Category Archives: Novel

Comprehension Questions – Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Chapter 21

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

Chapter 22

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

Chapter 23

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

Chapter 24

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

Chapter 25

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

Chapter 26

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

Chapter 27

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

Chapter 28

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

Chapter 29

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

Chapter 30

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

Chapter 31

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

Chapter 32

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

Chapter 33

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

Chapter 34

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

Chapter 35

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

Chapter 36

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

Chapter 37

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

Chapter 38

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

Chapter 39

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

Chapter 40

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

Chapter 41

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

Chapter 42

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

Chapter 43

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

Chapter 44

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

Chapter 45

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

Chapter 46

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

Comprehension Questions – The Whipping Boy

The Whipping Boy

by Sid Fleischman

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

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

Phrases

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Comprehension Questions – The Girl Who Drank the Moon

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1 

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Chapter 21

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

Chapter 22

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

Chapter 23

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

Chapter 24

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

Chapter 25

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

Chapter 26

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

Chapter 27

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

Chapter 28

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

Chapter 29

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

Chapter 30

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

Chapter 31

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

Chapter 32

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

Chapter 33

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

Chapter 34

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

Chapter 35

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

Chapter 36

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

Chapter 37

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

Chapter 38

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

Chapter 39

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

Chapter 40

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

Chapter 41

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

Chapter 42

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

Chapter 43

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

Chapter 44

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

Chapter 45

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

Chapter 46

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

Chapter 47

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

Chapter 48

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

Comprehension Questions – Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins

by Scott O'Dell

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts. 6.0

Left alone on a beautiful but isolated island off the coast of California, a young Indian girl spends eighteen years, not only merely surviving through her enormous courage and self-reliance, but also finding a measure of happiness in her solitary life.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does this story begin? We meet Karana, the Girl With the Long Black Hair and her little brother, Ramo; a ship with a Russian and Aleuts approach the people to hunt sea otters; a deal is reached so the people of the island get the same amount of sea otters as the people hunting them as payment p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Do you agree with the chief to keep the fish for his tribe, or should he have shared? Listen to your child’s answer p.12

Chapter 3

  1. What signs did the visitors show they were leaving the island soon? The Russian trimmed his beard; the Aleuts skinned the sea otters; the Aleut woman cleaned her skin aprons p.16

Chapter 4

  1. Why was there fighting between the Aleuts and Karana’s people? The Russian didn’t want to pay the people of the island p.21

Chapter 5

  1. List two troubles the tribe had after the battle. There were only 15 men left in the tribe; women helped hunt and gather food, and the men looked down on the women for this; the tribe was sorrowful p.24

Chapter 6

  1. What good news came in this chapter? Kimki made it to the land he was searching for and sent white men to bring back Karana’s people p.32

Chapter 7

  1. What was exciting, scary and frustrating in this chapter? Exciting: a boat came to take the tribe to a new land; Scary: Ramo ran back to get his fishing spear and the boat left him, Karana jumped out of the ship and swam back to shore; Frustrating: Karana’s skirt got ruined p.35

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the tragic event in this chapter. Ramo left in the morning to bring a canoe around to the cove but was killed by wild dogs p.43

Chapter 9

  1. How did Karana have courage in this chapter? She decided to sail for the land east of hers p. 58

Chapter 10

  1. What gave Karana hope as she paddled back to her island? The dolphins jumping ahead of her canoe p. 63

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Karana decide to never leave the island again? It was her home; she was grateful to be back p.65
  2. What factors did the main character take into account as she was deciding where to build a home? The wind, the noise of the sea elephants, the wild dogs/foxes, flow of the spring, if she can see the cove if the ship returns p.66

Chapter 12

  1. Describe one preparation Karana made in this chapter and why you chose it. Fence, home, weapons. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Was Karana successful in getting her bull? Explain. No, she adventures to the shore where the animals were sitting and the one she shot at got into a fight with another bull p.79

Chapter 14

  1. What happened to the old bull? He died in the fight with the other bull p.85

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the leader of the wild dogs and what happened to him? He’s an Aleut dog; Karana shot him, but nursed him back to health; he stayed with her and she named him Rontu p.89

Chapter 16

  1. Why was it beneficial for the main character to canoe around her entire island? She could see if her canoe leaked; she found a cave close to her house where she could hide her canoe; she found a large devilfish and was determined to make a special spear to catch him p.97

Chapter 17

  1. How much time does one sun equal? One day p.102
  2. Why was it important that the main character let Rontu fight the other dogs without interference? He had an advantage he might not have again p.105

Chapter 18

  1. What new friends did Karana make that spring? Explain. Two baby birds; she took them from their nest and put them in a cage; she trained them to stay close and eat from her hand p.109

Chapter 19

  1. What king of water creature is the devilfish? An octopus p.118
  2. Did Karana kill the giant devilfish she was hunting? Yes p.119

Chapter 20

  1. What threat was in this chapter? The Aleuts came back p.125
  2. How did the main character react? She made her house look like no one lived there and put food and water in her canoe p.125

Chapter 21

  1. How many days is equal to a moon? A month/30 days p.131
  2. Do you think the Aleut girl has good intentions and is friendly? Why, or why not? She was nice to Karana and brought a necklace to her p.131

Chapter 22

  1. Why was Karana happy to have Tutok to interact with? Tutok was a friend and kept her company p.138

Chapter 23

  1. List the friends Karana has made so far in this story. Rontu, the two birds, the otter Mon-a-nee p.144
  2. How did she make friends with these animals? She was nice to them and respected them; she fed them; if they were wounded, she looked after them 

Chapter 24

  1. Why did the main character decide she didn’t want to kill the wild dogs, birds, otters and other animals? She appreciated the friendship of those animals that were her companions p.149

