Category Archives: Mary Pope Osborne

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #25 Shadow of the Shark

Shadow of the Shark

by Mary Pope Osborne

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

When Teddy, a young sorcerer, offers to send Jack and Annie on a dream vacation, they can't wait to go. The brother-and-sister pair wish for a trip to a beach paradise, and the magic tree house whisks them off to the coast of Mexico. Everything starts out perfectly as they raft around a coral reef. But then a hungry shark attacks and their dream vacation turns into a nightmare!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What were the children up to when they found Teddy’s note? They had just finished snorkeling and were riding their bikes home p.5
  2. How do Merlin and Morgan want to thank Jack and Annie for their hard work? By sending them on holiday, a vacation p.10
  3. Where do Jack and Annie want to go on vacation and why? Cozumel; the snorkeling is great there p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Why didn’t Jack want Annie to record or take pictures of the beach? He didn’t know what he would say to his parents if they saw the video or pictures p.19
  2. Why was Jack hesitant to take the raft? He didn’t know who it belonged to p.20
  3. What did Jack read in the guidebook about coral? It’s made of animals, is very delicate and takes a long time to grow, so you shouldn’t touch it p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what Jack saw as he snorkeled in the water? Fish, turtles, crabs, jellyfish, a stingray p.27
  2. Why was it so difficult for Jack to control the raft? The current was pushing him around p.32
  3. What did Jack see that made him panic? A shark fin coming towards them p.33
  4. How did Jack and Annie escape the shark? They used a coin from the velvet bag and said they’d like to have fun escaping the shark, so the waves pushed them further out to sea p.35

Chapter 4

  1. What did the kids learn they were floating towards? Eastern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula p.40
  2. Why did the kids want to use a magical coin? To wish for money so they could pay for a hotel, dinner, ferry ride and the theme park they read about p.46
  3. Why did Annie want to check out the theme park before going to the hotel? She heard music and wanted to see if there was a performance going on p.48

Chapter 5

  1. How did Annie convince Jack to skip buying the tickets and slip through the opening of the wall? She told him the show would be over if they spent the time to buy the tickets p.54
  2. What did Jack notice the audience was wearing? Boy were wearing loincloths or feathered robes and the women and girls wore colorful dresses with big jewelry; many men wore headdresses p.55
  3. What happened when Annie spoke to the boys watching the dance? They were frightened and one told his mom; the dance stopped, the warriors came and got Jack and Annie and took them to the House of Columns p.58

Chapter 6

  1. What did Jack and Annie realize while waiting in the House of Columns? Teddy accidentally sent them to ancient Mayan times, not to Cozumel in their timep.64
  2. What happened to the velvet coin purse? Annie put it down to help put the raft on the beach and left it on the sand p.67
  3. Why does Heart-of-the-Wind’s father think Jack is to be the next ruler? He thinks the gods sent Jack p.75

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Annie call Heart-of-the-Wind brave? She loves to explore and swim in the dark by herself p.78
  2. How did Jack and Annie escape the House of Columns? Heart-of-the-Wind distracted the guards and the kids jumped out the window p.80
  3. Who are the Ones-Who-Tell-the-History-of-the-Forest and why? Howler monkeys; they howl at night as if they’re telling a story p.83
  4. How did the kids get passed the jaguar in the forest? Heart-of-the-Wind gave him peaceful thoughts p.86

Chapter 8

  1. What did Heart-of-the-Wind call the sinkhole? The Sacred Well p.90
  2. Describe the Underworld. A huge chamber with a hole in the top letting moonlight in, huge columns of white rock stretched down from the ceiling (stalactites), with animal statues guarding it, then to a narrow pitch-black cave p.91
  3. Why did Jack and Annie suggest Heart-of-the-Wind be the next leader of her people? She was a great leader, with courage and compassion p.98

Chapter 9

  1. What was Annie’s plan for convincing Heart-of-the-Wind’s father that she’d make a great leader? Use the cell phone to have Jack record a message to her father, to plant the idea that she could be the next leader p.104
  2. How did Heart-of-the-Wind respond to using the phone and watching the message? She was in awe p.106
  3. Why did Heart-of-the-Wind want to make the wish? She wanted to make a miracle for the kids, just like they had done for her p.111

