Category Archives: Novel

Comprehension Questions – Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia

By Katherine Paterson

Grades 4-8; Genre – Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 5.0

The life of a ten-year-old boy in rural Virginia expands when he becomes friends with a newcomer, who subsequently meets an untimely death trying to reach their hideaway, Terabithia.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Jesse, loves to draw, loves to run and wants to win at school, straw colored hair, long legs, 10 years old, in 5th grade determined p.4
  2. Find an example of figurative language and define what type it is on page 5.  like a country music star – simile;  Pop her buttons - simile; something to chew their cuds on - idiom 
  3. Describe the main character’s family situation. He has three sisters, two younger with May Belle who adores him, and two older sisters; they all seem to whine and complain about him to their mother; his mother doesn't have much patience for him and dotes on his sisters; Jesse’s dad drives a truck and is tired all the time p.6
  4. On page 7, what does “Miss Bessie’s bag is probably dragging ground by now” mean? Her udder is so full of milk it’s dragging on the ground p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Who did Jess love and adore? Miss Edmunds the music teacher Why? She had a soft voice, played the guitar well, was gorgeous and kind to him about his art p.14
  2. What word would you use to describe how Jess felt when his father paid attention to the little girls? Jealous; sad p.19
  3. Who did Jess meet in this chapter? His neighbor, Leslie Burke p.22

Chapter 3

  1. Why was everyone shocked to see the new student Leslie Burke, when she came into class? She was dressed in faded blue jeans and a t-shirt, wearing shoes without socks when the rest of the students were wearing their Sunday best p.24
  2. Where did the students each their lunch? In their classrooms p.29
  3. Why didn’t Jess want to look at Leslie during the races? Maybe she would go away; he didn’t want her there p.32
  4. Who had run the race and how did Jesse react? Leslie; Jess still wanted nothing to do with her p.35

Chapter 4

  1. Explain the change that happened to Jess during music time. He wanted to become Leslie’s friend p.40
  2. How did students respond to Leslie stating she didn’t have a television? Shocked; made fun of her p.44
  3. What is Terabithia? A pretend country where Leslie and Jess would build their fortress p.51
  4. How did Jess feel about Leslie? She was more than a friend; she was his other, more exciting self p.59
  5. Have you ever felt this way about a friend? Explain. Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 5

  1. Why was May Belle so upset with Janice Avery? Janice stole her twinkies p.62
  2. How did Leslie and Jess get back at Janice for stealing the twinkies? Writing a love note from a boy everyone has a crush on; humiliating her p.65
  3. How did Leslie distract the teacher, Mrs. Pierce, from going into the classroom where Jess was hiding the note for Janice? To go look at a nest and identify what animal/bird built it p.68
  4. Why were May Belle’s eyes shining at the end of this chapter? She was so happy and excited Jess and Leslie got Janice back for stealing her twinkies p.71

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Jess want to give Leslie a Christmas present? She was a good friend; he cared for her p.73
  2. Who is Prince Terrien? The puppy Jess gave Leslie for Christmas p.77
  3. Describe two examples of how Jess’s family reacted on Christmas morning? Jealousy for not getting hose, frustration cars wouldn’t work on racetrack, crying since doll stopped talking, showing off and rubbing in present, patience with May Belle p.80
  4. What did Leslie do to help it feel like Christmas again? She came and visited with Jess while he milked the cow that morning p.82

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jess have a hard time liking Leslie’s dad? He was jealous of him taking all of Leslie’s time p.86
  2. How was Jess helpful to Leslie and her dad? He knew how to do things around the house p.87
  3. What did you learn about Janice Avery in this chapter and why was she crying in the bathroom? Her father physically abuses her and she's embarrassed because she told her friends and they told the entire seventh grade p.95
  4. Why was it so important to Jess that May Belle keep Terabithia a secret? It’s a special place that he and Leslie go, and he doesn’t want that to get ruined p.98

Chapter 8

  1. Was Leslie interested in going to church on Easter? She’d never been to church before and she’d like to experience it p.103
  2. How did Leslie feel about the church service? She thought it was beautiful p.107
  3. Have you ever been to church? Explain. Listen to your child's answer
  4. Compare your experience in church to the experience Leslie had. Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 9