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Karana stop counting moons and seasons? She accepted being alone on the island and no longer hoped that the white men were coming back p.151
  2. Why is this chapter so sad? Rontu died p.152

Chapter 26

  1. How did Karana catch another dog? She made the dogs all go to sleep and took home the one that looked like Rontu p.156

Chapter 27

  1. What natural disasters hit the island in this chapter? Tsunami and earthquakes p.159
  2. What’s a tsunami? Giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea

Chapter 28

  1. How has the character changed in this story? She was lonely and ready to leave her island and go to where people lived p.167
  2. How do you think Karana felt to see the ship leave the island again? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. Why did the white men sew Karana a dress to wear? What she was wearing must not have been appropriate to wear to the new land p.172
  2. Why didn’t the ship come back for Karana? It sunk p.173

Comprehension Questions – Call it Courage

Call it Courage

by Armstrong Sperry

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL X; AR pts. 3.0

A legendary adventure story of how Mafatu, the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, a Polynesian race who worships courage, conquers his fear of the sea and proves he isn't a coward.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did the author begin this story? Giving the history and background of where this story came from p.1
  2. Do you think it was reasonable for Mafatu to be afraid of the sea? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.3
  3. How were Mafatu and Kivi similar? They were both rejected by their peers and family p.8
  4. Why did Mafatu feel like he needed to leave the island? His people had rejected him; he wanted to learn how to have courage; the boys his age were going out to hunt sharks and swordfish the next day and he was the only one not going p.14

Chapter 2

  1. List 2 similes or metaphors in this chapter. “A monster livid and hungry p.24; empty as a shell p.25; as hard as the cut edge of a stone p.28 
  2. Summarize this chapter. Mafatu was out at sea; a storm came and broke up his canoe and stole away his paddle and food; he saw land and reached it but his canoe broke into splinters; he and his dog drug themselves onto the beach to a fresh water p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What examples of personification does the author use in this chapter? The chuckle of the cascade p.36; coconuts and pandanus trooped in shining legions to the very edge of the sea p.38; it’s voice warm and soft and reassuring in his ear p.47; trees reached for him as he fled p.53
  2. How did Mafatu know he was not alone on the island? He saw that fruit has been cut from the trees recently; he saw a path only humans could make; he saw terraces built by men; p.48
  3. How did Mafatu know which island he was on? he saw bones that had recently been burned for sacrifice; he was on a eaters-of-men island p.50
  4. How did Mafatu show courage in this chapter? He took the spear from the altar and touched a bone p.54
  5. Why does Mafatu think about the things that would please his father? His father is ashamed of him; he’s thinking of ways he can show his father he has courage p.59

Chapter 4

  1. How did Mafatu prepare for this adventure before arriving on the island? His previous life was making the same tools he needs on this island p.64
  2. What motivated Mafatu to dive into the water and kill the hammerhead shark? His dog fell off the raft and the shark swam after him p.74
  3. Why was Mafatu so elated and proud of himself for killing a wild boar? He did it with a spear which takes a lot of courage; he had courage to face the boar; his grandfather had killed one and was respected; he wants to be respected too p.78
  4. Why was Mafatu feeling more comfortable in the ocean? He had lived near it and in it for weeks and grew confident in his ability p.85
  5. Why does Mafatu attribute his successes to Maui? Maui is his God, and he believes Maui is helping him p.93
  6. Why was Mafatu so excited to return home? He had found his courage and could now prove he wasn’t afraid any longer p.95

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mafatu was being chased by the eaters-of-men into the ocean, but after a long chase gave up; Mafatu grew discouraged when he sat on the ocean for days, but finally made it to his home island; his father was proud to call him his son p.97
  2. How did the author conclude this story? He restated the first few lines that are at the very beginning of the book p.116
  3. Explain if you agree with this style of writing. Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A Nest for Celeste

A Nest for Celeste

by Henry Cole

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 4.0

Celeste, a mouse longing for a real home, becomes a source of inspiration to teenaged Joseph, assistant to the artist and naturalist John James Audubon, at a nearby Louisiana plantation in 1821.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Celeste. She’s a mouse; lives in a house below the floorboards; she weaves baskets p.11

Chapter 2

  1. How did the rats treat Celeste? They’re mean and bully her; they boss her around and eat her food and take what they want from her home p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the family in the house. Wealthy, live on a plantation; mother, father, and daughter; daughter is named Eliza and is old enough to be courted and is going to learn to dance; the family has hired a dance instructor who has brought along his assistant p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. The rats came to the main floor impatient as they waited for Celeste; the rats went ahead to find the crumbs under the table and didn’t see the cat; the cat caught and killed one of the rats named Trixie p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What is preventing Celeste from going to her home? The cat; it knows where she lives now p.55

Chapter 6

  1. Why hadn’t Celeste realized the beautiful place she lived? She always stayed on the ground and near the dining room; now she has ventured on the stair railing and to the upper floor of the housep.58
  2. Where did Celeste sleep that night? In the boot of the assistant p.64

Chapter 7 

  1. Why did Celeste think the snoring was strange? It wasn’t there the night before; the guest was back from his hunting trip p.75

Chapter 8

  1. How did Joseph respond when he found Celeste in his boot? He was happy and kind; he put her in a tiny cage for company p.80

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Celeste confused with Joseph’s behavior toward her? She thinks he’s going to eat or hurt her, but he is kind and sees her as a friend p.87

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Celeste miss having a home? She couldn’t run, escape, and hide p.101

Chapter 11

  1. Is Joseph a good friend to Celeste? Why or why not? Yes, he’s gentle with her, feeds her, puts her in his pocket and includes her p.108

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Joseph took Celeste outside to sketch; hunters came and killed a large number of birds with guns p.118
  2. Why was Joseph upset by this? the hunters killed so many birds it didn’t feel like hunting, it felt like a slaughter p.119

