Category Archives: Novel

Comprehension Questions – Stuart Little

Stuart Little

by E.B. White

Grades 4-5; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 3.0

"When Mrs. Frederick C. Little's second son arrived, everybody noticed that he was not much bigger than a mouse. The truth of the matter was, the baby looked very much like a mouse in every way." So begins E.B. White's tale of a sensitive, erudite mouse that is somehow born to a family of humans.

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Stuart’s mother send for the doctor? He only gained a third of an ounce pg 3
  2. Why did Stuart go down the drain? To find his mother’s ring pg 4
  3. How did the family feel when Stuart recovered the ring? That he was “awfully good” pg 6

Chapter 2

  1. How did Stuart help around the house? Retrieving ping-pong balls, sticky piano keys pg 7
  2. Why did they tear up the nursery rhyme? Stuart would feel badly about carving knives pg 9
  3. Why did they change “The Night before Christmas” words? It would embarrass Stuart pg 10

Chapter 3

  1. Every morning what does Stuart do with George first thing? Touch toes 10 times pg 13
  2. How did Stuart turn on the bathroom light? Long string to light chain pg 14
  3. How did Stuart turn on the water faucet? 3 strikes with a little hammer pg 16

Chapter 4

  1. What did Stuart argue with Snowbell over? Who had stronger stomach muscles pg 18
  2. What happened when he jumped on the window shade ring? Rolled up inside pg 19
  3. What did Snowbell do? Placed Stuart’s things in front of mouse hole pg 20

Chapter 5

  1. What did George want to do to find Stuart? Rip up the floor pg 21
  2. What did they end up doing? All called together and waited to hear his answer pg 22
  3. Why did George pull down the shades? To respect Stuart who was “dead” pg 25

Chapter 6

  1. What did Stuart watch out for when outside? Dogs pg 27
  2. How did Stuart step up onto a bus? He held onto a man’s pants pg 28
  3. What boat did Stuart want to sail on and beat? The Wasp, The Lillian B. Womarth  pg 33

Chapter 7

  1. What accident happened at the beginning of the race? The policeman fell into the water pg 38
  2. What did the policeman cause? A big wave pg 39
  3. What caused the crash between the boats? A paper bag pg 43
  4. Why did Stuart win? He sailed the Wasp “straight and true” pg 45

Chapter 8

  1. How did Stuart catch bronchitis? He got locked in the refrigerator pg 47
  2. What did Stuart do for Margalo? Take her temperature pg 52
  3. What did Stuart do to Snowbell’s ear? Shoot it with an arrow pg 55

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Stuart jump into the garbage can? To avoid the Irish Terrier pg 57
  2. Where was the garbage truck going? To dump the load on the scow pg 60
  3. Why was Stuart sad that he might die? He would miss his home pg 61

Chapter 10

  1. What did the Angora cat tell Snowbell? You have more self-control than me pg 69
  2. Who overheard the plot to kill Margalo? The pigeon pg 71
  3. What did Margalo do when she read the note? Fly away pg 71

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Stuart run away from home? To look for Margalo pg 73
  2. Who did he go see for advice? Dr. Carey pg 75
  3. Why wouldn’t Stuart’s car attract attention? It was invisible pg 79

Chapter 12

  1. Why were the scholars delighted at #7 School? They would have a substitute for                         Mrs. Gunderson pg 87
  2. What would fix the world being in a lot of trouble? A chairman of the world pg 92
  3. What would be a fine law? Absolutely no being mean pg 94

Chapter 13

  1. What did Stuart want to drink? Sarsaparilla pg 102
  2. Who did the storekeeper want Stuart to meet? Harriet Ames pg 103
  3. What did Stuart invite Harriet to do? Paddle in his canoe pg 110

Chapter 14

  1. What were the paddles for the canoe? wooden ice cream spoons pg 114
  2. Why did Stuart keep changing his shirts? Nervous perspiration pg 118
  3. How did the evening on the river end? It was ruined pg 124

Chapter 15

  1. How much gas did Stuart want? Five drops pg 125
  2. What direction did the repairman say is not making any mistakes? North pg 12

Comprehension Questions without Answers

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Stuart’s mother send for the doctor?
  2. Why did Stuart go down the drain?
  3. How did the family feel when Stuart recovered the ring?

Chapter 2

  1. How did Stuart help around the house?
  2. Why did they tear up the nursery rhyme?
  3. Why did they change “The Night before Christmas” words?

Chapter 3

  1. Every morning what does Stuart do with George first thing?
  2. How did Stuart turn on the bathroom light?
  3. How did Stuart turn on the water faucet?

Chapter 4

  1. What did Stuart argue with Snowbell over?
  2. What happened when he jumped on the window shade ring?
  3. What did Snowbell do?

Chapter 5

  1. What did George want to do to find Stuart?
  2. What did they end up doing?
  3. Why did George pull down the shades?

Chapter 6

  1. What did Stuart watch out for when outside?
  2. How did Stuart step up onto a bus?
  3. What boat did Stuart want to sail on and beat?

Chapter 7

  1. What accident happened at the beginning of the race?
  2. What did the policeman cause?
  3. What caused the crash between the boats?
  4. Why did Stuart win?

Chapter 8

  1. How did Stuart catch bronchitis?
  2. What did Stuart do for Margalo?
  3. What did Stuart do to Snowbell’s ear?

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Stuart jump into the garbage can?
  2. Where was the garbage truck going?
  3. Why was Stuart sad that he might die?

Chapter 10

  1. What did the Angora cat tell Snowbell?
  2. Who overheard the plot to kill Margalo?
  3. What did Margalo do when she read the note?

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Stuart run away from home?
  2. Who did he go see for advice?
  3. Why wouldn’t Stuart’s car attract attention?

Chapter 12

  1. Why were the scholars delighted at #7 School?
  2. What would fix the world being in a lot of trouble?
  3. What would be a fine law?

Chapter 13

  1. What did Stuart want to drink?
  2. Who did the storekeeper want Stuart to meet?
  3. What did Stuart invite Harriet to do?

Chapter 14

  1. What were the paddles for the canoe?
  2. Why did Stuart keep changing his shirts?
  3. How did the evening on the river end?

Chapter 15

  1. How much gas did Stuart want?
  2. What direction did the repairman say is not making any mistakes?

Comprehension Questions – Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie

By Kate DiCamillo

Grades 4-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 3.0

The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she names Winn-Dixie.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. In the Winn-Dixie grocery store in the produce department p.7
  2. Explain how Opal became Winn-Dixie’s owner? He followed her into the store and the manager said to call the pound and she couldn’t let him go to the pound, so she said the dog was hers p.8
  3. Describe Winn-Dixie. Dirty; ugly; bald patches on him; could see his ribs; big; smiles p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Why does Opal’s father call her by her second or middle name? it’s his mother’s name and he loves her a lot p.14
  2. What did Opal tell Winn-Dixie on their way home from the store? How she got her name; how she had just moved to Naomi; about the preacher p.14
  3. How did Opal convince her dad she needed to keep Winn-Dixie? She convinced him that Winn-Dixie needed her p.17

Chapter 3

  1. How are Opal and Winn-Dixie similar? They’re both like orphans p.21
  2. Why doesn’t Opal know very much about her mother? Her father doesn’t talk about her p.22
  3. What did Opal finally have to courage to ask her father? To tell her 10 things about her mother p.25

Chapter 4

  1. List 2 things about Opal’s mother that was similar to Opal. She had freckles and red hair; she could run fast p.26
  2. Why do you think Opal’s mother left? She didn’t like being the preacher’s wife; they fought when she drank alcohol p.28
  3. Why did Opal write down all ten things? So she could memorize them and remember them, so that if her mother came back, she’d know who she was and never let her go again p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What happened when the preacher and Opal left Winn-Dixie home? He howled or tore the house apart p.31
  2. Explain what happened when Opal brought Winn-Dixie into the church. He saw a mouse, caught it and brought it to the preacher, who threw it outside p.36
  3. List the things Opal prayed for at the end of this chapter. She was lonely; the mouse; her mama and that she could tell her the story of the mouse and Winn-Dixie p.38

Chapter 6

  1. What did Miss Franny think Winn-Dixie was as he looked in the window of the library? A bear p.41
  2. Why was Miss Franny so worried about seeing a bear? She had a bad experience with a bear coming into the library p.42

Chapter 7

  1. How did the Herman W. Block Library come to be? Miss Franny was the daughter of Herman W. Block and told her dad she wanted a little house full of books she could read and share with others p.46
  2. Explain the story of the bear in the library. Miss Franny was reading her book on a hot day with all of the windows and doors open. A shadow crossed by her and she looked up when no one answered her question and saw the bear sniffing her p.47
  3. Who was Opal’s first friend in Naomi? Miss Franny p.51

Chapter 8

  1. What plan did Opal come up to pay for the collar and leash? Do jobs around the pet store p.54
  2. How did Gertrude feel about Winn-Dixie? She landed on his head, so she liked him p.56
  3. Describe Sweetie Pie Thomas. She’s a 5 year-old little girl; sucks on her third knuckle; wants a dog, but can’t have one; goes to Opal’s church p.57

Chapter 9

  1. Who was the witch Stevie and Dunlap were talking about? Gloria Dump p.64
  2. Why did they call her a witch? She was old, had crinkly brown skin, wore a big floppy hat and had no teeth p.63
  3. What did Gloria feed Winn-Dixie? Peanut butter p.63

Chapter 10

  1. What does it mean to have a green thumb? Being good at growing plants p.69
  2. How was Winn-Dixie helping Opal? He helped her find friends; he helped her get a job p.70

Chapter 11

  1. Find a simile on page 74. Barreling like a bowling ball
  2. How did Winn-Dixie continue to behave during the thunderstorm? out of his mind with fear; racing back and forth every time there was thunder p.76
  3. Opal had a difficult time talking when the preacher said they need to keep Winn-Dixie safe during thunderstorms. What was she feeling? Lots of love for the preacher and felt like crying p.78

Chapter 12

  1. What was Otis doing in the pet store when Opal arrived early to work? Playing his guitar with every animal out of its cage p.80
  2. What effect did Otis have over the animals as he played his guitar? He was like a snake charmer p.81
  3. What did Otis and the animals have in common? They’d both been locked up p.83

