Tag Archives: Adventure

Comprehension Questions – Swindle Series #2 Zoobreak

Zoobreak

by Gordon Korman

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL T; AR pts. 5.0

After a class trip to a floating zoo where animals are mistreated and Savannah's missing pet monkey is found in a cage, Long Island sixth-grader Griffin Bing and his band of misfits plan a rescue.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Griffin. A man with a plan; determined; doesn’t like people to disagree with him; stands up for what he believes in p.2
  2. What does Savannah need help with? Her pet monkey is missing p.4

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Luthor. A dog owned by Savannah; he used to belong to the pawn shop owner in the first book, but he is in prison, so Luthor is with Savannah p.6
  2. How are Luthor and Griffin similar in this chapter? They will lose their best friends p.11

Chapter 3

  1. How did Darren know about Griffin’s Dad’s top-secret invention? Darren’s mom is Griffin’s dad’s lawyer and she must have told him about it (even though it’s top-secret) p.15

Chapter 4

  1. Describe All Aboard Animals. A floating streamer with animals in cages p.22
  2. Why was Savannah outraged while going through the animal exhibits? The cages hadn’t been cleaned, water hadn’t been changed, there wasn’t enough warmth and the cages were too small p.24
  3. What animal do you predict is the newest addition to the zoo? Listen to your child’s answer p.25

Chapter 5

  1. Predict how Griffin will respond to his question at the end of this chapter. Listen to your child’s answer; he’s going to come up with a plan to get Savannah’s pet back p.31

Chapter 6

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer p.37
  2. What plan did Griffin come up with? Operation Zoobreak p.37

Chapter 7

  1. How did Griffin talk Ben into doing Operation Zoobreak? Convinced him this would be the last chance for them to work on a plan together since Ben was changing schools p.40

Chapter 8

  1. What do you think will be Griffin’s job on the team? Listen to your child’s answer; ex. He’s the one who comes up with the plan, so he’ll be the one who adapts the plan if anything goes wrong p.48

Chapter 9

  1. What was accomplished during the trip to the floating animal zoo? Melissa was able to put up the webcams; Pitch was able to explore the area; Ben and Griffin found another way onto the boat if it’s locked p.50
  2. Is the floating zoo a good business venture for the people who own it? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. What did Logan do to accomplish the task he was given and what did he learn? He fell into the water so Klaus would rescue him and drew the attention away from Griffin and Ben; he found out that Klaus sleeps on the boat and is a light sleeper p.64

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pitch was climbing and researching the climb in, with the conclusion that the team couldn’t do it; everyone gathered on the dock and Logan and Pitch reported their bad news: they can’t climb the fence to get into the preserve and Klaus is a light sleeper; Griffin got the idea to approach the boat by water p.67

Chapter 12

  1. What do you think caused the webcam to go dark? Listen to your child’s answer p.78
  2. Explain why there could be a potential problem if Griffin doesn’t figure out why the webcam stopped working. They don’t know what caused the webcam to go dark, so Klaus or Mr. Nasty could be onto them, and their plan may not work p.78

Chapter 13

  1. What helped Griffin come up with a way to get to the zoo since Darren didn’t show up? Ben fell asleep in a rowboat p.86

Chapter 14

  1. What was the first hiccup in their plan once they reached the boat? Klaus was sleeping beneath the vent in a compartment and Ben woke him up as he was climbing through the vent and shined the flashlight into his eyes p.92

Chapter 15

  1. Predict the danger Cleo is trying to warn Savannah about? Listen to your child’s answer p.97

Chapter 16

  1. List two hiccups to the plan that manifested during this chapter. 1) Savannah wouldn’t leave the boat without rescuing all the animals 2) the rowboat was gone, so they had no way to escape p.99

Chapter 17

  1. Describe the reunion between Cleo and Luther. They saw each other, jumped toward each other, and collided in midair; they were thrilled to see each other p.110

Chapter 18

  1. What’s the next plan Griffin is coming up with? What to do with the animals they stole from the zoo; the zookeeper they reached out to is out of town for two weeks p.116