Chapter 10

  1. How did Jack and Annie get back to Cozumel safely? A huge whale shark swam under them, lifted the raft onto its back and swam to the shore p.117
  2. Why did the whale behave that way? When Heart-of-the-Wind spoke the words for the coin, she asked that a shark help the kids have a fun and safe ride p.118
  3. What did Jack find when he looked up Heart-of-the-Wind on the computer? That she had become a ruler of the Mayan people, was the first female ruler, and became ruler under extremely unusual circumstances p.129

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 – Magic Tree House #29 A Big Day for Baseball

A Big Day for Baseball

by Mary Pope Osborne

Comprehension Questions; Vocabulary; Writing Prompts

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

Chapter 1

Why didn’t Jack and Annie want to go to baseball tryouts? They felt they were terrible at baseball p.4

Where were jack and Annie traveling too this time? Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York p.7

Why were Jack and Annie excited to go there and play baseball? They would have magical gray baseball caps to help them be good at baseball p.8

Chapter 2

What’s a bat boy? Someone who helps a baseball team during a game p.11

Who helped Jack and Annie get to Ebbets Field? Some twins named Olive and Otis p.16

Why was there a huge crowd outside the baseball stadium? There was a baseball game that afternoon p.19

Chapter 3

How do the twins usually watch baseball games since they can’t pay to get into the stadium? Lay on the sidewalk and peek under the gate p.22

Give two differences from a baseball game at Frog Creek in 2017 from what Jack and Annie saw in Ebbets Field in 1947? What people wore to the game and half of the stadium was filled with white people the other half had black people p.24

Who do you think was the baseball player Jack and Annie saw signing autographs? Jackie Robinson p.24

Chapter 4

 Why didn’t the Braves team ignore Jack and Annie? Bat boys never bother the players or get in their way p.28

Name three tasks Jack and Annie needed to do as they acted as bat boys? Hung uniforms in lockers; wiped off equipment and lined up the shoes on the benches; pushed the trunk of bats out to the dugout; unloaded bats and placed them on shelves; took the first aid kit, catcher’s gear, and chewing gum to the dugout; filled jugs with water; took towels and baseball to the dugout p.30

What’s the national anthem? A song we sing in the United States to show respect and appreciation for our country; The Star-Spangled Banner p.32

Chapter 5

What were Jack’s and Annie’s responsibilities while the Braves were up to bat? Jack’s: Retrieve foul balls, gave new baseballs to the umpire always making sure he had three, had to count the baseballs; Annie’s: picked up bats that the players dropped and put them on the rack p.36

Why were the people in the stands heckling the black player? Because he was a different skin color p.41

What happened to Jack’s cap? It blew off in the wind and some kid jumped who had from the stands and grabbed it p.42

Chapter 6

What did Jack and Annie do to confuse the security guard and manager? They took turns wearing the hat to try to prove they were bat boys p.47

Why was Jack worried about people seeing him as they walked out of the stadium? He was embarrassed and humiliated p.48

Give a descriptive word to describe the manager and security guard. Intolerant; angry; impatient p.48

Chapter 7

Who helped Jack and Annie after they got kicked out of the stadium? Olive and Otis p.51

How did the Dodger’s team get their name? Fans need to dodge streetcars to get to the ballpark p.53

Where did Otis and Olive take Jack and Annie to hear the game? To their grannies’ house p.55

Chapter 8

Why were the grannies so fervent on Jackie hitting the ball? They were also people of color and wanted Jackie to be successful p.57

Why was this baseball game so important? Jackie Robinson was the first black player allowed to play with white players in major league baseball and he made history that game p.60

Why were the grannies so surprised to see Jack and Annie in their home? Jack and Annie were the first white people ever to come into their home p.61

Chapter 9

What was significant about the twin’s great-great-granny? She was 101 years old and born a slave p.64

What’s the advice Great-Great-Granny Beck gave to Jack and Annie? Always keep your eyes on the good and always keep your self-respect p.66

Why was it strange for Jack and Annie to be the first white people to go into the grannies’ home? During the history of the United States there had been a lot of racism against black people, but Jackie Robinson helped begin to change it p.69