Chapter 13

  1. How did Celeste’s life differ now than from the beginning of this story? She had someone who cared about her; she left the house and went on adventures; she didn’t need to worry about food; she saw things that made her sad p.124

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Mr. Audubon shooting birds? He uses them as a model p.131
  2. What terrified Celeste in this chapter? Joseph got shot in the head and she thought he was dead p.138

Chapter 15

  1. Do you agree with Audubon’s or Joseph’s philosophy? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.144

Chapter 16

  1. Share Celeste‘s history. She lived in a field with her family; she left the nest and a tractor came and killed her family and ruined her home; a groundhog helped her p.159

Chapter 17

  1. Why was there so much chaos when Celeste went outside? A storm was coming p.170

Chapter 18

  1. Why was the storm so scary for Celeste? She was so small; raindrops were as large as her ears; the wind blew her into what felt like a raging river p.178

Chapter 19

  1. How did Celeste feel in this chapter? Exhausted; sore and stiff; tired p.186

Chapter 20

  1. Describe Lafayette. He’s an osprey; kind; helpful; talkative; wants to help Celeste p.191

Chapter 21

  1. What’s a gondola? A small, long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, propelled with a single oar, especially in Venice. A hanging platform or car for transporting people or cargo.
  2. Which definition matches what Celeste is making? A hanging car for transporting people p.200

Chapter 22

  1. How did Lafayette react when he saw the gondola? He was impressed and thought it was clever p.206

Chapter 23

  1. Describe Celeste’s experience flying with Lafayette. It was a wonderful adventure; she loved it; she soared high above the trees and saw gators and rivers p.213

Chapter 24

  1. What was Celeste’s plan for the thrush in this chapter? She has asked him to stand on the dogwood and sing for Joseph; she knew Joseph would be in inspired by the bird’s song p.224

Chapter 25

  1. What’s the definition of instinct? an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli 
  2. What was Cornelius’s instinct telling him? To fly south p.238

Chapter 26

  1. Describe Celeste’s predicament in this chapter? The cat found her, so she ran and escaped p.241

Chapter 27

  1. What’s Celeste’s plan to help Lafayette? To pose and look more alive p.263

Chapter 28

  1. Describe the outcome of Celeste’s plan? Audubon was happy; he never got frustrated p.272

Chapter 29

  1. In what two ways did Celeste help Lafayette? She saved his life and she freed him from the leather cord p.275

Chapter 30

  1. What did Celeste find and who do you think it belonged to? A dollhouse; Eliza p.282

Chapter 31

  1. What emotions did Celeste feel in this chapter? Why? Happy to have a new home; sad because she was alone p.291

Chapter 32

  1. How do you think Celeste felt to see Trixie in her new home? Sad; Trixie wasn’t a good friend p.299

Chapter 33

  1. Why didn’t Celeste feel like she could ask Lafayette to give Trixie a ride in the gondola? She didn’t know if he’d want to take her p.305

Chapter 34

  1. How has Trixie stolen Celeste’s home? she’s eaten her food and makes herself at home p.309

Chapter 35

  1. Whose fault is it that Trixie isn’t coming back? Her own; she shouldn’t have yanked the cord so hard as to break it p.314

Chapter 36

  1. Do you think Celeste should have gone back to her little house while Joseph was gone to dinner? Listen to your child’s answer; she was followed by the cat and couldn’t get back to Joseph p.322
  2. Predict what you think will happen. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 37

  1. What helped Celeste’s nest feel like a home? Friends p.336

Comprehension Questions – Danny, the Champion of the World

Danny, the Champion of the World

by Roald Dahl

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 6.0

A young English boy describes his relationship with his father and the special adventure they share together.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1 

  1. What’s the setting of this story? Danny’s home in England at a gas station p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Danny’s father. Funny, hard worker, eyes would smile, loving, storyteller p.8
  2. Describe the BFG. Big friendly giant; made up character in father’s stories; 3x’s as tall as an ordinary man; hands as large as wheelbarrows; lived in a vast underground cavern; only comes outside when it’s dark; powder factory where he would make magic powder out of children’s dreams; great sense of hearing; catches good and bad dreams; makes dreams turn real p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Use examples from the story to describe how Danny feels about his father. He loves him and loves spending time with him; his dad walked to and from school; he helped him make a kite, fire cannon, playhouse, stilts, etc p.16
  2. What do you like to do together with your father, or father figure? Listen to your child’s answers. 

Chapter 4

  1. What’s Danny’s father’s deep dark secret? He likes to go poaching p.28
  2. What’s poaching and why is it wrong? the illegal practice of trespassing on another's property to hunt or steal game without the landowner's permission p.28
  3. Where did Danny’s father learn to love the challenge of poaching? From his father p.28

Chapter 5

  1. List two methods Danny’s grandfather used to catch pheasants. The Horsehair Stopper and the Sticky Hat p.34
  2. Why doesn’t Danny’s dad want to take him poaching yet? His dad’s out of practice and he doesn’t want to get Danny hurt p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Why doesn’t Danny’s father like Mr. Hazell? He threatened Danny with a gun for no reason when he came to the filler station last year p.42
  2. Why is it important for Danny’s father to leave right at 6pm? He wants to get to the woods at twilight so it’s easy for him to hide in the shadows and the pheasants haven’t roosted in the tops of the trees p.46

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Danny so worried when his dad didn’t return from poaching on time? He might have gotten hurt by the Keepers p.49
  2. Describe Danny’s adventure as he drove to Hazell’s wood. He took the car he and his dad had been fixing and started out slowly but drove faster and faster; a policeman passed him, and he was able to get off the track so the policeman couldn’t find him; he waited until the policeman was gone, then drove the rest of the way to the woods p.51

