Category Archives: Novel

Comprehension Questions – The Voyage of the Frog

The Voyage of the Frog

by Gary Paulsen

Grades 8-12; Genre - Fiction; GRL S; AR pts: 5.0

David thought he was alone, that the ocean around him was all there was of the world. The wind screamed, the waves towered, and his boat, the twenty-two foot fiberglass FROG, skidded and bucked and, each moment, filled deeper and grew heavier with sea water. But in fact, David wasn't alone at all. He'd had the FROG as a partner from the beginning. Plot contains sexual content.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is David, his uncle has just died of cancer, 14 years old, only child in his family, close to his uncle, who taught him to sail p.1
  2. Who gave David the sailing boat the Frog and why didn’t he want it? His uncle; he’d rather have his uncle p.2
  3. What did David’s uncle’s request of him? To have David take his ashes in the Frog so far out in the ocean
    he couldn’t see land, then spread them in the water p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Why was David so eager to know all about the Frog? The memory of Owen his uncle p.12
  2. What was in the small box David brought with him onto the boat? His uncle’s ashes p.13
  3. Why did David decide to sail that night instead of the next morning? He thought they were perfect sailing
    conditions; it was his uncle’s favorite time to sail p.15

Chapter 3

  1. What simile does the author use to describe the swells of water on page 19? A hand cradling and holding the Frog p.19
  2. How long did David need to travel to meet his uncle’s wishes? All night long p.20
  3. What beautiful path was David going to follow into the night? The golden light of the sun reflecting on the sea as it went down p.21

Chapter 4

  1. What did Owen want to spend his time doing when he was alive? Studying p.24
  2. What created the lights David saw in the water? small marine animals p.26
  3. What word did the author use to describe David’s feelings of being out of sight of land on page 29?  What does it mean in this context? Sober; marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Why was David angry at the small box that held the ashes? It could hold his uncle p.33
  2. How did the thread hooked on the cabin save David’s life? Because of the thread he turned and saw the storm barreling in on him p.34
  3. What hit David in the head during the storm? the boom p.37

Chapter 6

  1. When David woke up what did he have to do to stop the boat from sinking? Close the hatch p.41
  2. Why did David have a hard time thinking clearly when he woke up in the night? He had a concussion p.42
  3. Describe how you would feel if you were injured, lost on the ocean, your boat’s heavy with water, and your all alone? Listen to your child’s thoughts p.48

Chapter 7

  1. Describe where the phrase “one hand for the sailor, one hand for the ship” came from and what it means. In the old sailing days when the sailors had to climb up high onto the wooden yard, they would be terrified to let go and take care of the sails. One hand is to take care of yourself and the other is to take care of the ship p.53
  2. Why did David tell himself, “one hand for the ship”? His life depended on the Frog and if he didn’t stop worrying about himself and take care of the ship, she would sink p.53
  3. How did David drain the water from the cabin? A water pump p.54

Chapter 8

  1. Explain why David felt some things were better not to know and to just let them be on page 58. Listen to your child’s answer p.58
  2. What woke David in the night?  A shark bumping and scraping against the boat p.60
  3. What did David have that helped him get through this situation? Knowledge p.65

Chapter 9

  1. Why was David surprised to see himself covered with so many cuts and bruises? He didn’t realize he’d been beaten up during the storm p.69
  2. Who could David relate to when he analyzed his hunger? A man in the store looking at the food on the shelves and not being able to eat it p.72
  3. How did David get the thoughts of hunger out of his mind? Distracted himself by getting to work p.73

Chapter 10

  1. Why did David call his boat the “rag boat”? Dishrags, cloth, cushions, drying sails, ropes, rags, and towels had been tied all over the boat to dry, and it reminded him of a Chinese boat in the harbor at Hong Kong with several families living on it doing laundry p.78
  2. Why did David decide to keep his trash instead of throwing it overboard? He realized it might come in handy p.79
  3. Why didn’t David want to keep reading the Frog’s log? It was a personal journal of his uncle and had
    intimate experiences in it. He felt like he was prying p.83

Chapter 11

  1.  What woke David in the night? A huge tanker plowing toward him p.86
  2. Why couldn’t anyone hear or see David as the tanker went by? The engines were too loud, and it was dark; no one was looking p.88
  3. How would you feel if you saw hope disappear like David did? Listen to your child’s thoughts p.91

Chapter 12

  1. What emotion was David feeling at the beginning of this chapter? Hate p.92
  2. What did he realize about that emotion? It didn’t help his situation, and it festered more hate p.95
  3. How did David know a change was coming? The swells were different p.97

Chapter 13

  1. What happened when David ate the other half of the canned stew? He got sick p.101
  2. Why did David call the wind “homewind” at the end of this chapter? This wind was taking him toward home p.106

Chapter 14

  1. What surrounded David as he sailed toward home? 4 killer whales p.108
  2. How did the whales show him they were friends? They didn’t hurt him, they stayed in a formation around his boat, like they were protecting him p.110
  3. Find a word or phrase to describe how David felt on page 111 when there was a good wind. Listen to your child’s answers p.111

Chapter 15

  1. What did David almost crash into while sailing in the dark? Land; a beach p.119
  2. How did he know it was land? He could hear the surf p.119
  3. How did he know it wasn’t California? There weren’t any city lights p.120

Chapter 16

  1. Why was David frustrated at finding land? The land he was expecting to find was California/home, this land was barren with no sign of life p.122
  2. Why did David feel safe in the bay? It was sheltered from the wind p.126