  1. What was the result of Jess and Leslie’s adventures to Terabithia as rain was pouring? Wet; had to cross the creek bed as it rose higher and higher; water beginning to leak into their fortress p.115
  2. Why did Jess still want to go to Terabithia when it was raining, even though he was nervous? he was determined to keep the magic of Terabithia alive for Leslie p.119

Chapter 10

  1. When thinking about crossing the creek come summertime, what solution did Jess come up with to help him get over his fear? Leslie could teach him to swim p.122
  2. How did the display of the Indians and buffalo compare to Jess’s drawings? they both had animals falling off cliffs p.128
  3. Why was Jess’s family so worried about him when he came home from Washington D.C.? Leslie had died and they thought he was with her and died too p.130

Chapter 11

  1. What word could describe Jess as he learned how Leslie had died? Sad, in denial, shocked p.131
  2. Why was Jess eating pancakes like nothing had happened? He thought it was all a bad dream and didn’t really happen p.137
  3. Have you experienced someone close to you dying? Share your experience. Listen to your child's answer
  4. Why was it important for Jess and his parents to go see the neighbors about Leslie’s death? To show them they care and were sorry for their daughter’s death p.139

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Jess feel important when he realized his best friend was dead? People would treat him with respect and be nice to him p.143
  2. When Jess found out Leslie was being cremated, why was he so angry? He wouldn’t be able to see her again, even dead p.145
  3. Why did Jess throw his painting supplies and paper into the creek? He was angry at Leslie for leaving him p.147

Chapter 13

  1. Where had Jess gotten the words he said aloud in the sacred grove? The Bible; Jesus Christ said them as he died on the cross p.153
  2. What did Jess learn from his conversation with Ms. Myers? That he would never forget Leslie p.160
  3. How did Jess turn Terabithia over to May Belle? Put flowers in her hair and helped her see the magic of Terabithia, making her queen p.163
  4. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – My Father’s Dragon

My Father’s Dragon

By Ruth Stiles Gannett

Grades 3-5; Genre – Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

When Elmer Elevator hears about the plight of an overworked and under-appreciated flying baby dragon, he packs his knapsack with supplies and stows away on a ship headed for Wild Island. Nothing will stop Elmer from rescuing the dragon!

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What point of view is this story being told in? third person p.9
  2. Who is narrating and who is this story about? A son telling a story about his father, Elmer Elevator p.9
  3. How did Elmer’s mother feel about feeding the stray cat and why? She didn’t like it because if she fed it more stray cats would come around p.11
  4. Describe the alley cat. Old, female, can talk, traveler, good companionship for Elmer, kind p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What example of figurative language describes the cat speaking like a human? Alliteration p.15
  2. Why did the animals on the island want to catch the dragon? So they could use him as transportation instead of walking all the way around to the other side of the island p.17
  3. How did the animals treat the baby dragon if he complains? Beat him and twist his wing p.17

Chapter 3

  1. How did the author’s father get off the ship without getting caught? Hid inside a grain bag and used a rubber band to tie it on the inside p.22
  2. Why wasn’t the author’s father bothered when the fisherman shook with fear talking about Wild Island? He knew the dragon wasn’t scary p.24
  3. Why was it important for the author’s father to travel to the island at night? He was hopping over rocks and the animals on the island would have seen him in the day and he didn’t want them to see him p.25

Chapter 4

  1. How did the animals know something strange was on the island? Saw tangerine peels laying around, the “rock” had moved from its place p.32
  2. How was the main character able to stay hidden? Traveled at night and held onto his peels p.32

Chapter 5

  1. Why couldn’t the main character continue to follow the river and instead ventured further into the jungle? The river was so muddy he got stuck in the ooze and decided to travel in the jungle next to the river using his compass, but the river had a bend he didn’t know about that took him away from it p.35
  2. How many tigers crept up on Elmer? 7 p.37
  3. What knowledge did the cat give to the main character that helped him stop the tigers from eating him? The tigers love chewing gum p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Who was the main character careful to hide from at the beginning of this chapter? Two wild boars p.44
  2. Explain why the rhinoceros was weeping as well as how Elmer helped him. His tusk used to be white, but with age has turned yellow-gray and Elmer brushed his tusk with a toothbrush and toothpaste p.48

Chapter 7

  1. Why was the lion so upset? He had blackberry twigs stuck in his mane and was worried for his mom see him such a mess that she would stop his allowance p.52
  2. What did Elder do to help the lion? Give him a comb, brush and ribbons and showed him how to make his mane pretty p.54

