Tag Archives: Adventure

Comprehension Questions – The Dark is Rising Sequence #2 The Dark is Rising

The Dark is Rising

by Susan Cooper

Grades 6-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: 13.0

On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift — that he is destined to seek the six magical Signs of Light. He is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. And for the twelve days of Christmas, while the Dark is rising, life for Will is full of wonder, terror, and delight.

Comprehension Questions

Part One

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the Walker. A hunched over little old man that Will saw scuttle behind a tree p.8
  2. What birthday present did Mr. Dawson give Will and what were his instructions? An iron ring quartered with a cross; to always have it with him and to put it on his belt loop; to keep it safe and not talk about it; he’ll want to have it after the snow comes p.9
  3. What happened to the radio when Will went close to it? It would go crazy with static and erupt into high pitched screeches p.14
  4. What had Will found amongst the snow piled in his room? A rook feather p.23

Chapter 2

  1. What did Will hear and see when he first awoke on his birthday? Music; the country around his home had turned to a forest p.24
  2. Describe the man Will saw getting his horse shod. his horse was black as midnight, he had red brownish hair, bright blue eyes with a different accent than Will’s, tall, wore a long black cloak, he knew Will’s name and that it was his 11th birthday, p.29
  3. Why didn’t Will ride the white mare? He felt like he needed to find the Walker alone p.33
  4. Why was Will in danger and what saved him? He had left the road through Hunter’s Comb and the Rider was going to attack him; the white stallion p.37

Chapter 3

  1. What was inside the two huge wooden doors? A castle with a woman and man inside waiting for Will p.40
  2. What’s the gift Will possesses? The power of the Old Ones; magic p.45
  3. What’s Will’s quest? To find and guard the 6 great signs of Light made by the Old Ones p.51
  4. When would Will see Merriman again? After Will has gotten the sign from the Walker p.66

Chapter 4

  1. What happens to the iron attached to Will’s belt when there’s evil close by? It turns so cold it burns p.70
  2. How many children are in Will’s family? 9 p.72
  3. What did Maggie want from Will? The sign he’d just gotten from the Walker p.79
  4. Who saved Will and stopped Maggie from taking the signs? Merriman Lyon p.81

Part 2

Chapter 5

  1. What did Old George give to Will’s family and why? A bunch of holly with berries; he told Will to put it over a window or door and it will protect him from the Dark p.93
  2. Why didn’t Farmer Dawson carve a “W” for Will? Names are a power the Dark could use against him, so he carved a circle with the cross instead p.97
  3. Who was acting as Miss Greythorne’s butler? Merriman p.103
  4. Where did Merriman take Will after the others in the room were caught in time? To the hillside with the big wooden doors p.107

Chapter 6

  1. Why do the Old Ones use Rowan for the wood of the third sign? The Dark doesn’t like it p.114
  2. When can Will receive the third sign? After he’s finished with his Learning p.115
  3. What’s Hawkin’s and Merriman’s relationship? Merriman took Hawkin in as a boy when his parents died and made him his foster son and liege; Merriman is his lord and trusts him greatly p.119
  4. What language is the Book of Gramarye written in and what language do Will and Merriman converse in? the Old Speech p.123

Chapter 7

  1. Name three things Will learned as he read the Book of Gramarye? He learned of the sky, water and wind; spells for all of those; the history of the Old Ones p.125
  2. How did Will feel after learning from the book? Weighed down and melancholy p.130
  3. Why was Hawkin going to be betray Merriman and the Old Ones? Maggie told him that Merriman doesn’t love him, that Merriman used Hawkin and put him in danger, and would have let him die p.137
  4. How did Will protect Merriman, Paul, and himself from the Rider and Maggie? He threw up a wall of resistance around them and yelled their names out loud p.146

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Stephen send Will’s present to him for his birthday and Christmas present combined? An old man who named himself as an Old One told him to p.156
  2. Who came to visit unexpectedly on Christmas morning? The Black Rider p.160
  3. How did Will defeat the dark after the Christmas service in the church? He held up the three signs p.176
  4. What ceremony did Merriman take Will to see? The Lady coming back to life p.190

Part 3

Chapter 9

  1. Why was the town gathering at the Manor? Supplies were going to be dropped on the Manor property and it looked like the storm was going to get worse that night, so everyone gathered for safety, comfort and food p.200
  2. Why didn’t Will’s father want to go to the Manor when Merriman first mentioned it? He thought they were safe as they were in their own home; he didn’t want to crowd the Manor and take their supplies p.203
  3. Who did Will see when he stared at the fire and what did she tell him? The Lady; that he needed to break the power of the cold with the Sign of Fire p.211
  4. Who’s the Walker? Hawkin, Merriman’s liege p.221

Chapter 10

  1. Did Hawkin turn from the Dark and turn to the Light? no p.224
  2. Why is the Dark able to come into the Manor? The Walker had invited it in p.226
  3. How was Will able to get the Sign of Fire? The Doctor gave the Walker a sedative and made him sleep which stopped the Dark’s way into the home. The Old Ones grabbed the candles lit by the Walker with the power of the Dark and put them into the candle holder in the great hall with the Lady. The blue fire of the Dark turned vermillion red and Will’s fire from his candle then turned into a flower in the shape of the quartered sign p.230
  4. How had the Dark injured Will’s mother? The large clap of thunder they all heard startled his mom at the top of the stairs and made her fall down, falling unconscious p.235

Chapter 11

  1. How did Will get separated from Paul when they were looking for Mary? The rooks flew close around them and drove them away from each other p.237
  2. What were Merriman and Farmer Dawson doing at the Manor while Old George and Will were out in the storm? keeping everyone busy at the Manor so Will and George could work p.243
  3. How did Will travel in the storm to his place of testing? The white horse p.247
  4. How did Will save Mary from the Dark forever? He didn’t give the signs that he had obtained to the Black Rider and then retrieved the 6th sign, so he had all of the signs p.261

Chapter 12

  1. Where did the white mare take Merriman and Will and why? The Great Park; the horse was needed for the Hunt p.266
  2. How did the ship come out of the ground that held the dead king and made the head of the Hunter? The stag head that Will got from his brother for his birthday and Christmas p.268
  3. Who did Herne call when he sounded like a hunting horn? A pack of ghostly white hounds with red eyes and ears p.271
  4. What did Herne hunt? The Dark p.274

