Category Archives: Novel

Comprehension Questions – Little House: #1 Little House in the Big Woods

Little House in the Big Woods

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grades 2-3; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 5.0

The Ingalls family is snug in their Wisconsin house in spite of blizzards, wolves, and the lonely forest.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting in this story. 1800’s; Wisconsin when only a few settlers had begun to develop the land
  2. Who’s the main character and her family? Laura, her older sister Mary, Carrie her younger sister, and her Ma and Pa p.2

Chapter 2

  1. List and describe the chore/day you would enjoy the best. Listen to your child’s answer p.29
  2. What’s comforting to Laura during the long cold winter? Safely being inside the cozy cabin with the fire p.38

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Laura and Mary helped Pa clean and load his gun; Pa told a story when he was young about how he should have listened to his father and being alone in the woods in the dark p.45

Chapter 4

  1. Compare how traveling was back in the early settler days to our day today. Early days, they traveled in sleds pulled by horses all covered in blankets and bundled up; today, we can jump in a vehicle, train, or plane and have a heater to keep us warm p.64
  2. Describe how the children made “pictures”. They’d fall from a stump and land in the snow, trying not to touch and make other prints in the snow p.65
  3. Summarize the story Uncle Peter shared and why it was so scary. Aunt Eliza wanted to go to the spring, but the dog wouldn’t let her; later they found a panther had been in the tree above the spring; the dog saved her from the panther p.68

Chapter 5

  1. Describe a Sunday for Mary and Laura and compare it to your Sunday. Mary and Laura’s-take bath Saturday night; sit quietly all day; couldn’t play with toys or each other; couldn’t sew; could look at pictures in the Bible or animal book; listen to your child’s answer p.84

Chapter 6

  1. Tell me the stories of the two bears in this chapter. 1st bear: It was dark, and Laura went to help her mother milk the cow; they thought the cow had gotten out of the barn; there was a gate, but mother couldn’t open it all the way to get to the cow, so she slapped the cow and realized it was a large bear; she and Laura hurried to the house and made it safely in; 2nd bear: Pa was coming home from town in the dark and saw a bear standing in his way off the road; Pa didn’t have his gun, so he picked up a branch and ran at the bear; when he hit the bear he realized it was just a large stump p.104

Chapter 7

  1. Explain sugar snow. It’s a spring snow that keeps the trees just cold enough to extend the the maple syrup harvest p.127

Chapter 8

  1. Was this a fun chapter to read? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Why hadn’t Laura known the sky was so large? She and her family lived in the woods with trees all around them, they couldn’t see the vastness of the sky p.164

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Laura jealous of Mary? Mary has golden hair, she looked good and sweet, the storekeeper commented how pretty she was, she kept her dress clean and minded her manners, her candy had a poem on it p.175

Chapter 10

  1. How did Pa get honey in this chapter? He found a bear eating honey from a tree; he chased the bear away, cut down the tree and filled all the containers he brought from home p.195

Chapter 11

  1. Can you answer Laura’s question? How is Charlie a liar? He cried out like he was in trouble three times and there wasn’t anything wrong p.211
  2. Does this remind you of another story? The boy who cried wolf

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Ma and Laura made hats out of straw; It was time to harvest the garden and grain; Pa convinced his neighbor to hire a threshing machine to come and separate the wheat; it took all day and the girls helped their Ma prepare dinner p.221

Chapter 13

  1. Why didn’t Pa shoot any animals when he went hunting? He was too curious watching them p.232
  2. Tell me a part of this story you really enjoyed. Why? Listen to your child’s answer 

Comprehension Questions – The Westing Game

The Westing Game

by Ellen Raskin

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts. 8.0

Sixteen game players, heirs to Sam Westing's fabulous fortune, are all suspected of his murder. This book is part mystery story, part play-along game, and part do-it-yourself puzzle.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. A mysterious salesman rented six apartments to previously chosen tenants in one day on Lake Michigan; some tenants were honest working people and others were fit for prison and one was a mistake p.1

Chapter 2

  1. What deal did Turtle make? Do you think it was a mistake? $2 for each minute she stayed in the Westing house; listen to your child’s answer; two high school boys went in and ran out; one ran off a cliff and died and the other had warm blood on his hands and is in the insane asylum p.8
  2. Describe Chris. He has an ailment; sits and looks out the window; observant; smart; waiting for his brother, Theo, to bring him food from the cafe they own; close to his brother and trusts him p.8