Chapter 19

  1. Why is the new operation called Operation Houseguest? They were dividing up the animals from the floating zoo, and each member of the team will house a few of them; the animals will be houseguests at each team member’s home p.119

Chapter 20

  1. Why doesn’t the team want Darren to know they stole the animals from the floating zoo? They don’t trust him; he stood them up when he told them he would help them p.135

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize this chapter in less than 30 words. Savannah and Griffin went to each team members’ home to check on the animals. Darren wanted to get in on the plan p.137

Chapter 22

  1. What proof does Klaus have that Mr. Nastase is a thief? He stole the lamp from a hotel p.152

Chapter 23

  1. Give an example of how the zookeeper is a hypocrite? He said he knew everything there was to know about animals, yet he didn’t recognize his own loon in the pond next to Savannah’s house and called it a pigeon p.161

Chapter 24

  1. How did Darren’s plan backfire? Darren caught the owl and wanted to sell the owl back to the zookeeper, but the zookeeper told him to find out where his animals are, or he’ll tell the police Darren stole them p.169

Chapter 25

  1. How can the lost paper with the plan turn their plan into a catastrophe? Listen to your child’s answer p.173

Chapter 26

  1. List two reasons why it was risky for the kids to take Griffin’s dad’s invention? If his dad found out, he’d call the police; the police might see them traveling to the zoo and stop them p.178

Chapter 27

  1. When Darren’s parents found out about the plan putting the animals in the zoo, they were concerned for the safety of the six kids. How would your parents have reacted? Listen to your child’s answer p.187

Chapter 28

  1. Who are the two extra security guards wandering around the zoo? Klaus and Mr. Nastase p.195

Chapter 29

  1. Describe Klaus’s attitude towards his boss stealing more animals? He doesn’t like it; he has morals and values and doesn’t agree with stealing p.202

Chapter 30

  1. What brave thing did Klaus do to protect the boys? Jumped in front of the gun so he would get shot if Mr. Nastase shot it p.207
  2. Choose a word to describe how Klaus felt when his boss shot him with the tranquilizer gun? Hurt; betrayed p.208

Chapter 31

  1. The kids were arrested! Predict what you think will happen with them, the zoo, the floating zoo, Klaus and Mr. Nastase. Listen to your child’s answer p.213

Chapter 32

  1. Choose a character and describe how they have grown in this book? Listen to your child’s answer p.223 examples: Melissa: growing in confidence; Darren: growing in compassion; Griffin: realizing he needs to be careful with his plans

Chapter 33

  1. This question is for parents: In explaining where the animals ended up, he described the owl making his home in a bell tower at a church on First Avenue. Why is his comment “Hoo was on First” so funny? “Who’s on First” is a comedic routine Abbot and Costello did back in 1956 p.226
  2. How did Ben benefit from the Zoobreak? The ferret that they freed from the floating zoo was an animal Ben took care of during the “Houseguest” plan. The ferret kept him awake in the day which led to him sleeping better at night. He didn’t need to go to the special school for narcolepsy if he always had the ferret with him, so his parents let him keep Ferret Face p.228
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions Magic Tree House #37 Rhinos at Recess

Rhinos at Recess

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre-Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

The magic tree house transports Jack and Annie to South Africa where they must protect a majestic rhino from poachers.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Annie assume they are traveling to Africa? She saw a bird from Africa on a tree when she and Jack ran home to pick up her project during recess; the poem Morgan left them includes a description of Africa p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Describe a game reserve. Specific areas in Africa that protect animals from danger; rangers work in the reserve to protect the animals p.21

Chapter 3

  1. Why did it matter that a chopper was at the west gate of the reserve? Poachers travel in helicopters and could be in the chopper p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Speedy run to the trees? He was scared p.38

Chapter 5

  1. Describe a rhinoceros. Very large animal with wrinkled dark gray skin, two large horns on its face p.42
  2. How did Jack and Annie stay safe from the rhino? They climbed a tree; they stayed quiet so the rhino couldn’t hear them p.41
  3. Predict what you think “the giant” and “them” is in the poem? Listen to your child’s answer p.45