Chapter 17

  1. What woke up David as he slept in the bay? A strong stench from the whales blasting water out of their blowholes p.128
  2. Why couldn’t David stay in the bay after the whales left? He appreciated and enjoyed their company and didn’t want to be in the bay alone p.13
  3. When David realized the storm was coming, why didn’t he go back to the bay to ride it out? He didn’t know when the storm was coming, and he didn’t want to lose precious sailing time p.131

Chapter 18

  1. Why couldn’t David let the sea take the Frog again? The Frog was a part of who he was now, and he didn’t want to abandon her by going inside during the storm again p.134
  2. What did David see as the storm passed and what did it mean? Another boat coming his way; he knew he was saved and could go home p.136
  3. Why didn’t David let the researchers save him? The rescuers couldn’t take the Frog with them and he couldn’t leave the Frog behind after everything they had been through together; it had saved him p.139

Comprehension Questions – The Great Treehouse War

The Great Treehouse War

by Lisa Graff

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

Fifth-grader Winnie, with notes from her friends, writes of turning her treehouse into an embassy after her newly divorced parents become unreasonable, where she is joined by nine others with complaints.

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Part II

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Part III

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Comprehension Questions – Wonder

Wonder

by R.J. Palacio

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts: 11.0

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial difference that prevented him from going to a main-stream school - until now. He's about to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid, you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

Comprehension Questions

Part 1 August

Pages 3-16 (Ordinary-Paging Mr. Tushman)

  1. Describe the main character. His name is August (Auggie), he’s ten years old, his face is different than everybody else, has a family with a mom, dad and sister named Via, is homeschooled, has had 27
    surgeries since his birth, has friends named Christopher, Alex and Zach p.3
  2. Describe the night Auggie was born. His mom and dad knew there were some problems with Auggie’s face before he was born, but when he was born the doctor fainted and the nice nurse carried Auggie out of the delivery room quickly. Auggie’s dad ran after her dropping and breaking the video camera and the nurse held Auggie’s mom down and tried to wake the doctor; the nurse was also a nice nurse and she stayed with his mom; the doctors didn’t think Auggie would make it through the night, but he did; when his mom first saw him she thought he had pretty eyes p.6
  3. Is Auggie correct in his assumption that the other kids will make fun of him at school? Listen to your child's answer p.10
  4. What did Auggie’s dad do that helped convince him to go to school? He made fun of the principal’s name p.12

Pages 17-34 (Nice Mrs. Garcia-The Performance Space)

  1. What did Mrs. Garcia’s shiny smile mean to Auggie? She was fake; it made him nervous and uncomfortable p.17
  2. Why did Mr. Tushman have the three students give Auggie a tour of the school? to help Auggie get to know some students and help them get to know him p.22
  3. How did Auggie’s mom act as he left with the kids for the tour? Nervous p.22
  4. How was Julian rude to Auggie? He asked him questions about his face; mocked him for being home schooled; cut in front of him and made him stumble backwards p.28

Pages 35-50 (The Deal-Choose King)

  1. Why was Auggie’s mom now saying he couldn’t go to school? She felt sad Julian was mean and didn’t want him to be exposed to other mean kids; she wanted to protect him from bullies p.35
  2. Why did Henry put his backpack on his desk like a wall? To separate himself from Auggie p.39
  3. How would you feel if someone did that to you? listen to your child’s answers p.39
  4. Explain what Julian meant when he said Auggie looked liked Darth Sidious. Julian was making fun of Auggie’s face since Darth Sidious has a face that's deformed and looks like it’s melting p.44

Pages 50-80 (Lunch-Names)

  1. How did Summer help Auggie feel accepted? She sat by him during lunch and talked to him about their names and who could sit at their table p.51
  2. Why did Auggie cry when his mom was reading The Hobbit to him? He was sad he was so ugly p.60
  3. Why does Auggie consider himself the old moldy cheese? No one will touch him and if they do, they hurry and wash their hands p.72
  4. What did Jack say to Julian on Halloween that upset Auggie? He made it sound like he couldn’t stand August and was forced to be his friend p.77

Part 2 Via

Pages 82-102 (A Tour of the Galaxy-Breakfast)

  1. Whose point of view are we hearing in the story now and describe them. Via’s or Olivia’s; August’s sister who’s in high school; she loves and defends August and never complains since his life is so
    much harder p.82
  2. Why does Via think Auggie needs to grow up? He’s 10 and shouldn’t be treated like a baby; he needs to learn to talk about things p.90
  3. Why was Via upset about her friends, Miranda and Ella? They were leaving her out p.94
  4. Why did Via want to ride the subway home instead of getting a ride? She wanted to be independent and act more grown up p.101

Pages 103-117 (Genetics 101-Time to Think)

  1. Who did Olivia begin to hang out with? Eleanor and her friends p.107
  2. Why didn’t August want to go trick or treating, or to the Halloween Parade? His mom would have made him go to school the next day since he was feeling better p.113
  3. How did Via help Auggie realize it was important to go to school and that everyone had bad days? She helped him understand that it was normal to hate school and that it is okay to have bad days. If he wanted to feel normal too, he needed to keep going and not give up p.115

Part 3 Summer

Pages 119-132 (Weird Kids-The Egyptian Tomb)

  1. What’s the Plague? Julian started it by saying if anyone touched Auggie they had to wash their hands within 30 seconds, or they would get the Plague p.120
  2. What did Savannah say to Summer at the party? She invited Summer to be in the popular group and that Julian liked her; however, she couldn’t be August’s friend too. Summer had to decide between August and Julian p.122
  3. Choose a word to describe Summer in this chapter. How do you feel about her actions? Courageous, strong, true, integrity. Listen to your child's answer p.123
  4. How is Summer a true friend? She doesn't care what others think and stands by Auggie and loves him for who he is