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Will anxious to go home? He thought of his family dealing with the floods p.280
  2. Who did the little procession of boys carry to the smithy on a bier? The Lady p.283
  3. What did the Lady put around Will’s neck? The necklace made with all the signs p.285
  4. What gifts did Miss Greythorne give to Will and Paul? A small hunting horn and the old flute p.292

Comprehension Questions – Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1 The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief

By Rick Riordan

Grades 6-8; Genre – Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts: 13.0

Mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking out of the pages of twelve-year-old Percy Jackson's textbooks and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now, he and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Percy Jackson. Percy’s 12 years old, in 6th grade, has a rough life, went to a boarding school in upstate New York, is a half-blood, always gets in trouble on field trips, smart, knows a lot about mythology, he has dyslexia and attention deficit disorder p.1
  2. Who's Percy's Latin teacher? Mr. Brunner p.2
  3. Who's Percy's best friend? Grover p.3
  4. Describe what happened when Mrs. Dodds took Percy into the museum alone. She told him to confess and he would suffer less pain, then she turned into a hag with bat wings, claws and a mouth full of yellow fangs. She attacked Percy, but he fought back and killed her with a pen that turned into a sword from Mr. Brunner p.12
  5. How did everyone react when Percy went out of the museum and asked where Mrs. Dodds was? They didn’t know who he was talking about and that there wasn’t a Mrs. Dodds at the school p.14

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Percy go down to Mr. Brunner’s office and what did he hear? He wanted help studying for the Latin test; Mr. Brunner and Grover talking about Percy, the incident at the museum and how Percy was in danger p.19
  2. Why did Percy think it was ironic when Grover said he had to protect him? All year long he’d been fighting bullies for Grover and here Grover was supposed to protect him p.24
  3. What did Grover think the snipping of the yarn meant? That Percy was going to die p.28

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Percy’s mom. Her name is Sally Jackson; her parents died when she was 5 years old; her uncle raised her; she saved money to go to a good writing program at college, but her uncle got sick and she had to quit work and high school take care of him; with no money left and no degree, she met Percy’s dad; they weren’t married, but he got lost at sea; she worked hard to get her high school diploma; worked at a candy shop in Grand Central station p.29
  2. What does Percy know about his father? Kind; tall, handsome, powerful and gentle; black hair like Percy’s p.38
  3. Why did Percy’s mom send him away for school? She thought it would be far enough away to keep him safe; he’s been in danger at every school he’s gone to p.40
  4. Why did Grover get after Percy’s mom at the cabin? She shouldn’t have taken Percy to the cabin, but didn’t know what had happened to Percy at school to know what danger he was in p.42

Chapter 4

  1. What type of creature is Grover? A satyr p.45
  2. Describe the creature after Percy? A Minotaur at least 7 feet tall; arms and legs were big with muscles; wore no clothes but white underwear; course brown hair started at his belly and got thicker as it reached his shoulders; his neck a mass of muscle with fur leading up to his enormous head; had a snout as long as Percy’s arm; snotty nostrils with a gleaming brass ring; cruel black eyes and sharp black and white horns p.50
  3. What happened to Percy’s mother as the Minotaur grabbed her? He squeezed her around her neck and she turned into a shimmering golden form and vanished in a flash of light p.53
  4. How did Percy defeat the monster? He jumped onto his head and held onto his horns; he pulled back on one of the horns and snapped it off; he was on the ground and as the Minotaur ran by Percy stabbed him in the side with the horn and the monster disintegrated like crumbling sand and blew away in the wind p.54

Chapter 5

  1. How long had Percy been unconscious from the fight with the Minotaur? 2 days p.59
  2. What did the drink with a straw and umbrella taste like and how did it make Percy feel? Percy’s mom’s chocolate chip cookies; like he could throw Nancy Bobofit 100 yards; he was full of energy p.60
  3. Why did Mr. Brunner or Chiron go to Yancy Academy? Grover had found Percy and thought he was special, so he went to see for himself and he taught him p.64
  4. What did Mr. D and Chiron explain to Percy while playing pinochle? The Greek Gods and everything in Greek mythology is real p.68
  5. What type of creature is Mr. Brunner? A centaur p.74

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Grover getting chewed out by Mr. D? He was supposed to be a protector, but Percy saved him from the Minotaur and it didn’t look like he had much courage p.76
  2. Describe Camp Half Blood. Large area with strawberry fields, a canoeing lake, stables, large barn, lots of cabins, javelin range, a sing-along amphitheater, archery range, and an arena where there are sword and spear fights p.79
  3. What did the twelve cabins represent? Each of the 12 gods p.80
  4. What was Annabeth’s explanation for Percy’s dyslexia and ADHD? He was meant to read Ancient Greek; he’s impulsive and wasn’t meant to sit for a long time because he has battlefield reflexes; his attention problems are because he sees too much, his senses are better than regular mortals p.88
  5. What did Percy do in response to Clarisse trying to shove his face into the toilet? He made the water shoot out of the toilets and showers and push her and her friends out of the bathroom p.91

Chapter 7

  1. Why do half-bloods live at the camp and how long do they stay? For safety, depending on their parent-god; monsters may chase and kill them; they stay depending on if it’s safe to out into the world p.96
  2. Where is Olympus located? Empire State Building on the 600th floor p.99
  3. Define the word prophecy and explain why Annabeth is so intent on finding “the one”. Prophecy: a prediction; Chiron was told by the Oracle that she wouldn’t be able to go on a quest until someone special came to the camp p.102
  4. Why did Percy change his drink to a blue cherry coke? In honor of his mother, since she made food blue for him p.104

