in the areas they’ve been working on p.236

Chapter 23

  1. What was Meg’s original plan to tell Mr. Brooke if he asked her to marry him? That she’s too young and that they should continue to be friends p.241
  2. How did Meg respond when Mr. Brooke professed his love to her? She acted strangely and said she’d choose not to learn to love him, to please go away and let her be p.243
  3. What did Aunt March say to switch Meg over from acting strangely toward Mr. Brooke to defending him? If Meg married Mr. Brooke, she wouldn’t receive any money from Aunt March’s inheritance p.244
  4. Why was Jo so upset with Meg’s engagement? She felt she had lost her best friend p.249

Part II

Chapter 24

  1. What’s Mr. March’s line of work? He’s a minister at a parish p.253
  2. Describe Meg and John’s first home. The name of it is Dovecote; small and brown with a little garden behind it and a tiny lawn p.256
  3. How did Laurie come by the nickname “Mr. Toodles”? Jo named him that because every week he was bringing an “ingenious article” for Meg to help her get her home ready p.258
  4. Why does Laurie spend so much money? He loans it to people p.262

Chapter 25

  1. What is the metaphor on page 266 that describes Mrs. March’s feelings and what does it mean? “there was a secret sorrow hidden in the motherly heart, at the flight of the first bird from the nest”; it means her mother was sorrowing for her first daughter leaving home p.266
  2. Describe Meg on her wedding day. She wore a dress she made herself; didn’t want to be made up to be a show, but wanted to be herself; kind and loving; thoughtful; didn’t care if people saw her in her wedding dress before the wedding p.267
  3. What promise did Meg press Laurie into making? That he would never accept wine from a young lady p.169
  4. What did Mr. Laurence mean when he said, “Laurie, my lad, if you ever want to indulge in this sort of thing, get one of those little girls to help you, and I shall be perfectly satisfied.” If Laurie ever wanted to get married, have one of the March girls help him plan it and put it together p.271

Chapter 26

  1. Why does being an attractive and accomplished woman come easily to Amy? She was a happy person who could please others without effort, she could make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily p.274
  2. How did Amy want to show appreciation to her friends at the art school? Having them over for a lunch and art day p.275
  3. Who all came to Amy’s gathering? One young woman, Miss Eliott p.281
  4. What did Amy gain from this experience? That she had been a fool p.282

Chapter 27

  1. What did Jo decide to try after talking with the boy at the lecture? Writing a story that wasn’t her style for a prize p.285
  2. What did Jo’s prize money pay for? Time away for Mrs. March and Beth to go to the sea-side p.287
  3. How much money did Jo get for her novel? $300 p.289

Chapter 28

  1. Who is the Martha the author is referring to at the beginning of this chapter? Martha the sister of Mary in the Bible who Jesus told was “careful and troubled about many things” as she was cumbered about much serving p.291
  2. Why was Meg crying in the kitchen as John arrived home with a friend for dinner? She had tried all day to make the jelly become thick and wasn’t able to and the house was a mess and she was exhausted p.295
  3. What was the consequence of Meg buying the silk for the dress? She felt terrible and it haunted her since it was so expensive; made John feel bad that he didn’t make very much money p.302
  4. How did this chapter end? John and Meg had twins named Margaret and John Laurence p.305

Chapter 29

  1. How did Jo feel about making calls with Amy? She didn’t like it at all; she didn’t like dressing up or acting agreeable p.308
  2. How did Jo act around rich people? She didn’t put on airs and felt like she could tell stories since the people knew they were poor p.311
  3. What’s Jo’s reaction to boys? She’s very comfortable; casual; doesn’t care about her dress so gets it dirty; loves to share stories p.313
  4. Describe the contrast between Amy’s attitude and Jo’s attitude by the time the girls called at Aunt March’s? Amy was angelic, kind and grateful; Jo was harsh, independent and negative p.317

Chapter 30

  1. Why did Amy get angry at the Chester’s? May was jealous of Amy and found out about the things Jo had said about her, so told her mother and they made Amy leave the table she had been given p.322
  2. What quote did Amy read that helped her love the Chesters? “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” p.322
  3. Who came and helped Amy out during the fair? her family; Laurie and his friends; Hayes by bringing lots of flowers p.324
  4. What did Aunt March and Aunt Carrol invite Amy to do? Go abroad and travel p.328

Chapter 31

  1. Who came to visit Amy while in London? Laurie’s friends Fred and Frank that Amy met at Camp Laurence p.335
  2. Who joined Amy’s touring group in France and why was Amy grateful? Fred; he spoke French; he’s very agreeable and polite p.337
  3. What does Amy assume Fred is going to ask her? To marry him p.340