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize what happened to Danny’s father that night? He fell into a pit and broke his ankle; the Keepers didn’t recognize him but said they would be back in the morning with Mr. Hazell p.64
  2. How did Danny and his father get back to the car? Danny got a rope out of the car and his father climbed up it, then Danny helped his dad back to the car p.66
  3. What could happen with the rope being left behind? Listen to your child’s answer p.69

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Danny’s father able to tell Doc Spencer what had happened to his ankle? Doc Spencer was his friend and liked to go poaching and fishing too p.75
  2. How did Doc Spencer feel about Mr. Hazell? He didn’t like him either, he kicked his dog without a reason p.77

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Danny’s father want to catch 200 pheasants from Mr. Hazell’s wood by October 1st? To ruin the opening of hunting season and humiliate Mr. Hazell p.84
  2. If you were to pick a word to describe this action, what would it be? Revenge, vindictiveness, vengeance.
  3. Do you agree with this course of action? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 11

  1. What’s the Sleeping Beauty? The technique to capture 200 birds; soak raisins, cut them open, fill with some powder from a sleeping pill and sew back up; spread them out in the woods for the peasants to eat, then when they’ve fallen out of the trees asleep, go pick them up p.91

Chapter 12

  1. Was that a fair punishment Danny received for talking in school? Listen to your child’s answer p.106
  2. How is beating up Danny’s teacher like poaching the pheasants? Danny’s father wants to get back at both of them for doing wrong to him and his son p.112

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Danny feel like he had worms squirming around in his stomach? He was nervous about the Sleeping Beauty operation that night p.115
  2. What did Danny learn about his mother in this chapter? That she sewed well and made his father’s clothes; she enjoyed poaching with his father p.116
  3. Why is it so important Danny and his father leave on time for the woods? So, they can arrive 25 minutes before sunset to spread out the raisins p.119

Chapter 14

  1. Tell me a time you’ve been scared like Danny. Listen to your child’s answer. 
  2. What does the author mean when he wrote, “this was the moment of danger, the first thrill of all”? To some people, they like the experiment when they’re in danger, it gives them a thrill p.130

Chapter 15

  1. Why wasn’t Danny’s father worried when a keeper saw them along the hedge? They were on public property, so the Keeper couldn’t hurt them or tell them what to do p.138
  2. Why are Danny and his father waiting there? For the Keepers to leave and for the birds to fall asleep p.139

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Danny’s father worried the plan wouldn’t work? Birds’ instincts might not let them fall from the trees p.143
  2. What was Danny worried about when the birds were falling from the trees? That a Keeper would be in the woods watching them p.149
  3. How were they to get the birds home? His father hired a taxi p.150

Chapter 1 

  1. Who is Danny’s father going to share the birds with? Charlie the taxi driver, Doc Spencer, the village’s police officer p.153
  2. Why is Mrs. Clipstone going to deliver the birds? So, Danny’s father doesn’t get caught p.155
  3. Do you agree with what Danny and his dad have done? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answers. 

Chapter 18

  1. What kitchen appliances did Danny’s father want to purchase and why? They didn’t have an oven or a deep freezer; to keep their 50 pheasants in and to roast them when they were ready to eat one p.158

Chapter 19

  1. How did Mrs. Clipstone deliver the babies to the station? In the bottom of a baby carriage with her baby on top p.164
  2. What happened to the peasants on her way to the filling station? They started waking up p.169
  3. Who do you think Danny sees at the station? Mr. Hazell p.172

Chapter 20

  1. Who helped settle Mr. Hazell’s accusations and how did he do it? Sergeant Samways; he ran around the station to scare the birds to fly around and into Mr. Hazell’s car; Mr. Hazell didn’t like the birds all over his car and found more birds inside p.180

Chapter 21

  1. How would you feel if you were Mrs. Clipstone’s baby? Listen to your child’s answer p.187
  2. How many pheasants were left? 6 p.189
  3. How did the doctor grab them when the peasants were all flying away? He didn’t; those 6 pheasants had more than one raisin, so they continued to sleep p.189

Chapter 12

  1. Explain how Danny felt about his dad. He loved him and thought he was the best dad p.196

Comprehension Questions – Heidi

Heidi

by Johanna Spyri

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fiction; Lexile 800; AR pts: 16.0

Heidi, an orphan, builds a strong bond with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. When she is sent into town to attend school and be a friend to a wealthy man's invalid daughter, Heidi becomes homesick for her Grandfather and home in the mountains.

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Part 1

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? In the Alps during the summer p.9
  2. Describe Heidi. 5 years old; mother and father died; Aunt was taken care of her; brave and happy; thinks for herself p.9
  3. Why did Heidi have on so many layers of clothes? It was easier to have her wear them then to carry them p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Share two examples that Heidi’s grandfather was impressed with her. When she made up her bed; when she set the table without being asked; when she guessed that he was making a stool for her p.21
  2. What nurturing action did the grandfather take at the end of this chapter? He was worried Heidi would be afraid of the wind, so went to check on her p.26

Chapter 3

  1. Why hadn’t Peter ever been able to say he had enough? His family was poor, and he didn’t get large portions to eat p.32
  2. Give two examples of ways Heidi helped the goats and Peter in this chapter. She said she’d comfort Schneehopli on the mountain each day so she’s not alone; when Distelfinck almost jumped off the cliff, Heidi stopped him from fighting Peter by giving him some herbs; She stopped Peter from beating him and every other goat by giving her cheese and a good part of her bread everyday p.34

Chapter 4

  1. How does Heidi help the grandmother? She brings her happiness when she visits; she brings her grandfather to fix up the hut p.49
  2. Why does the grandmother make Heidi sad? She’s blind and there’s nothing anyone can do to fix it p.50