Chapter 8

  1. How did Percy receive strength to knock the blade out of Luke’s hand? He poured water over his head; the water made him stronger and his senses keener p.110
  2. Tell Thalia’s story. She was a daughter of Zeus, but he’d broken an oath to not have any more children, but Hades found out and sent his worst monsters after her. She almost made it to the camp, but had her keeper take the other two half-bloods and save them while she tried to fight the monsters p.114
  3. Describe the interaction between Percy and Clarisse and her gang during Capture the Flag? They ganged up on Percy; she electrocuted him with her spear and one of her gang sliced his arm with their sword and pushed him into the water; Percy received strength and he defeated Clarisse and her house mates p.121
  4. Who is Percy’s father? Poseidon the Sea God p.126

Chapter 9

  1. Describe Percy’s dream and what type of figurative language is it an example of? He was running to stop two gods from fighting, but the wind kept pushing him back, there were palm trees and buildings different from New York, the ground shook and evil laughter coming from beneath the ground said “Come down, little hero. Come down.”, the ground split and Percy fell in; foreshadowing p.130
  2. What are Poseidon and Zeus fighting over? a lightning bolt; Zeus’ master bolt; Zeus is blaming Poseidon for stealing it p.135
  3. Why does Zeus think Poseidon had Percy steal his lightning bolt? Poseidon and Zeus were fighting at winter council and the places where the bolts are created is in the ocean; Poseidon just revealed that Percy was his son and Percy was in New York City during the winter solstice p.136
  4. What did the Oracle tell Percy? You shall go west and face the god who has turned; You shall find what was stole, and see it safely returned; You shall be betrayed by one who calls you friend; and you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end p.141
  5. How is Annabeth appearing out of thin air? She has a magic baseball cap she wears to make her invisible p.148

Chapter 10

  1. What was the gift Luke had given to Percy for his quest and why did he give them to Grover? Luke’s flying shoes from his dad; Percy shouldn’t take to the air since Zeus had control of the air p.151
  2. What gift did Mr. Brunner give to Percy and where had he gotten it from? The pen sword called Riptide; he got it from Poseidon to give to his child p.153
  3. Why did Percy’s mom marry and stay with Gabe? To protect Percy; Gabe smelled so human it covered up Percy’s half-blood smell and protected him from the monsters p.158
  4. Explain the interaction between Percy, Grover, Annabeth and the Furies on the bus. They were all on the bus, the furies started to go to the back of the bus, Percy put on Annabeth’s magic hat and crept up and hid in a seat while the Furies passed; Percy got to the front of the bus, but the Furies were after Annabeth and Grover since he’d disappeared; Percy grabbed the steering wheel and made the bus crash into a tree; he took of the hat and the Furies came after him; he pulled out Riptide and defeated two of them; Mrs. Dodds was left and the kids were able to get away with lightning striking the bus and the kids running into the woods p.163

Chapter 11

  1. What was the business the three characters came to as they exited the woods and how did Grover feel about it? Aunty Em’s Garden Gnome Emporium; a strange business that had a forest of statues on the front lawn; he thought it was strange and smelled monsters p.171
  2. Why wasn’t Percy anxious to leave the shop like Annabeth and Grover? His food had made him sleepy p.176
  3. What creature was Aunty Em and describe her? Medusa; she had a head of snakes and she turned people to stone when they look her in the eyes p.180
  4. What did Percy send to Olympus and why? Medusa’s head; because he was angry at them p.186

Chapter 12

  1. What did the Furies say that confused Grover and Annabeth? Instead of saying where is he, they said where is it? P.192
  2. What was Percy’s dream in this chapter? Percy stood in a dark cavern before a large pit; spirits of the dead tried to pull him back, but Percy felt compelled to walk to the very edge of the chasm; the pit was black and seemed bottomless, but Percy could feel something huge and evil trying to rise from the abyss; a voice spoke to him calling him a little hero and that he was too weak and young, but would do; it also said he’s been mislead and to barter with it and he would give Percy what he wanted and he saw his mother before she died; the voice told Percy to help him rise and to bring him the bolt to strike a blow against the gods; the spirits of the dead whispered around him to wake up; Percy felt the thing in the pit wasn’t trying to pull him down, but was using him to pull itself out p.194
  3. What did Grover find to help them travel west? A poodle they could return to its family to get the reward money to pay for train tickets p.195

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Annabeth run away from home? Her dad and stepmom treated her like a freak and wouldn’t let her play with their mortal children, if anything dangerous happened with monsters they would look at her like, “how dare you put our family to risk” p.201
  2. Describe a time Athena and Poseidon worked together? Athena invented chariots and Poseidon created horses out of the crest of waves p.202
  3. Describe the creature the chihuahua turned into. He turned into a Chimera: a rabid, fire-breathing, poisonous creature with a head of a lion and the body and hooves of a goat, a serpent for a tail with a ten-foot long diamondback growing out of its behind p.207
  4. Why did Percy jump from the arch into the river? To escape the Chimera; Echidna tempted him to do it; he was hoping the water would help him heal and that he would find his sword p.210

Chapter 14

  1. What did Percy realize as he was underwater in the river? He could breathe and he was dry p.213
  2. What did the messenger tell Percy? His dad wanted him to go to the beach in Santa Monica before going to the Underworld; to not trust the gifts; his father believes in him p.214
  3. Why is Percy wanted by the police and being talked about on the news? He is being accused of hurting his mom, hurting the three old women on the bus, and for causing the damage to the arch p.217

Chapter 15

  1. How did Annabeth call Half-Blood Hill from Denver? They created a rainbow and threw a Drachma in to the goddess of rainbows, who carries messages for the gods, and asked to be connected p.220
  2. Who came to eat dinner with Percy, Annabeth and Grover and why? Ares; he wanted Percy to get his shield at a waterpark p.227
  3. Why didn’t Ares want to retrieve his shield himself? It was a trap Hephaestus made to make Ares and Aphrodite look like fools p.236
  4. How did Percy and Annabeth survive the prank? Percy made water come through the pipes and take their boat on the ride; they then jumped to safety with Grover trying to slow their fall p.238