Chapter 13

  1. What was Opal’s favorite place to go that summer? Gloria Dump’s p.88
  2. Why did the twins make Opal so mad? They continued to call Gloria a witch p.89
  3. Why did Opal enjoy going over there so much? Gloria would make her a sandwich and coffee/milk and talk to her p.90

Chapter 14

  1. Why couldn’t Gloria get glasses to see? Because her eyes were too bad p.92
  2. What was hanging from the tree in Gloria’s backyard? Whiskey, wine and beer bottles p.94
  3. Why were there bottles hanging from it? Gloria used to drink and these were the bottles she had drunken out of; they were her ghosts of the things she’s done wrong in her life p.95
  4. Why did Gloria show Opal the tree? To teach her that she shouldn’t judge Otis for being in jail p.96

Chapter 15

  1. Find a simile on one of the first two pages of this chapter. Fur blowing off like a dandelion puff; stop and start shaking like a leaf; protecting her like soldiers p.98&99
  2. Why did Opal want to tell Gloria a story? To keep the ghosts away from the bottles hitting together in the wind p.100
  3. How did Miss Franny react when Amanda Wilkinson came into the library and demanded a book? She told her she’d have to wait until she finished telling Opal the story of her great grandfather in the Civil War p.102

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Miss Franny’s great grandfather’s experience of fighting in the war. Hot or cold; covered in vermin, fleas and ticks; always hungry; always getting shot at; stinky in the summer p.106
  2. What did Littmus find after walking home from the war? His home was burned; his mom and sisters dead from typhoid fever and his dad on the battlefield p.107

Chapter 17

  1. What did Miss Franny’s great grandfather do with his life after the war? Built the candy factory and made candy p.111
  2. What’s the secret ingredient of the candy Miss Franny gave the girls? Sorrow p.114
  3. What did Opal decide to do as she passed the twins on her bike? Wave to them p.116

Chapter 18

  1. What did the preacher think the candy tasted like? Opal’s mother; melancholy p.121
  2. What did the preacher want Opal to say to Stevie? That she was sorry for calling him a bald-headed baby p.123
  3. Who is Carson and what happened to him? Amanda’s five year-old brother who had drowned last year p.124

Chapter 19

  1. Why did Otis go to jail? He wouldn’t stop playing his guitar when the policemen asked him too and he hit one of them when they put handcuffs on him p.130
  2. How did Sweetie Pie respond to the candy Opal gave her? She spit it out and tasted like not having a dog p.132

Chapter 20

  1. How did Opal come up with the idea to have a party and invite her friends? From the book, Gone with the Wind p.125
  2. How did Gloria respond to Opal’s idea? She made her promise to invite the twins p.137
  3. What was Otis’s reaction when Opal asked him to come to the party? He didn’t want to come at first, but told him she would do her jobs for free for a week and then told him to bring his guitar p.142

Chapter 21

  1. What kind of sandwiches did Gloria and Opal make for the party? Egg-salad sandwiches p.143
  2. Why did Miss Franny wobble when she walked and sway when standing still? She was wearing high heels p.145
  3. Why was Otis hesitant to come to the party? He was nervous to be around people p.149

Chapter 22

  1. What did Otis do that made Sweetie Pie laugh? Leaned over and his guitar on his back bonked him on the head p.151
  2. What did the weather turn into just as the party got started? A rain storm p.154

Chapter 23

  1. Who did Opal forget to bring inside as the thunder started to roll? Winn-Dixie p.157
  2. Why was she so worried about him? In thunderstorms he gets scared and this time she didn’t hold onto him, so he ran away p.157

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Opal make a list to describe Winn-Dixie? If she had to make a sign about him it would tell people about him p.162
  2. Explain what the preacher told Opal when she blamed him for not trying to stop her mother from leaving. He told her he did try, but he couldn’t stop her; he wished she’d come back every day; was very grateful she had left Opal p.165

Chapter 25

  1. Where had Winn-Dixie been during the thunderstorm? Under Gloria’s bed p.173
  2. What helped him come out from under the bed? Otis’s music p.174

Chapter 26

  1. Opal stood out at the tree looking up at the sky and constellations. What was she doing there? Telling her mama that she wasn’t going to think about her as much and that her heart had been filled p.178
  2. Why did Dunlap and Stevie call Gloria a witch? To tease Opal p.179
  3. Describe how Opal relationship with her father had changed at the end of the story. They had grown together in understanding and were connecting with each other

Comprehension Questions – The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard

By Lynne Reid Banks

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

When Omri's big brother has no birthday present for him, he gives Omri an old wooden medicine cabinet he's found. The cabinet doesn't seem like much of a present to nine-year-old Omri, until he deposits inside it another present he receives for his birthday: a miniature plastic Indian. His mother comes up with a key for the cabinet, and the real magic begins. When Omri turns the key once, the Indian, named Little Bear, comes alive; but turn the key a second time and it's an ordinary plastic Indian again.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does Omri feel when Patrick gives him the plastic Indian? Disappointed pg 2
  2. What does Omri’s mum give him for the cabinet? A boxful of keys pg. 3
  3. What does the Indian do when Omri tries to pick him up? Stab him pg 9.

Chapter 2

  1. What does Omri worry happened to the Indian while at school? He dies without food, drink pg 15
  2. What did the Indian think was magic? Electricity pg 21
  3. Did Little Bear live in a tepee? No, a longhouse pg 21
  4. Who is the Indian? Iroquois brave, son of chief, Little Bear pg 23

Chapter 3

  1. Omri finds out that Little Bear fought in a war with whom and against whom. With the English against the French and the Algonquin pg 29
  2. What did Little Bear say that scared Omri? He scalped 30 French soldiers pg 30
  3. Why did Omri not tell anyone about Little Bear? They would make him an experiment in a laboratory pg 31

Chapter 4

  1. How did Little Bear hurt his leg? Horse kicked when box was squeezed pg 41
  2. What did Little Bear call fire water? Water and Listerine; disinfectant pg 41
  3. What plastic figure did Omri grab to help Little Bear’s injury? WW I orderly pg 42

Chapter 5

  1. What does Omri tell Tommy so he won’t be afraid? It’s just a dream pg 45
  2. What supplies does Omri gather for Little Bear? Seed tray, posts and bark pg 47
  3. Where does Omri get an ax for Little Bear? From a knight pg 48

Chapter 6

  1. Omri sneaks away at lunchtime at school to buy what? Plastic chief with bow and arrow pg 52
  2. How does Little Bear check to see if the chief is dead? Puts his feather in front of his mouth pg 59
  3. What does Little Bear take from the dead chief and why? Cape, headdress, bow and arrow and now he’s the new chief pg 59
  4. What does Omri’s father make him do? Replace items he used at hardware shop pg 60

Chapter 7

  1. When they get to Omri’s room who do they find there? Gillon and Adiel pg 65
  2. What did the brothers feel about the longhouse? Admiration at the details pg 67
  3. Why did Omri not want Patrick to put a lot of toys in the cupboard? Because they are real pg 69
  4. What did Patrick beg Omri for? One live toy of his own pg 74

Chapter 8

  1. What did Patrick do when Omri went to get some food for the Indian? Put the cowboy in the cupboard pg 78
  2. What does the cowboy do to Patrick? Shoots him pg 80
  3. What does Omri promise Patrick to do? Bring the Cowboy to school pg 85

Chapter 9

  1. Why does Little Bear do a dance? He is getting a wife pg 89
  2. What happened when Omri was a sleep? The cowboy escaped pg 90
  3. What does Little Bear want Omri to do? Take him to school too pg 94

Chapter 10

  1. What did Omri fix for breakfast? Egg, beans and bread crust pg 98
  2. What did Omri make the cowboy and Indian do to eat? Call a truce pg 99
  3. What did Boone threaten Little Bear he’d do if he didn’t fight fair? Set his hallucy-nation on him pg 103

Chapter 11

  1. How does April taunt Patrick? She says “Lookit he’s blu-shing!” pg 108
  2. Why do Omri and Patrick get thrown out of class? Little Bear stabs him in the side  pg 111
  3. What does Omri do with the little men? Puts them in the same pocket pg 114

Chapter 12

  1. When Omri couldn’t find Patrick where was he? The music room pg 119
  2. When Patrick was late to class by 20 minutes what did Miss Hilton do? Sent both boys to the headmaster Mr. Jonson pg 120
  3. Why did Omri attack Patrick in Mr. Johnson’s office? He was going to tell him about the little men pg 124
  4. Did Patrick show the little men to Mr. Johnson? Yes pg 126

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Patrick say he had to show the little men? They would tell his dad pg 128
  2. How did Omri feel when the art teacher saw Boone’s drawing? It was fun pg133
  3. How did Omri trick Mr. Yapp with the little men? He told them to act like plastic pg 139

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Adiel take Omri’s cupboard? He thought Omri took his football shorts pg 142
  2. Why was the magic gone from the cupboard? Because the key was lost pg 145
  3. Why does Little Bear shoot Boone with an arrow? TV shows portrayed Indians as bad pg 150

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Omri worried for the safety of the little men? The rat was loose pg 155
  2. What did Omri worry would happen to Little Bear under the floor? the rat would eat him pg 161
  3. How did Omri think he could stop the little men from fighting? Become blood brothers pg 167

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Little Bears’ wife called Bright Stars? Her shining eyes pg 173
  2. Who became blood brothers? Little Bear and Boone pg 176 Little Bear and Omri pg 178
  3. Where was Omri’s mum going to keep the key? She was going to wear it on a chain pg 181

Comprehension Questions without Answers

Chapter 1

  1. How does Omri feel when Patrick gives him the plastic Indian?
  2. What does Omri’s mum give him for the cabinet?
  3. What does the Indian do when Omri tries to pick him up?

Chapter 2

  1. What does Omri worry happened to the Indian while at school?
  2. What did the Indian think was magic?
  3. Did Little Bear live in a tepee?
  4. Who is the Indian?

Chapter 3

  1. Omri finds out that Little Bear fought in a war with whom and against whom.
  2. What did Little Bear say that scared Omri? Why did Omri not tell anyone about Little Bear?