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize the plan Annie came up with to save Rosie and her calf from the poachers. To call Rosie and get her to chase them to the tree they were hiding in, hoping her baby will follow; the leaves from the tree will hide the rhinos p.52

Chapter 7

  1. Were you correct in your prediction of what the giant is? Listen to your child’s answer p.62
  2. What is the paper tree? An ancestral tree on the brochure p.62

Chapter 8

  1. Describe what happened when Jack and Annie called for help. A pre-historic rhino (Rosie’s ancestor) came from the past and chased the poachers away p.65

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Jack get emotional in this chapter? He felt a love and connection for the rhino p.79

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Annie want everyone to listen to her animal presentation? She’s going to teach them about rhinos, pre-historic and present day, and that they might disappear from the earth. She’ll tell them that rangers are trying to protect them and the sad, the good and the bad things p.85
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Quicksand Question

The Quicksand Question

by Ron Roy

Grades 1-4; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

When someone steals the money the town has been collecting to help the ducks, Josh and his friends try to find the thief.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did the city come together to solve a problem? The people who were interested met and talked about solutions; they were kind to each other and brainstormed respectfully; people volunteered to help where they were able and a solution was found p.1

Chapter 2

  1. What did the friends find in the meadow? A burned piece of wood with letters written on it p.14
  2. Predict how this piece of wood will tie into the meadow fire mystery. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Josh’s twin brothers took the money and cookies from the barn; the friends and brother had breakfast and then the friends went to the fire department to drop off their change; they saw Officer Fallon there and shared their clues with him about the fire; the collection bank was missing p.16

Chapter 4

  1. What’s a diversion? A distraction
  2. Describe what Mr. Pocket saw. A jeep with two men speeding down Main Street. The passenger looked like a duck p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Why is the man who used the restroom in the fire station a suspect? He could have been checking out the fire station to find out where the duck bank was located when he used the bathroom p.36

Chapter 6

  1. How did Ellie help the kids further their investigation? She knows that the burnt wood comes from a pallet found at the supermarket p.40

Chapter 7

  1. What did Mr. Robb explain and show the friends. Where people can pick up pallets p.46

Chapter 8

  1. What do you think the man in the rowboat was looking for in the water? Listen to your child’s answer p.54

Chapter 9

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Predict how they’re going to get the jeep out of the river. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Was your prediction correct? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What did Ruth Rose find and what did it mean? An apron with a name tag from the grocery store where the friends found the pallets p.71

Chapter 11

  1. How did this story end? They caught Martin and built the duck bridge; the friends waited all afternoon to see if the ducks would use the bridge and they did! p.75

Comprehension Questions Magic Tree House #36 Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Morgan le Fay tells Jack and Annie to seek out "The Gray Ghost" and listen to her story. They are whisked away to Nepal where they meet Tenzin, a climber, who takes them up the mountain to meet a snow leopard.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize what this story is going to be about. Jack and Annie are going to Nepal to find a ghost in the mountains p.1

Chapter 2

  1. List an observation Jack and Annie made of the people in this area. They are hard workers p.19

Chapter 3

  1. How did Annie convince Tenzin to help them find the ghost? She read Morgan’s poem to him and told him they were serious about finding the ghost, not just curious p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did you learn about Tenzin in this chapter? He’s sad because his wife and daughter died last winter p.34
  2. Predict how Jack and Annie will help him in this story. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack agree to follow Tenzin? Tenzin quoted a phrase from the poem and confirmed that they were supposed to follow Tenzin p.42

Chapter 6

  1. How did Tenzin put Jack and Annie at risk? By taking them on treacherous steep ground and for hiking so high p.51

Chapter 7

  1. What is the great ghost and how did Jack and Annie find it? A snow leopard; they tried to find Tenzin and when they hiked up to him, the snow leopard was with him. She was difficult to see because she blended in with the rocks p.59