Chapter 3

  1. What did most everyone notice in this chapter? Smoke coming out of the Westing house chimney p.10
  2. List a character and why they’re intriguing. Turtle Wexler, Flora Baumbach, Doug Hoo, Sandy McSouthers, Judge Ford, Chris or Theo, Sydelle Pulaski; Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Turtle went into the Westing house and lasted 12 minutes; she saw a dead body and read in the paper that it was Samuel Westing; the beneficiaries to the Westing estate p.16

Chapter 5

  1. What did everyone gather for in this chapter? The meeting to go over Westing’s will p.22

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize what the will said. Sam Westing was murdered, and he knows who it is; the other heirs need to figure out who it is so Sam can rest in peace p.28

Chapter 7

  1. Who would you want to be paired with if you were playing? Why? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 8

  1. Why was someone after Sydelle’s short hand notes? She took them at the meeting; they will know what was said p.52

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Turtle’s mom nice to her? So she’d share her clues p.56
  2. Why did Mr. Hoo decide to go to the party? People may share their clues p.57

Chapter 10

  1. Why is Angela so upset in this chapter? She’s tired of being what everyone else wants her to be; she isn’t able to be herself p.59

Chapter 11

  1. What did the characters learn in this chapter? Turtle’s real name; why her mother nicknamed her Turtle; Sydelle’s shorthand notes are written in Polish p.64

Chapter 12

  1. Why are people’s prized possessions missing? There’s a burglar in the building p.70
  2. Why would Westing include a burglar in the game? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Define what a bookie is. A bookie, short or slang for “bookmaker,” is someone who facilitates gambling, most commonly on sporting events. A bookie sets odds, accepts and places bets, and pays out winnings on behalf of other people.
  2. Who do you think is planting the bombs? Why?  Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 14

  1. Do you know where the phrase, “may God thy gold refine” comes from? Listen to your child’s answer p.86

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Turtle always have a radio playing and an ear plug in? To listen to the stocks
  2. Why did she care so much about the stock market? She thought that’s what Samuel Westing wanted them to do with the money he gave them p.88
  3. Who is George Theodorakis? Theo and Chris’s father; he loved Violet Westing, but she couldn’t marry him p.94

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Angela think Turtle was lucky? She could do and be whoever she wanted p.96
  2. What observation did Chris make that connects Otis to the Westings? He limps p.99
  3. Do you think Angela was the bomber? Listen to your child’s answer
  4. What incriminating evidence do you think Turtle took from Angela’s bag? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 17

  1. Who do people think could be the murderer? Why? Otis; their questions lead back to him p.103

Chapter 18

  1. Explain what happened to Flora’s daughter. She has disabilities and died of pneumonia at 19 years old p.106
  2. What’s happening to each pair as they work together? They’re starting to become friends and help each other p.113

Chapter 19

  1. What mistake did Westing make? Explain. At the beginning of the story one person was invited to live at the tower but they were a mistake. Westing invited Sydelle Pulaski instead of Sybil p.119

Chapter 20

  1. What philosophy about this game do the judge and Sandy have? Westing’s out to punish one of the heirs p.123
  2. What do they know about Mrs. Westing? Not much, but that she was forcing her daughter to marry a crooked politician and decided to kill herself p.124

Chapter 21

  1. What’s the judge’s connection to Sam Westing? Her parents worked for him and she grew up in the Westing house; she played chess with Westing and he insulted her; he paid for her education and she never repaid him back p.127
  2. What has Sydelle figured out at the end of the chapter? What the clues mean; the clues are the song America, the Beautiful p.133

Chapter 22

  1. Who is the burglar? Why? Madame Hoo; to get money to go back to China p.134
  2. Why is Crow scared to go to the meeting at the Westing house? She knows she’s in danger p.141
  3. Who does Sandy and the judge think Crow is? Mrs. Westing p.141
  4. Who do they think Otis is? Do you think they’re correct? Sam Westing; listen to your child’s answer p.141

Chapter 23

  1. Why do you think Sandy glared at Crow in this chapter? Listen to your child’s answer p.148
  2. Who gave herself up as the murderer? Crow p.155

Chapter 24

  1. Do you think Sandy is really dead? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Predict what’s going to happen. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 26