Chapter 16

  1. What information about Percy’s mother did Ares tell him? That she’s not dead, but being held hostage p.244
  2. How did Percy, Annabeth and Grover travel to Las Vegas? In a big semi with animals in the back p.245
  3. What did Percy dream of in this chapter? At first, he was in school in a straight jacket trying to take a test with Thalia next to him in the same situation. The straight jacket melted off Percy and he went to give Hades a piece of his mind. He found the same voice talking to someone else about him and the bolt. The voice realized Percy was there with them and gave him a dream of his quest and he saw his mother frozen in golden light and he was turning into a skeleton p.252
  4. What casino did the kids go in and what happened to them in there? The Lotus Hotel and Casino; they were given a room and card with unlimited money and then showered and ate; they enjoyed all of the cool things and perks of the casino and Percy started talking to people and realized they didn’t know how long they’d been there and wasted 5 days in there p.258

Chapter 17

  1. What was Annabeth’s piece of evidence that they were on the right track by going to the Underworld? Percy saw spirits of the dead in his dream p.269
  2. Who did Percy talk to in the sea at Santa Monica and what did she tell him? The same messenger he met in the Mississippi River, a Nereid; She told him that they’ve been watching him grow up with interest and that Poseidon can’t play favoritism to him so can’t help Percy directly; she gave him three pearls to use in times of great need and gave advice on how to beat Hades p.271
  3. What happened in Crusty’s Waterbed Palace? Crusty is the owner and put Annabeth and Grover on a bed. The bed had ropes come out and tie them down. Then more ropes came out grabbed them and began to stretch them out to fit 6 feet long. Percy distracted Crusty and tricked him into lying onto one of the beds and gave the word to make the ropes tie him up, then he loped off his head p.277
  4. How did Percy and his friends find the location of DOA Recording Studio? On a billboard coming out of the waterbed store p.282

Chapter 18

  1. How did the kids get past Charon? Percy bribed him with a lot of Drachmas p.286
  2. As the kids traveled in the elevator on the way to the Underworld, how did the spirits of the dead and Charon change? The spirits of the dead went from wearing normal clothes to gray hooded robes and Charon transitioned to wearing a black robe, his eye sockets were black empty sockets and the flesh of his face became transparent p.288
  3. Who is Cerberus and what was the “plan” to get past him? The creature/dog guarding the Underworld; to throw a stick and hope he plays fetch to leave the entrance p.293
  4. When the plan didn’t work what did Annabeth do? She found a red ball she’d gotten from the water park and told the creature to sit and threw it to him. Grover and Percy got through, then she threw it again and the three heads fought over it, so she could sneak through as well p.295
  5. Why did Annabeth shed tears? It reminded her of her own dog and taking him to obedience school; She was sad about Cerberus and that she couldn’t help him p.298

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the Field of Asphodel. A huge area with a million people whispering and milling around, standing on black grass with clumps of black poplars, a light moist swampy breeze p.300
  2. Why did Annabeth and Percy have to chase Grover? His shoes started flying on their own and he sped ahead of them p.303
  3. Where did the shoes lead them to? A huge dark cavern with a chasm that was in Percy’s dream p.304
  4. Why did Hades send the Furies after Percy? Hades thought Percy had stolen his magic helm p.312
  5. Why had Hades taken Percy’s mother? To barter with Percy to get his helm back p.315

Chapter 20 

  1. What god did the kids run into after arriving on the beach? Ares p.321
  2. Who stole the lightning bolt and helm and why? Ares; to start a war between the three gods p.322
  3. How did Percy win and what happened to Ares? Percy was able to stab Ares in the heal and make him bleed Ichor, his godly blood, an evil came and stopped Ares from killing Percy, then he disappeared in a flash p.330
  4. How did Percy get the helm to Hades like he promised? He gave it to Mrs. Dodds since she works for Hades p.331

Chapter 21

  1. How did Percy convince the guard at the Empire State Building to let him see Zeus? Showed him the lightning bolt p.336
  2. Who was sitting on their thrones as Percy reached Olympus? Poseidon and Zeus p.339
  3. Who’s in the pit that’s been in Percy’s dreams? Kronos p.344
  4. What was on Percy’s bed and what did he decide to do with it? Medusa’s head; leave it for his mom as a weapon to turn Gabe into a statue if needed p.350

Chapter 22

  1. What did the letter from Percy’s mom say? She made Gabe a statue and sold him to an art gallery; got a new apartment and is going to go to school the next semester; she had put a down payment down for a good private school in NYC if Percy wants to go p.355
  2. Where was Grover heading? On a quest to look for the god Pan p.357
  3. Who is the friend that has betrayed Percy? Luke p.365
  4. Where did Annabeth and Percy decide to live during the winter? At their homes with their families p.374

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #4 Prince Caspian

Prince Caspian

By C.S. Lewis

Grades 3-8; Genre – Fantasy; GRL T; AR pts: 7.0

Narnia…the land between the lamp-post and the castle of Cair Paravel, where animals talk, where magical things happen… and where the adventure begins. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are returning to boarding school when they are summoned from the dreary train station (by Susan’s own magic horn) to return to the land of Narnia—the land where they had ruled as kings and queens and where their help is desperately needed.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What happened to the children at the train station and where did they find themselves? They felt a pulling and realized magic was at work; the train station disappeared and they found themselves in a thicket. They worked their way out and found a beach p.4
  2. Where did the children find a stream they could drink from? More than halfway around the island on the beach p.9
  3. What did the children find after drinking out of the stream? Apples trees and a wall with an arch leading into a large open area p.11

Chapter 2

  1. What did Susan find by the well and what did it remind her of? A gold chess piece; Being a queen in Narnia and playing chess with the fauns and giants of Narnia p.19
  2. Where were the children? At their castle in Narnia in Cair Paravel p.20
  3. What did the children find in the treasure room? Suits of armor, rings, bowls, dishes, necklaces, gems, big padlocked chests, and their gifts from Aslan p.25
  4. Describe the children’s gifts from Aslan. Lucy was a small diamond bottle full of a healing cordial; Susan’s was a bow, arrows and a horn that calls and sends for help; Peter’s is a sword and shield; Edmund didn’t get one p.27

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Susan shoot an arrow? Two soldiers were going to throw a tied-up dwarf into the water p.33
  2. Why did the soldiers want to kill the dwarf? He said he was a criminal p.36
  3. Who is the dwarf? King Caspian’s messenger p.39