Part 4 Jack

Pages 134-157 (The Call-Detention)

  1. When did Jack first see August? On a bench in the street eating ice cream with his babysitter and little brother p.136
  2. Why did Jack agree to be August’s welcome buddy? He felt bad and knew August didn’t stand a chance at middle school p.141
  3. Why couldn’t Jack write about meeting Auggie for the English assignment? Jack was worried Mr. Browne would make them read them out loud or put them up on a bulletin board, and he didn’t want Auggie to see
    it p.148
  4. Why was Jack in detention? He hit Julian for saying mean things about August p.154

Pages 158-185 (Season’s Greetings-The Boyfriend)

  1. How did Jack get a hold of August and apologize to him? Facebook p.164
  2. What did Jack find challenging as he went back to school after being hitting Julian? His friends wouldn’t talk to him p.168
  3. Why is Julian’s mom trying to get August’s school application reviewed? She doesn’t want him in the school and is trying to get him kicked out p.171
  4. Describe the war going on between Jack and the other boys in fifth grade. Julian’s convinced the other boys that August is bringing down Jack and so they have stopped talking to him as well as hanging
    out with him. They’re hoping to wake him up and to get him to stop hanging out with August p.172

Part 5 Justin

Pages 187-204 (Olivia’s Brother-The Universe)

  1. Compare Justin’s parents to Olivia’s parents. Justin’s parents don’t pay attention or talk to him, they are divorced and hate each other. Olivia’s parents pay attention, talk and laugh to their children and to each other p.191
  2. What do you think Olivia wished for on the ladybug? Listen to your child’s answer p.195
  3. What did Justin do for Jack when he saw Miles, Henry and Julian in the subway station? He stood up for Jack and told the other boys to leave him alone p.199
  4. What metaphor does Justin use to describe Olivia on page 203? He compares her to a bird: how her feathers get ruffled when she’s mad, and when she’s fragile she’s a little lost bird looking for its nest. So he'll provide her a wing to hide under p.203

Part 6 August

Pages 206-219 (North Pole-My Cave)

  1. How did Jack and August respond to the notes Julian left in their lockers? They wrote love notes to him from a pretend girl named Beulah and left them in Julian’s locker p.208
  2. Why didn’t August want to wear hearing aids? He was already nervous about his ears and felt self-conscious p.211
  3. Why didn’t Olivia want to invite her family to her play? She was embarrassed to have Auggie go since the kids at her new school don't know him p.218

Pages 220-234 (Goodbye-The Ending)

  1. What happened to Daisy? She was sick and died p.220
  2. What did August wonder about heaven? What it would be like to not have his face be different p.227
  3. How did August feel about the play as it began? He liked it since it made him feel grown up p.230
  4. Why was it good that Olivia’s family came to see her? She ended up being the lead since Miranda got sick p.230

Part 7 Miranda

Pages 236-248 (Camp Lies-After the Show)

  1. Describe what Miranda did at camp that made her self-conscious to call Olivia? She smoked, snuck up to the boys' camps and hung out with them; she’d lied to everyone about having a little brother (August) who was deformed; her parents being in Europe, living in a huge townhouse and having a dog named Daisy; she changed her hair and makeup and changed her t-shirts into halter tops p.237
  2. Why did the drama teacher switch from doing the play Elephant Man to doing Our Town? Miranda lied to him, telling him that her little brother was deformed, and that Elephant Man would hit too close to home p.240
  3. Why did Miranda lie to the drama teacher about being sick and not being able to go on stage? She realized no one was at the play to see her and saw Olivia’s family in the audience and knew Olivia should perform p.244

Part 8 August

Pages 250-275 (The Fifth-Grade Nature Retreat-Aftermath)

  1. What made August feel comfortable about leaving Baboo home when he went to the retreat? He knew Daisy was with him wherever he went p.256
  2. Name 3 things August and his classmates did during the retreat? They went on a two-hour guided nature tour in the woods, hung out in the rec room playing ping-pong and arcade games, had a campfire cookout, rode horses, rappelled up trees, went to an outdoor movie night p.257
  3. Who came to help Jack and August, during the movie night, when they went into the woods for a bathroom break? Amos, Miles and Henry p.267
  4. What did Amos, Henry, Miles and Jack become after that incident? August’s emperor guard p.272
  5. What positive consequence resulted from Eddie and his friends bullying August and Jack in the woods? August showed courage; Amos, Henry and Miles hadn’t been nice to August all year and came to defend him and became his friends; everyone really seemed to care about August p.274

Pages 276-310 (Home-The Walk Home)

  1. What happened to Auggie’s astronaut helmet? His dad threw it out since he missed seeing Auggie’s face and didn't want him to hide from the world any longer p.290
  2. Name one characteristic that August demonstrated that helped him earn the Henry Ward Beecher Award? Give an example of why you chose that characteristic. Courage, kindness, friendship, character; Listen to your child's answer p.304
  3. Compare Auggie from the beginning of the story to who he is now. Auggie started out self-conscience, insecure and fearful of what other people thought. He hid from the world and was dependent on his family; at the end of the story, he had grown in confidence, become independent, and didn't want to hide any longer
  4. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – The Outsiders