Chapter 8

  1. What animal threatened to twist the main character’s arms like he does the dragon’s wings? A gorilla p.60
  2. What did Elmer give the monkeys to help them get the fleas off the gorilla and how did that help? Magnifying glasses so they could see the tiny fleas p.62
  3. Explain how the main character was freed from the gorilla. More monkeys came out of the trees and surrounded the gorilla as they were wanting to try the magnifying glasses p.64

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t the main character pull on the rope to have the dragon fly over to him? Elmer was worried about the gorilla twisting the dragon’s wings and stopping him from freeing him p.65
  2. Why was Elmer not interested in swimming in the river with the crocodiles? He knew he’d be eaten p.66
  3. What did Elmer do to get to the other side of the river? Used lollipops to make the crocodiles line up so he could walk across them. He put the first lollipop in the sand on the beach, then walked across the crocodile and used a robber band to tie a lollipop onto his tail for the next crocodile and so on p.68

Chapter 10

  1. Explain how the crocodiles helped Elmer have the time he needed to free the dragon? The first crocodile finished his sucker and began floating down the river with all the other crocodiles following as they wanted to finish their suckers. The animals had been crossing the river and were stuck on the crocodiles p.76
  2. Who called to the main character and the dragon from the island as they were heading to Tangerine island? The mouse p.76

Comprehension Questions – Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor

Grades 6-9; Genre – Fiction; GRL W; AR pts: 10.0

The land is all-important to the Logan family. But it takes a while for Cassie and her three brothers to understand just how lucky they are to have it. They must learn the hard way that having a place they can call their own in rural Mississippi permits the Logans the luxuries of pride and courage that their poor black sharecropper neighbors can't afford.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. 1933 in Mississippi, autumn time, it was morning as the main characters were walking to school on a dirt road, passing the white kids school, then in the school for black kids p.24
  2. Who are the Logan children? Little Man, Cassie, Christopher-John and Stacey; children who are a family who live in Mississippi with their mama, papa, and Big Ma; children who are the descendents of slaves p.2
  3. Define racism and give an example from this chapter. A belief that one group of persons is superior to another, usually with color of skin. Ex. Berry’s getting burned by some white men p.6; White kids on a bus, where our characters can’t ride the bus p.8; Jeremy getting beat up because he walks with the main characters to school p.9; white kids go to one school our main characters have to go to another p.10; they got all of the old used books the white kids had used and what the books called them p.17
  4. Why were most of the children at the Great Faith school have such thread worn clothes and shoes that were too small to wear? They were all so poor; they worked on plantations and didn’t make very much money p.11
  5. Why didn’t Cassie and Little Man want the books the school was giving them? Because of what the books called them p.18

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Papa bring home Mr. Morrison? He lost his job and he was going to work as a hired hand at the Logan’s farm p.27
  2. Explain in your own words what happened to the Berry’s. they stopped at a gas station for gas and Henrietta heard some white men talk about the men she was with. John Henry left without getting gas and after dropping her off to her home, the white men drove up behind them and rammed into their car. He stopped at his uncle’s house for fear he was going to run out of gas and the men came and dragged him, Beacon and his uncle out of the house and set them all on fire p.29
  3. Why did Cassie’s dad tell them all not to go the Wallace’s store? There was drinking, dancing and smoking and he felt there was going to be trouble one day for those kids who went p.30

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Big Ma use the term “ignorant white folks” when talking to Little Man about getting dirty by the school bus each day? Ignorant means lacking knowledge or comprehension of something, so she understands that the white people don’t understand that black people should be treated similarly p.33
  2. How did Big Ma show Little Man tough love when they were talking about the bus issue? Didn’t feel sorry for him and told him to stop fretting over it; told him to study hard in school and get a good education and he’d be ok; told him he could buy a car when he grew up to drive himself where he wanted to go p.33
  3. What was Stacey’s plan to stop the bus from splashing them to and from school? To dig into the road to make it look like it was washed out p.38
  4. When the bus fell into the deep ditch, why was Mama and Big Ma happy? Now the white kids will have to walk to school just like their kids do every day; now there’s no special privilege for white kids p.42
  5. Why do you think the men in the cars with the headlights came to Cassie’s home that night? To punish the children for digging the ditch; to capture Mr. Morrison p.50