Chapter 4

  1. What were the stories Caspian’s nurse told him about that his uncle didn’t like? Stories of old Narnia p.43
  2. Describe Doctor Cornelius. He was very short and fat; very old, ugly and kind with a twinkle in his eyes; knew about old Narnia and taught Caspian p.46
  3. Why did Doctor Cornelius take Caspian to the tower in the middle of the night? To show him two stars; to tell him about Narnia, the tower is the only place they should ever talk about it p.51
  4. Why is there a belief that ghosts live in the woods? The Telmarines don’t want their people to go to the sea since Aslan is from across the sea, so they let the wood grow and told them there were ghosts in it p.55

Chapter 5

  1. When did Doctor Cornelius awake Caspian in this chapter and why? In the middle of the night; because he knew Miraz was going to kill Caspian, so he helped pack food, a sword and clothing so Caspian could escape p.57
  2. Why does Miraz want to kill Caspian? Caspian is the real king. Miraz’s wife had a son so if Caspian is dead, his son will become king p.60
  3. Find a metaphor on page 61. “You must fly at once.”
  4. Where was Caspian after waking up from hitting his head while riding his horse? In a cave on a bed of heather being nourished by a badger and two dwarves p.67

Chapter 6

  1. How did the animals feel when Trufflehunter introduced Caspian to the animals of old Narnia? Excited; happy; kissed him p.73
  2. What gifts did the dwarves give to Caspian, Trumpkin and Nikabrik? Mail shirts, helmet and swords p.76
  3. How did the Fauns respond to the news of King Caspian? They were merry; danced and played their music around him p.82

Chapter 7

  1. How did Doctor Cornelius find the war council and why? He used magic; he knew Caspian had been found out and needed to tell him his life and all of Old Narnia’s was in danger p.88
  2. What’s Aslan’s How and why was it a good place to stay during a war? It’s a cave of tunnels built around a magical stone to the Narnian’s with lots of room for stores and people when needing to retreat p.91
  3. Why was the Giant Wimbleweather so sad? He ruined a battle by attacking at the wrong time and place p.93
  4. What missions were Pattertwig and Trumpkin sent on? Caspian was going to blow Susan’s horn and they were sent to different places where help would come. Pattertwig was sent to Lantern-hill and Trumpkin sent to the mouth of the river where the castle Cair Paravel is p.97

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Trumpkin feel like the horn didn’t work? It called children not warriors to help them p.102
  2. Why did the children have competitions with Trumpkin? To show him they were more than children p.107
  3. What did Lucy do for Trumpkin? Used her cordial to cure his wound p.108
  4. What did the children call Trumpkin? DLF: Dear Little Friend p.111

Chapter 9

  1. What did Lucy do when she couldn’t sleep? She got up, walked around, and spoke to the trees, trying to wake them p.116
  2. How did Trumpkin protect Lucy? He shot a bear that was sneaking up on her p.121
  3. Why did the children think they were lost? The river they came to was far below them in a gorge and they remember the river being different p.124
  4. Why was Lucy crying bitterly at the end of the chapter? She had seen Aslan and knew he wanted her to follow them, but no one would believe her p.128

Chapter 10

  1. What shot at the children and dwarf as they could see the Great River and where they fought the Battle of Beruna and why? Arrows; Miraz has an outpost in that area and they saw the traveling party p.133
  2. What were the trees doing when Lucy woke up and saw them? dancing, moving around p.138
  3. Who had called to Lucy while she was sleeping and why? Aslan; she was to wake to the others and tell them to follow her p.143
  4. How did Lucy have the strength to wake to the others and do what Aslan asked her to? Aslan gave it to her; she put her face in his mane and she could feel lion strength going into her p.143  

Chapter 11

  1. How did the children feel about following Lucy and doing what she said? Edward was the only one fully supportive of her since she’d been right before; Susan didn’t want to follow at all, but because Peter did, they all followed p.147
  2. Why did it take so long for Susan and the Dwarf to see Aslan? They didn’t believe; bad attitude p.152
  3. How did Aslan make friends with the Dwarf? Aslan called him to him, threw him in the air after grabbing him with his teeth and asked if they could be friends p.154
  4. How did Aslan call the Narnians? By roaring p.156

Chapter 12

  1. When Peter, Edmund and Trumpkin went into the Mound, what did they hear the King, Nikabrik, Doctor Cornelius and the others talking about? That the horn didn’t work and Nikabrik spoke of another way to win the battle p.163
  2. Who were the visitors that came to the war council? Nikabrik’s friends; they know black magic p.165
  3. Who did Nikabrik want to bring back so they could have power? The White Witch p.168
  4. Who died from the fight in the council room? Nikabrik, the Hag and the Wer-Wolf p.172

Chapter 13

  1. What was Peter’s strategy to winning the war? He was going to challenge Miraz to single combat (a duel) p.175
  2. Who was chosen to go with Edward to deliver the message to Miraz? Glenstorm and the Giant Wimbleweather p.178
  3. Explain what Sopespian and Glozelle spoke of as they realized Edward was bringing a challenge to Miraz. If Miraz won the challenge the war would be over, but if he died, he wouldn’t be their king anymore p.180
  4. How did these two convince Miraz to accept the challenge? They suggested he would be a coward and have no honor if he didn’t accept since Peter and Edward look so dangerous p.182

Chapter 14

  1. Who caused the first blood to be drawn in the duel and how? Peter stabbed Miraz in the armpit p.191
  2. How was Peter hurt? his wrist got sprained from the shield driving into it p.192
  3. How did the duel turn into a full battle? Spespian and Glozelle interrupted the battle when MIraz wa face down from tripping and shouted out the King Peter had killed him while he was lying down. Then Glozelle stabbed Miraz and the battle ensued p.194
  4. How did the chains loosen from the river god? Bacchus and his people made vines grow all over the bridge and it collapsed p.198
  5. Who was the old woman Aslan healed while she was in her bed? Caspian’s old nurse p.204

Chapter 15

  1. What did Lucy do for Reepicheep? He was almost dead when the other mice brought him before Aslan. He asked Lucy to heal his wounds. He revived but was still missing his tail that had been cut off p.207
  2. How did Reepicheep convince Aslan he needed his tail? Because mice have been made small, so they have to prove their honor and dignity; all of the other mice had their swords drawn to cut off their own tails; because of the love the mice have for each other and for the kindness the mice showed to Aslan long ago when they chewed the cords when the White Witch killed him p.209
  3. How did the food appear for the great feast? Wherever Bacchus, Silenus and the Maenads danced it appeared p.211
  4. Where are the Telmar’s originally from? The same world (our world) that Peter, Susan, Edward and Lucy came from p.216
  5. How did the children and Telmarines get back to their original homes? A magical doorway p.218

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #32 To the Future, Ben Franklin!