The Outsiders

by S.E. Hinton

Grades 7-12; Genre - Fiction; GRL Z; AR pts: 7.0

Rivalry between rich and poor gangs in 1960s Oklahoma leads to the deaths of three teenagers and intense soul-searching for one of the kids involved, a sensitive 14-year-old writer named Ponyboy. The plot contains profanity, violence, and alcohol use.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Ponyboy and he’s 14 years old; in a gang called the Greasers; parents were killed in a car accident; has two older brothers he lives with; Likes to watch movies alone and read books; has longer light brown reddish hair with greenish-gray eyes p.1
  2. How did Ponyboy get out of his tough situation with the Socials? He yelled and fought; Darry heard him and ran over p.6
  3. Why do you think Darry only gets after Ponyboy and has high expectations for him? Because Ponyboy is smart and can make something of himself; he has school smarts, but not street smarts p.13
  4. What did Soda say that Pony had a hard time believing? That Darry loved him p.18

Chapter 2

  1. Why did the girls invite Johnny and Pony to sit with them at the drive-in? they didn’t talk dirty and stood up to Dally p.26
  2. Why are the girls alone at the drive-in? their boyfriends brought beer with them and the girls didn’t want to have any part of it, so the boys left angry and the girls decided to stay and watch the movie p.27
  3. What did Cherry notice about Johnny? That he’d been hurt and scared by others p.31
  4. What did Cherry say about the Socs after Pony told her Johnny’s story? That not all Socs are like the ones that jumped Johnny and they have it rough too p.34

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Cherry and Pony feel comfortable talking about personal things? They could trust each other; they connected with each other p.38
  2. Who was in the blue mustang that drove by the kids as they talked? Socs Randy and Bob; Cherry and Marcia’s boyfriends; the guys who beat up Johnny p.41
  3. Why did Pony want to live in the country? There weren’t gangs and different social statuses to get stuck in p.48
  4. What made Pony decide to run-away? Darry hit him p.50

Chapter 4

  1. Who pulled up to the park while Johnny and Pony were hanging out? The blue mustang full of Socs p.54
  2. Why did Johnny kill Randy? They were drowning Pony and were going to beat Johnny up p.57
  3. What did Dally get for the boys to help them get out of town? $50 and a loaded gun p.60
  4. Where did the boys take cover and hide? In a church at Jay Mountain p.65

Chapter 5

  1. How did the boys disguise themselves? They cut each other’s hair and Pony put peroxide in his hair so he’d look blond p.72
  2. Why was Johnny upset when Pony talked about the previous night? Because he’d killed a guy and didn’t want to think about it p.74
  3. How did Johnny and Pony pass the time in the church? Reading Gone with the Wind, playing poker, talking p.75
  4. What are the two pieces of news Dally told the boys? There was going to be a war between the Socs and the Greasers, and Cherry is their spy p.83

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Johnny thinking about turning himself in? he doesn’t have a record and he killed the guy in self-defense p.87
  2. How did Dally feel about the boys turning themselves in? he was upset; he didn’t want Johnny to spend time in prison since it would change and harden him p.89
  3. Why was Johnny happy when they were saving the kids from the fire? He had purpose; he liked to do good and had an opportunity p.92
  4. What did Pony’s metaphor mean, “I had taken the long way around, but I was finally home. To stay.”? He had finally understood his brother and knew he accepted and loved him p.99

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Pony so upset about Johnny’s condition? Johnny might be paralyzed, and his family wouldn’t be good to him, and they wouldn’t be able to hang out like they used to p.102
  2. What made Pony worried that he and Soda might go to a boys’ home? The newspaper had talked about how the boys worked so hard to stay together p.108
  3. Why did Pony feel like he needed to clean his house? He wanted it to look like their family was put together, so he and Soda wouldn’t need to go to a boys’ home p.113
  4. What did Randy tell Ponyboy when he wanted to talk? That he wasn’t going to the rumble that night and that he was sick of things p.116

Chapter 8

  1.  Why did Johnny change and not want to die anymore? Now that dying was close, he realized he was too young and still had things he wanted to do p.121
  2. Why didn’t Johnny want to see his mom when she came to visit him in the hospital? She always made him feel bad and rejected p.123
  3. Why couldn’t Cherry go see Johnny in the hospital? She couldn’t look at the person who killed her boyfriend p.128

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Darry want Pony to fight in the rumble? He’d lost weight, wasn’t in shape and didn’t look very good p.134
  2. Why did Pony think Darry wouldn’t be a hood all his life? Because Darry wanted to make something of himself p.138
  3. Why was it such a big deal that Paul spoke up to fight Darry? They used to be buddies on the football team and in high school. Now they hated each other p.142
  4. What was Johnny referring to when he told Pony to stay golden? It was a reference to when they talked about gold in the sunset and in the poem p.148

Chapter 10

  1. Why had Dallas robbed a grocery store? He was upset Johnny had died and he wanted to die too p.153
  2. How had Pony been feeling all night and what finally happened to him? Sick; went unconscious for 3 days p.157
  3. Why was it bothering Pony that he might not have asked for Darry while he was sick? He didn’t want Darry to feel bad; he realizes he’s uncomfortable being alone with him p.158

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Ponyboy see in the yearbook and what did he think about? Bob, the Soc who Johnny killed; he thought about what he was like and that he was a real person p.161
  2. What did Randy say during his visit? He mentioned they were going to see the judge the next day and talked about how his dad wanted Randy to tell the truth p.164
  3. What did Pony say when Randy brought up Johnny? That he killed Bob and that Johnny wasn’t dead p.165

Chapter 12

  1. What was the result of the hearing? Pony was acquitted and the case was closed p.168
  2. How did Pony’s attitude change about fighting from the beginning of the story to when the Socs drove up to him at the grocery store? He used to not like fighting, he didn’t want to mess with the Socs; now he wasn’t scared of them and was ready to fight, he was tough and knew he had to be tough to not get hurt p.171
  3. What two things was Soda upset about? A letter he’d sent to Sandy came back unopened and he didn’t like to hear his brothers fight p.174
  4. What did Johnny explain being gold was? You’re gold when you’re a kid and everything’s new, like the dawn p.178
  5. How did Pony begin his theme paper? The same way this story began p.180

Comprehension Questions – The Trumpet of the Swan

The Trumpet of the Swan

by E.B. White

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 6.0

Louis, a romantic swan, is in love with the angelic Serena, but he can't tell her how he feels; he has no voice. When he meets eleven-year-old Sam Beaver, a human friend, he goes to school with him to learn how to read and write. Louis' father also helps out; he steals a brass trumpet for his son. In the end, Louis learns to play, wins Serena's heart, and repays the music shop owner for his stolen trumpet.