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Mama and Big Ma suspect something was wrong with the children? They were listless, didn’t eat or sleep well p.53
  2. Why were the children relieved after talking to TJ and hearing about the man who got tarred and feathered? They learned it wasn’t because of their prank to stop the bus p.57
  3. Why did Papa bring Mr. Morrison to live near his family? To protect them p.59
  4. Why did Stacey get whipped in school? TJ handed him his cheat notes and the teacher saw p.61
  5. Why did Stacey decide to tell his Mama about fighting at the Wallace’s store? Mr. Morrison helped him understand he needed to. Stacey respected Mr. Morrison and wanted to do what he said p.66
  6. Explain why Mr. Granger wants to buy their land? He just wants it to own it, he doesn’t need it; to take away their privilege of having land; it was his before the ward, but his family had to sell it since they didn’t have any money p.67

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Big Ma park the wagon at the back of the field on market day? Only the white people’s wagons could park near the entrance p.80
  2. How was Cassie supposed to act in the store while Mr. Barnette was helping everyone else before them? Patient, wait until he’s ready to help; helps everyone who’s white before helping her p.85
  3. How had Cassie been insulted when in town? Mr. Barnette yelled at her for having no manners and expecting to be helped in proper order at the store and Lillian Jean made her apologize for bumping into her and expected Cassie to walk in the road p.86

Chapter 6

  1. How did Uncle Hammer react when Cassie told him what happened in Strawberry? He was angry and wanted to get revenge on Mr. Simms so got into his car to go to Mr. Simms home p.93
  2. How did Cassie’s mama explain the reason for Lillian Jean’s treatment? She explained that people are still stuck thinking that white people are better than black people even though slavery had ended decades before p.95
  3. What did Uncle Hammer give Stacey on the way to church and why did he give it to him then instead of at Christmas? A new coat because his was worn and too small p.101
  4. When Uncle Hammer persisted across the bridge to make the other car stop and wait for them, why was Mama so worried as she said, “one day we’ll pay.” Uncle Hammer’s actions will cause the Wallace’s to take offense and cause the Logan family to have issues because of it p.105

Chapter 7

  1. What did Stacey do to the coat Uncle Hammer gave to him and what was his uncle’s reaction when he found out? Gave it to TJ; Uncle Hammer told him not to got get it, but got after him for doing whatever TJ wanted him to do and told him he needed to stick up for himself and not be influenced easily p.107
  2. Summarize Mr. Morrison’s story about the night men. His little town got attacked by them since a woman complained some boys had hurt her. The night men came, started the town on fire, and killed women, children and men. His sisters died and his mother threw him out of the house so he wouldn’t get hurt and she fought next to his dad. They both died that night p.112
  3. What did the children get for Christmas? Books, clothes and candy/food p.116
  4. What did Mr. Jamison propose to Papa and Uncle Hammer? That he’ll back the credit for people to shop at the store in Vicksburg p.122
  5. Why did Mr. Granger come to visit the Logan’s? to tell them not to go to Vicksburg for the groceries or he would cause them to lose their land p.122

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the advice Cassie’s papa gave her about the incident with Lillian Jean? She has Uncle Hammer’s temper and she has to consider what is worse, the hurt you receive or the hurt your family would receive if they reacted the way they wanted to, but you can’t back down at some things or theya eat you alive ; he told her not to be mad, but she needed to decide how she was going to respond this treatment p.133
  2. Why was Cassie so kind to Lillian Jean and being her “pet”? to get her to trust her and tell her things, so when she beat her up and made her apologize, she had leverage to keep Lillian Jean from telling anyone what she had done p.137
  3. Explain why Mama lost her job as a schoolteacher? Mr. Granger came to her class and she admitted to not teaching everything in the book that the school board provided because it wasn’t true p.140
  4. What did TJ say that got their Mama fired?  That she wasn’t a good teacher and destroyed school property by covering the books with paper and that she was the one who told everyone not to go to the Wallace’s store p.143
  5. What’s a consequence of TJ talking to Kaleb Wallace about Ms. Logan and getting her fired? Nobody will talk to him at school p.146
  6. Predict what’s going to happen to TJ and how his actions are going to affect his relationship with the Logan’s.  He’s going to side more with the white people and help them ruin the Logan’s p.147