To the Future, Ben Franklin!

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre – Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; AR pts: 1.0

Jack and Annie know all about Ben Franklin. He was a Founding Father, a journalist, and a famous inventor! When the magic tree house whisks them back to meet the man himself, they're not sure what their mission is. But Ben Franklin has a mission of his own. Intrigued by Jack and Annie, he's curious to learn more about where they came from. And very curious about their tree house…

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Annie see that gave her a clue the tree house might be there? A flash of lightning p.4
  2. Who do you think Dr. Ben is? Benjamin Franklin p.6
  3. Where were Jack and Annie supposed to travel this time? Old Philadelphia in 1787 p.9

Chapter 2

  1. In what way did Jack and Annie serve the gardener so they could meet Dr. Ben? They offered to take his lunch to him p.13
  2. How did the gardener describe Dr. Ben? He stole lightning bolts out of the clouds; an inventor and scientist; a diplomat and writer; a scholar and businessman p.15
  3. Why wasn’t Jack impressed with Old Philadelphia? Blue flies buzzing around his head; it was stinky from crowded horse stables; garbage on the ground p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Who answered the door to the state house? a soldier p.20
  2. Why was it a soldier? To keep people out; Dr. Ben was in a meeting with others and they needed it guarded to protect them and what they were saying p.21
  3. What was the meeting about? The men all gathered were writing the Constitution for the United States of America p. 26
  4. What’s the Constitution of the United States of America? A very important document that contains basic laws that define how the American government works p.26

Chapter 4

  1. Describe what George Washington did in the meeting? He was in charge p.29
  2. Did George Washington recognize them? Yes, but he didn’t’ think it was them. He said the kids he met would have been older since that was 11 years ago p.32
  3. What was Dr. Ben’s reaction when Jack and Annie said they were from the press and with the Gazette? He was panicked and hurried them out of the back of the state house to talk p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What newspaper did Annie say they were from to help Dr. Ben feel better? The Frog Creek News p.38
  2. What’s a lightning rod and who invented it? a rod with a wire attached that lightning hits and goes through the wire to the earth; Benjamin Franklin p.41
  3. How are lightning rods useful? They direct the lightning to the ground to prevent it from hitting the house and causing a fire p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Benjamin Franklin only go to school for two years? He was one of fifteen children and they were very poor, so he had to go to work to help his family p.44
  2. List two inventions Benjamin Franklin invented. Your child should list two of the following: Lightning rods, bifocals, new kind of ship’s anchor, candle that makes a bright white light and lasts longer than other candles p.45
  3. How does Benjamin Franklin feel about the document he’s working on with the other delegates? He doesn’t know if it will ever be ready; they can’t agree on what to put in it; he doesn’t know if he wants to sign it p.47

Chapter 7

  1. What’s Ben Franklin’s biggest concern for America? He knows they need to end slavery p.50
  2. What’s the big secret Annie told Ben? She told him about the magic tree house p.53
  3. Why did Annie tell him about the tree house? so she and Jack could take him to their own time in Frog Creek woods; he needs to see a hope for America so that he signs the Constitution p.52
  4. What did Ben first think about the magic tree house? that Jack and Annie were pretending and that it was a game p.57

Chapter 8

  1. How did Ben react to traveling to the future? Confused and perplexed at first, but accepted it and became excited to see how things were p.59
  2. Name two things Ben thought were amazing in Frog Creek. Smooth black paved road, a car, sprinkler system, power lines and telephone lines, an airplane p.61

Chapter 9

  1. After seeing the airplane, what did Ben Franklin want to do and why? He wanted to go home; he was overwhelmed by the technology p.68
  2. What did Annie want to show Ben before he went back home and why did Jack say that it was a brilliant idea? The public library; Ben respects books and opened the first library in Philadelphia p.70
  3. How did Ben Franklin respond when Jack and Annie told him America has free schooling that goes for 12 years and is for all boys and girls? He got teary eyed p.74

Chapter 10

  1. What did Jack look up on the computer to show Ben Franklin? Information on the United States of America p.77
  2. Ben Franklin said it is so important for the people of America to come together as one. Why? We’re all different, but we need to learn to work together, be kind to each other and listen to each other p.78
  3. What did Ben realize about the Constitution and why he needed to sign it? That it’s only the first step to this country and that even though he doesn’t agree with everything in it, the delegates first need to come together to be one country p.80
  4. What did Jack and Annie promise Ben Franklin? That they would never take the wondrous things of their world for granted p.83

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #31 Warriors in Winter

Warriors in Winter

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; Lexile 410L; AR pts: 1.0

We are warriors! Jack and Annie have met knights, pirates, ninjas, and Vikings, but they have never met the most fearsome warriors of all: Roman soldiers. When the magic tree house whisks them back to the early 100s AD, Jack and Annie find themselves in a Roman camp. Their mission: Be like a warrior.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What animal appeared on the lamppost in Jack and Annie’s yard? An eagle p.3
  2. Where are Jack and Annie traveling to? By the Danube, a river that ran along the border of the Roman Empire p.7
  3. What were Jack and Annie supposed to do on this mission? Write in journals, do what warriors do, give a silver coin to a hero p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What’s a journal? Something you keep your notes, memories and important ideas in p.14
  2. Describe the rider on the black horse. Friendly, a warrior, helpful p.17
  3. How did Jack and Annie enter the camp so easily? The rider told them the password and said to explain they were visiting scholars under the command of the Imperial Guard p.21

Chapter 3

  1. Where did Jack and Annie find the warriors? On the field training p.25
  2. Describe a centurion. A super-strict commander that carries a big stick to hit their own men p.20
  3. Describe the life of a warrior in the legion. They have to train every day, they have heavy packs to carry including 60 pounds of weapons, have to march 20 miles with full armor and packs three times a month, if they get out of step they die, when they’re not training they work at other things p.29