Chapter 4

  1. How did Little Bear hurt his leg?
  2. What did Little Bear call fire water?
  3. What plastic figure did Omri grab to help Little Bear’s injury?

Chapter 5

  1. What does Omri tell Tommy so he won’t be afraid?
  2. What supplies does Omri gather for Little Bear?
  3. Where does Omri get an ax for Little Bear?

Chapter 6

  1. Omri sneaks away at lunchtime at school to buy what?
  2. How does Little Bear check to see if the chief is dead?
  3. What does Little Bear take from the dead chief and why?
  4. What does Omri’s father make him do?

Chapter 7

  1. When they get to Omri’s room who do they find there?
  2. What did the brothers feel about the longhouse?
  3. Why did Omri not want Patrick to put a lot of toys in the cupboard?
  4. What did Patrick beg Omri for?

Chapter 8

  1. What did Patrick do when Omri went to get some food for the Indian?
  2. What does the cowboy do to Patrick?
  3. What does Omri promise Patrick to do?

Chapter 9

  1. Why does Little Bear do a dance?
  2. What happened when Omri was a sleep?
  3. What does Little Bear want Omri to do?

Chapter 10

  1. What did Omri fix for breakfast?
  2. What did Omri make the cowboy and Indian do to eat?
  3. What did Boone threaten Little Bear he’d do if he didn’t fight fair?

Chapter 11

  1. How does April taunt Patrick?
  2. Why do Omri and Patrick get thrown out of class?
  3. What does Omri do with the little men?

Chapter 12

  1. When Omri couldn’t find Patrick where was he?
  2. When Patrick was late to class by 20 minutes what did Miss Hilton do?
  3. Why did Omri attack Patrick in Mr. Johnson’s office?
  4. Did Patrick show the little men to Mr. Johnson?

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Patrick say he had to show the little men?
  2. How did Omri feel when the art teacher saw Boone’s drawing?
  3. How did Omri trick Mr. Yapp with the little men?

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Adiel take Omri’s cupboard?
  2. Why was the magic gone from the cupboard?
  3. Why does Little Bear shoot Boone with an arrow?

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Omri worried for the safety of the little men?
  2. What did Omri worry would happen to Little Bear under the floor?
  3. How did Omri think he could stop the little men from fighting?

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Little Bears’ wife called Bright Stars?
  2. Who became blood brothers?
  3. Where was Omri’s mum going to keep the key?

Comprehension Questions – Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web

By E.B. White

Grades 3-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 5.0

Wilbur is the runt of a litter born to a pig on the farm of Fern Arable's father. When it is announced that her father is going to kill the pig, Fern rushes forth to save it, asking of her father: "If I had been very small at birth, would you have killed me?" Her father spares the pig, but only if Fern agrees to care for it. Falling in love immediately with the little pig, Fern takes care of him until he is moved to her Uncle’s farm. Wilbur becomes friends with the other animals at the farm including a spider named Charlotte who saves Wilbur’s life.

Vocabulary Words

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. Farm; kitchen and on the way to the pigpen; morning, breakfast time; grass was wet and the earth smelled of springtime p.1
  2. Why did Fern’s father decide to keep the pig and not kill it? Fern said she would take care of it and that it was an injustice to kill a pig just because it was small p.3
  3. What did Fern name her pig? Wilbur p.7

Chapter 2

  1. How did Wilbur stay warm at night? Dug a tunnel in the straw p.9
  2. Why did Mr. Arable need to sell Wilbur? He ate too much food; he didn’t want to provide for him any longer p.12
  3. Why did Fern’s Uncle decide to buy the pig? It was only $6 p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Wilbur’s new home. The lower part of a barn, below the cows, in the manure pile p.14
  2. Is the goose a good or bad influence and why? Bad; She told Wilbur to free himself and to dig in the orchard and garden; told him how to escape when people were coming p.17
  3. How did Lurvy and Uncle Homer catch Wilbur? Go behind him and drove him toward the barn; got a bucket of slop to lure into his pen p.19
  4. Why didn’t Wilbur care that he was being led back to his pen? He was nervous; he wanted the food; he wanted to be in his pen again and not being chased around p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why is Wilbur sad in this chapter? It’s raining and he can’t do his plan; he’s doesn’t have any friends and he’s lonely p.27
  2. Describe Templeton. He’s a rat; he’s dug tunnels everywhere so he can get to where he wants to without being seen; he sleeps in the day and is out at night; gluttonous; 30
  3. Give me three descriptive words of how Wilbur was feeling in this chapter. Lonely; despair; sad; rejected p.31
  4. Who do you think spoke to Wilbur about being his friend? Charlotte p.31

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Wilbur have a difficult time sleeping? He was anxious for morning so he could meet his new friend p.33
  2. Describe Charlotte. Friendly; nearsighted; a spider; has eight legs; pretty; tells the truth p.37
  3. What did Charlotte say that finally convinced Wilbur that catching bugs and drinking their blood was ok? If she didn’t, bugs would otherwise multiply and take over the world p.40
  4. What did goose know about Wilbur that he did not? Mr. Zuckerman and Lurvy were going to kill him at Christmastime p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Give three reasons why the book felt the happiest and fairest days on the farm are in early summer. Blossoms and lilacs with bees; temperature is warm; school ends; cutting of the hay and put in the loft of the barn; birds, nests and eggs; plenty of things for a child to chew (dandelion stem); goose eggs hatch p.42
  2. Why did the geese worry about Templeton? He would kill a gosling if he could get away with it p.46
  3. What did Charlotte say would happen if the egg broke? It would be such a strong smell that no one could handle living in the barn, it’s a stink bomb p.47

Chapter 7

  1. Who told Wilbur that the farmer would most likely kill him when the weather got cold? The old sheep p.49
  2. What was Wilbur’s reaction? Got upset, cried and ran around in a panic p.50

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Mrs. Arable concerned about Fern? Fern told her about the animals speaking p.54

Chapter 9

  1. What did Charlotte try to teach Wilbur to do? Spin a web p.56
  2. Why couldn’t Wilbur spin a web? He lacked a set of spinnerets and know how p.58
  3. How did Charlotte help Wilbur feel better when he was worried about dying? She said she had a plan to help him p.63
  4. What was the advice Charlotte told Wilbur? Build himself up; get plenty of sleep; stop worrying; no hurrying; chew food thoroughly and eat every bit of it, except leave enough for Templeton; gain weight and stay well; keep fit; don’t lose nerve p.64

Chapter 10

  1. What was Charlotte’s plan going to do to Zuckerman? Trick or fool him p.67
  2. What did Avery want to do with Charlotte? Catch her p.72
  3. Why wasn’t Avery able to catch her? He was climbing to swing a stick to knock her in a box and lost his balance. He fell and landed on the rotten egg and it exploded making it stink terribly, so he ran away p.73
  4. What made the terrible smell go away? Lurvy covered the rotten egg with dirt p.75

Chapter 11

  1. Describe Mr. Zuckerman’s reaction when they saw Charlotte’s web? In awe; bewildered; said a miracle has happened on the farm; said the pig was a special pig p.79
  2. Where did Mr. Zuckerman go with his suit on and why? To see the minister to explain there had been a miracle at the farm p.82
  3. Why was everyone coming to see the pig? They heard about it and wanted to see the “sign” that had appeared in the web p.83
  4. What was Avery’s punishment for trying to hit the spider with a stick? Sent to bed with no supper p.84
  5. What did the minister say the “sign” or miracle was? Human beings needed to be on the watch for wonders p.85

Chapter 12

  1. How do we know Charlotte’s plan to save Wilbur worked? Everyone thought Wilbur was unusual, so they won’t kill him now p.87
  2. How did the animals want Templeton to help out Charlotte? Bring magazine clippings from the dump so she can get ideas and know how to spell words p.89
  3. What made Templeton agree with bringing back magazine clippings? Realizing that if Wilbur dies, he won’t get any more food p.90

Chapter 13

  1. After seeing the word “terrific” written in the web, what plans did Zuckerman make for Wilbur? No more manure; only clean hay; Lurvy was to build a crate so Zuckerman could take him to the fair p.96
  2. What was the dump that Templeton went to? Zuckerman’s throw away pile at the end of a path, below the apple orchard p.97
  3. Give me two examples in this chapter that describe how Charlotte feels about Wilbur. Worked far into the night for him p. 92; Charlotte looked affectionately at him p.101; she told him a story even though she was tired p.102; she sang him a song p.104; listen to other examples stated

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Fern’s mother visit Dr. Dorian? She was concerned about Fern and her interest in the farm animals p.107
  2. What did Dr. Dorian tell Mrs. Arable? To not worry about Fern and that she seemed to be fine p.111

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Charlotte worried when she heard the crickets singing that summer was almost over? she didn’t have much time left and she couldn’t help him anymore p.114 &117
  2. What was Wilbur’s attitude even with the attention he was getting? Humble; modest; kind p.115
  3. Why did Charlotte need to stay at the farm and not go to the fair? it was time for her to lay eggs p.116

Chapter 16

  1. How did the sheep convince Templeton he should go to the fair? told him of all the food scraps that would be left around p.123
  2. What made Wilbur faint as everyone admired him? The farmer spoke of the ham and bacon that would come from killing him p.126
  3. How did the farmer know that Wilbur was ok? Wilbur fought back as they tried to get him into the crate p.28

Chapter 17

  1. Using 3 of the senses describe what the family saw as they arrived at the fair. Hear the music; see the Ferris wheel; smell the of the race track; smell hamburgers frying; hear bleating in pens; see balloons aloft p.130
  2. Avery and Fern wanted to go have fun at the fair. How much money did their father give to each of them? $0.70 p.131
  3. Describe Uncle. A spring big; much larger and dirtier than Wilbur; noisy; cracks weak jokes; unattractive personality p.134

Chapter 18

  1. What word did Templeton bring Charlotte at the fair and why was it a good word? Humble; he’s not proud and he’s near the ground p.140
  2. Why was the fair a paradise for Templeton? He could find all sorts of food to eat p.140
  3. What do you think Charlotte is making? Listen to your child’s ideas; an egg sac p.143