  1. Predict who the fourth person is Sam Westing impersonated. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 27

  1. What did Turtle need to do to win? Show up at the fourth persons home, Dr. Eastman; all of Westing’s pretend names included a direction p.174

Chapter 28

  1. Who got married in this chapter? Crow and Otis p.176
  2. Which character is getting help from the judge paying for their education? Chris p.177

Chapter 29

  1. Summarize this chapter. The heirs all arrive at a party to honor Doug who won an Olympic gold medal. There were updates given for each character p.179

Chapter 30

  1. What’s the conclusion of this story? Turtle never told anyone she won the prize and who Julian Eastman really was; she married Theo, they didn’t have children due to the possibility of passing on what Chris has; Julian, or Sandy, dies of old age and Turtle hurries home from the funeral to spend time with her niece Alice p.182

Comprehension Questions – Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted

by Gail Carson Levine

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 8.0

In this novel based on Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s Ella’s curse and why can’t she get cured of it? To be obedient to commands; the fairy that cast it on her won’t remove it and she’s the only one who can p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Char. The prince; friendly; smart; curly hair; polite; kind; sense of humor p.10
  2. Describe Ella and her father’s relationship. He likes formality, Ella doesn’t; he didn’t want her around and be in the way; she doesn’t want to be near him and was always glad when he was away p.10

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. There was a wake for Ella’s mother’s death; Dane Olga and her daughters came to pay their respects; Ella gave her daughters a tour and invited them to eat; Ella learned that Mandy was her fairy godmother p.16

Chapter 4

  1. What did Ella learn about fairies in this chapter? They don’t like to do magic in front of people; people only like the idea of fairies; they shouldn’t do big magic, it could have bad consequences; she’s of the Friends of Fairies line p.24
  2. Why is Ella and her father uncomfortable around each other? They don’t know each other very well; they haven’t spent a lot of time together p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What warning did Mandy give Ella in this chapter? To make sure her father never learns of the curse p.37

Chapter 6

  1. What danger is Ella and the little gnome in? The ogre commanded her to bring the child to him and he will hurt them p.44

Chapter 7

  1. How did Hattie figure out the curse on Ella? She and Olive were fighting over Ella’s necklace, and she saw Ella’s predicament of sharing it when she didn’t want to p.51

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the book Mandy gave Ella. It’s magic; shows scenes of what’s happening in real life; if someone else looks at it, it’s a boring book p.57

Chapter 9

  1. List three things that happened to Ella on her first day at finishing school. They arrived being chased by ogres; she hadn’t eaten for three days; the girls were all embroidering but Ella had never touched a needle; she met a friend named Areida and learned her language; the Sewing Mistress got angry at her for not sewing and sent her to her room without supper and breakfast the next morning p.60

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Ella thrive in each subject except penmanship? The mistresses of each subject would order her what to do except in penmanship p.72

Chapter 11

  1. What unfair command did Hattie give Ella? To end her friendship with Areida p.80
  2. Why is it unfair? Areida is Ella’s only real friend and comfort

Chapter 12

  1. What’s Hattie’s weakness? She wears a wig p.83
  2. What decision did Ella make that night? To leave finishing school and hopefully find Lucinda, the fairy who gave her the curse p.86

Chapter 13

  1. Who helped Ella in her journey? The elves p.90
  2. Describe Ella’s visit with the elves. They were kind to her and saw who she really was; she showed them her fairy book and they showed her some treasures; they gave her the wolf treasure, put her on a pony with food and sent her on her way p.91

Chapter 14

  1. How did Ella stop the ogres from eating her? She used their language on them and soothed them to sleep p.102

Chapter 15

  1. How did Ella and Char help each other in this chapter? He and his knights saved her from getting eaten by the ogres and she helped tame them so the soldiers wouldn’t get hurt p.103

Chapter 16

  1. Why is Ella excited to make it to the wedding on time? Lucinda will still be there to hopefully break her curse p.117

Chapter 17

  1. List two ways Ella knew she had seen Lucinda at the party. Her tiny feet; she bestowed a gift the giants didn’t look happy about; she disappeared and reappeared in front of people p.121

Chapter 18

  1. What command did Lucinda give to change Ella’s attitude? To be happy with her gift, so now she’s ecstatic to obey p.127
  2. What’s Ella’s father going to do with her? Marry her off so he can be rich again p.129