Chapter 8

  1. How do you think the snow leopard is wise and what secret does she have to tell? Listen to your child’s answer p.62

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Jack want to tell Ama and the girls about the snow leopard. Tenzin has a special bond with the snow leopard, and they want him to be the one to talk about her if he wants to p.72
  2. Have you ever had a story that was your own that you haven’t wanted anyone else to share or talk about? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Were you correct in your assumption about what the poem means? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. If not, what is answer? The secret is love hides in plain sight, and we are never alone p.82
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – The Swindle Series #1 Swindle

Swindle

by Gordon Korman

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mystery; GRL T; AR pts. 5.0

After unscrupulous collector S. Wendell Palomino cons sixth-grader Griffin Bing out of a valuable baseball card, Griffin puts together a band of misfits to break into Palomino's heavily guarded store and steal the card back.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize how this story begins? Two boys are in a condemned building sleeping over. They invited a whole crew of others and even gave them a plan of how to sneak out of their homes, but no one else showed. The boys talked about why no one else came and reviewed the stories they had heard of how the horse was haunted p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Griffin and how he found the baseball card. A man with a plan; curly hair; determined to not be taken advantage of; stands up for what he believes in even if it’s misguided; comes from a home where parents are trying to make ends meet. He found the card by exploring the haunted home. It was in a locked drawer on a desk p.10

Chapter 3

  1. List two things you learn about Griffin in this chapter. He and Ben are in sixth grade; Griffin always sticks to the plan p.17

Chapter 4

  1. How is Griffin going to fight fire with fire? By stealing the card back from the man at the pawn shop p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Ben and list a characteristic that Ben showed in this chapter. Griffin’s friend who follows him and always supports him; in the 6th grade; also stands up for what he believes in; he showed integrity in this chapter by standing up to Griffin and not wanting to rob the pawn shop p.41

Chapter 6

  1. What changed Ben’s mind about the heist? He saw that Griffin’s house was for sale and Griffin told him about his family’s financial situation p.56

Chapter 7

  1. What security fact did Griffin forget to put on his plan? The Doberman p.61

Chapter 8

  1. What two items of the plan were worked out in this chapter? Savannah is working to tame the Doberman, and Ben’s dad helped them figure out the alarm code p.69

Chapter 9

  1. What was Savannah’s reaction when the boys told her what they were up and what was the consequence? She was angry and yelled. The Doberman began to grovel and whimper at Savannah p.76

Chapter 10

  1. What could derail the heist at this point? Ben falling asleep and missing the next step p.87

Chapter 11

  1. Why do you think the safe and dog aren’t at the store? Listen to your child’s answer p.92

Chapter 12

  1. Find a simile on page 95. “Yet, deep down, it was like trying to enjoy great food while suffering from a gut-blaster stomachache.”
  2. What is Ben expressing in the last two sentences of page 95. Even though Griffin’s family is taking them to fun places, it’s hard to enjoy being there when you know Griffin is moving and there won’t be fun times anymore. Ben is thinking about the times they’ve spent together in the past, knowing there won’t be times together in the future p.95
  3. How did the boys find where the card is? They found the Doberman and realized the card and safe were taken to Swindle’s house p.98

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. The boys went to Swindle’s house and found Luther and found he uses a high-tech security system. They also met Swindle’s neighbor and learned he is always outside observing the activities in the neighborhood. Their teacher helped them figure out where to go to see Swindle’s floor plan to get into his house p.100

Chapter 14

  1. Predict how the boys will get into the house via the bathroom skylight? Listen to your child’s answer p.116

Chapter 15

  1. Were you correct in your previous prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Griffin thinks the heist will be easy once each person’s job is broken down. What do you think might go wrong? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Why didn’t Griffin want Darren on the team? He’s a talker and might tell on them; they don’t trust him p.132

Chapter 17

  1. If you were a part of this heist, what responsibility would you want to have? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.133

Chapter 18

  1. Does Griffin have a right to be nervous about the heist? What could go wrong? Listen to your child’s answer p.144
  2. Why do you think the card is cold? Listen to your child’s answer p.147

Chapter 19

  1. How was the heist going so far? Really well. The only hiccup they’ve had so far is Melissa intercepted an email to Palomino and the auction wanted to pick up the card early, but Griffin responded to them with the wrong address p.150