Chapter 19

  1. Why isn’t Charlotte going to see her children? She doesn’t think she’ll be around p.146
  2. Why is everyone so excited after bathing Wilbur in buttermilk? There was an announcement for Mr. Zuckerman to bring his pig to the judges’ booth to receive a special award p.151
  3. Why is Charlotte feeling content and peaceful? She thinks she has saved Wilbur’s life p.153

Chapter 20

  1. Where did Fern want to go during the award ceremony? On the Ferris wheel with Henry p.156
  2. Why is the writing in the web such a phenomenon? Spiders aren’t supposed to write p.158
  3. What did the rat do to Wilbur save him after he fainted? Bit his tail p.159
  4. Why did Avery enjoy getting splashed with water? He loved the crowd cheering at him as he acted like a clown p.162

Chapter 21

  1. Why can’t Charlotte go back to the barn? She’s going to be dead in a day or two; she doesn’t have enough spinnerets to lower her to the ground; she doesn’t have strength to get into the crate p.165
  2. What’s the deal Wilbur made with Templeton to make him get Charlotte’s egg sac? Wilbur would let him eat first when Lurvy fed him p.168
  3. How did the egg sac feel in Templeton’s mouth? Sticky; worse than caramel candy p.170

 Chapter 22

  1. Why did Wilbur look forward to winter ending? Charlotte’s eggs would hatch p.176
  2. Describe to me the signs of spring. A new lamb; frogs croaking; snow melting; a sparrow singing; goose sitting on eggs p.176
  3. Why were Charlotte’s children leaving Wilbur? They needed to go into the world to make webs for themselves p.180
  4. How many spiders decided to stay with Wilbur? 3 p.182

Comprehension Questions – My Side of the Mountain

My Side of the Mountain

By Jean Craighead George

Grades 4-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL U; AR pts: 6.0

Fifteen-year-old Sam Gribley has decided to run away from his crowded apartment home, but unlike most kids who rarely get beyond their block, Sam goes from New York City all the way to the ruined farm of Great-grandfather Gribley in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. Sam learns to live off the land, and in the course of a year, discovers just how much he values freedom, independence, and adventure when faced with the challenges of blizzards, loneliness and fear.

Vocabulary
Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Sam’s home. It’s in a tree he dug and burned out that’s six feet in diameter; his bed is on the right made of ash slats and deerskin; fireplace on the left made of clay and stones; chimney p.3
  2. How did Sam know that a blizzard was coming? The animals were silent and in hiding; his hawk was nervous; it was darker than usual during the daytime p.7
  3. Tell me about Sam’s family. He has a mom and dad, four sisters and four brothers p.8
  4. Tell me the story of Great Grandpa Gribley and how it effects Sam?  He owned the land in the Catskill Mountains and built a home and plowed the land; the farm failed and he went to be a sailor; Sam found the land with the tree that had Gribley carved into it and lives 300 feet from it; he wanted to live on his great grandfather’s land p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What did the truck driver say to Sam as he dropped him off in the forest? He was surprised and told him how he ran away as a child as well; Said he’d be back in the morning if Sam wanted a ride home p.10
  2. Describe Sam’s first night in the woods? He was able to catch fish, but couldn’t start a fire to cook them; he made a shelter, but was so cold with the winds and he couldn’t sleep because of a whippoorwill calling p.17
  3. How would you have felt in this situation? Listen to your child’s answers p.17

Chapter 3

  1. How did Miss Turner respond to Sam when he told her he wanted to live on his great grandfather’s farm? She believed him and supported him; told him to come back if he needed any books to learn about plants, trees and animals p.22
  2. How did Sam find his great grandfather’s property? From Miss Turner’s hand drawn maps p.22
  3. How did having a fire during the night compare to not having a fire? It made the woods friendly and warm; filled the woods with brightness when the first night was dark and frightful p.24

Chapter 4

  1. What did Sam find as he explored his great grandpa’s farm? Hickory trees; a small stream; the foundation of the house; apple trees; walnut trees; a marsh; giant trees p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Sam so careful and deliberate on where his home was? He didn't want it to be seen by people as they came through the mountains p.29
  2. Why did Sam feel like he didn’t plan his time very well in those first few days of his adventure? He had started a home, but didn’t have any food; he would work himself so hard he hardly had energy to find any food; he’d get hungrier p.29
  3. How did Sam put out the fire as he burned out his tree house? he’d smother it with dirt p.35

Chapter 6

  1. What was the story the old woman told Sam? The mountain was haunted; little men play ninepin in the gorge at twilight p.38
  2. Give me three characteristics the old woman has. Explain why you chose those. She was determined; strong; fierce; forceful; bossy; talked a lot; listen to your child's answer p.38
  3. How did Sam get away from the old woman? He walked her to her home and then headed to the library in town p.40

Chapter 7

  1. What did Sam do while he waited to see a peregrine falcon? Ate apples, went fishing and cooked his fish p.42
  2. How did Sam escape the mother falcon as he stole her chick? He used his shoe to protect himself from her dive, jumped to a ledge below, sat down and slid to the next ledge; she saw her other chicks and left him alone p.44

Chapter 8

  1. Who was the man at Sam’s camp and why was he there? A fire warden come to check the area since they saw smoke from Sam’s fire; they were worried about forest fires p.48

Chapter 9

  1. Who is The Baron and how did Sam meet him? A weasel and Sam caught him in a trap p.51
  2. Why did Sam want to catch a deer? To make a door for his home; make tethers for Frightful and a blanket for Sam p.52
  3. How was Sam careful so the warden wouldn’t come back? Put pine needles in bare areas; cleaned up front yard; used dry firewood so it wouldn’t smoke much p.52

Chapter 10

  1. How did Sam get his door? Someone shot a deer but left it; he got to the meadow and dragged it to the woods and covered it to look like a bush; then he cleaned his camp and hid in his tree p.56
  2. How did Sam know the poacher had left his camp and probably wouldn’t return? He heard a gunshot far down the mountain p.57
  3. How long did it take Sam to get the deer ready for smoking and the hide ready for tanning? Many, many days p.57

Chapter 11

  1. What did Sam do to get the deer hide ready to be a door? Soaked it in water and wood chips in a stump for 5 days; chewed, rubbed and jumped on it to make it soft; he had to cut it down to fit the door opening p.59
  2. How did Sam train Frightful to fly to his hand? He’d hold food in his hand and whistle p.62
  3. Why did hikers come to the area during the summer? To hike through the meadow to the gorge p.64
  4. When the two hikers were just about to have lunch on The Baron’s boulder, they left. What made them leave? The Baron running all over and around them p.64
  5. Why didn’t Sam want Frightful to eat what she catches? Because she’ll go wild p.68

Chapter 12

  1. How did Sam always know something was wrong in the forest? Frightful would be alerted p.72
  2. Describe Bando. A college English teacher who got lost in the forest; friendly smile; kind; blue eyes; likes birds; knows how to swing an ax and build a raft p.80
  3. Why does Bando call Sam Thoreau? Thoreau’s an old poet and writer p.77
  4. Name five things Bando and Sam did together? Made jam; made the raft; smoked fish; gathering white oak acorns and groundnuts; harvesting the blueberry crop; went fishing; made willow whistles p.81

Chapter 13

  1. What did Sam decide to use to keep warm for the winter? A clay fireplace p.89
  2. What was Sam looking for as he dug around the old Gribley farmhouse? Anything metal to help him with his fireplace p.90
  3. What did Sam find to help with his fireplace? A flat, narrow, long rock p.92

Chapter 14

  1. What did Sam do to celebrate Halloween? He had a party by leaving out nuts, crayfish, smoked rabbit and apples for the woodland animals p.96
  2. What was the result of the party? Raccoons came in Sam’s tree house and tossed them all over his bed and floor; Sam got sprayed by a skunk; animals found Sam’s camp and food p.99
  3. How did Sam get rid of the animals? Made the fire big; yelled; growled and snarled, hissed and snorted p.100

Chapter 15

  1. What is this chapter about? Deer hunting season and how Sam gets three deer p.104
  2. How does Sam get three deer? Hunters shot the deer, but couldn’t find them after they dropped dead p.104
  3. Describe how Sam made his deerskin hide jacket? Cut a rectangle with a hole for his head and sewed on straight sleeves p.105
  4. What does Sam compare this jacket to? A Russian military blouse and a carpenter’s apron p.106

Chapter 16

  1. When Sam went into town, what made people stare at him? His clothing p.108
  2. Who is Mr. Jacket? A young man Sam met in the drugstore p.108
  3. What important thing did Sam forget to do to prepare for the winter season? Why did it matter? Stack up a big woodpile; to prevent having to go out into the cold and snow to gather and chop wood p.112

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Sam place “x’s” outside his tree house? It was where he wanted to pile the firewood so he could reach it when the snow was deep and then tunnel to other firewood piles p.112
  2. How did Sam and Frightful spend their winter days and evenings? Eat breakfast; Go to the gorge; ice fishing; digging up plants to eat; go to the field and Frightful would fly while Sam would kick the grasses and sometimes a rabbit or pheasant would come up and Frightful would dive to get it; experiment with food; watch Frightful; write notes; go to bed p.113
  3. Sam thought he would tunnel to get to his firewood, but what did he end up doing instead? Walking on the snow and digging for wood p.115

Chapter 18

  1. Who does Sam compare the birds of the forest to? People who lived at his apartment house on Third Avenue home p.117
  2. Who was Sam’s first visitor during the Christmas holiday? Bando p.119
  3. Bando brought up newspaper articles. What did they report? A young man living in the Catskill Mountains p.120
  4. Who also came to visit Sam? His dad p.124

Chapter 19

  1. During the winter months what helped Sam know what to expect in the weather? The birds and animals p.134
  2. Why did Sam oversleep after the rain had frozen into ice? His home was in a block of ice and he couldn’t hear any morning sounds p.139
  3. Find an example of a simile on page 139. ice on a limb like shattering crystal; sky like Indian soup
  4. What was the consequence of the ice storm in the forest? broken trees and limbs lay everywhere; birds and animals died of starvation p.141

Chapter 20

  1. Why couldn’t Sam let Frightful go? He needed her still; she would have been killed by another female since she didn’t have a territory; he had trained her to have instincts made for man; she was a captive bird, not a wild bird p.149
  2. What information did Sam tell Matt Spell? He saw the wild boy wearing a bearskin coat who ran away and lives in a cave. The boy has long matted hair and wears a coon-tail hat. The boy wears newspapers for shoes and does a lot of fishing. He lives off of fish, roots, berries, rabbit and nuts.p.154
  3. What was the deal Matt made with Sam? Matt would come stay with Sam during spring break and would print what Sam told him to p.156

Chapter 21

  1. What does creating the guesthouse mean to Sam? That he was not a runaway anymore; he wouldn’t be alone anymore and hiding in the wilderness p.166
  2. How did Sam know his time on the mountain was coming to an end? Matt said photographers may be on the mountain; more and more newspaper articles were out about him; now that people knew about him, they would move him back to the city p.168

Chapter 22

  1. Who came to visit Sam? The entire family p.174
  2. Why did Sam’s family come to the mountain? They missed him; wanted to see what he was doing; his mom still wanted to take care of him and be his mom p.176
  3. What did Sam’s dad begin to build? A house p.176
  4. Summarize your favorite part of this story. Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – The Sword in the Tree

The Sword in the Tree

by Clyde Robert Bulla

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL O; AR pts: 2.0

In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, long lost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and happiness. It was then than Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, took on the duties of a knight and hid the sword in the hollow of the giant oak. The days that followed were filled with adventures that tried the courage of the young boy.