Chapter 19

  1. What snapped Ella out of being happy to obey? Mandy commanded her not to be p.140
  2. Why is Ella’s father marrying Dame Olga? The Earl lost much of his wealth in a fire so he is marrying Dame Olga for her money p.141

Chapter 20

  1. Do you agree or disagree that Lucinda’s gift was actually positive? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p147

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize this chapter. Char and Ella spent the evening together exploring the castle, dancing and sliding down the stair rail p.148
  2. Why would Hattie make Ella pay? She’s jealous Ella spent time and had fun with the prince p.156

Chapter 22

  1. How did the fairy book help Ella? It showed a journal entry from Char so she knew what he was thinking p.160

Chapter 23

  1. List two ways this story parallels Cinderella? Ella was sent to her room so she couldn’t see the prince; she became a servant to her stepmother and sisters; she had to cook and scrub the floor

Chapter 24

  1. Why are Char and Ella writing to each other in this chapter? Char has gone to Ayorthaian to live for a year p.172
  2. What did Char tell Ella in his letters? His strengths, weaknesses, that he loves her and wants to marry her p.173

Chapter 25

  1. What helped Lucinda learn her gifts were horrible? Having to be obedient and be a squirrel p.193

Chapter 26

  1. Why couldn’t Lucinda take back Ella’s curse? She renounced big magic p.196
  2. How did Lucinda help Ella in this chapter? She provided a coach with footmen and horses to go to the ball; gave her a necklace and tiara p.203

Chapter 27

  1. What’s the purpose of Ella going to the balls? To see and hear Char p.207
  2. What did Ella do that caught his attention? She spoke in Ayorthaian and sang with him; she was familiar to him p.208

Chapter 28

  1. Why has Char promised to never marry? He was so hurt by Ella p.219

Chapter 29

  1. How did Ella break the curse? Her determination to protect Char and her country; she loved them enough p.228

Epilogue 

  1. What did you like about the ending of this story? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL U; AR pts. 13.0

After the sudden death of her parents in India, Mary Lennox is sent 'home' to England, and the Yorkshire estate of a distant relative. Sad and lonely, her only interest lies in a secret garden, abandoned after a tragic accident. With the help of Dickon, a local country boy, and Colin, her guardian's invalid son, Mary's spirit is reawakened as they bring the garden back to life.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character and how she became alone. Mary Lennox; disagreeable looking, spoiled, sickly, thin, yellow hair and face, born in India; was raised by a servant because her mother didn’t want her since she was a girl; her parents, Ayah and other servants died of cholera; she was alone and was going to live with her uncle p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Mrs. Medlock. Mary’s uncle’s housekeeper; short and stout; stern and would take no nonsense from children p.16
  2. Describe her uncle’s house. has a hundred rooms with doors that are mostly locked; gloomy; on the edge of a moor p.17

Chapter 3

  1. Define a moor. Miles of wild land without trees; used for animals to graze on p.21
  2. Summarize this chapter. Mary and Mrs. Medlock travel in the carriage for the last leg of their journey to her uncle’s house p.19

Chapter 4

  1. Describe Martha. Pleasant, good attitude, talkative, hard worker, has 11 siblings, strong p.24
  2. What does the following phrase mean, “give you some stomach for your meat”? Help her be hungry so she’ll eat p.29
  3. What did Mary learn about herself in this chapter? She’s lonely; she’s not pretty and has a nasty temper p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize why Mary’s uncle hates the garden. He and his wife used to tend the garden and spend time together in it; one day she sat on a branch which broke and she died p.40
  2. List two good things that have happened to Mary since arriving at Misselthwaite Manor? She understood the robin; she’s run in the wind until her blood ran warm, she was hungry for the first time in her life; she felt sorry for someone p.41

Chapter 6

  1. How did Mary amuse herself in the chapter? Wandered the house and explored p.45
  2. Why did Mrs. Medlock get angry with her? Mary heard crying and left her rooms p.48

Chapter 7

  1. How did Mary acquire the old key? The robin landed in a hole that had been dug by a dog p.53

Chapter 8

  1. What did Mary say for the first time in her life and why? Thank you; Martha’s mother had purchased her a skipping rope p.56
  2. How did Mary find the secret garden door? She was skipping rope and the robin landed on a vine that blew in the breeze and uncovered it p.59