Chapter 20

  1. Choose a word to describe the team and how they worked together in this chapter. Explain. Flexible-Ben knew he couldn’t climb to the roof because of his narcolepsy and Melissa was happy to swap responsibilities. Encouraging-when Darren slipped on the roof, no one made fun of him, Pitch encouraged him and gave him clear instructions p.159

Chapter 21

  1. What went wrong with the heist? The vent pipe and Pitch fell into the house spraining her ankle; now the crew can’t exit the house that way
  2. What do you think Luther is trying to tell Savannah? Listen to your child’s answer p.171

Chapter 22

  1. What problems did the crew solve in this chapter? Melissa figured out the security system so they can get out of the house without triggering the alarm; Savannah found out why Luther was agitated, there’s a mean German shepherd in the basement. She shut the dog into the room, but it’s hitting the door trying to break it down p.172

Chapter 23

  1. What complicated the plan even further in this chapter? The man finally arrived to pick up the card; Ben fell asleep so he didn’t warn everyone; the card wasn’t in the safe p.180

Chapter 24

  1. Predict what Griffin is going to do to get the card out of the tree. Listen to your child’s answer p.193

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Griffin and his friends respect Griffin’s dad more in this chapter? They used his invention to get the card out of the tree and saw that it was a great invention p.199

Chapter 26

  1. Ben missed everything that happened inside the house. Pretend you are talking to him and tell him what happened from the time you climbed the roof to when he ran over to see what was going on. Listen to your child’s answer p.208
  2. Yikes! A police car is in front of Griffin’s house when he gets there. Why do you think they are there and predict what Griffin will do. Listen to your child’s answer p.208

Chapter 27

  1. Describe the sight Palomino probably saw when he arrived to his home. A broken window with glass all over the floor; dogs laying down in the kitchen; turkey skeleton on the floor of the kitchen; an empty plastic baggie that held the card p.214

Chapter 28

  1. What the heist crew did was a serious crime. Predict what will happen when the police arrive? Listen to your child’s answer p.223
  2. Use a word to describe how Griffin is feeling right now? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. What consequence is Griffin feeling now that he hadn’t predicted? How this would affect his parents p.231

Chapter 30

  1. Find a metaphor on page 237 and explain what the author means by using it. Ex. “It was a glowing coal on an icy night, a tiny measure of justice.” Griffin was feeling satisfied that Palamino didn’t have many customers amidst the possibility of getting arrested p.237

Chapter 31

  1. Why did Officer Vizzini finally arrest Griffin? He had the card and now there was evidence to arrest him p.242
  2. Why is the officer going to release Griffin? Palomino isn’t pressing charges and the card is being sent to the last surviving member of the Rockford family p.245
  3. Why isn’t Griffin’s family moving anymore? The publicity from the card has generated interest from investors for the SmartPick p.247

Chapter 32

  1. What’s ironic with who ended up with the baseball card? It went to Darren, who tried to steal the card during the heist p.250
  2. What did the money go towards and why? The Cedarville Museum where the Rockford house used to be. Darren’s parents didn’t want to reward him for stealing the card p.250
  3. What did you enjoy about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Goose’s Gold

The Goose's Gold

by Ron Roy

There’s sunken treasure off the Florida coast! On the day after they arrive for vacation, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose meet two men who are diving for gold from their boat, the Golden Goose. They promise to share with anyone who backs their plan. Is it too good to be true?

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR 1.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting in this story. Key West, Florida; beautiful warm weather, beaches, ocean p.1
  2. How did the author set up the mystery in this story? Dink overheard someone talking about dough and a goose in the telephone booth next to him; the man in the booth had tan hairy ankles and had an eagle head tattoo p.2

Chapter 2

  1. Who did the kids meet in this chapter and what do their new acquaintances do? Chip and Spike; they own a boat and dive for treasure p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Where did the kids explore in this chapter and what did they find? Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum; gold necklace p.23
  2. Who is coming over to Grams? Spike and Chip p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Explain how Grams know Spike and Chip. The men came to the senior center and asked the people there to be investors p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Dink bothered in this chapter? Something Spike whispered to Chip was very familiar to what he heard the man whisper in the telephone booth at the airport p.41