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. Where was Sam camping and what was it like? Canada; a big wilderness.  Pg 2.
  2. Where was home for Sam and his father?  A cattle ranch in Montana. Pg. 4.
  3. Why did Sam want to return in thirty-five days? It takes that long to hatch swan eggs. Pg 6.
  4. What are baby swans called? Cygnets. Pg 7.

Chapter 2

  1. Describe
    a trumpeter swan? Large white, black bill, black feet, makes “Ko-hoh!” sound. Pg 12.
  2. Why was the nesting spot perfect? Surrounded by water. Pg13.
  3. What is a male swan? A cob. Pg. 14.
  4. How did the swans feel about their 6 foot nest? Proud and happy. Pg 16.

Chapter 3

  1.  What did the swans think boys do? Throw stones and sticks. Pg20.
  2. How did the cob think the swan felt about sitting on eggs? It was onerous or irksome. Pg 23.
  3. What happened when the swan got a drink of water? The Red Fox tried to steal eggs. Pg. 25.
  4. Who saved the swan? Sam Beaver with a stick. Pg 25.

Chapter 4

  1. What do baby swans have to break open the shells? A powerful neck muscle and a dagger tooth. Pg 30.
  2. What did Sam use to see the swans from a distance? Field glasses. Pg. 33.
  3. How do they swim? Cob first, cygnets in a line, mother last. Pg. 36.
  4. How did the last cygnet greet Sam? It untied his shoe lace. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. What did the parent swans never hear Louis do? Beep or burble. Pg. 42.
  2. Why did they think this was serious? He wouldn’t attract a mate. Pg. 44.
  3. What did the cob tell Louis about being dumb? Two meanings; not smart and not able to speak. Pg. 49.
  4. What was the advantage in not being able to speak? Makes you a good listener. Pg. 50.

Chapter6

  1. Where are the swans going for winter? South to Red Rock Lakes, Montanan. Pg. 54.
  2. What is special about Red Rock Lakes? Warm water from a hidden spring. Pg. 54.
  3. What are the three parts of flying? The takeoff, the ascent, and the leveling off. Pg. 55.
  4. What did Louis fear would happen if he couldn’t fly? Be left behind and starve. Pg. 58.

Chapter 7

  1. What did Louis decide he should do since he couldn’t use his voice? Learn to read and write. Pg. 62
  2. Who did Sam’s father need to check with for the swan to stay? The game warden. Pg. 67.
  3. Why did Mrs. Hammerbotham say swans don’t need to read & write? They don’t communicate. Pg. 68.
  4. How did Mrs. Hammergotham discover Louis name? He shook his head when asked. Pg. 71.
  5. What grade was Sam in and what lesson was he learning? Fifth, arithmetic. Pg. 75.

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the cob not go search for Louis? There were too many directions he could have gone. Pg. 79.
  2. How long was Louis gone? One year and a half. Pg 81.
  3. With whom did Louis realize he could converse with the slate? People not animals. Pg. 85.
  4. What did Louis mother see him do? Unable to talk to Serena that he loved. Pg. 88.

Chapter 9

  1. Where did the cob go to get a trumpet? A music store in Billings. Pg. 91.
  2. How did he get the trumpet? Dove into the glass window and took it. Pg. 92.
  3. How did the cob feel about stealing? Bad for his honor; good to help his son. Pg. 95.
  4. Why did the cob steal the trumpet? He had no money. Pg. 98.

Chapter 10

  1. Why did the young females start to notice Louis? Because he carried things around his neck. Pg. 99.
  2. Where did Louis go for help with the trumpet? To Sam Beaver at the Bar Nothing Ranch. Pg.103.
  3. What songs did Louis learn to play? Reveille, mess call, and taps. Pg. 107.

Chapter 11

  1. How did Mr. Brickle introduce Louis? Louis the Swan, a musician. Pg. 113.
  2. What did Applegate say? He didn’t like birds. Pg. 114.
  3. What does Kookooskoos mean? An Indian word for Great Horned Owl. Pg. 115.

Chapter 12

  1. Why was the skunk in trouble? He had a can from the dump stuck on his head. Pg. 120.
  2. How did Sam help the skunk? He used a fishing pole with a looped line. Pg. 123.
  3. Why did Applegate go out alone in the canoe? He was mad at the other boys for mocking his name. Pg. 125.
  4. Why couldn’t Louis fly out to help? His flight feathers fall out in summer. Pg. 127.

Chapter 13

  1. What is the difference between a trumpet and a bugle? A bugle has no valves. Pg. 134.
  2. Why couldn’t Louis play the trumpet valves? Because he had webbed feet. Pg. 135.
  3. What did Louis compose for Serena? A love song. Pg. 138.