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mary goes into the Secret Garden and explores; she finds bulbs growing and digs around them to give them room to grow; she wrote to Dickon and sent him some shillings to purchase garden tools and seeds; Mary heard the crying sound again p.62

Chapter 10

  1. Describe Dickon. 12 years old; Martha’s brother; purchased seeds and tools for Mary and brought them to her; he has a way with animals; he’s kind; round blue eyes; wears clothes with patches; is trustworthy p.76

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize what Dickon and Mary did in this chapter. Explore the Secret Garden and look for plants that were alive p.82

Chapter 12

  1. Describe Mr. Craven. Mary’s uncle; kind and handsome; worried and distracted; miserable; tall with crooked shoulders; black hair with white streaks 91

Chapter 13

  1. Describe Colin. Mr. Craven’s son; sickly; said he’s going to die young; 10 years old; black hair; big eyes; delicate face the color of ivory; doesn’t like people talking about him p.97
  2. How did Colin feel about the Secret Garden and how did Mary stop him from telling others about it? He was curious and wouldn’t stop asking about it; Mary described it, pretending she hadn’t been there and said it was important to keep a secret p.102

Chapter 14

  1. Why does everyone want Colon to remember he’s sick? So he doesn’t get better p.115

Chapter 15

  1. How are Colin and Mary similar? Colin’s father doesn’t want him and Mary’s mother didn’t want her; they both have lived without love in their lives; they are spoiled, both have been given everything they want, p.124

Chapter 16

  1. Why was it good for Mary to stand up to Colin? He’s never had anyone stand up to him p.130

Chapter 17

  1. How did Mary stop Colin’s tantrum? She didn’t have sympathy and wasn’t scared of him; she told him to stop and that he didn’t have a lump on his back and that he wouldn’t die p.134

Chapter 18

  1. Choose a word that describes how Mary feels about Colin. Explain. Compassionate; trusting; love; friendship. Listen to your child’s answer p.139

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize Colin’s reaction to meeting Dickon and his animal friends. He was speechless and in awe p.151

Chapter 20

  1. Why did Colin feel stronger and healthier? He has something to look forward to, a reason to live; he was distracted from his illness p.158
  2. Why did he feel like he will live forever? He felt good and had hope p.160

Chapter 21

  1. Why were the children so joyous to see spring? Mary and Colin had never seen it blossom before p.161
  2. Why didn’t Mary and Dickon want to talk about the old tree with the broken branch? They thought it would be too sad for Collin to know that his mother died from the broken branch p.163
  3. Why did Ben Weatherstaff cry when he saw Colin stand? He was so happy p.169

Chapter 22

  1. Summarize this chapter. Ben Weatherstaff came into the garden and asked Colin what he could do for him; Collin told him to keep the garden a secret; Ben had been the one coming in to the garden; Colin planted a rose as a king in his new place p.170
  2. Why was this chapter so special? Colin is learning he is strong and will be healthy; Colin has people who love and support him p.174

Chapter 23

  1. Why does Colon talk of Magic? What is it to him? The Magic in the garden is what’s going to make him stronger like the sun and the flowers p.176

Chapter 24

  1. Explain Colin and Mary’s predicament and how it’s solved. They were eating so much food it was going to ruin Colin’s secret that he was getting strong; Colin wanted to show his father that he’s strong and walking; Dickon’s mother made buns for them and told Dickon to take a bucket of fresh milk for them; Dickon baked potatoes and carrots in a little oven he concocted in the woods near the manor; they didn’t need to request more food from the cook in the manor p.188

Chapter 25

  1. How did the children entertain themselves on rainy days? Exploring the house and using the empty rooms to do their exercises and run about p.198
  2. Why is Colin going to keep the curtain pulled back? So he can see his mother laughing and being happy for him p.201

Chapter 26

  1. List two names used to describe God in this chapter. Magic; the Big Good Thing; the Good Thing; the Joy Maker p.207
  2. How did Susan Sowerby respond when Colin said he wanted her for a mother. She gave him a hug and said his mother is in the garden p.208

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. Mr. Craven started to awake out of his despair and went home; he went to the Secret Garden; Colin ran into him and told him everything; Mr. Craven was joyous to see his son p.209