Chapter 6

  1. Do you think Dink has a reason to be suspicious? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 7

  1. What clue did the kids find when they were at the beach? Chip and Spike’s boat was called the Golden Goose p.52
  2. What is Dink’s backup plan to see if Spike has a tattoo? Create a tattoo contest p.54

Chapter 8

  1. Should the kids have gotten on the boat without Spike and Chip’s permission? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.61

Chapter 9

  1. What predicament did the kids find themselves in? Chip and Spike came back and took the boat out to the ocean; the kids hid and were trapped in a storage area under the floor of the boat p.66

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Spike and Chip took an ax and chopped up the boat to sink it. They took off in the dingy. The kids came out of the trap door and jumped into the ocean p.72

Chapter 11

  1. What was the conclusion to this story? The coast guard saved the kids; Chip and Spike were caught, and the money they stole was given back; the gold the men had at the beginning of the story was stolen from a museum and the reward money was going to the kids; Grams invited the kids back to visit next summer p.78

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Ninth Nugget

The Ninth Nugget

by Ron Roy

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

N is for Nugget . . . Howdy from Montana, pardners! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are spending a week at a dude ranch. When they pan for gold, Josh finds a huge nugget. But gold fever has struck, and soon the nugget is stolen. It’s up to the kids to round up the thief.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the premise of this story and who the characters are (you don’t need to include the main characters). The friends are in Wyoming at a ranch; they won this experience from helping the person who lost the lottery ticket; Ma and Pa own the ranch, Jud is their son, Lulu is the cook and Thumbs (but we’re not sure who he is yet) p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize Thumb’s story around the campfire. A fire was started in the woods with lightning. A bear cub came running from the woods and was burned; they caught him and took him to the vet the next morning and when he was better, he was sent to a zoo. The mama bear came running through destroying everything, looking for her cub but couldn’t find it. The mama bear is still looking for her cub and comes through the camp 2-3 times each summer p.18

Chapter 3

  1. What do you think the noises on the porch were from? Listen to your child’s answer p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Choose a word to describe Josh and explain what his reward was. Determined; patient; he found a potato sized gold nugget p.34

Chapter 5

  1. Who are the other guests at the ranch? Fiona, Ed, the Clydes p.15
  2. Who stayed back at the ranch during the horse ride? Ed, Fiona, Thumbs p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Why do you think the dinner bell is ringing when it’s the afternoon? Listen to your child’s answer p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What was the emergency? Someone had tied up Lulu, Fiona and Ed and the large nugget was missing from the safe p.52

Chapter 8

  1. Why do the friends suspect Thumbs? He was the only one who wasn’t on the ride the entire time. He could have tied everyone up, stole the gold and raced out to the meadow on his horse p.62

Chapter 9

  1. Do you agree that Josh lied to Ma to get out of playing cards? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.71

Chapter 10

  1. Why is it suspicious that Ed is pacing and getting ready to leave the ranch? If he were the robber, he’d want to get off the ranch as quickly as possible so he wouldn’t get caught p.79

Chapter 11

  1. Use another word to describe Josh in this chapter and explain why you chose it. Selfless, charitable; he donated his nugget to the ranch to save it p.86

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Invisible Island

The Invisible Island

by Ron Roy

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

I is for Island . . . It’s picnic time! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose pack up a basket and wade out to Squall Island. Right away, they find a hundred-dollar bill in the sand! But when they come back the next day, the entire island has mysteriously disappeared. What is the secret of Squall Island?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where are the children exploring at the beginning of this story? Squaw Island p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why should the children find the person who lost the $100 and give it back to him? It is the right thing to do p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. The children talk to Ron at the boat shop but still can’t figure out who the money could belong to. Ruth Rose writes a note to put on the bulletin board. They go get ice cream and then go see Officer Fallon. He puts the money in an envelope with Ruth Rose’s name on it and says that if no one claims the money in 30 days she can have it p.16