Chapter 9

  1. What’s the problem with TJ hanging out with Jeremy’s brothers who are 18 & 19? They’re much older than him; could be a bad influence; don’t treat him well when he’s not with them p.150
  2. What’s a chain gang? A group of men who have been arrested or convicts that are forced to working on road construction, ditch digging or farming while chained together p.155
  3. Describe the example Papa used when answering Cassie’s question if they were going to give up. He used a fig tree growing in an area with lots of trees overshadowing it. That fig tree keeps on growing and doesn’t give up. It has a right to be in the yard too. They aren’t giving up either p.156
  4. What had happened to Stacey, Mr. Morrison and Papa on their way back from Vicksburg in the rain? Someone had loosened the wheels on the cart, they came off and while the men were putting the wheels on a car came from behind and someone shot Papa. Jack the mule got scared and the cart rolled and ran over Papa. Mr. Morrison went after the men and stopped them from hurting any of them. The men left and they brought Papa home with a broken leg and his head wrapped from the shot p.162

Chapter 10

  1. Why were Cassie’s parents worried about money? Because her papa couldn’t work on the railroad to get the mortgage payments and her mom lost her teaching job p.166
  2. What did Mr. Morrison do when Kaleb Wallace blocked the road with his truck? He picked up each end of the truck and moved it p.170
  3. When Jeremy came to the pond and trees to see the Logan children, what did he tell them about TJ? That he was hanging around with white boys and stealing stuff from people p.173
  4. What does it mean that the bank called up the note? The bank wanted the Logan’s to pay for the debt on the land immediately p.175
  5. What did Uncle Hammer do to get the money to pay the debt at the bank? Sold his nice car and other things as well as borrowed some money p.178
  6. Why did TJ come to the revival? To show off his new friends to his old friends and boast about his new clothes and friends and how they’d give him anything he wanted p.182

Chapter 11

  1. Explain what happened at the Barnette’s store with TJ, R.W. and Melvin. TJ, M.W. and Melvin went to the store to get the pistol, but the store was closed. TJ climbed into the window and opened the door for the other boys. Once in they got the gun and were trying to get the metal case with money, but the Barnette’s came down the stairs. Mr. Barnette tried to stop them but got knocked in the head by the flat part of the ax and Mrs. Barnette fell and hit her head on the stove. The older boys beat up TJ since he said he was going to tell. They ran to do some business and TJ got a ride with a farmer close to the Logan’s home p.187
  2. What will be the consequence of Stacey taking TJ home instead of telling his parents? The children all saw the Avery family with TJ get pulled out of their home. TJ was accused of breaking into the store p.191
  3. Who came and tried to help the Avery family and TJ from getting hurt? Mr. Jamison p.193
  4. Why did Cassie and her brothers need to run and tell Papa and Mr. Morrison about the events at the Avery home? To warn them and protect them from Kaleb Wallace and the Simms since they want to hang them both as well as TJ p.195

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Mama so worried about Papa taking a gun to find Stacey and help TJ? She knew if he fired at the men he would be hung p.197
  2. What started the fire on their cotton? Lightning p.199
  3. What did Papa and Mr. Granger do to stop the fire? Dig a trench p.202
  4. What had happened to TJ? He got taken into Strawberry to jail so he could be tried for breaking into the mercantile store and hurting/killing the Barnette’s p.205
  5. How did Papa stop the hangings that night? He started a fire which caused Mr. Granger to stop focusing on TJ and instead putting out the fire on his fields p.208
  6. Why did Cassie cry at the end of the story? She mourned what would happen to TJ; she cried for the things that happened in the night, but what would not pass; for the land p.210

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. Describe Stuart. He is a two-inch tall human boy that has a mouse's sharp nose, whiskers and tail; he's born to a human family p.1
  2. Why is it concerning that Stuart wasn't gaining very much weight? He only gained a third of an ounce and it is important for babies to gain weight to show that they are thriving and growing in healthy ways p.3
  3. How did Stuart serve and help his mom in this chapter? To find her ring p.4
  4. How did the family feel when Stuart recovered the ring? That he was “awfully good” p.6

Chapter 2

  1. How did Stuart help around the house? Retrieving ping-pong balls, sticky piano keys p.7
  2. Give two examples in this chapter that show that Stuart's family protects and loves him. they tear up the nursery rhyme and change "The Night Before Christmas" words p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Define personification. A literary device that gives humans traits, emotions, or actions to non-human entities - such as animals, objects, or abstract ideas.
  2. Gives three examples from this chapter of how the author illustrates this literary device. Stuart exercises and touches his toes 10 times; Stuart turns on the light with a long string and turns on the water faucet; animals don't exhibit these behaviors p.13