Chapter 14

  1. How did the Swan Boat move? A paddle wheel by pedaling like a bike. Pg. 144.
  2. What song did Louis play in front of the Swan boat? Row, row, row your boat. Pg. 145.
  3. Why did Louis need money? Because his father was in debt for stealing the trumpet. Pg. 147.
  4. Why did the Boatman want Louis to stay at the Ritz? Because the park wasn’t safe at night. Pg. 148.

Chapter 15

  1. What did the boatman tell the clerk Louis was? A celebrity. Pg. 151.
  2. What convinced the clerk that Louis was a celebrity? The girls wanted his autograph. Pg. 152.
  3. What did the bellboy and the waiter want from Louis? A tip. Pgs. 158, 161.
  4. What did Louis send Sam in the letter? The newspaper clipping. Pg. 164.

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Louis go to Philadelphia?  He got a telegram job offer from Abe Lucky Lucas. Pg. 169.
  2. What surgery was performed on birds in the Lagoon and why? Pinioned, so they can’t fly. Pg.175.
  3. Why was Louis not going to be pinioned? He would give a free Sunday concert. Pg. 176.

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Serena fly to Bird Lake at the Zoo? A storm blew her off course. Pg. 182.
  2. Who stole Louis’ Trumpet? The Wood Duck. Pg. 187.
  3. What song did Louis wake Serena with? Beautiful Dreamer. Pg. 189.
  4. How did the swans show that they liked each other? They placed their necks over the others’ neck. Pg. 197.

Chapter 18

  1. What did Louis do to the keepers? Jabbed one in the behind and beat one with his wing. Pgs. 201, 202.
  2. What did Louis tell the Head Man about safety? “Safety is all well and good: I prefer freedom.” Pg. 206.
  3. What 2 favors did Louis ask the Head Man? #1 to leave Serena alone until Christmas, #2 to send a telegram to Sam Beaver. Pg. 206.
  4. What was Sam’s plan? For Louis to donate cygnets that need extra security to the zoo. Pg. 210.

Chapter 19

  1. What did Sam say would happen to Louis in captivity? He would pine away. He would die. Pg. 215.
  2. Why did the Head Man think animals had it easier than men? They didn’t have to buy things. Pg. 218.
  3. Why were warning messages sent at the airport? Because there were swans on the airstrip. Pg. 221.
  4. Why would Louis be triumphant when he returned? He was famous, had money. Pg. 224.

Chapter 20

  1. Why was the cob’s wife worried about him going to the music store? It was dangerous. The storekeeper might shoot him again. Pg. 227.
  2. Where was Alfred Gore going? To the candy store because he was thirsty.  Pg. 234.
  3. How did the doctor classify the cob’s wound and what did the cob think it meant? Superficial; He thought that meant very serious. Pg. 237.

Chapter 21

  1. Where
    did Louis and Serena go to nest? Back to the woods in Canada. Pg. 243.
  2. What did Serena like about Boston? The Ritz. Pg. 246.
  3. Did Sam ever tell his dad where Louis lived? No. pg. 250.

Comprehension Questions – When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts: 6.0

In 1979, as her mother prepares to be a contestant on the THE $20,000 PYRAMID, a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.

Comprehension Questions

Chapters 1-3 pgs. 1-11

Ask your child to think about the names of the chapters and how they’re symbolic to the story. Tell them you’ll ask them at the end of the book to see if they’ve figured it out.

  1. What point of view is this story told in and who’s the main character? first person; Miranda p.1,5
  2. Why does Miranda’s mom need to win the game show? Because her mom’s hating work and if she wins, she doesn’t have to work anymore p.6
  3. What book is Miranda telling Belle about while waiting for her mom in the store? A Wrinkle in Time; If you
    child doesn’t know yet, don’t tell them, sections of this book come up through the rest of the story p.8
  4. What did Miranda and her mom hide in this chapter? A key to their apartment p.11

Chapters 4-6 pgs. 12-20

  1. How did Miranda meet Sal? She and her mom had just moved into the apartment and that same day they met Louisa holding Sal in the lobby. He was crying and stopped when he saw Miranda p.15
  2. Describe the crazy man on the corner? He showed up as school began and would do sudden kicks into the street, shake his fist at the sky, yell crazy stuff and throw his head back and laugh so everyone could see his mouth full of fillings. He sometimes slept with his head under the mailbox p.16
  3. Who is Miranda referring to when she says, “you”? listen to your children’s thoughts

Chapters 7-10 pgs. 21-31

  1. What’s the consequence of Sal getting punched? It ended Miranda’s and his friendship p.24
  2. How does Miranda deal with strangers that she comes across? She asks them if they have the time p.25
  3. How did Miranda deal with the bully who followed her and punched Sal? She turned around and asked him if he had the time; after their conversation realized she wasn’t scared of him p.30

Chapters 11-14 pgs. 32-53

  1. Why did Miranda ask Annemarie if she wanted to have lunch together? Miranda needed a friend and overheard Julia tell Annemarie that she wouldn’t eat lunch with her for the rest of the week p.35
  2. Why is it important that Louisa writes down notes from the game show? So Miranda’s mom can practice just how it will be when she gets on the show p.40
  3. Who was the last kid on the list Miranda picked up to the dentist and what did they have a debate about? Marcus, the boy who hit Sal; Miranda’s book p.47

Chapters 15-19 pgs. 54-66

  1. Where did Miranda, Annemarie and Colin get jobs and what was the pay? Jimmy’s; a soda and cheese sandwich p.55
  2. What was missing and what did Miranda find in her library book? The apartment key; a note that freaked Miranda and her mom out p.60
  3. Why was Miranda nervous to bring Annemarie home? They had to walk by the group of boys and the laughing man on the corner p.64