Comprehension Questions (by Sylvia)

Chapter 1

  1. When Lady Marion is afraid Shan tells her not to be afraid for what two reasons? King Arthur has beaten all their enemies and that they have the strongest castle in England. P.2
  2. Who is the wounded knight? Shan’s uncle, Uncle Lionel. P.7

Chapter 2

  1. When Uncle Lionel wakes up, what rude name does he call Shan?  A young dog p.9
  2. Uncle Lionel does not apologize to Shan, but tells Shan it was only a what?  A joke p. 9

Chapter 3

  1. When Lionel sees Nappus in the garden what does he want to do to him?  Throw a rock at him. P. 17
  2. Why does Lionel get angry at Shan?  Because Shan will not jerk the reins of his horse around as Lionel is telling him to do. P. 22

Chapter 4

  1. What responsibility does Shan ask his father for?  To take care of his father’s sword. P.25
  2. How does Lionel say his brother died?  Lionel says that Lord Weldon road his horse into quicksand. P. 28

Chapter 5

  1. How did Lionel take over the castle?  Lionel brought his friends and their servants to live in the castle and sent the old servants away. P 32
  2. Where does Shan hide his father’s sword?  In the garden, in the hollow of the oak. P. 34

Chapter 6

  1. What does Nappus tell Shan and Lady Marion? That Lionel killed Lord Weldon in a trap. P42
  2. Because Shan and his mother are in danger what do they do?    They leave the castle quickly. P 43

Chapter 7

  1. When Shan and Lady Marion run away what does Shan take with him? A small purse of money, a tinderbox to make a fire, and string to make a trap. P. 51
  2. What trouble do they run into?  They get robbed of their money and jewels. P. 51

Chapter 8

  1. What does the boy think Shan is doing with his goat?  He thinks Shan is going to steal it. P. 56
  2. With whom do Lady Marion and Shan find shelter?  Adam the herdsman and his wife Phebe. P. 59

Chapter 9

  1. What idea does a lost hunter give Shan?  To go to Camelot and ask King Arthur for help. P. 64
  2. Shan only gets permission to go to Camelot after what happens?  Adam says that Magnus can go with Shan. P. 66

Chapter 10

  1. While on Twigg’s raft what do the boys do?  They fish for dinner. P. 70
  2. What do Magnus and Shan find on the way to Camelot?  A little gray donkey. P. 72

Chapter 11

  1. While the boys wait in Camelot for 6 days what do they do?  Magnus and the donkey get a job carrying firewood and Shan gets a job with a shoemaker. P. 77
  2. To find out if Shan is telling the truth King Arthur send which of his knights to Weldon castle?  Sir Gareth. P 83

Chapter 12

  1. Sir Gareth tells Shan that if his story is true King Arthur might make him a knight.  How does Sir Gareth say that King Arthur turns boys into knights?  First, he finds them young, then he makes them pages and they work in the kitchens and at table, then they become squires to knights and finally, if they have learned their lessons well they become knights. P. 87
  2. What does Lionel say happened to Lady Marion and Shan?  That they went away into the woods and were killed by wolves. P. 89

Chapter 13

  1. How does Shan prove to Sir Gareth that his story is true?  He goes into the garden and retrieves his father’s hidden sword from the hollow of the tree. P. 94
  2. When Sir Gareth sees Shan’s proof, he challenges Lionel to battle. Who wins and who loses?  Sir Gareth wins and Lionel yields. P. 97

Chapter 14

  1. Where does Nappus take Shan?  To the dungeons. P. 99
  2. Who is in the dungeon?  Shan’s father, Lord Weldon. P. 101

Comprehension Questions- Ruby Holler

Ruby Holler

by Sharon Creech

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL V ; AR pts: 6.0

"Trouble Twins" Dallas and Florida are orphans who have given up believing there is such a thing as a loving home. Tiller and Sairy are an eccentric older couple who live in the beautiful, mysterious Ruby Holler, but they're restless for one more big adventure. When they invite the twins to join them on their journeys, they first linger in the Holler to prepare for their adventures, and the magic of the place takes over. Two pairs of lives grow closer, and are changed forever.

Vocabulary Words- Ruby Holler

Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did the silver bird that Dallas saw out the window represent? A good luck charm p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Tell me about the city of Boxton.   Tired town; neglected; old homes and shacks clustered around stores and buildings p.4
  2. Describe Dallas and Florida. They’re twins; oldest children in the children’s home; tall; dark haired; dark-eyed; sturdy frames and looked rough and unkempt  p. 5
  3. Find a simile in this chapter.  Mr. and Mrs. Trepid were middle-aged, cranky and tired, and growing stiff and cold as winter-bound trees p. 5; Mr. Putrid walks like a crab scuttling across the ocean floor; the main building pgs.4-11
  4. What was the Boxton Creek Home for Children? An orphanage p. 8
  5. What did Dallas and Florida plan to do one night to escape? Jump on a freight train and ride out of town p.11

Chapter 3

  1. What do you think of the small gray bird that landed on the railing listening to the couple talk about moving?  It looked as if it were listening; it was the same silver bird Dallas saw out the window p.13

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Florida getting in trouble while eating dinner? She was talking; waving; being sassy p.15
  2. Why does Florida get upset when she thinks about the Hoppers? She felt that she and Dallas had been very bad at their home and would never be in a real family p.19
  3. How did Dallas comfort Florida from her bad dreams? Talked to her about the beautiful place they would go. P.20

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Dallas dream of beautiful green and sunny places? To comfort himself from bad memories p.22
  2. Why did Florida call the woman walking by the children’s home, “mother”? the woman had hair like Florida’s p.23

Chapter 6

  1. Why didn’t Florida want to go to a “foster place”? because they’d had bad experiences and were always brought back p.26
  2. What’s the opportunity Mr. and Mrs. T want to give the twins? One would go to Kangadoon and one would go to Rutabago and split up for three months to be a companion for an older couple p.29

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Florida hesitant to go on vacation to Rutabago? She felt like this couple would be just like every other couple and she didn’t want to be separated from Dallas p.33

Chapter 8

  1. How did Dallas feel about Ruby Holler? So excited; thought it was amazing p.36
  2. Why was Sairy apologetic about the sleeping arrangements? Because Dallas and Florida would have to sleep in the same room/loft p.37
  3. Tell me about Florida’s reaction to the Morey’s and her experience so far at their home? She keeps expecting the worst; being locked in a cupboard, having to dig a well, etc.  p.39

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Tiller want to send the twins back to the children’s home? Because he thought Sairy and he should go on each other’s vacations instead of have the kids go with them p.42

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Florida feel uneasy when Dallas asked her questions about who they were or about their future? She felt as if they had no control over who they were or their future p.44
  2. What happened to the tiny blue egg Florida found outside? She held it too tight and it cracked p.45

Chapter 11

  1. Why was Sairy so full of energy? She was happy to have the kids around p. 49
  2. Why was Tiller grumpy? He hadn’t found a way to tell Sairy he wanted her to come on the trip with him p. 49

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Florida ready to work on the boat day and night to fix it? Tiller was going to pay her $5 an hour p.52
  2. What was Dallas so excited about when he and Sairy started to plan their trip? They were going to buy new stuff p.53

Chapter 13

  1. How did Tiller help Florida feel better about the mistakes she’d made the day before with the varnish? He told her about the day he got red paint on the cat, chicken and pig p.59
  2. How did Florida continue to make Tiller think he’d been tricked? She made him talk about old stuff p.61
  3. Name some of the creative meals the Morey’s made to help them get used to their kids being gone. Getting-over-kid -stew; beat-the-blues broccoli; anti cranky crumpets p.66

Chapter 14

  1. How did Sairy react when Dallas and Florida broke the wooden bird and wooden boat? She said they would fix them later p.70
  2. What does Sairy mean, when said, “we find those just about everywhere. We pick the ones that speak to us”? She and Tiller choose to whittle something out of a stick by just knowing something can be made with it p.71

Chapter 15

  1. Who do you think the man with the gold tooth is that met another man behind the Boxton Creek Home?  Whatever ideas your child comes up with P.74
  2. Who told Sairy that the Trepids call Dallas and Florida trouble twins? A lady named Grace p.76
  3. Why is the valley they’re in called Ruby Holler? In the fall the maple tree leaves turn a scarlet red p.78

Chapter 16

  1. What does it mean to “lose your marbles”? not be thinking straight; going crazy p.81
  2. What two things did Dallas and Florida do that tested Sairy and Tiller’s patience? Chopped down Tiller’s favorite maple tree and chopped a hole in the barn wall p.83
  3. How did Sairy respond to Florida when she said she and Dallas were going to go?  She said they were just surprised and that it had been a long time since someone had done something so thoughtful p.85

Chapter 17

  1. What piece of furniture had Florida never seen before? A rocking chair p.87

Chapter 18

  1. How did the baby respond to Mrs. Trepid? The baby stiffened and stared wide eyed at her p.92
  2. What did Dallas do for Joey when he was sick? Put a cool clothe on his forehead; watched over him; spoke to him; breathed into Joey’s mouth p.94
  3. What had happened to Joey? He died  p.94