Chapter 10

What made Jack decide he wanted to try out for baseball? After reading about Jackie Robinson, he realized he didn’t care so much what people thought of him p.75

What was the real reason Morgan sent Jack and Annie to Brooklyn? To help them learn to be brave and keep going p.75

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Super Edition #1 Danger in the Darkest Hour

Danger in the Darkest Hour

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-5; Genre – Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL T; AR 3.0

The Magic Tree House has taken Jack and Annie back in time to England in 1944. England is fighting for its life in World War II. Before long, Jack and Annie find themselves parachuting into Normandy, France, behind enemy lines. The date is June 5. Will the brave brother and sister team be able to make a difference during one of the darkest times in history? They don't know, but they have to try!

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Jack feel when Annie interrupted his reading? He was frustrated; impatient; mad p.5
  2. What was so interesting about the pigeon Annie found? It had a canister to carry messages; it was a carrier pigeon p.7
  3. Who sent the message for Jack and Annie? Teddy p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the setting of the area Annie and Jack traveled to. Hazy; ducks on the pond; sheep grazing in the field; broken down buildings, stone pillars and crumbling archways; Glastonbury, England; 1944 p.14
  2. Why is Teddy concerned about Kathleen? She went on a mission, but hasn’t returned and sent a carrier pigeon with a message in a secret code, but Teddy can’t figure it out p.21
  3. Explain why the times Jack and Annie traveled to were dark. Teddy is limited in his magic; Kathleen is missing; the war is going on and many people are affected p.22
  4. How were Jack and Annie going to travel to Normandy? By jumping out of a plane with parachutes p.26

Chapter 3

  1. Who would Jack and Annie need to find to help send a message to Teddy? Someone from the French Resistance p.30
  2. Demonstrate the ways Jack and Annie can make the Victory sign. Holding up two fingers that make a V; drawing it on a piece of paper; scratching it in the dirt; or any other way you can think of p.30
  3. Tell me three of the supplies Teddy gave Jack and Annie for their mission? Old fashioned pack; Flashlight; clothes; boots; parachutes; goggles; helmet; identity cards with French names p.31

Chapter 4

  1. What was Annie’s attitude when she found out they didn’t have the magic wand? Positive; determined; looking on the bright side; but then she got scared and Jack had to encourage her p.44
  2. Why did Jack and Annie hide in the barn? They heard dogs and men searching for them p.50
  3. Why did the German shepherd barking at them calm down? Annie used her “making friends with animals” skills p.51

Chapter 5

  1. Who are Gaston and Suzette? A married couple a part of the French Resistance p.53
  2. Describe where Jack and Annie stayed the night. Gaston and Suzette’s home in the cellar that had hundreds of wine bottles and smelled dank and musty p.58
  3. What happened to Gaston and Suzette’s twin boys? They were couriers and got caught by the Nazi’s when they were putting up a message of hope p.60

Chapter 6

  1. Why was is so important that Gaston and Suzette had a wireless? That was how Jack and Annie were supposed to communicate with Teddy once they found Kathleen p.65
  2. What were the code phrases the French Resistance used and what did they mean? Code Purple: destroy communication lines so the Nazi’s don’t find out what’s happening; Code Green: Resistance Fighters need to blow bridges and train tracks to keep enemy troops from traveling to that area p.66
  3. Why did Gaston want the children to leave France? An invasion was happening the next day p.70
  4. What did Suzette and Gaston give to the children to help them on their journey? A compass; hats; bikes and advice p.74

Chapter 7

  1. What did Jack do that made people chase them? Made the V signal to a horse and buggy that passed them p.80
  2. How did Jack and Annie escape? A milk man told them to get into his truck and he took them to Caen p.83
  3. Describe the busy town square Jack and Annie were in. Women with children buying food, cloth and lace; cobblestone streets; quaint buildings; church covered with ivy; small train depot; sidewalk café p.84