Chapter 4

  1. List two items the cook make for his squad. Cheese, beans, salted fish, bread, olives, barley p.36
  2. What’s the symbol that stands for the legion? An eagle p.38
  3. What was so heavy Annie fell over when trying to hold it and Jack couldn’t lift it higher than his knees? A hammer in the forge p.39

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack and Annie try on the armor? Morgan told them to do what warriors do, and warriors put on armor p.42
  2. How did Jack and Annie feel as they put on the armor? That it was very heavy and hard to see; they had a lot of respect for warriors p.44
  3. Why did warriors pour into the armory, making Jack and Annie hide in the shadows? They were getting ready for the Emperor’s parade at noon p.46

Chapter 6

  1. Why did a warrior call Jack and Annie deserters? The warrior thought they were getting out of their armor to sneak away from the army p.50
  2. Who did the centurion think the rider on the black horse was? An enemy spy p.55
  3. Why were Jack and Annie taken captive? The centurion was suspicious of them and was worried about the black rider telling them the secret password p.56

Chapter 7

  1. Where did the centurion take Jack and Annie? To see the emperor p.59
  2. Who did the emperor turn out to be? The rider on the black horse p.62

Chapter 8

  1. How did the emperor treat Jack and Annie? With kindness; he trusted them p.65
  2. What does the emperor do when he’s scared? He looks deep inside and finds an inner strength p.67
  3. Why was the emperor so startled by the coin? Its engravened with him and his warriors on a frozen river and it has a later date p.70

Chapter 9

  1. What were Jack and Annie’s feelings when the emperor first ordered them to march in the parade? Scared; intimidated; they didn’t want to p.73
  2. What were Jack and Annie assigned to do for the parade? Carry the eagle standard and flag and lead the rest of the army around the field p.73
  3. How did Jack and Annie leave the camp? On a white horse with the emperor on his black horse p.77

Chapter 10

  1. What does Marcus have written down in his journal? Poetry and a list of things he feels have a special beauty p.79
  2. Why was it strange for the Roman Emperor to write down things of beauty in his journal? You wouldn’t expect a leader to do that 85
  3. What did Jack and Annie learn from Marcus? To write down and appreciate the beautiful things in life p.85

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Super Edition #1 Danger in the Darkest Hour

Danger in the Darkest Hour

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-5; Genre – Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL T; AR 3.0

The Magic Tree House has taken Jack and Annie back in time to England in 1944. England is fighting for its life in World War II. Before long, Jack and Annie find themselves parachuting into Normandy, France, behind enemy lines. The date is June 5. Will the brave brother and sister team be able to make a difference during one of the darkest times in history? They don't know, but they have to try!

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Jack feel when Annie interrupted his reading? He was frustrated; impatient; mad p.5
  2. What was so interesting about the pigeon Annie found? It had a canister to carry messages; it was a carrier pigeon p.7
  3. Who sent the message for Jack and Annie? Teddy p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the setting of the area Annie and Jack traveled to. Hazy; ducks on the pond; sheep grazing in the field; broken down buildings, stone pillars and crumbling archways; Glastonbury, England; 1944 p.14
  2. Why is Teddy concerned about Kathleen? She went on a mission, but hasn’t returned and sent a carrier pigeon with a message in a secret code, but Teddy can’t figure it out p.21
  3. Explain why the times Jack and Annie traveled to were dark. Teddy is limited in his magic; Kathleen is missing; the war is going on and many people are affected p.22
  4. How were Jack and Annie going to travel to Normandy? By jumping out of a plane with parachutes p.26

Chapter 3

  1. Who would Jack and Annie need to find to help send a message to Teddy? Someone from the French Resistance p.30
  2. Demonstrate the ways Jack and Annie can make the Victory sign. Holding up two fingers that make a V; drawing it on a piece of paper; scratching it in the dirt; or any other way you can think of p.30
  3. Tell me three of the supplies Teddy gave Jack and Annie for their mission? Old fashioned pack; Flashlight; clothes; boots; parachutes; goggles; helmet; identity cards with French names p.31

Chapter 4

  1. What was Annie’s attitude when she found out they didn’t have the magic wand? Positive; determined; looking on the bright side; but then she got scared and Jack had to encourage her p.44
  2. Why did Jack and Annie hide in the barn? They heard dogs and men searching for them p.50
  3. Why did the German shepherd barking at them calm down? Annie used her “making friends with animals” skills p.51

Chapter 5

  1. Who are Gaston and Suzette? A married couple a part of the French Resistance p.53
  2. Describe where Jack and Annie stayed the night. Gaston and Suzette’s home in the cellar that had hundreds of wine bottles and smelled dank and musty p.58
  3. What happened to Gaston and Suzette’s twin boys? They were couriers and got caught by the Nazi’s when they were putting up a message of hope p.60

Chapter 6

  1. Why was is so important that Gaston and Suzette had a wireless? That was how Jack and Annie were supposed to communicate with Teddy once they found Kathleen p.65
  2. What were the code phrases the French Resistance used and what did they mean? Code Purple: destroy communication lines so the Nazi’s don’t find out what’s happening; Code Green: Resistance Fighters need to blow bridges and train tracks to keep enemy troops from traveling to that area p.66
  3. Why did Gaston want the children to leave France? An invasion was happening the next day p.70
  4. What did Suzette and Gaston give to the children to help them on their journey? A compass; hats; bikes and advice p.74

Chapter 7

  1. What did Jack do that made people chase them? Made the V signal to a horse and buggy that passed them p.80
  2. How did Jack and Annie escape? A milk man told them to get into his truck and he took them to Caen p.83
  3. Describe the busy town square Jack and Annie were in. Women with children buying food, cloth and lace; cobblestone streets; quaint buildings; church covered with ivy; small train depot; sidewalk café p.84