Chapter 5

  1. What happened to Heidi in this chapter? Her aunt came to take her to Frankfurt to be a playmate for a girl who is lame and in a wheelchair p.54
  2. How did grandfather feel about this? He didn’t want Heidi to go; he was sad p.54
  3. How did Dete convince Heidi to go with her? She said she could buy soft rolls for grandmother and bring them back to her when she’d like p.57

Chapter 6

  1. What’s Heidi original name and who is she named after? Adelheid; her mother p.61
  2. Describe Fraulein Rottenmeier. She’s proper, mean, bossy, uptight, doesn’t like Heidi p.60

Chapter 7

  1. What three names is Heidi called? Heidi, Adelheid, Mansell p.69
  2. What view was Heidi expecting when she looked out the church tower? One of trees and mountains p.72
  3. Should Heidi have brought the kittens home without asking? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.73

Chapter 8

  1. Why did it give Sebastian pleasure to see Fraulein Rottenmeier in distress? It entertains him; he likes to tease her p.80
  2. When Fraulein Rottenmeier is so strict with Heidi, who protects watches out for her? Sebastian and Klara p.84

Chapter 9

  1. Describe Klara’s father? Busy with work; kind; cares about Klara; wealthy p.86
  2. What charge did he give Fraulein Rottenmeier concerning Heidi? That she always be kind to her and not let Heidi’s peculiarities be treated as sins p.90

Chapter 10

  1. How did the grandmamma change Heidi’s mind about reading? She told Heidi to believe her and not believe Peter when he said learning to read is too hard p.96
  2. Why didn’t Heidi tell anyone she was homesick? She might look ungrateful for everything the Sesemann’s have done for her p.96
  3. Who did Grandmamma teach Heidi will help her when she can’t talk to anyone else? God p.97

Chapter 11

  1. Why couldn’t Heidi cry when she read books? Fraulein Rottenmeier will take the book away from her p.102
  2. Give two examples of how Heidi’s struggling? She won’t eat and she’s getting thin; she covers her eyes, so she doesn’t see the sunlight and be reminded of Peter taking the goats up the Alm; she cries herself to sleep and cries when she wakes up p.102

Chapter 12

  1. What’s convinced Herr Sesemann to send Heidi home? The doctor: she’s so homesick she’s sleep walking and isn’t eating p.111

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Heidi thank the doctor when she left Frankfurt? He’s the reason why she’s going home p.117
  2. Describe the reunion between Heidi and her loved ones on the Alm? She and they were all delighted to be together again p.126

Chapter 14

  1. What did Heidi realize about her unanswered prayers? That God had blessed her by keeping her longer in Frankfurt than she had wanted p.132
  2. What was the change grandfather experienced and what was the cause of it? He turned to God again and looked truly happy; Heidi helped him understand that he could always turn back to God p.134
  3. What did the letter say at the end of this chapter? Klara and the grandmamma were going to come visit p.139

Part 2

Chapter 1

  1. Why was the doctor hesitant to let Klara visit Heidi? She has been so sickly during the summer and knew it wouldn’t be good for her p.143
  2. Why did Klara agree that the doctor should visit Heidi and how did she handle it? Because she was so sickly; Klara was so sad she couldn’t go, but knew her father was doing what was best for her p.145

Chapter 2

  1. How did Heidi receive the doctor? She was disappointed that Klara didn’t come, but was happy to see him p.150
  2. Why did the doctor the Alm would be good for Klara? The fresh air would give her an appetite and she would want to eat p.152

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Peter clench his fists at the doctor? He was taking Heidi’s attention away from him p.160
  2. Why did Peter stand on the hill with his hands open? To show he was repenting for being disrespectful to the doctor p.161

Chapter 4

  1. What was Heidi missing at their home in Dorfli? She couldn’t hear the wind p.168
  2. Why is Peter going to be more serious about going to school? He would rather go to school than take a beating for being unruly and missing school p.171

Chapter 5

  1. What’s the plan Heidi contrived at the end of chapter 4? To teach Peter to read so his grandmother could have hymns read to her everyday p.176
  2. How did Heidi convince Peter he should learn to read? She reminded him that his mother would send him to Frankfurt and described what going to school there was like p.176

Chapter 6

  1. On page 184, what’s the sofa grandfather is describing? The grass outside the hut p.184
  2. Why was Peter and the grandmother upset with Heidi’s company? They didn’t want them to take her back to Frankfurt p.186
  3. What was the grandmammas and Klara’s reaction to the Alm? They loved it and thought it was so beautiful; they both wanted Klara to stay up with a Heidi p.193

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Heidi’s grandfather have Klara stand every day? To strengthen her legs p.202
  2. What’s Heidi’s grandfather trying to accomplish encouraging Klara to stand? To help her walk again p.202

Chapter 8

  1. Peter has been angry with Klara her entire visit. What could you say to him to help him understand and learn that it was important for Klara to be there? Listen to your child’s answer p.204
  2. What had Klara accomplished in this chapter? She walked with the help of Heidi and Peter p.211
  3. On page 213, the author wrote that something lay in Peter’s stomach which gnawed and choked him with every mouthful he ate. What was it? His guilt from pushing Klara’s chair over the cliff p.213

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Peter so paranoid the beginning of this chapter? He had made a wrong choice and he was full of guilt p.217
  2. Why didn’t the grandmamma want to punish Peter? He had been punished enough through his guilt p.225
  3. How is Grandfather’s wish being granted? Herr Sesemann will take care of Heidi like she was his own and the doctor is moving to the area, and he’ll take care of her too so she can stay on the Alm p.229

Comprehension Questions – Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

By Lucy Maud Montgomery

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts. 17.0

Anne, an eleven-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm, and proceeds to make an indelible impression on everyone around her.