Chapter 8

  1. Who did Annie mean when she said, “I hate them.”? The Nazi’s p.90
  2. Why did she so strongly dislike the Nazi’s? they were cruel p.90
  3. Why were the Nazi officers going to arrest Jack? They found Resistance papers in the pack p.92
  4. When Jack held up the flyers in the bistro, who did the waitress go get and why? Her mom; she wanted to know how Jack and Annie knew the twins p.100

Chapter 9

  1. What good news did Sylvie give the children? That Tom and Theo escaped from jail and are safe to the south of France p.102
  2. What did Kathleen mean when she wrote knights and small, round cows? They were types of apples p.106
  3. Who do you think was singing the song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?  Listen to your child’s ideas p.110

Chapter 10

  1. Who did Jack and Annie find in the cave? Kathleen and refugee children p.112
  2. Explain how Kathleen has taken care of the children day and night? In the day the stay in the cave and at night they sneak into the chateau’s attic and sleep while Kathleen goes and looks for food p.114
  3. Why do you think the Nazis arrested Sophie and Sarah’s parents for being scientists and Jewish?  The Nazis were sending the Jews to concentration camps. This is a good opportunity to have a discussion with your child about the Holocaust if they’re ready for it. P.115
  4. Describe Annie’s plan to get them all to the drop zone? Sneak the kids out at night, get in a delivery truck, Jack will drive it to the drop zone and Teddy will pick them up in a bigger plane p.119

Chapter 11

  1. Describe how Jack began to feel as he talked with Kathleen and felt her hope? Began to have courage and feel like he could drive the truck p.125
  2. Why did Kathleen write a note for the baker? Because they were taking his truck without asking permission and told him where he could find it p.126
  3. On the last page of this chapter, it commented on Jack’s throat getting tight. What does that mean? He was feeling emotional/ like crying because he really wanted to help the kids find freedom p.132

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Jack so nervous they were going to get caught by the Nazis? They had to go through a checkpoint p.134
  2. How did they make it through the checkpoint safely? Kathleen tricked Jack into thinking she had cast an invisibility spell p.140
  3. How did Jack feel about being tricked? He was confused at whether to be angry at Kathleen or amazed at himself, but just laughed in the end p.141
  4. Why did Kathleen sing songs with the young children? To help them be happy and calm p.143

Chapter 13

  1. What was in the field next to the church as the searchlights scanned the sky overhead? A large plane with Teddy inside p.147
  2. How did Teddy feel when he realized he forgot to send the wand with Jack and Annie? Terrible; guilty p.149
  3. How did the children respond to being in the plane? Excited p.151
  4. Why was Jack confused about the plane? It was silent taking off; you could open the window; it got passed the searchlights; he didn’t know if spy planes were made during WWII p.152

Chapter 14

  1. Now that the children were all safe, what was going to happen to them? Relatives and friends would be located and would come get them p.160
  2. Who was the pilot and what kind of plane did he have? It was Merlin and he had a magical plane p.163
  3. Tell me two things Jack and Annie learned and saw on this mission? How it feels to live in terror all of the time; how it feels to speak or move about freely; seen cruel people hunt down the innocent p.164
  4. How did Jack and Annie feel as they got back to Frog Creek? Safe p.167

Comprehension Questions – Tales from the Odyssey Book #1 The One-Eyed Giant

The One-Eyed Giant

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-5; Genre – Mythology; GRL P; AR pts: 1.0

After a long war to rescue Helen from the city of Troy, Odysseus is anxious to return to his home of Ithaca. However, many obstacles block his route home, including the mysterious lotus-eaters and the monstrous one-eyed Polyphemus.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who is the main character of the story and describe him in your own words?  The king of an island; married to Penelope and has a son named Telemachus; lived simply; enjoys taking care of his orchards and fields as well as working with his hands as a craftsman and carpenter p.11
  2. What did Odysseus do to help his country, Greece, when Helen was old enough to wed? made all of the princes and kings promise to defend Helen’s marriage whomever she decided to marry. He feared jealousy would bring their nation to ruin p.15
  3. When the messenger saw that Odysseus was acting mad, what did he do to prove that he wasn’t? Put Telemachus on the ground in front of the plow, to see if Odysseus would be sane enough to not run over his baby p.16