Chapter 19

  1. Where do Sairy and Tiller keep their money? They’ve buried them in holes in the ground p.98
  2. After Tiller and Sairy leave to go to their “private banks”, what do Florida and Dallas want to do? Follow them p.100

Chapter 20

  1. When had Tiller and Sairy finally shared with each other where their hiding places for their “banks” were? on their 60th birthdays. P.102

Chapter 21

  1. What did Tiller and Sairy do while they waited for Dallas and Florida to come back? Whittled p. 103
  2. Why didn’t Tiller want Sairy talking about their understone funds? It was too much temptation for kids who had so little p.109
  3. Why did Florida change her mind and not want to know where the money is? She remembered her experience at the Hoppers and that money is trouble p.110
  4. What did Dallas want to do with their money? Bury it as well p.111

Chapter 22

  1. How did the twins feel when Sairy said she needed to go to the children’s home to talk to the Trepids? they didn’t want to go back and were worried about getting thrown into a cobwebby room p.114
  2. What did Dallas and Florida tell Mr. Trepid that they probably should have? They told him about the understone funds p.116
  3. What is a passport? A document that lets you travel out of your country p.118

Chapter 23

  1. When Dallas and Florida were getting ready to catch the train, why did they want to leave money for the Morey’s? because they bought them new things p.121
  2. Why was Sairy concerned about the passport? The birthday didn’t match the day Dallas said his birthday was p.123
  3. What do you think “hit the grit” means? Left them; hit the road p.125

Chapter 24

  1. Where did Sairy go to college? New York City p.130
  2. What made Sairy move back to Ruby Holler when she was in New York City? Tiller wrote a postcard to her every week about the holler and she missed it p. 131
  3. What does Sairy wonder as she looks at a photo of her younger self? Who are you? p.132

Chapter 25

  1. Why do you think the holler felt so dark to Dallas and Florida? They had never been in the holler at night before alone; they also had only been in the city with lights around them at night p.133
  2. Why did Florida and Dallas decide to stop and pull out their sleeping bags and sleep for a few hours? They wanted to wait until there was a tiny bit of light from the sun to help them know where they were. P.138
  3. What nickname does Florida call Dallas all of the time?  Mr. Boss p.142
  4. Why did Dallas and Florida put ants, snakes, spiders and a frog into the Burgerton boys’ beds? Because they were getting blamed for things they hadn’t done and they might as well do something to get blamed p.144

Chapter 26

  1. Who is Z? Someone who worked for Mr. Trepid wanted p.145
  2. What’s the first part of the project Mr. Trepid needed Z to do in the holler? Find out when the Morey’s are leaving p.146

Chapter 27

  1. When Florida and Dallas climbed out of the sleeping bags, what did they smell? Bacon p.149
  2. Why do you think Sairy and Tiller were out cooking bacon over a fire in the morning? They found Florida and Dallas sleeping out trying to run away and came to them with the compliment of what a good idea it was to try out the equipment before their trips. P.151
  3. What was Tiller worried the kids had snuck out to get? Their money p.155

Chapter 28

  1. When the twins were babies, why were they never placed in a home? Mrs. Trepid would always keep them hidden and when someone saw them, she told them they were already taken, because she wanted them for herself p.158
  2. What made Mrs. Trepid change her mind about the twins? They would howl and squirm; she didn’t have patience for them p. 159
  3. How was Mrs. Trepid feeling about children now? She didn’t know she could live through more children p.160

Chapter 29

  1. What’s the promise Dallas and Florida made to each other? To never split up p.163

Chapter 30

  1. What was this chapter about? The nightmares Dallas, Florida, Tiller and Sairy had about their trips p.168

Chapter 31

  1. What was Sairy’s bad-dream medicine? Homemade peach ice cream on waffles p.169
  2. What is a rehearsal? To practice something to make sure you get it right p.170

Chapter 32

  1. Why is the river called Hidden River? It’s not on any maps p.173
  2. Why are there no mosquitos in the holler? The bats eat them p.175
  3. Did Dallas or Sairy know if they were different without Florida or Tiller? Not yet p.178

Chapter 33

  1. What does Mr. Trepid want Z to find? Any special stones p.180
  2. Why was Mrs. Trepid so happy to get away from children’s home? She’s tired of children p.183

Chapter 34

  1. How did Sairy respond to the way Mr. Dreep treated Dallas and Florida? She said it was criminal p.185

Chapter 35

  1. How is Tiller different from Dallas? Tiller complains a lot like Florida p.189
  2. What were Tiller and Sairy both starting to talk to the kids about as they were on their trips? The different families they were with and how they treated them. P.191

Chapter 36

  1. What do you think, would it be harder to miss a mother you had loved, or miss a mother you had never known? Listen to your child’s ideas P.194

Chapter 37

  1. Why do you think it is good that Dallas is dreamy? He can dream up a really nice future for them and helps make things positive when they’re scary and dark p.196

Chapter 38

  1. Why do you think Z wanted to stall Trepid? He didn’t want to hurt the Morey’s p.197

Chapter 39

  1. Tell me the times Dallas had cried. After Joey died; sometimes at night at the home p.200
  2. Tell me the story of the piece of wood that Sairy and Tiller both grabbed at the same time. Sairy wanted it but let Tiller have it. He put it on their dresser since he couldn’t decide what to make with it.  He gave her permission to use it but couldn’t get herself to whittle with it. It’s still there now P.201
  3. Why did Sairy and Dallas call themselves worrywarts? They were worrying Tiller and Florida miss them p.205

Chapter 40

  1. How did Florida and Dallas get their names? The box they were in on the porch of the orphanage had travel pamphlets in it and Florida was on one that said “Fly to Florida” and Dallas was on the one that said “Destination: Dallas” p.210
  2. What helped Florida be able to whittle? Not paying any attention to what she was whittling p.211

Chapter 41

  1. Explain what putting something on layaway means. Have the store hold it for you, then you pay a little each month until it’s all paid for, then you get to take it home. P.214
  2. Why do you think Mr. Trepid was in the dealership looking at cars? He wanted to buy one  P.217
  3. What was this chapter about? Mr. and  Mrs. Trepid thinking about the investments Mr. Trepid was going to receive and what they could do with the money. P.217

Chapter 42

  1. Why was Dallas mad if the Trepids didn’t tell him when his real birthday was? A person should know when their birthday was p.219

Chapter 43

  1. Why doesn’t Tiller get mad when Florida goofs up? He’s too old to get mad or what she considers goofs aren’t what he considers goofs p.222
  2. What do you think Tiller meant when he said it was interesting having Dallas and Florida in Ruby Holler?  Good or bad- let your child give their opinion. P.223

Chapter 44

  1. Was Mr. Trepid happy with the report Z gave him? No, because Z said he wasn’t done yet p.225

Chapter 45

  1. Tell me what happened when the boat hit the rock? It tipped over and Tiller and Florida went in the water and got pushed under. P.228

Chapter 46

  1. What did Z put into his sack? Sairy’s bank box p.230
  2. If he can also find Tiller’s box, what do you think he’s going to do with them? Listen to your child’s ideas P.230

Chapter 47

  1. How did Dallas know that Florida was in trouble? He had a bad feeling inside p.231

Chapter 48

  1. What were the Trepids doing in the jewelry store? Looking at a necklace and watch they would like p.232

Chapter 49

  1. Why was Tiller regretting that he and Florida weren’t wearing their life jackets? She couldn’t swim and they would have been keeping them afloat at that time instead of being pushed under the water. P.239

Chapter 50

  1. Who helped Sairy and Dallas find their way out of the woods? Two boys hunting a deer p.245
  2. Do you think it was a good idea for Sairy and Dallas to leave their backpacks with the two boys? No, they might steal their stuff p.246

Chapter 51

  1. Who lived in the cabin at the far side of the holler? Z p.247
  2. What two confessions did he need to make to Sairy? He was the one who got Dallas’s passport & that the twins could be his kids p.249
  3. What was the form Z read that told him the twins could be his? Hospital record p.249

Chapter 52

  1. What happened to Florida in this chapter? She found a log and was able to stay afloat as she called out for Tiller p.252

Chapter 53

  1. When Sairy and Dallas couldn’t find the diner the boys pointed them to, what did they realize and do? They realized the boys lied and stole their packs and decided to keep hiking to find a town p.253
  2. What did Dallas finally spot? A farm p.256

Chapter 54

  1. Why was Tiller holding his chest? It felt tight p.256
  2. What did Tiller think about as he was underwater? Rose his daughter and Sairy p.258

Chapter 55

  1. What did Z end up doing with the understone funds? He kept them for safe keeping p.261
  2. What did the person who went to Kangadoon get? Malaria p.263

Chapter 56

  1. Why do you think Florida was mad at Tiller for not saving her from the river? Because he was supposed to protect her and keep her safe p.265
  2. How did Florida save Tiller? Tied a rope to a tree and held on to it as she walked out to where he was p.265
  3. What does Florida mean instead of “artificial perspiration”? Artificial Respiration p.266
  4. What do you think Tiller means when he says he has a “soggy heart”? He’s having a heart attack p.267

Chapter 57

  1. Why did Z feel when Dallas asked him when the doctors were going to tell them about Tiller? Responsible, important p.269

Chapter 58

  1. Who do you think the be-nice-to-orphans brownies are for? Mr. Trepid p.272
  2. What was Mr. Trepid going to do with the Ruby Holler treasure map? Try and find Sairy and Tiller’s understone funds p.274

Chapter 59

  1. How did Mrs. Trepid feel about Mr. Trepid leaving her alone with the kids for the day?  Unhappy; mad; p.275

Chapter 60

  1. What did Sairy and Tiller discuss in this chapter? Boxton Creek Home; all of the families Dallas and Florida went to; what Z wanted to talk to Tiller about; the Trepid’s coming p.278

Chapter 61

  1. What did Mr. Trepid take with him to Ruby Holler? Shovel, trowel, sack, map p.283
  2. What are some things Mr. Trepid found while digging? Brownies; lizards; mash blackberries; stinging nettles; mousetrap; leaves & berries; etc. p.284