Chapter 4

  1. Why would someone put fake poison ivy on Squaw Island? To keep people away from it or to keep them from wandering around a certain part of the island p.34

Chapter 5

  1. Who do you think put the cement box and refrigerator on the island? Listen to your child’s answer p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Officer Fallon told the kids to stay away from the island. Would you have a hard time doing that? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.48

Chapter 7

  1. Why does Ron make a good suspect? He owns boats; it’s easy for him to get to the island; he purchased calamine lotion at the store, so he probably has a rash from poison ivy; he had enough space at his shop to store a printing press

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The friends were spying on Ron and a man in a black car drove up and gave Ron a box that said Happy Heart Dog Food; Ron took the box into the shed then brought it back out and gave it back to the man in the black car p.56

Chapter 9

  1. What did the kids find in the Bent’s garage? Receipt for the calamine lotion, the Happy Heart Dog Food box, waders with boots, green paint p.67

Chapter 10

  1. Do you think the kids have enough evidence to catch the suspects? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What will be the last piece of evidence? Catching the crook on Squaw Island where the counterfeit money is p.73

Chapter 11

  1. How did this mystery end? The Bents were captured and taken to prison and their dog was given to Josh; he was still thinking what name to call him p.78

Comprehension Questions – Son Ward

Son Ward

by E.A. Loghry

Grades 8-12; Genre - Action Adventure

In a quiet valley kingdom untouched by war and strife, King’s falconer Shain becomes the unexpected choice for Son Ward- the heir to the throne. Holim, the King’s nephew, full of jealousy and wounded pride, strongly opposes the decision. As Shain wrestles with his new calling and the responsibility it entails, he must choose whether to become the man the King sees in him or give in to his own doubts and insecurities. Will Shain rise to his King’s call and prove himself as the kingdom’s leader, or will Holim’s schemes succeed in derailing his path to the throne?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Shain is the king’s Master Falconer; he was called in to the king, and the king chose him to be the heir to the throne after he dies; Shain accepted, but wasn’t happy about it; he wants to rebel against the idea; the king’s nephew was there and could possibly cause problems p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize Shain’s background? His great-grandfather betrayed the king and let assassins in the castle to kill the king; the king was well guarded, and didn’t die; Consequently, Shain’s great-grandfather had to clip his favorite falcon’s feathers so he couldn’t fly again and he was banished from the castle p.16
  2. Why is Holim such a threat to Shain? He is the king’s nephew and wants to be king; he killed his brother so he could easily kill Shain; there’s also speculation he hurt his uncle the king p.20

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Shain’s attitude about being king. Why? Grumpy; negative; he’d rather be out with his birds; he feels out of place in the castle p.26

Chapter 4

  1. What characteristics does Shain have that the king has chosen him for? Loyalty; love for what he is dedicated to; strong and can withstand Holim p.40
  2. How do those qualities make him a good king? Once Shain has accepted his role as the king, he will give all that he has to serve and be a good ruler; has confidence not to let Holim manipulate him and is strong so fight off Holim

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Trygve and why it is strange the king would tell Shain to trust him? He is the castle cook and we found out he is the king’s counselor; he is also Tok’s brother; he’s an old man full of wisdom and authority p.47

Chapter 6

  1. Do you think Shain should trust Brindel? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.62

Chapter 7

  1. What attitude did Shain begin to have in this chapter? He started to embrace his new life and realized he needed to get the guards’ respect and approval p.68

Chapter 8

  1. What is holding Shain back from embracing the kingship? He’s worried he will fail; he is short-sighted and can only see one path to earning back the respect for his family p.76
  2. What will the scuffle between the guard and Holim’s mercenaries hopefully do? Discourage the mercenaries and Holim from trying to take the kingdom p.85

Chapter 9

  1. How could the scuffle possibly backfire and work against Shain? One of the guards was injured badly. If he dies, the guard will blame it on Shain p.94
  2. Why does it show good character of Shain to work with Karth and seek out Trygve’s counsel in this chapter? He is showing humility which is exemplary of a good leader p.95
  3. Now that we know Holim a little better, describe him. He’s the nephew to the king; he wants the throne; uses his charisma to manipulate others to get what he wants; he’s selfish, devious, a liar, seeks power instead of seeking to do good p.100