Vocabulary/Phrases

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Mrs. Rachel Lynde. A busy body; notable housewife; her work was always well done; ran the Sewing Circle, Sunday School, strong in the Church Aid Society and Foreign Missions Auxiliary; always sat in front window knitting “cotton warp” quilts (an impressive amount) p.3
  2. Why was Rachel Lynde against Matthew and Marilla adopting a boy? She’s heard horrific stories of couples who adopt p.8
  3. Describe Marilla’s and Rachel’s friendship. They’re very different; Marilla knows Rachel and is patient with her nosiness and is a good neighbor to her p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Anne. Skinny, freckles, red hair, 10-11yrs old, imaginative, talks a lot, can express herself very well, loves beautiful things, is excited to have a real home and be adopted, kind, personifies objects in nature p.11
  2. Did Matthew make the right decision to take Anne home with him? Why? Listen to your child’s answer. If yes, he couldn’t have let her sleep out in a tree alone all-night p.12
  3. Explain why Matthew was uneasy as they arrived at Green Gables? He knew the disappointment Anne would feel when Marilla told her she wasn’t what they wanted and would need to go back to the asylum p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the emotional ups and downs Anne has been through in this chapter? She was so thrilled to be at Green Gables to start with, but was severely disappointed when Marilla saw she was a girl and didn’t want her p.20

Chapter 4

  1. How does Anne deal with hard situations and disappointment in her life? She uses her imagination p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why didn’t Anne want to go explore outside in the morning? She knew she was going to be sent back to the asylum, so she didn’t want to fall in love with the beautiful things outside p.29
  2. Describe Anne’s background. Her parents died of the fever when she was a baby and went to an orphanage; Mrs. Thomas took her in and she baby sat for her; after her husband died Mrs. Thomas moved in with Mr. Thomas’ mother, so Mrs. Hammond took her in; Mrs. Hammond had 8 children, 3 sets of twins that Anne took care of; when Mr. Hammond died Mrs. Hammond split her children up and went to the United States; Anne went to another orphanage; she was there for 4 months when Mrs. Spencer came to request a girl for Matthew and Marilla p.32

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Mrs. Blewett. Would she be good to Anne? She’s shrewd; demanding; mean; no she wouldn’t be good to Anne p.37

Chapter 7

  1. Why didn’t Anne care anything for God’s love? She has never had it translated to her through the medium of human love p.41

Chapter 8

  1. How did Marilla feel about Anne’s day dreams? Impatient and frustrated p.47

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Anne get so angry at Mrs.Lynde? Mrs. Lynde said that Anne was skinny, red-haired as carrots, covered in freckles, homely p.51
  2. What consequence did Marilla give to Anne for being defiant to Mrs. Lynde? She needed to apologize p.54

Chapter 10

  1. What finally convinced Anne to apologize to Mrs. Lynde? Matthew snuck into her room and asked her to p.55

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Marilla accuse Anne of being vain? Anne worries a lot about her looks and what people think of her p.61
  2. What was Marilla’s reaction to Anne’s thoughts about Mr. Bell’s prayers and sermons? She realized she felt the same way, but never expressed it p.65

Chapter 12

  1. Describe Diana. Black hair and eyes, 11 years old, excited to have a friend in Anne, plump p.67

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Anne so excited about the picnic? She’d never been to one and there was going to be ice-cream which she has never eaten p.71

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Marilla blame herself for pushing Anne to confess about the brooch? Anne didn’t take it but because Marilla thought she had; she couldn’t go to the picnic until she confessed p.80

Chapter 15

  1. What word would describe Anne in her response to Gilbert? Why? Listen to your child’s answers. 

Chapter 16

  1. What mistake did Anne make in this chapter and what was the consequence? She accidentally gave Diana wine instead of raspberry cordial; Diana’s mother wouldn’t let Diana see Anne anymore p.100

Chapter 17

  1. What initiated Anne’s desire to go back to school? Not being able to see or talk to Diana and at least at school she could look at her p.105

Chapter 18

  1. How did Anne think quickly in this chapter? Diana’s younger sister had the croup, but her parents weren’t home; Anne rushed up to help while Matthew rode for a doctor; Due to her experience with the Hammond twins, Anne knew what to do and saved Minnie May p.112

Chapter 19

  1. Define courage and explain how Anne had courage in this chapter. Doing something scary when you’re scared; she faced Diana’s aunt and told her jumping on the bed was her fault p.123

Chapter 20

  1. Who wouldn’t Anne accept Mayflowers from? Gilbert p.126
  2. Why is it such a problem that Anne imagined a haunted wood with Diana? Now she is scared beyond reason to go through the area to Diana’s at night p.130

Chapter 21

  1. What mistake did Anne make in this chapter and how was she comforted? She used anodyne liniment instead of vanilla, for a special cake she baked for Mrs. Allen, the minister’s wife, but the minister’s wife came to comfort her and told her it was a funny mistake then distracted Anne by asking her to show her the garden p.137

Chapter 22

  1. How did Anne’s visit to the manse go? It went well; she was invited to sing in the Sunday School choir; Anne shared her personal history with Mrs. Allen p.141
  2. What news did Mrs. Lynde share? A new female teacher named Miss Muriel Stacy was going to be teaching at the school p.141

Chapter 23

  1. How did Anne bring on the trial she faced in this chapter? She dared Josie Pye to walk the board fence and diminished the accomplishment when Josie did it; In defiance Josie dared Anne to walk the ridgepole on Diana’s roof; Anne accepted the dare but fell off the roof and broke her ankle; She missed the first day of school and was sad to miss the new teacher p.143