Chapters 20-25 pgs. 67-83

  1. What was in Jimmy’s bank in the back of the restaurant? Lots of $2 bills p.69
  2. How does Miranda feel about Colin? She has a crush on him p.74
  3. What did Jimmy do to Julia at the sandwich shop? He kicked her out p.83

Chapters 26-30 pgs. 84-99

  1. What had been stolen from Miranda’s apartment? Richard’s work shoes p.87
  2. Why shouldn’t Annemarie eat bread and drink soda? She has epilepsy and that type of food makes her seizures worse p.92
  3. What did Miranda learn from the third note? That whoever was writing the notes was watching her p.99

Chapters 31-34 pgs. 100-117

  1. Why did Marcus hit Sal? To see what would happen p.105
  2. Why had Miranda’s bread count at Jimmy’s come up short? Colin had taken two of the rolls and stuffed them in his knapsack p.109
  3. How did Miranda’s mom react when she found out Miranda gave the laughing man a sandwich? She was upset and thought Miranda put herself in danger p.115

Chapters 35-39 pgs. 118-136

  1. Why didn’t Jimmy let the kids into the restaurant? Someone had stolen his bank and he assumed it was one of them p.124
  2. Why does Jimmy think Julia stole the bank? She’s black p.130
  3. What’s the book Miranda is always carrying and debating with Marcus? A Wrinkle in Time p.135

Chapters 40-43 pgs. 137-153

  1. Why did Miranda’s mom get scared when Miranda wasn’t home and she didn’t know where she was? She thought something happened to her; Miranda left and said she was going to bring back a bagel for her and never came back p.141
  2. What caused Miranda’s change of heart? She saw Julia’s face as she looked at Annemarie and realized she had the same face when she looked at Sal p.144
  3. Who was at the door when Miranda heard the strange knock and what did they want? Colin; he kissed Miranda p.153

Chapters 44-47 pgs. 154-170

  1. Why did Sal run away from Marcus into the road? Sal was scared of him because he had punched him p.158
  2. Who wrote the notes to Miranda and saved Sal’s life? The laughing man p.162
  3. Why did Sal want to take a break from being friends with Miranda? He wanted to have other friends because he didn’t have any p.169

Chapters 48-55 pgs. 171-197

  1. Explain what happened with Marcus’ brother and Marcus’ explanation of why he hit Sal. Anthony, Marcus’ brother got beat up and Marcus stood and watched. Anthony was upset that Marcus didn’t help him and told him he’d have to hit and be hit someday to understand. The next day Marcus hit Sal and instead of hitting Marcus back, Sal bent over and cried. When Anthony found out what Marcus did, he was mad at him for hitting a short kid p.177
  2. Who’s the laughing man? Marcus from the future p.189
  3. What did Miranda find under the mailbox and who’s the drawing of? Her missing apartment key and a drawing of Julia p.194
  4. Summarize this story. Miranda received three notes explaining she needed to write a letter telling the story of what happened between Sal and Marcus. The notes were from Marcus (the laughing man) from
    the future. Young Marcus needed the letter to know how to protect Sal.

Challenge Question

  1. What did the chapter titles represent in this story? Subjects on $20,000 Pyramid

Comprehension Questions – Baseball Pals

Baseball Pals

by Matt Christopher

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Comprehension Questions – The Sign of the Beaver

The Sign of the Beaver

By Elizabeth George Speare

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

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

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Matt so anxious to get some honey from the bees? He was tired of plain fish and wanted something tasty p.22
  2. What’s Matt’s consequence for disturbing the bees? He got stung all over p.23
  3. Who saved him and how? Two Indians; they got him out of the water and pulled out the poisonous needles from the stings; carried him home and gave him medicine p.26
  4. What would be your reaction if you were helped by two strangers you were nervous about? Listen to your answer

Chapter 6

  1. How did Saknis help Matt when he saw he was awake? Checked his ankle to see if it was broken, left delicious food for him; gave him a crutch and moccasins to wear since Matt lost one of his boots p.27
  2. How did Attean respond to Matt? He looked like he despised him and the cabin along with everything in it; seemed to inwardly laugh at Matt p.28
  3. Why did Saknis want Matt to teach Attean to read? So he could understand what the white man writes; the white man has fooled the Indians because the Indians haven’t understood their writing p.31
  4. List a difference between Ben and the two Indians. Ben took advantage of Matt's vulnerability and stole his gun; the Indians saved Matt's life and were honorable when he was wounded

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Chapter 21

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

Chapter 22

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

Chapter 23

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

Chapter 24

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

Chapter 25

  1. What had taken Matt's family so long to get to the cabin? They all got sick with typhus and were all too weak and sick to travel p.131
  2. Was Saknis right about more white men coming? Explain. Yes.  Matt’s mother heard from another couple that they were settling 5 miles from their cabin and three other families were coming and were going to set up a mill; they would have a town and maybe a school p.135
  3. What is a theme demonstrated throughout this story? Coming of Age; Friendship; Survival and Independence
  4. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – Brian’s Hunt

Brian’s Hunt

By Gary Paulsen

Grades 6-8; Genre – Fiction; GRL S; AR pts: 3.0

Two years after having survived a plane crash into the Canadian wilderness, a sixteen-year-old returns to the wild to befriend a wounded dog and hunt a rogue bear. The plot contains violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Brian’s dreams right after the accident of crashing in the lake and how they’re different now. They were more tarrying and traumatizing then and now they’re more fond memories and comical p.2
  2. How old is Brian now? 16 yrs old p.2
  3. Why did Brian decide against shooting the moose? It was a lot of meat to deal with and he didn’t want to waste any of it p.5
  4. Why did Brian think about Susan Smallhorn? She sounded interesting; pretty; brave; had a scar under her eye he thought of as a beauty mark; he’d never met her p.6