Chapter 62

  1. Where was Mr. Trepid going to take the gems to be appraised? The jeweler he went to look at the watch p.289

Chapter 63

  1. What does it mean to get pictures developed? Get them printed so you have the actual picture p.292
  2. How much did the jewels cost that Mr. Trepid found? $1.99 p.292
  3. What was Florida worried about at the end of the chapter? That Sairy and Tiller were going to get rid of them p.293

Chapter 64

  1. Where did Mr. Trepid test drive the new Cadillac to? The jewelry store p.295
  2. How did the salesman react toward Mr. Trepid when he saw the fake gems on the counter? Polite; stared at them and cleared his throat; asked if he could talk to his manager; chewed on his lip p.297

Chapter 65

  1. Why did Dallas begin packing up his things? He thought Sairy and Tiller were going to take them back to the home p.300
  2. How did Florida feel about leaving now? She didn’t want to; she wanted to say good-bye p.301
  3. Why was Sairy hesitant to keep the twins? She didn’t know if staying in the holler was the best thing for them p.303

Chapter 66

  1. Why didn’t Florida want to leave Ruby Holler? She liked it there; The Morey’s were the nicest couple so far; who would help out with things around the farm while Tiller was getting back his strength. P.307
  2. What were Dallas and Florida hoping would happen when they fell asleep in the fort made by trees? That Sairy and Tiller would find them like last time. P.309
  3. How did Dallas and Florida know that Sairy and Tiller found them? When they woke up, they smelled bacon p.310

Comprehension Questions- The Tiger Rising

The Tiger Rising

by Kate DiCamillo

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 3.0

Walking through the misty Florida woods one morning, twelve-year-old Rob Horton is stunned to encounter a tiger — a real-life, very large tiger — pacing back and forth in a cage. What's more, on the same extraordinary day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a girl who shows her feelings as readily as Rob hides his. As they learn to trust each other, and ultimately, to be friends, Rob and Sistine prove that some things — like memories, and heartaches, and tigers — can't be locked up forever.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Rob's dad rip his clothes?  slapping Rob to make him stop crying  p.3
  2. Name two of Rob's "not-thoughts".  his mom's death, rash, the Threemonger brothers) p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Billy and Norton.  boys who ride the bus with Rob; they were bullies to Rob; had bad breath;  p.5
  2. What does Mr. Nelson, the bus driver, do as Billy and Norton bully Rob?  nothing; whistles a tuneless song ignoring the situation p.6
  3. What gives Rob the strength to not-cry when the boys bully him on the bus? He had the extra power of the tiger with him  p.6

Chapter 3

  1. What did Rob think of Sistine?  she's strange p.8
  2. Where did the name "Sistine" come from? a chapel  p.9
  3. Describe Sistine.  wore pink lacy dress; gravelly, deep, clipped, sharp voice; sharp nose and chin; black black eyes; didn't seem bothered by the boys; confident  p.9

Chapter 4

  1. Why does Rob want to whittle the tiger? his mother taught him how to whittle and it makes stuff come alive  p.12
  2. What is Sistine's attitude toward Robert? hate's him p.12

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Mr. Phelmer, the principal, worried about Rob's legs?  parents of the other students think his rash might be contagious  p. 15
  2. Why is Rob's heart singing when the principal tells him he should stay home for a few days for the medicine to work?  he doesn't have to go to school; he can see the tiger; he can begin to whittle the tiger into wood  p.17

Chapter 6

  1. Why didn't Rob yell at Sistine to run when kids were throwing objects at her?  he knew if he did he would get bullied as well  p.19
  2. Why did Rob feel a thrill when the children were chasing him after he stopped them from ganging up on Sistine? he was saving Sistine p.21

Chapter 7

  1. What type of figurative language is this an example of? "He opened his mouth and the words fell out, one on top of the other, like gold coins."  simile  p.23
  2. Why did Sistine put her hand on Rob's leg, then rub her hand up and down her own legs?  so she would get the rash and not have to go to school  p.24

Chapter 8

  1. Will anyone catch Rob's sickness?  no p.26
  2. What will Rob do when he is out of school? work with his dad p.27
  3. How did Rob's dad feel about him missing school?  he was ok with it; thought a break from the bullies would do him good; thought it would be good to have Rob help him around the motel  p.27

Chapter 9

  1. Why does Rob not like sunshine? it reminds him of his mom's funeral p.33

Chapter 10

  1. What did Willie May say to Rob that would help him be cured of his rashes?  let the sadness from his mom's death rise up to his heart, not go down to his legs  p.37
  2. What certificate does Rob's principal not have? sense certificate  p.37

Chapter 11

  1. When Sistine had brought Rob his homework the first time, why were her clothes dirty and her knuckles bloody?  she'd been fighting at school  p.40
  2. When Rob told Sistine about the tiger, how did he know he told the right person? The only question she asked was, "where?"  p.41

Chapter 12

  1. Who was the sculptor that painted the Sistine Chapel?  Michelangelo  p.43
  2. How did Rob feel when Sistine called him an artist?  joyful and embarrassed p.43

Chapter 13

  1. How does Sistine get Rob to tell her about his mother? starts to leave and walks away from him p.48

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Sistine upset about the tiger being caged in Florida? it was not running free  p.50-51
  2. Why didn't Rob want to do what Sistine wanted to do and let the tiger free?  It wasn't his tiger to let go p.51
  3. What emotion did Rob feel when he grabbed Sistine's hand and ran away from the car approaching them and the tiger?  happiness  p.52
  4. Why had Rob started to feel happiness again?  he had a friend  p.52

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Rob scolding himself for leaving open his "suitcase"?  now his words, feelings and emotions were out   p.55

Chapter 16

  1. How did Sistine's parents meet?  they were both looking up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and ran into each other.  p.57
  2. Why doesn't Sistine listen to, or respect her mother? she feels like she's a liar  p.60

Chapter 17

  1. What is Willie May's opinion on caged animals?  she wants to let them go p.64
  2. Tell me about the parakeet Willie May got for her birthday.  called him Cricket because he sang all the time; could feel his heart beating in her hand when she held him; let him go since she couldn't stand him being locked up; her dad beat her  p.62

Chapter 18

  1. What special job does Beauchamp want to give Rob?  taking care of the tiger  p.67
  2. What do you think the bloody meat in Beachamp's jeep is for?  to feed the tiger p.68

Chapter 19

  1. How did Beauchamp come into possession of the tiger? a fellow owed him some money and paid him with a tiger  p.70
  2. Why did Beauchamp give the entire set of keys to the tiger cage to Rob? Beauchamp trusted him not to open the door  p.71
  3. What does Rob have that will set the tiger free?  the keys p.73

Chapter 20

  1. When Sistine presses Rob into letting the tiger go, why does he resist? the tiger won't be safe  p.76
  2. Why does Sistine break down crying when Rob won't let the tiger go?  she wants to go live with her dad; she hates it in Florida; she wants to let the tiger go  p.77
  3. How does Rob comfort Sistine when she breaks down crying? put his hand on her neck like his mother used to do to him; told her to cry and that he had a good hold on her p.77

Chapter 21

  1. What does Willie May compare Sistine's anger to?  lightning that was snapping out of her  p.81
  2. What was the advice that Willie May gave to Sistine? no one was going to rescue her; she had to rescue herself  p.82

Chapter 22

  1. When Rob's dad found the rotten meat under his bed, what's a word that would describe how his dad felt? inadequate; frustrated; angry p.83
  2. Why did Rob's father stare at the gun and crack his knuckles after finding the meat?  he was thinking about using it on Beauchamp p.84
  3. What did Rob carve? Willie May's bird, Cricket  p.85

Chapter 23

  1. When Rob put the wooden carving into Willie May's hand, what was her response?  she didn't want to open her eyes for fear she would frighten the wooden bird away; she knew what it was with her eyes closed; soothed her heart  p.88
  2. Why doesn't Willie May have to dream of Cricket anymore?  now she had Rob's carving of her Cricket  p.88

Chapter 24

  1. Why does Rob like Sistine so much?  her voice changes when she sees something beautiful  p.92
  2. When Rob and Sistine first told Willie May about the tiger, what was her reaction?  surprised; shocked; wanted to see the tiger  p.93

Chapter 25

  1. What does Sistine always say when she gets sad, frustrated or doesn't get her way?  she can't wait until her father comes to get her and that he'll set the tiger free; puts the blame on other people by calling them liars  p.95
  2. After Willie May told Rob that she would like to see the tiger "rise on up out of his cage", Rob realized what he had to do.  What do you predict he'll do?  p.97

Chapter 26

  1. When Beauchamp drives up in his jeep toward Sistine and Rob, what does Sistine do that surprises Rob?  smile and sweetly say "Sissy" to Beauchamp  p.100
  2. What is the truth that Rob and Sistine learn about Beauchamp and the tiger?  Beauchamp is scared of the tiger  p.101

Chapter 27

  1. When Rob unlocks the tiger cage, why do they rock it?  so the tiger will leave  p.103
  2. What did the author compare the tiger running away from Rob and Sistine to? he looked like the sun, rising, setting again and again

Chapter 28

  1. What happens to the tiger after the kids let him go?  Rob's dad shoots it p.106
  2. What was a positive outcome to Rob's dad shooting the tiger?  Rob was able to finally tell his father how he feels about his mother being gone and they could talk and cry together  p.106
  3. Why do you think it was important to touch the tiger after Rob's dad had shot it?  helps you mourn, say good-bye and accept what has happened  p.109

Chapter 29

  1. What attended both Rob's mother's and the tiger's funeral?  the sun  p.111
  2. On the way back to the motel after the funeral, Rob felt lighter, as if he had put something heavy down and walked away from it.  Why?  he and his dad had talked; he was able to cry; he felt good about his decision to let the tiger go  p.112

Chapter 30

  1. Why does Rob feel all right about going to school now? Sistine is there p.114
  2. What will Rob carve for Sistine? a tiger  p.116

Comprehension Questions – Peter Pan

Peter Pan

J.M. Barrie (Penguin Classics)

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: not listed

A classic and original story of "the boy who would not grow up".