Comprehension Questions – Tuck Everlasting

Tuck Everlasting

by Natalie Babbitt

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 4.0

Winnie Foster is faced with difficult decisions after she is kidnapped by the Tuck family, who have discovered a spring that gives eternal life. Text contains mild violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. A cottage and forest owned by the Fosters; takes place in August p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What did you learn in this chapter? Mae and Tuck’s sons are coming home after 10 years and their appearances haven’t changed in 87 years, they needed to be careful and not let anyone see them p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what you know about Winnie. Her name is Winifred; she’s an only child; wants to run away because her family’s demanding p.14

Chapter 4

  1. Predict what the man in the yellow suit wants with the family. Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What’s the music coming from? The music box p.20

Chapter 5

  1. Do you think Jesse was serious when he said he was 104 years old? Listen to your child’s answer p.28
  2. Why do you think Jesse didn’t want Winnie to drink from the spring? Listen to your child’s answer p.29

Chapter 6

  1. Describe what you know about the Tuck Family. Mother and father, two sons, Jesse and Miles; Miles is the oldest; Jesse is 17 years old; nice family p.31

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize the Tuck’s story and why they kidnapped Winnie. 100 years ago, they were wandering to find land and came upon the spring, they and their horse drank from it; nothing could hurt them and they never grew older; the cat who never drank the water died 10 years before; they knew no one else could ever find the spring p.37

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the Tuck’s want to take Winnie home with them? To make sure she understood how serious their secret was p.43
  2. Why do you think the man in the yellow suit was happy after overhearing the Tuck’s story? He was looking for the spring p.45

Chapter 9

  1. How did Tuck respond to Winnie and why? He was happy she knew about their secret and that she was at their home; he was happy to see and interact with a child p.48

Chapter 10

  1. What did Winnie think about the Tuck’s home? Messy but comfortable p.52
  2. Describe how the Tuck’s live their lives? The parents live in the home all the time and make things to sell, going to the different towns around them so they don’t bring attention to themselves; the boys stay away finding jobs to work for a while, but don’t stay in any one place too long; they come home when they want and every ten years p.53

Chapter 11

  1. Why was Tuck adamant to take Winnie for a ride in the row boat? So he could convince her to keep their secret p.58

Chapter 12

  1. What did Tuck compare their lives to in this chapter? A boat that is stuck and can never flow in the current of life; a rock on the side of the road p.63

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. The man in the yellow suit has stolen the Tuck’s horse and tied it to the Foster’s fence; he knocked on the door and told them he knew where Winnie was p.66

Chapter 14

  1. What proposal did Jesse give to Winnie? She should drink the spring water when she turns 17 years old, they would get married, and travel the world and do what they want p.71

Chapter 15

  1. What deal did the man in the yellow suit offer the Fosters? He’d show the constable where Winnie is and in return they’d sell him the woods p.74

Chapter 16

  1. Predict what the man in the yellow suit’s plan is. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 17

  1. What resolve did Winnie come to in this chapter? She would keep the Tuck’s secret p.86

Chapter 18

  1. Why did Winnie feel like the Tuck’s belonged to her? They were kind and treated her like family; she’d grown fond of them p.91

Chapter 19

  1. What did the man in the yellow suit intend to do with the woods? Sell the spring water p.97

Chapter 20

  1. Why don’t the Tuck’s want the man in the yellow suit to die? If he does, Mae will be hung p.104

Chapter 21

  1. What’s the conflict Winnie faces in this chapter? How is it resolved? Mae hung at the gallows if the man in the yellow suit dies; the contract is void if he dies p.108
  2. Predict what Winnie plans to do. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 22

  1. How did Winnie’s family treat her differently? They respected what she wanted to do instead of bossing her around and controlling her p.111
  2. How will Winnie make a difference? When Mae crawls out of the windows of the jail, Winnie will climb in and wrap herself in a blanket to look like Mae; this will give the Tuck’s time to escape p.114

Chapter 23

  1. Why did the day seem to last so long? Winnie was anxious for midnight to roll around so she could free Mae p.116

Chapter 24

  1. Describe Mae’s break out. Jesse met Winnie and they ran to the back of the jail and met Miles and Tuck; Miles poured oil over the nails so they wouldn’t squeak; lightning flashed and thunder crashed which covered up the noise; the constable only checked in on Mae once and they all ducked; with a clap of thunder Miles pulled out the bars; Mae squeezed through and after hugs and kisses, Winnie slid into the jail through the window p.121