Chapter 24

  1. Why is Anne so excited in this chapter and how does Marilla feel about it? She’s excited to go back to school and really loves the new teacher; the class will be putting on a concert to help pay for a school flag; Marilla thinks it’s foolishness p.148

Chapter 25

  1. What was Matthew’s Christmas gift to Anne and what effort did he go through to get it? A dress with puffed sleeves; her tried to shop for it, but was shy around the girl at the store then he asked Rachel Lynde to take care of it p.152

Chapter 26 

  1. What did the girls create in this chapter and why? A story club to cultivate their imaginations and get better at writing stories p.163
  2. Why is Marilla always telling Anne her ideas are foolishness? Marilla wants Anne to be a respectable, practical, and responsible person, so tries to discourage the things that take away from that p.164

Chapter 27

  1. Why did Marilla cut off Anne’s hair? She bought hair dye from a peddler and her hair turned green when she used it p.169

Chapter 28

  1. Do you think Anne should have forgiven Gilbert Blythe? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answers p.176

Chapter 29

  1. List three things Anne and Diana did while visiting Miss Barry. They went to the Exhibition, saw the horse races, went to a concert in the Academy of Music, had ice cream at 11pm p.182

Chapter 30

  1. Why doesn’t Marilla soften and show Anne more sympathy? Marilla has higher expectations for Anne and doesn’t feel like she can let her see her soft side or Anne won’t meet them p.186

Chapter 31

  1. Why did the Spencervale doctor prescribe that Anne have open air and no books during the summer? She was worn out from working so hard during the school year p.194
  2. Name two ways Anne is growing up. She doesn’t talk as much and doesn’t use big words p.198

Chapter 32

  1. How did the Entrance exam go? Anne and Gilbert tied for first p.204

Chapter 33

  1. What helped Anne come to her senses and be able to perform? She saw Gilbert Blythe in the back of the performance hall and was determined to be successful p.212

Chapter 34

  1. Who was in Anne’s class that ended up being a comfort to her at Queen’s? Gilbert Blythe p.216

Chapter 35

  1. What’s Anne’s attitude toward Gilbert now? She’s not bitter anymore and she sees him as a worthy foeman that drives her determination p.222

Chapter 36

  1. Why was Anne happy after exams? She won the Avery Scholarship p.224
  2. Why is it important that Anne took memory of Matthew’s smile at the end of this chapter? Matthew is getting old and may not be around much longer p.227

Chapter 37

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter? Matthew died; Marilla spoke of being good friends with Gilbert’s father but got angry at him and couldn’t forgive him p.228
  2. Do you think Marilla’s experience of not forgiving influenced Anne to help her forgive? Listen to your child’s answer.

Chapter 38

  1. How did Anne make amends with Gilbert? He gave up his school so Anne could teach close to home and when she ran into him, she told him thank you and that she had forgiven him; he was thrilled and wanted to be friends p.238

Comprehension Questions – Holes

by Louis Sachar

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR 7.0

Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day, digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake. But there are an awful lot of holes. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment - and redemption.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does the author begin this story? Describing Camp Green Lake and the living conditions; the harm in being bit by scorpions, rattlesnakes, and yellow-spotted lizards p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the setting of this story. Camp Green Lake is in Texas where a lake once was. It’s a camp for bad boys p.5

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the main character. Stanley Yelnats the IV; poor family; no friends; overweight; not a bad kid, but was convicted of a crime that took him to Camp Green Lake p.6

Chapter 4

  1. Describe Stanley’s life for the next 18 months. Stanley will need to dig a hole 5ft deep and 5 ft wide each day; he’ll have two sets of clothes; it’s hot and nowhere to go besides desert p.11

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Mr. Pendanski. He seems kind; wants to help the boys; the boys call him Mom p.16

Chapter 6

  1. How does the judge think Camp Green Lake will improve Stanley’s character? Being away from home and digging holes will give Stanley an appreciation for the things he has at home and will help him grow tough mentally and physically p.25

Chapter 7

  1. How was Stanley’s situation similar to his great-great grandfather’s situation with the pig? His grandfather developed character when he carried the pig up the mountain each day and sang to it. Stanley was building character as he dug his first hole p.28
  2. Why did Elya think he was cursed? His friend Zeroni said he would be if he didn’t carry her up the mountain and sing to her; his life was filled with bad luck p.38

Chapter 8

  1. Why do you think the author is describing the yellow-spotted lizard in this chapter? To help the reader understand that getting bit is very dangerous. Possibly foreshadowing someone getting bit p.41

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Stanley scared of the Caveman? He didn’t realize that was his new nickname; he thought the Lump was the Caveman and was going to beat him up p.44

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Stanley think the fossilized rock would give him the day off? It was interesting to him; finding a cool fossil doesn’t happen very often p.50

Chapter 11

  1. Explain why Stanley was accepted at Camp Green Lake, but struggled with bullies at home? There was mutual respect between the boys since they were all there for the same reason p.53

Chapter 12

  1. What’s something you’re interested in and what you’d like to do when you grow up? Listen to your child’s answer.
  2. What does Mr Pendanski say you’ll need to do to achieve your dream? It won’t be easy; you’ll be surprised what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it; you only have one life, so you should try to make the most of it p.57

Chapter 13

  1. How did Stanley earn one place in line? X-ray gave him permission since Stanley gave him something he found while digging p.63

Chapter 14

  1. Describe the Warden. Bossy and stern; red hair and red fingernails; freckles; intimidating; doesn’t want anyone to question her authority p.66

Chapter 15

  1. Why didn’t Stanley tell the Warden they were digging in the wrong place? Didn’t want to get X-ray in trouble; he didn’t want the Warden to know where he’d found barrel p.71