Chapter 32

  1. What did Jo think the matter was with Beth upon her first observation? That she was in love with Laurie p.343
  2. What do you predict is wrong with Beth? Could be she’s sad to not marry; she’s in love with Lauri; she’s still very weak and sick p.349
  3. Where does Jo want to go and why? New York to a boarding-house; she fears Laurie is growing too fond of her p.350
  4. What did Laurie tell Jo as they said good-bye? That his eye was on her and to mind what she does, or he’ll come and bring her home p.352

Chapter 33

  1. Who does Jo find interesting at Mrs. Kirke’s home? Professor Bhaer p.356
  2. Who follows around the Professor? Tina p.357
  3. What agreement did Jo and Mr. Bhaer come to? She would mend his things; he would teach her German p.362
  4. How did Jo and the boarding-house celebrate the New Year? They had a masquerade p.364

Chapter 34

  1. Why was Jo nervous to write another novel? Because of the public opinions she received the first time around p.367
  2. What effect did Jo feel from writing sensational stories? She was beginning to desecrate some of the womanliest attributes of a woman’s character p.371
  3. What did Jo realize about the celebrities she saw at the symposium? That they were just like everyday people p.373
  4. What did Mr. Bhaer say that troubled Jo? The sensational stories in the newspapers are trash p.376

Chapter 35

  1. What did Laurie finally tell Jo? That he loved her p.384
  2. What made Laurie so upset about the Professor? He felt that Jo loved him or would learn to love him p.385
  3. Why didn’t Laurie want to go abroad anymore? He wanted to stay home to call on Jo still; he never planned to go abroad alone p.390
  4. What did Mr. Laurence plan to help Laurie get through his heartache? Traveling abroad with him p.391

Chapter 36

  1. What’s Beth secret? That she’s dying p.395
  2. What did Beth compare her health to? The tide of the ocean p.396
  3. What did Jo’s parents know about Beth upon their arriving home from the beach? That Beth was going to die p.398

Chapter 37

  1. Who came to spend Christmas with Amy in Nice? Laurie p.400
  2. What did Amy notice as she first spent time with Laurie? That he had changed and seemed dispirited and indifferent p.402
  3. What did Laurie notice as he spent time with Amy? That she was mature, carried herself well and was interested in and like what he saw as he looked at her p.403
  4. How did the two like the new impressions they were giving and receiving? They found them agreeable p.410

Chapter 38

  1. Why did John go to the neighbors in the evening? Because Meg was always busy with the babies and he felt uncomfortable and even lonely p.412
  2. What’s the advice Meg’s mother gave her about John? Children should draw you nearer to each other than separate you; let John help her in the nursery with the babies; Let John take care of Demi and let Hannah come and help her p.414
  3. How did Meg’s mother’s advice help? John was pleased; he helped with Demi and Meg was glad for it; he read to her what he was interested in and he asked in return about the bonnet she was sewing p.421
  4. Why did Sallie Moffat like to be at Meg’s home? There’s a charm there with the love between Meg and John as well as the joy that comes from children p.423

Chapter 39

  1. Why did Amy get easily frustrated with Laurie? Because he was lazy and indifferent p.428
  2. Why doesn’t Amy want to be an artist anymore? She realized how insignificant she was after going to Rome and seeing the wonders there p.429
  3. What did Amy figure out after seeing the old ring Jo gave Laurie? That Laurie loved Jo and she rejected him p.433
  4. What was Amy’s advice to Laurie and how did she show him who he used to be? Find another task that will make him happy; by showing him a picture of the past when he was taming a horse p.435

Chapter 40

  1. How did Beth’s family show their love to her as she came closer to death? Gave her the most pleasant room in the house; surrounded her with the things she loved; all put their work things in there to be with her consistently p.439
  2. How was Beth preparing for death? Praying, reading the Bible and singing songs p.441
  3. Why did Jo’s poem comfort Beth? She realized she had done good and helped someone p.444
  4. What’s the “valley of the shadow”? death p.444

Chapter 41

  1. Why did Laurie begin to wish he had to work for his daily bread? He needed something purposeful to do and it wasn’t easy to do this being rich p.448
  2. How was Mozart an example to Laurie? When he couldn’t have one sister, he married the other p.450
  3. What did Laurie do once Jo had responded and left him no hope of her loving him? He took of the ring, put it in the box with Jo’s letters and locked them all up. Then he started writing Amy p.451
  4. How did Laurie propose to Amy? During the day when they were on the lake and were sitting side by side rowing together. Laurie said that he wished they might always pull in the same boat, then asked, “will you, Amy?” p.457