Chapter 25

  1. What helped Winnie’s family understand and support her for what she had done? She told them she loved the Tuck’s and they were her friends p.130
  2. Why did Winnie use Jesse’s water on the toad? She wanted to keep it safe and if the spring was truly a magic spring she could drink straight from it p.132

Epilogue 

  1. What did Tuck find? How? Winnie didn’t drink the water and died two years previous; he saw her gravestone in the cemetery p.137

Comprehension Questions – The Chocolate Touch

The Chocolate Touch

by Patrick Skene Catling

Grades 1-6; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 2.0

If he could, John Midas would eat nothing but chocolate all the time, and he'd never share it with anyone. Then one day, John finds a strange coin on the sidewalk and uses it to buy a box of chocolate at a mysterious new candy store.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe John. A boy who loves candy more han any other food and loves chocolate more than any candy p.13
  2. How did John’s candy habits affect his mother? Because he ate so much candy, he doesn’t eat the food she makes; she worries about his health p.20

Chapter 2

  1. What did John do to show he was excited to eat his chocolate? Got ready for bed quickly, drank his tonic without complaint, went to bed early p.31

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what happened to John in this chapter. Why? Whatever he put into his mouth turned into chocolate; the chocolate he ate was magic p.36

Chapter 4

  1. How did John make Susan sad? He bit into her silver dollar and the part he bit turned chocolate p.54

Chapter 5

  1. Why did John think the magic was getting stronger? The entire pencil John held turned to chocolate after just one bite; entire objects are turning to chocolate p.60

Chapter 6

  1. Why is Susan ignoring John? She’s mad at him for eating her silver dollar p.67

Chapter 7

  1. Why is John craving healthy food? He’s tired of only tasting chocolate p.76

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. John had a solo in the orchestra, but when he played his trumpet it turned to chocolate p.87

Chapter 9

  1. What made John change his mind and go to the party? Mrs. Buttercup came to pick him up p.94

chapter 10

  1. What did John find when he looked for the candy store? It wasn’t there p.103

Chapter 11

  1. Who gave John the chocolate touch? Why? the store owner; to help him be selfless instead of selfish p.118

Chapter 12

  1. Did John learn his lesson? Why or why not? Yes; he cared more for others than himself at the end of the story p.122

Comprehension Questions – James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Chapter 21

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

Chapter 22

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

Chapter 23

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

Chapter 24

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

Chapter 25

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

Chapter 26

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

Chapter 27

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

Chapter 28

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

Chapter 29

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

Chapter 30

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

Chapter 31

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

Chapter 32

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

Chapter 33

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

Chapter 34

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

Chapter 35

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

Chapter 36

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

Chapter 37

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

Chapter 38

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

Chapter 39

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

Comprehension Questions – The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by Elizabeth George Speare

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Chapter 21

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

Comprehension Questions – The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux

by Kate DiCamillo

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

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

Book the First

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Book the Second

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Chapter 21

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

Chapter 22

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

 Chapter 23

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

Book the Third

Chapter 24

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

Chapter 25

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

Chapter 26

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

Chapter 27

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

Chapter 28

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

Chapter 29

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

Chapter 30

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

Chapter 31

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

Chapter 32

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

Chapter 33

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

Book the Fourth

Chapter 34

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

Chapter 35

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

Chapter 36

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

Chapter 37

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

Chapter 38

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

Chapter 39

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

Chapter 40

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

Chapter 41

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

Chapter 42

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

Chapter 43

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

Chapter 44

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

Chapter 45

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

Chapter 46

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

Chapter 47

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

Chapter 48

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

Chapter 49

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

Chapter 50

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

Chapter 51

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

Chapter 52

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

Comprehension Questions – When You Trap a Tiger

When You Trap a Tiger

by Tae Keller

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

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Chapter 21

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

Chapter 22

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

Chapter 23

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

Chapter 24

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

Chapter 25

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

Chapter 26

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

Chapter 27

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

Chapter 28

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

Chapter 29

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

Chapter 30

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

Chapter 31

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

Chapter 32

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

Chapter 33

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

Chapter 34

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

Chapter 35

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

Chapter 36

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

Chapter 37

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

Chapter 38

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

Chapter 39

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

Chapter 40

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

Chapter 41

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

Chapter 42

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

Chapter 43

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

Chapter 44

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

Chapter 45

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

Chapter 46

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