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Athena. Goddess of wisdom and war; daughter of Zeus; wore a shining helmet and carried a spear and shield; flashing gray eyes; gaze was fierce and kind p.20
  2. What was Athena’s plan to get into the city? Build a large wooden horse; hide a few men inside; The rest of the Greek army act like they are retreating in defeat; when the guards bring the horse into the city, the Greek army will return and Odysseus will open the gates for the Greek army p.21
  3. Who helped convince the Trojans they should take the horse into the city? A Greek prisoner who professed to be a traitor p.24

Chapter 3

  1. What did the sailors say caused the great storm at the beginning of this chapter? Some Greek warriors invaded Athena’s temple and were violent and weren’t respectful; they had offended the goddess who had helped them gain victory p.30
  2. Why did Odysseus not want to eat the flowers the islanders offered him? They made his men be in a trance p.34
  3. Why didn’t the three men want to get onboard the ship and return home with Odysseus? They wanted to stay on the island and eat lotus flowers p.36

Chapter 4

  1. What does it mean to be lawless? To not follow or have laws p.40
  2. Why did Odysseus take a goatskin of their sweetest wine onboard when he explored to see who lived on the other shore? He wanted to give it as a gift to anyone who welcomes into his home p.42
  3. Who did they find out lived in the cave? A monster p.44

Chapter 5

  1. What was the name of the monster? Polyphemus p.46
  2. Why did Polyphemus get angry at Odysseus when he mentioned Zeus? He is a son of Poseidon p.49
  3. Why didn’t Odysseus slay Polyphemus? They needed Polyphemus alive to roll the rock away from the opening of the cave or they would be trapped forever in the cave p.51

Chapter 6

  1. What did Polyphemus do in the morning after that first night? Took two more Greeks and had them for breakfast, then opened the cave, took his goats, and closed the cave again with the Greeks inside p.55
  2. What did Odysseus tell Polyphemus when the monster asked for his name? No One p.61
  3. What was the plan to escape Polyphemus’ cave? Odysseus gave Polyphemus wine and the giant lost his balance and fell, going to sleep. Odysseus and his men jabbed the sharpened stake into his eye and with Polyphemus’ cried the other giants came to help him, but they went away because Polyphemus said, “No One blinded me. No One tried to kill me.” Polyphemus rolled the stone away but sat in the opening to catch any that tried to escape p.62

Chapter 7

  1. What was the consequence of Odysseus jeering at Polyphemus as they made their way out to sea? Polyphemus through a huge boulder at them and caused a tidal wave to push them back to the beach; then he asked his father Poseidon to curse Odysseus p.72
  2. What was the curse? That Odysseus would never reach his home alive; that he would lose his way, his ships, his men; that he would only find sorrow and trouble on his journey p.75

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Aeolus. The wind god; has 6 sons and 6 daughters; friendly to Odysseus and enjoyed hearing his tales p.79
  2. What did Aeolus do to honor Odysseus? He bundled the world’s winds into a sack so none could hinder Odysseus on the way home; he left out the west wind to carry the ships to Ithaca p.82
  3. Why didn’t Aeolus help Odysseus put the winds in a bag again so they could get home? He had been cursed by the Cyclops and the gods were punishing him p.88

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Ninjas and Samurai

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Ninjas and Samurai

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-5; Genre - Nonfiction; GRL R; AR pts: 1.0

Worksheets by Chelsea

Chapter 1 Worksheet with Answer Key: Ninjas and Samurai in Ancient Japan

Chapter 2 Worksheet with Answer Key: The Life of a Samurai

Chapter 3 Worksheet with Answer Key: Weapons

Chapter 4 Worksheet with Answer Key: Armor and Battles

Chapter 5 Worksheet with Answer Key: The Shadow Warriors

Chapter 6 Worksheet with Answer Key: The Art of Being Sneaky

Chapter 7 Worksheet with Answer Key: Ninja Fighting

Chapter 8 Worksheet with Answer Key: The End of Ninjas and Samurai

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

Hurricane Heroes in Texas

by Mary Pope Osborne

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

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

Vocabulary Words

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

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

Soccer on Sunday

by Mary Pope Osborne

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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


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

High Time for Heroes

by Mary Pope Osborne

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

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

Comprehension Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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