Chapter 42

  1. What was Jo trying so hard to do? Her duty; devote her life to her parents as she promised Beth and cheerfully live for others p.461
  2. Explain why Jo’s heartfelt stories were now accepted and paid for? Jo put her heart into it and didn’t write for fame or money, so it was good and true p.462
  3. Why didn’t Marmee tell Jo her suspicions about Amy and Laurie? Jo might be jealous; she might congratulate them before things were finalized; since Jo was so lonely, she might have said yes if Laurie came back and asked again p.463
  4. Who did Jo wish would come to her? The professor p.465

Chapter 43

  1. Who did Jo see as she woke up from her nap? Laurie p.468
  2. Why were Amy and Laurie married before coming home? The Carrol’s were staying another winter and Mr. Laurence wanted to come home and Laurie was to join him, but the Carrol’s wouldn’t let Amy go without a chaperone p.470
  3. What kind of relationship will Laurie and Jo continue to have? A brother, sister relationship p.471
  4. Who arrived after Amy and Laurie and how did Jo feel about it? Mr. Bhaer; she was thrilled and so happy p.476

Chapter 44

  1. What are Laurie’s plans now that he’s married and back at home? He wants to start his own business p.483
  2. How does Laurie feel about Jo marrying Mr. Bhaer? He’s happy for her though he does wish he was younger and richer p.485
  3. What’s Amy’s dream come true now that she’s married to Laurie? She has the power to give freely p.485
  4. What bargain did Amy and Laurie make with each other at the end of the chapter? They would help other people in need p.487

Chapter 45

  1. Describe Daisy. Rosy, chubby, sunshiny, everyone was a friend and she offered kisses to them p.489
  2. Describe Demi. Very inquisitive, philosopher, wanted to know everything p.490
  3. Who did Mr. Bhaer call on when he visited? Mr. March p.492
  4. Why did Jo squeeze Demi in the china closet and give him a slice of bread with jelly instead of punishing him? She was happy to learn Mr. Bhaer was referring to her in his answer to Demi asking about great boys liking great girls p.494

Chapter 46

  1. How did Jo feel about Mr. Bhaer not visiting for three days in a row? Cross; agitated p.496
  2. How did the shopping go with Mr. Bhaer? Her shopping didn’t go well, but when she shopped for things he needed it went really well p.500
  3. What happened under the umbrella? Friedrich asked Jo to marry him p.502
  4. What did Jo call the Professor and how did he respond? Friedrich; he was grateful p.503

Chapter 47

  1. What did Jo decide to do with Plumfield that was left to her by Aunt March? She wants to open a boys’ school p.511
  2. Why did she want to open a boys’ school? She loves boys and wants to help them p.513
  3. How many children did Jo and Fritz have? Two boys p.515
  4. Describe Amy and Laurie’s daughter and how she is similar to Amy’s sister Beth. She’s frail and sickly p.519

Comprehension Questions – Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia

By Katherine Paterson

Grades 4-8; Genre – Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 5.0

There's only one thing Jess Aarons is looking forward to in fifth grade, and that's being the fastest kid in school. He's been practicing all summer. He hasn't had much else to do, since his mom spends all her time with his four sisters and his dad is always working. But when Jess arrives at the school playground to show off his speed, his new neighbor, Leslie Burke, beats him to it. She's way faster than Jess. But instead of being jealous, Jess admires Leslie's skill, confidence, and wild imagination. The two become instant friends, spending hours in the woods by their houses creating a magical kingdom. Then tragedy strikes, and Jess is left alone. How can he ever go on?

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Jesse, loves to draw, love to run and wants to win at school, straw colored hair, long legs, 10 years old, in 5th grade determined p.4
  2. Find an example of figurative language and what type it is on page 5.  like a country music star – simile;  Pop her buttons - simile; something to chew their cuds on - idiom 
  3. Describe the main character’s family situation. He had three sisters, two younger with May Belle who adored him, and two older sisters; they all seemed to whine and complain about him to their mother; his mother didn’t have much patience for him and doted on his sisters; Jesse’s dad drove a truck and was tired all of the time p.6
  4. On page 7, what does “Miss Bessie’s bag is probably dragging ground by now” mean? Her udder is so full of milk it’s dragging on the ground p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Who did Jess love and adore? Miss Edmunds the music teacher Why? She had a soft voice, played the guitar well, was gorgeous and kind to him about his art p.14
  2. What word would you use to describe how Jess felt when his father paid attention to the little girls? Jealous; sad p.19
  3. Who did Jess meet in this chapter? His neighbor, Leslie Burke p.22