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. When describing Wendy’s mother, it talks about a kiss that Wendy will never get. What does the author mean by this?  It’s a foreshadow of the interchange that Wendy and Peter will have about a thimble and a kiss. Pg. 5
  2. What was Mr. Darling’s career? Traded stocks and shares  pg 6
  3. How did Mrs. Darling “tidy up her children’s minds?” Listen to them while they slept and tried to talk to them  8 & 10
  4. Why was Mrs. Darling so concerned about the leaves in the nursery? She didn’t know how they got there, they weren’t from England pg. 11
  5. Who was the first person to see Peter Pan in the Darling family? Darling  pg. 12

Chapter 2

  1. What does “mea culpa, mea culpa” mean? It’s my fault, it’s my fault p. 15, 228 (explanatory notes)
  2. What is a word you would use to describe Mr. Darling’s behavior after Wendy fetched his medicine, when he said he would take his medicine to show Michael how “to be a man”? Childish, immature, cowardly  19
  3. Why was Mrs. Darling nervous to have Nana outside while they were away at their party? She barking her DANGER bark and was worried about the boy p. 21
  4. Why were Mr. and Mrs. Darling upset and recalling the memories of “the Friday night”? their children were gone and they didn’t know if they’d see them again. P.21

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Peter come into the nursery the night the Darlings left for the party? Did retrieve his shadow p. 23
  2. After Wendy sewed on Peter’s shadow why did she go hide under her covers? Peter took the credit for Wendy’s cleverness of sewing on his shadow  26
  3. Why did Peter give Wendy an acorn, when he “kissed” her after her offer to kiss him? He thought a kiss was giving something small away to someone because Wendy gave him a thimble instead of a kiss p.26
  4. How did the Lost Boys come to be? As babies, they fell out of their perambulators (baby carriages) p. 29
  5. Why did Peter want Wendy, John and Michael to go to Neverland with him? So Wendy could tell stories to the Lost Boys and himself p. 30

Chapter 4

  1. When the children were flying with Peter to Neverland, how did he feed them? Take food away from birds that had food suitable for humans in their mouths  37
  2. Why did Wendy urge her brothers to be nice to Peter as they flew to Neverland? She didn’t want Peter to leave them, she didn’t know the way home, they couldn’t pick up food as well, they bumped into things and Peter helped them out  38
  3. On page 40, how is the sun a good example of personification? The sun was wanting them to reach Neverland before leaving them for the night; protecting; guiding with it’s rays; being a friend p.40
  4. When they were on their tip toes in the air and looking down into Neverland, why were they familiar with the things they were seeing? They had pretended all of those things p.40
  5. When Peter Pan spoke of Captain Hook, why were the children so afraid? Hook was Blackbeard’s first officer and he was the only man Long John Silver (Barbecue) in Treasure Island was scared of  43 & 228

Chapter 5

  1. What happens to Neverland when Peter is away? It goes to sleep, things are quiet p.47
  2. What are the four main groups that inhabit Neverland? Pirates, redskins, beasts, Lost Boys p. 47
  3. Name three of the Lost Boys and one characteristic of each. Tootles-kind, melancholy, humblest of them all; Nibs-happy debonair; Slightly-whistles and most conceited; Curly-he’s a pickle and always in trouble; Twins-apologetic, vague and hard to describe since Peter didn’t know what twins were  48
  4. Describe Mr. Smee. Genial, stabbed without offence, nonconformist p.49
  5. Who is the leader of the redskins or Piccaninny tribe? Princess Tiger Lilly p.50,52
  6. How does Hook know when the crocodile he fears is near? It swallowed a clock and it makes a ticking sound  54
  7. How did the pirates discover the home of the Lost Boys? They sat on the hidden chimney and felt heat p.54
  8. How did the Lost Boys defeat the pack of wolves running toward them? Looked between their legs and flatulated  55

Chapter 6

  1. What saved Wendy when Tootles his her with the arrow? The button on the chain she put around her neck p.59
  2. Why did Slightly leave and pretend to come back as a doctor when Peter told him to fetch a doctor? Peter believed make believe was true and if they broke down in their make believe he would rap them on their knuckles p. 61
  3. When Peter wanted to build Wendy a house and she was lying on the ground with her eyes closed, how do you know she wasn’t still injured? She answered Peter in song, the kind of house she would like  62
  4. How did Wendy feel about being the Lost Boys mother? Delighted  How do you know? She was shining when they asked p.65

Chapter 7

  1. Describe 3 things about the tree house Wendy and her brothers stayed in with Peter and the Lost Boys. It had one large room; the colorful mushrooms used as stools; the Never tree grew every morning in the middle of the floor: they’d put a door on top to make a table and sawed it off after tea time to make room to play; bed tilted by the wall in the day and let down at 6:30: all of the boys slept in it except Michael and was tight they had to give a signal to turn over; enormous fireplace; had a private apartment for Tinker Bell  P.68
  2. What did Wendy do to make sure her brothers wouldn’t forget their mother and father back home when they were living in Neverland?  Give them tests/examinations about them  p. 70

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the mermaids treat Peter differently than Wendy and the boys?  They liked him p.73
  2. After Hook swam aboard in the Mermaid’s Lagoon, why was he melancholy?  He found out Peter and the boys have a mother (Wendy) p.77
  3. When Hook was trying to guess who the voice was, what game did he play with it to figure it out?  20 questions p.80
  4. Why did Hook withdraw in the fight with Peter on the rock?  The crocodile was after him p.82
  5. What made Peter become resolute in surviving his wounds and not drowning on the rock? He realized that dying would be an adventure in itself and he was ready to face that adventure  p.84

Chapter 9

  1. Who tried to save Peter when he was wounded and trapped on the rock? The Never bird p.86
  2. When they couldn’t understand each other’s language, how did Peter and the Never bird treat each other?  With insults, calling names, bad manners  p.84
  3. After Peter was in the nest, why was the Never bird watching him closely? To see what Peter would do with her eggs p.86
  4. What did Peter do with the Never bird’s eggs? Put them in Starkey’s hat and used it for a boat to float upon the water p.87

Chapter 10

  1. Why did the redskins call Peter the Great White Father?  He saved Tiger Lilly from the pirates p.88
  2. How did Tiger Lilly, Wendy and Tinkerbell feel about Peter? They loved him p.94
  3. Give me two examples in which the author prepares the reader for the terrible events that are coming up in the story?  The author called the evening the Night of Nights; Wendy snapping, but wouldn’t have if she knew what was to happen before the night was out; none of them knew, perhaps it best not to know; their ignorance gave them one more glad hour; it was to be their last hour on the island; Peter stayed and sat on the stool and listened to the story;  p.89;93
  4. Why does this author give us hints that something terrible is going to happen in the story?  To help us anticipate it; to build our excitement for the story  p.89;93

Chapter 11

  1. What was Wendy’s story about in this chapter?  Wendy, Peter and John going to Neverland p.96
  2. What made Peter upset about his own mother? He thought she would always leave the window open for him, but when he finally went home, it was barred and another little boy was sleeping in his bed p.98
  3. How did the Lost Boys react when Wendy, John and Michael said they wanted to go home?  Advanced upon her threateningly, wanted to keep her prisoner p.99
  4. How did Tinkerbell feel about Wendy going back home?  Happy, but she didn’t want to take her p. 99

Chapter 12

  1. What time of day did Hook attack the redskins?  Just before dawn; when the sky was grey p.104
  2. What strategy did Captain Hook use to win the battle?  He used the element of surprise  p.105
  3. Who did Hook want to destroy? Peter Pan  p.105
  4. Why did Hook have such a hatred for Peter?  Peter’s cockiness  p.106

Chapter 13

  1. What was Slightly’s secret Hook discovered that betrayed Peter? No boy so big could use a tree wherein an average man could fit, so there was a hide out in a tree under the ground  p.109
  2. What made Hook decide to stay and capture Peter, his enemy? Peter’s impertinent appearance as he slept; Peter’s personification of cockiness p.111
  3. Who drank the poison Hook put in Peter’s medicine cup? Tink p.113
  4. Why did Tink drink the poison? To save Peter; she loved him  p.113

Chapter 14

  1. Hook was haunted by the action of “good form” from his school days. What was it? behaving properly p.117&231
  2. Where on Hook’s ship were the children kept prisoner? In the hold   p.119
  3. When Wendy was brought on deck from the hold and Hook spoke “as if he spoke in syrup”, how would his voice have sounded? Heavy, smooth, sweet  p.120
  4. What stopped Hook immediately, when he was ready to make Wendy watch the boys walk the plank?  The tick-tock of the crocodile  p. 122
  5. Who was really making the ticking sound?  Peter  p.122

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Slightly counting during this chapter?  He was counting the number of people that died after Peter came aboard the ship and went through the process of saving the children p.126
  2. Who is the “doodle-doo” on the ship killing people?  Peter  p.127
  3. Who did Hook send in to fight the doodle-doo?  The children p.127
  4. How did Peter at last defeat Hook?  Pushed him off the ship to the crocodile p.132

Chapter 16

  1. What was the setting of the beginning of this chapter?  The children were aboard the pirate ship, wearing pirate clothes, acting like sailors  p.134
  2. Where was the ship sailing? to the mainland; take the children home p.134
  3. Why did Peter and Tink fly into the room while Mrs. Darling was playing the piano and Mr. Darling was falling asleep in the kennel?  To bar the window to prevent Wendy from returning home  p.139
  4. How did the children finally convince Mrs. Darling they were really back home again and not a  dream? They ran into her arms   p.141

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Mr. Darling treat the Lost Boys unfavorably when they wanted to come live with the Darlings? He felt they only asked for Mrs. Darling’s consent and not his  p.143
  2. How often did Mrs. Darling allow Wendy to go to Neverland? For a week every year and do his spring cleaning  p.145
  3. What happened to Peter’s spring cleaning when Wendy grew up?  Her daughter Jane would go and Jane’s daughter Margaret would go, etc.  p.153

Comprehension Questions – The Phantom Tollbooth

The Phantom Tollbooth

By Norton Juster

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts: 7.0

Milo is a boy who seems unhappy in everything he's doing.  He gets a special delivery which turns out to be a magical tollbooth.  He gets in his little car and decides to try out the phantom tollbooth.  He ends up in a strange land with many strange creatures and ends up trying to help them by saving two princesses that have been banished. Continue reading →