Chapter 16

  1. What did you learn about Zero in this chapter? He’s never heard nursery rhymes p.76

Chapter 17

  1. How successful were the boys at uncovering anything else “interesting”? They weren’t p.77

Chapter 18

  1. What did the author mean, Stanley’s heart hardened over the last several weeks? He wasn’t as compassionate and kind p.82

Chapter 19

  1. When Stanley was riding in the truck, why was he surprised it felt good? Because he was on the way to being punished by the Warden, but it felt good to be out of the sun and sit down p.87

Chapter 20

  1. What caused Mr. Sir to be in horrific pain when the Warden slapped him? She intentionally scraped him, so the venom from her fingernails went into open wounds on his face p.91

Chapter 21

  1. Why was Stanley scared of Mr. Sir? Mr. Sir would be angry at Stanley for taking the sunflower seeds and for being slapped and scraped with the venom p.92

Chapter 22

  1. Why did Stanley agree to teach Zero how to read? Zero dug part of his hole and he wasn’t as tired; Zero showed Stanley a great kindness, so he wanted to be kind back p.96

Chapter 23

  1. Describe Katherine Barlow. She was from the town by Green Lake and was kind and pretty; made delicious, spiced peaches, and always received a prize for them; she taught school p.101

Chapter 24

  1. How did Mr. Sir punish Stanley in this chapter? Instead of filling his canteen with water, Mr. Sir just let the water run on the ground p.106

Chapter 25

  1. What happened to Katherine and Onion Sam in this chapter? They fell in love p.111

Chapter 26

  1. How did Katherine become an outlaw? Sam and his donkey were killed for kissing her due to the color of Sam’s skin; Katherine was full of vengeance p.115

Chapter 27

  1. Where did Zero get his nickname from? His last name Zeroni p.119
  2. What’s significant about Zero’s last name? It’s the same last name as the woman who gave Stanley’s great-great grandfather the pig and who cursed him p.31

Chapter 28

  1. Summarize this chapter. Katherine came back after 20yrs to Green Lake and lived in the cabin between the two oak trees. Trout and his wife Linda caught Kate, but she wouldn’t show them where her loot was buried and was bit by a yellow-spotted lizard and died p.120

Chapter 29

  1. How is Stanley connected to Katherine Barlow? When Kate was an outlaw, she robbed his great grandfather and left him for dead p.128
  2. What connection does Stanley see with his great grandfather and the fist that looked like a rock? His great grandfather said he was saved by the thumb of God; the rock juts up like a thumb sticking up p.128

Chapter 30

  1. Why did Zero run away from the camp? Mr. Pendanski called Zero stupid and that he couldn’t learn, so he hit him p.138

Chapter 31

  1. Why does the Warden want to destroy all of Zero’s records? She thinks he’s going to die in the desert, and she doesn’t want anyone coming to look for him p.144

Chapter 32

  1. What did Stanley do in this chapter? He stole and wrecked Mr. Sir’s truck to go find Zero p.148

Chapter 33

  1. Why was Stanley scared when he saw the family of yellow-spotted lizards in the hole? He would be dead if one bit him p.150

Chapter 34

  1. Who was taking shelter under the boat? Zero p.154
  2. Whose boat was named the Mary Lou? Onion Sam’s p.107

Chapter 35

  1. What is the sploosh Zero found and why are there 16 bottles? The spiced peaches Kate gave to Onion Sam to pay him for fixing up the school house p.109

Chapter 36

  1. Why was Zero’s stomach hurting him? From drinking the old sploosh and not eating other food p.161

Chapter 37

  1. How did Stanley know they were getting close to water? The mountain had bugs and weeds p.169

Chapter 38

  1. What did Stanley find when he slipped? A hole with water and an onion p.171

Chapter 39

  1. Whose fault is it that Stanley is at Camp Green Lake? Zero’s p.175
  2. Why did Stanley sing his family’s song to Zero? To comfort Zero p.175

Chapter 40

  1. Why was Stanley so amazed when he finally found the shovel and jars? He hiked a long way up the mountain carrying Zero with no food and water p.181

Chapter 41

  1. Why did Zero get sent to Camp Green Lake? Stealing a new pair of shoes p.184

Chapter 42

  1. Why did Stanley want to dig another hole? He wanted to go back to where he found the lipstick tube and see if there really was buried treasure p.188

Chapter 43

  1. How did Stanley feel as he and Zero got closer to camp? Why? Terror; he was traumatized from what had happened at the camp p.197

Chapter 44

  1. What did Stanley and Zero find in this chapter and why couldn’t they keep it? A suitcase; the Warden found them digging and wanted it p.202

Chapter 45

  1. What did the Warden mean when she said, “it won’t be long “? It won’t be long before the lizards bite Zero and Stanley and they’re dead p.206

Chapter 46

  1. Why had the lawyer come looking for Stanley? Stanley was innocent and she was going to take him home p.209

Chapter 47

  1. Why do you think the suitcase had Stanley’s name on it? Kate stole it from his great-grandfather, whose name was also Stanley Yelnats p.216

Chapter 48

  1. How did Stanley lawyer protect Stanley and Zero? She wouldn’t let Stanley open the suitcase and tried to get him out of there as quickly as possible; she was taking Zero with her as well p.222

Chapter 49

  1. Why didn’t Stanley and Zero get bit by the yellow lizards? They had onions in their bloodstream and the lizards don’t like onion blood p.224
  2. Why did Ms. Morengo leave the windows rolled down on the way home? The boys stank of onions p.224

Chapter 50

  1. Why did Hector (Zero) hire private investigators?  To find his mom p.230
  2. Summarize the end of this story. Stanley and Zero received just under $1 million each for the contents in the suitcase; Stanley bought his family a home to live in and Hector hired private investigators; Stanley’s dad invented Sploosh, it neutralizes odor in shoes; Zero finds his mom p.231