Chapter 3

  1. Why was everyone shocked to see the new student Leslie Burke, when she came into class? She was dressed in faded blue jeans and a t-shirt, wearing shoes without socks when the rest of the students were wearing their Sunday best p.24
  2. Where did the students each their lunch? In their classrooms p.29
  3. Why didn’t Jess want to look at Leslie during the races? Maybe she would go away; he didn’t want her there p.32
  4. Who had run the race and how did Jesse react? Leslie; Jess still wanted nothing to do with her p.35

Chapter 4

  1. Explain the change that happened to Jess during music time. He wanted to become Leslie’s friend p.40
  2. How did students respond to Leslie stating she didn’t have a television? Shocked; made fun of her p.44
  3. How did Leslie get May Belle to go home when she and Jess wanted to run in the woods? Gave her paper dolls p.48
  4. What is Terabithia? A pretend country where Leslie and Jess would build their fortress p.51
  5. How did Jess feel about Leslie? She was more than a friend; she was his other, more exciting self p.59

Chapter 5

  1. Why was May Belle so upset with Janice Avery? Janice stole her twinkies p.62
  2. How did Leslie and Jess get back at Janice for stealing the twinkies? Writing a love note from a boy everyone has a crush on; humiliating her p.65
  3. How did Leslie distract the teacher Mrs. Pierce from going into the classroom where Jess was hiding the note for Janice? To go look at a nest and identify what built it p.68
  4. Why were May Belle’s eyes shining at the end of this chapter? She was so happy and excited Jess and Leslie got Janice back for stealing her twinkies p.71

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Jess want to give Leslie a Christmas present? She was a good friend; he cared for her p.73
  2. Who is Prince Terrien? The puppy Jess gave Leslie for Christmas p.77
  3. Describe two examples of how Jess’s family reacted on Christmas morning? Jealousy for not getting hose, frustration cars wouldn’t work on racetrack, crying since doll stopped talking, showing off and rubbing in present, patience with May Belle p.80
  4. What did Leslie do to help it feel like Christmas again? She came and visited with Jess while he milked the cow that morning p.82

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jess have a hard time liking Leslie’s dad? He was jealous of him taking all of Leslie’s time p.86
  2. How was Jess helpful to Leslie and her dad? He knew how to do things around the house p.87
  3. Why was Janice Avery crying in the bathroom? She’s embarrassed because she told her friends about her father beating her and they told the entire seventh grade p.95
  4. Why was it so important to Jess that May Belle keep Terabithia a secret? It’s a special place that he and Leslie go, and he doesn’t want that to get ruined p.98

Chapter 8

  1. was Leslie interested in going to church on Easter? She’d never been to church before and she’d like to experience it p.103
  2. How did Leslie feel about the church service? She thought it was beautiful p.107
  3. What did May Belle, Jess debate about after church? That Leslie needed to believe in the Bible or she’d be damned to hell p.109

Chapter 9

  1. What was the result of Jess and Leslie’s adventures to Terabithia as rain was pouring? Wet; had to cross the creek bed as it rose higher and higher; water beginning to leak into their fortress p.115
  2. Why did Jess want to go to Terabithia when it was raining? It scared him p.119

Chapter 10

  1. When thinking about crossing the creek come summertime, what solution did Jess come up with to help him get over his fear? Leslie could teach him to swim p.122
  2. Why had Miss Edmunds invited Jess to go to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.? so he could go to an art gallery p.126
  3. How was the display of the Indians and buffalo like Jess’s drawings? He had animals falling off cliffs p.128
  4. Why was Jess’s family so worried about him when he came home from Washington D.C.? Leslie had died and they thought he was with her and died too p.130

Chapter 11

  1. What word could describe Jess as he learned how Leslie had died? Sad, in denial, shocked p.131
  2. Why was Jess eating pancakes like nothing had happened? He thought it was all a bad dream and didn’t really happen p.137
  3. Why was it important for Jess and his parents to go see the neighbors about Leslie’s death? To show them they care and were sorry for their daughter’s death p.139

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Jess feel important when he realized his best friend was dead? People would treat him with respect and be nice to him p.143
  2. When Jess found out Leslie was being cremated, why was he so angry? He wouldn’t be able to see her again, even dead p.145
  3. Why did Jess throw his painting supplies and paper into the creek? He was angry at Leslie for leaving him p.147

Chapter 13

  1. What important thing did Jess do in the stronghold? Make a funeral wreath for Leslie p.152
  2. Where had Jess gotten the words he said aloud in the sacred grove? The Bible; Jesus Christ said them as he died on the cross p.153
  3. Why did May Belle try to cross the creek? She didn’t want Jess to be lonesome p.156
  4. What did Jess learn from his conversation with Ms. Myers? That he would never forget Leslie p.160
  5. How did Jess turn Terabithia over to May Belle? Put flowers in her hair and helped her see the magic of Terabithia and making her queen p.163