Chapter 4

  1. Compare and contrast Stuart and Snowbell. Similarities: They are both part of the Little household, they are both small creatures living in a large human world, interact with humans and have human feelings; Contrast: Stuart is noble, adventurous, helpful; Snowbell is selfish, manipulative, jealous; Stuart is the hero and Snowbell is the villain; Stuart takes responsibility and solves problems and Snowbell causes problems p.18

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

  1. Why is Stuart taking a risk when he goes outside? He is so small and vulnerable that cats, dogs, cars, etc. put him in danger p.27
  2. How did Stuart step up onto a bus? He held onto a man’s pants p.28
  3. What boat did Stuart want to sail on and beat? The Wasp, The Lillian B. Womarth  p.33

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

  1. Why were the scholars delighted at #7 School? They would have a substitute for Mrs. Gunderson p.87
  2. What would be a fine law? Absolutely no being mean p.94
  3. Is this a realistic law? Why or why not? Explain. Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 13

  1. What is sarsaparilla? It's a drink made from a tropical, woody vine that has medicinal properties and is found in South America, Jamaica, and Mexico p.102
  2. Why did the storekeeper want Stuart to meet Harriet Ames? They were similar size and he thought they would have a lot in common; He thought they might like each other in a romantic way; Hopefully, they could be friends and support each other p.103

Chapter 14

  1. What was the conclusion to the date? Never happened; Stuart was too discouraged that his boat was ruined to go with Harriet, he never saw her again p.124
  2. Have you ever had plans that got ruined by someone else? Explain. Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 15

  1. What is a theme of this story? Example: Stuart Little has many physical limitations, but learns to overcome them
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

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. Is your name special to you? Why or why not? Listen to your child's answer; if they don't know where their name came from, explain why you chose to name them that

Chapter 3

  1. How are Opal and Winn-Dixie similar? They’re both like orphans p.21
  2. Why did it take Opal courage to ask her father to name 10 things about her mother? She didn't want to make her dad angry; he didn't like to talk about her p.25
  3. Is there something you have wanted to ask your parent/guardian, but haven't had the courage? Explain. Listen to your child's answer

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
  3. What was the main idea of this chapter? Opal builds a greater relationship and trust with Gloria by sharing her worries about her mother, her father and the Dewberry boys p.67

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. What is a theme for this story? Explain. Letting go; friendship; dealing with grief and abandonment
  2. Describe how Opal's relationship with her father had changed at the end of the story. They had grown together in understanding and were connecting with each other
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

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

A young boy discovers that his magic cupboard and key can turn toys into live people and animals. Text contains violence and racism.

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 – 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. From your perspective, can you understand why Fern's father wanted to kill Wilbur? Explain. Example: It costs extra money to feed a pig he can't use; the pig will likely not thrive, so he doesn't want to spend time and feed on it; listen to your child's answer

Chapter 2

  1. What is the main idea of this chapter? Fern’s has great love and devotion, as she cares for Wilbur raising him as a pet. As Wilbur grows older and too large to keep as a pet, her father insists on selling him to her uncle, Homer Zuckerman, marking the transition from being a pet to life on a farm. p.9

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 author stated that 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. How did seeing the word “terrific” written in the web, change Zuckerman's attitude towards Wilbur? He saw potential in Wilbur and decided to take him to the fair p.96
  2. 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. Have you ever been to a fair? Compare the similarities and differences from your experience to Fern's experience. Listen to your child's answer 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. What is a theme for this story? Friendship; sacrifice; Life & Death; Circle of Life
  4. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

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 because of 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 and he wants her to rely on him for food 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; gathered white oak acorns and groundnuts; harvested 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 made his bed and floor messy; Sam got sprayed by a skunk; animals found Sam’s camp and food p.99
  3. Was his party a good idea? Listen to your child's answer
  4. 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; because he didn't prepare, he had 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? Ate breakfast; went to the gorge; went ice fishing; dug up plants to eat; went 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? Walked on the snow and dug 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. 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
  2. What is a theme from this story? Coming of Age; Survival; Independence and Self-Reliance
  3. 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