Chapter 2

  1. Why had school and studying become different after his airplane crash? He started to realize the things you could learn and know from books. Being in his life and death situation changed his perspective p.10
  2. Why did the world Brian’s parents live in look ugly to him? He didn’t like the sights, sounds and smells anymore. They focused on “things”, money, the right car, the right girls and the right clothes p.11
  3. Why did Brian take so long to move the canoe after studying the pike? He didn’t want to scare it p.14
  4. What lesson did Brian learn from the Inuit hunting seal? To be patient and not get frustrated p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Brian check his equipment every day? To make sure it was in good shape; make sure it was all there p.21
  2. Why did Brian like to sleep in the canoe in the middle of the lake? Less mosquitoes, like a cradle rocking him to sleep p.24

Chapter 4

  1. How did Brian wake up in the middle of the night? He heard an odd sound and he’s very in tune with odd sounds out in the wilderness/bush p.27
  2. What was making the sound? A dog that was in his cooking spot p.30
  3. How did Brian know the dog he could approach the dog? It was wounded, it was female and a type of dog he had seen in Cree camps, whimpering and not growling p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Describe the dog’s condition. Its side was ripped open about 1.5 feet long, there was a torn back flap of skin on the shoulder that exposed muscle p.33
  2. How did the dog respond to Brian sewing up it’s shoulder? Moaned, looked him in the eyes, seemed to trust him p.36
  3. What Brian know about the dog? She was a female, she was a human dog, couldn’t hunt for herself, away from her people and wondered why so far away from them p.38
  4. What kind of thinking skills is Brian using to figure out what happened to the dog and what conclusion did he come to? Critical thinking, process of elimination; a bear attacked the dog p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What were the two reasons Brian gives of why the rabbit screamed when he shot it? It warned other animals there was a predator and other predators came to the area out of curiosity p.46
  2. What were the ingredients to Brian’s stew? Rice, rabbit meat, fish meat p.48
  3. How does the author describe how Brian felt about the dog? She was a friend in need p.50
  4. Explain why you think Brian felt a push to move and go north? He felt a pressing need to know where the dog came from and why it was injured p.50

Chapter 7

  1. How did Brian get over the beaver dams as he was traveling? He had to unload his canoe, lower it by hand, then repack it in the stream below p.54
  2. What does the phrase mean, “he saw inside things” relating to hunting? He saw a line of where the arrow should hit p.56
  3. Why did Brian say “thank you” to each animal after he had killed it? Because it cost the animals their lives to feed him and he was grateful to them p.49

Chapter 8

  1. What did Brian realize about having a dog? That he would never go without a dog again, there was a loneliness that was always there, until now p.61
  2. Why did Brian think the dog left his people? Something hurt them or the camp p.62
  3. How did Brian know he was in the woods where man lived? The animals were quiet and out of sight p.66
  4. How did the dog feel about drawing nearer to the island? She was up and whining and growling p.67

Chapter 9

  1. Who did Brian find and what condition was this person in? David Smallhorn; he was ripped up and dead p.72
  2. Why didn’t Brian grab the gun? He wasn’t as familiar with it and knew his broadhead could do good damage p.74
  3. Where did he find Anne’s body? Dragged off into the brush p.76
  4. What had happened to Susan? She was berry picking along the shore and saw what had happened as she came back and ran back to the canoe and was able to get away from the bear p.79
  5. Where did Brian find Susan and what condition was she in? down the lake 4 miles from the island; she was crazed and exhausted p.82

Chapter 10

  1. What was Susan’s reaction to finding out both of her parents are dead? Sobbed for hours p.86
  2. Where were the two small children? In Winnipeg with relatives p.86
  3. Why did Brian want to stay on the island and not fly out with the rescuers? He wanted to hunt the bear p.87

THE HUNT

  1. Why was Brian able to trust the dog? She could smell out the bear’s tracks even if Brian couldn’t see them; the dog would warn him if there was danger p.91
  2. How was Brian able to discern between the bear he was hunting to the other bears he saw? The other bears didn’t chase him or go after him; their claw prints were different since the big bear had a missing claw and broken claw p.93
  3. How did Brian feel when he first realized the bear was hunting him? Scared; coldness on his neck, no breath, everything stopped 94
  4. How did Brian fight the bear once his bow was knocked out of his hands and the bear attacked him? Picked up arrows that had been flung to the ground around him p.96
  5. Was Brian satisfied now that he’d killed the bear? Explain. No, he just felt sorrow for his friends that had died p.98

Comprehension Questions – Little Women (Unabridged Version)

For the abridged version click here.

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott

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

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

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Part I

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

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

Chapter 16

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

Chapter 17

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

Chapter 18

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

Chapter 19

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

Chapter 20

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

Chapter 21

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

Chapter 22

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

Chapter 23

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

Part II

Chapter 24

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

Chapter 25

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

Chapter 26

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

Chapter 27

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

Chapter 28

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

Chapter 29

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

Chapter 30

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

Chapter 31

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

Chapter 32

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

Chapter 33

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

Chapter 34

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

Chapter 35

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

Chapter 36

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

Chapter 37

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

Chapter 38

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

Chapter 39

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

Chapter 40

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

Chapter 41

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

Chapter 42

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

Chapter 43

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

Chapter 44

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

Chapter 45

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

Chapter 46

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

Chapter 47

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