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize Trygve and Tok’s history; they are foster brothers; Trygve’s father was the king’s cook and when his father died, Trygve became the cook but he was young so the king had a noble family take care of him; this family was Tok’s; Tok’s father led an important battle against robbers and won; the king was grateful and promised to take care of his family since he died soon after; the king did, but the next king wasn’t aware of the deal and Tok and Trygve lost everything and they had to move to a small house in the village; their mom lived with them then died at a young age due to the loss she had throughout her life p.112

Chapter 11

  1. What did the king mean when he said, “he has changed his love “on page 123? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Why can’t Shain take the man who attacked him prisoner? Holim will kill his father p.129

Chapter 12

  1. Describe the shift in Shain and how it came about? He began to take on the responsibility of being king; he was attacked on the way to visiting his father and he lived; the guards went on strike until there was a coronation; three guards became friends to Shain p.136

Chapter 14

  1. How has Karth been a good friend to Shain, specifically in this chapter? He helped him put his father’s affairs in order; he accompanied Shain to his father’s and buried him while Shain retrieved what he needed from the house; he took the box and let Shain run ahead to see what was going on with the King; he warned Shain about Holim’s reinforcements and helped him come up with the good idea to have the king sign a declaration to remove Holim from the castle p.147

Chapter 15

  1. Who was the person who wounded Shain off the path when he was traveling to his father’s? Holim in a disguise p.160
  2. Why does Shain think some guards have changed their loyalty? The guard stopped Holim from killing the king and didn’t hurt Shain or Karth p.164

Chapter 16

  1. What decision did Shain need to make during the battle in this chapter and what did it mean? Whether or not to go to the mews and save the falcons; he didn’t, he stayed to fight for the king and the kingdom; it means Shain has accepted his new responsibility and has given up his old dream p.174

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Shain release Tok from the army? The army had been divided and needed to be rebuilt with a new leader p.180
  2. How did Shain convince the people to love him? They saw his loyalty and love for the king as they fought Holim and army p.182

Chapter 18

  1. Did you agree that Shain became the person he wanted to become? Listen to your child’s answer. Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What did you like most about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Deadly Dungeon

The Deadly Dungeon

by Ron Roy

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose visit a castle in Maine and hear screams. They discover a hidden trap door leading to a secret tunnel and a dungeon, and must solve the mystery of who or what is making the noises, which might be a ghost.

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR 1.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What is the setting of this story and why are the friends there? Belfast, Maine; visiting the author they helped save in The Absent Author p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Emory Scott and why was it unsettling to hear his ghost scream? The man who built the castle in the 1930’s; he died suddenly in the castle; Wallis said she hears the ghost; the kids heard a scream as they were leaving for a picnic p.13

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. The friends had a picnic; they took a walk and met Rip; they discussed the ghost of Emory Scott p.19

Chapter 4

  1. Where did the friends go that creeped them out? An old playhouse and a cave with bats on the beach p.25

Chapter 5

  1. Who do you think is out near the playhouse? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. Do you think the light in the woods was a firefly? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.41

Chapter 7

  1. How many green feathers have appeared throughout the story so far? 3 p.53
  2. What do you think they mean? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize what the children found in this chapter. A trapdoor in the playhouse with stone stairs leading downward into darkness p.57
  2. Would you be brave enough to go down those stairs after hearing that scream? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. What is scary about the friends being stuck in the tunnel with the parrots? The tide is coming in and will flood the tunnel; they could drown p.64

Chapter 10

  1. Do you agree with Dink? Is the person hiding the parrots Walker? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.72

Chapter 11

  1. How is Ripley deceiving them all? He is driving Walker’s Jeep and leaving green feathers to make Walker look suspicious p.80

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Ripley’s boat always so clean? He never catches lobster; he acted like he did, but used his boat to pick up the parrots from other countries p.84
  2. What was the loud screech from the mudroom if the parrots had been taken by the police? Listen to your child’s answer p.86