Chapter 8

  1. Who did Annie mean when she said, “I hate them.”? The Nazi’s p.90
  2. Why did she so strongly dislike the Nazi’s? they were cruel p.90
  3. Why were the Nazi officers going to arrest Jack? They found Resistance papers in the pack p.92
  4. When Jack held up the flyers in the bistro, who did the waitress go get and why? Her mom; she wanted to know how Jack and Annie knew the twins p.100

Chapter 9

  1. What good news did Sylvie give the children? That Tom and Theo escaped from jail and are safe to the south of France p.102
  2. What did Kathleen mean when she wrote knights and small, round cows? They were types of apples p.106
  3. Who do you think was singing the song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?  Listen to your child’s ideas p.110

Chapter 10

  1. Who did Jack and Annie find in the cave? Kathleen and refugee children p.112
  2. Explain how Kathleen has taken care of the children day and night? In the day the stay in the cave and at night they sneak into the chateau’s attic and sleep while Kathleen goes and looks for food p.114
  3. Why do you think the Nazis arrested Sophie and Sarah’s parents for being scientists and Jewish?  The Nazis were sending the Jews to concentration camps. This is a good opportunity to have a discussion with your child about the Holocaust if they’re ready for it. P.115
  4. Describe Annie’s plan to get them all to the drop zone? Sneak the kids out at night, get in a delivery truck, Jack will drive it to the drop zone and Teddy will pick them up in a bigger plane p.119

Chapter 11

  1. Describe how Jack began to feel as he talked with Kathleen and felt her hope? Began to have courage and feel like he could drive the truck p.125
  2. Why did Kathleen write a note for the baker? Because they were taking his truck without asking permission and told him where he could find it p.126
  3. On the last page of this chapter, it commented on Jack’s throat getting tight. What does that mean? He was feeling emotional/ like crying because he really wanted to help the kids find freedom p.132

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Jack so nervous they were going to get caught by the Nazis? They had to go through a checkpoint p.134
  2. How did they make it through the checkpoint safely? Kathleen tricked Jack into thinking she had cast an invisibility spell p.140
  3. How did Jack feel about being tricked? He was confused at whether to be angry at Kathleen or amazed at himself, but just laughed in the end p.141
  4. Why did Kathleen sing songs with the young children? To help them be happy and calm p.143

Chapter 13

  1. What was in the field next to the church as the searchlights scanned the sky overhead? A large plane with Teddy inside p.147
  2. How did Teddy feel when he realized he forgot to send the wand with Jack and Annie? Terrible; guilty p.149
  3. How did the children respond to being in the plane? Excited p.151
  4. Why was Jack confused about the plane? It was silent taking off; you could open the window; it got passed the searchlights; he didn’t know if spy planes were made during WWII p.152

Chapter 14

  1. Now that the children were all safe, what was going to happen to them? Relatives and friends would be located and would come get them p.160
  2. Who was the pilot and what kind of plane did he have? It was Merlin and he had a magical plane p.163
  3. Tell me two things Jack and Annie learned and saw on this mission? How it feels to live in terror all of the time; how it feels to speak or move about freely; seen cruel people hunt down the innocent p.164
  4. How did Jack and Annie feel as they got back to Frog Creek? Safe p.167

Comprehension Questions – Chronicles of Narnia #2 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

By C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre – Fantasy; GRL T; AR pts: 6.0

Air-raids over London during WWII compel four siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – to be sent away from the city to the house of a kindly but remote Professor “who lived in the heart of the country.” There is much to discover in the country, but the children will soon discover that the Professor’s large house, staffed by three servants, holds even more mystery, including a room which holds nothing but a large wardrobe, which Lucy opens one rainy day, never dreaming that the wardrobe is a passageway into a place called Narnia.

Vocabulary Words

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did the children get sent to this big house in the country? It was during WWII and all of the children were sent away from the city to the country for protection p. 3
  2. How did Lucy find the dark snowy world with the lamp post? She went into the wardrobe and kept feeling for the grain of the wood that should have been the back of it and instead she found herself touching branches and cold air with snow falling on her p.8
  3. Describe a Faun to me. A strange person, a little taller than Lucy, from the waist up a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat’s with goat hoofs for feet, he had a tail, pleasant face with pointed beard, curly hair and two horns one on each side of his forehead p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What did it mean when the Faun asked Lucy if she was a Daughter of Eve? If she was a human; Did she come from earth where Adam and Eve were the first parents p.11
  2. What did Mr. Tumnus need to do for the White Witch? If he saw a Daughter of Eve or Son of Adam he needed to hold onto them and give them to her p.19
  3. What happened to Lucy? Mr. Tumnus decided he couldn’t turn her over to the White Witch, so helped her get back to the lamp post and she found her way to the wardrobe p.22

Chapter 3

  1. Why was Lucy so unhappy about her brothers and sister thinking she was making up her story about Narnia? She was an honest person and she didn’t like people to think she was lying p. 26
  2. What happened to Edmund in this chapter? He saw Lucy go into the wardrobe, followed her, and found himself in Narnia. He couldn’t find Lucy, but heard sleigh bells and met a woman on the sleigh who called herself the queen p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Who is the woman on the sledge? The White Witch p.34
  2. What did the queen do to help Edmund feel comfortable? Wrap him in her mantle, gave him a warm drink, gave him Turkish Delight p.42
  3. What do you think made Edmund sick? The Turkish Delight; knowing he was on the side of the White Witch; having to tell his siblings the truth about Narnia p. 43

Chapter 5

  1. Describe to me the part of the story when Peter and Susan go talk to the Professor about Lucy. He listened and then asked, “how do you know your sister’s story isn’t true?”; he gave them a few reasons to help them understand Lucy: she’s lying, she’s mad or she’s telling the truth; he told them all to mind their own business p.51
  2. What made all the children climb into the wardrobe? Mrs. Macready was giving a tour of the house to some visitors and they were supposed to stay out of the way; that was the only place they could hide until the tourists were out of the Wardrobe Room p.53

Chapter 6

  1. When the children got to Mr. Tumnus’ house what did they find? The door torn off the hinges and broken into bits; dishes broken; like it hadn’t been lived in for days; a note saying he had been taken by the queen for treason p.57
  2. What was Edmund’s concern as the children followed the robin? If the robin was helping them or leading them into a trap p.61

Chapter 7

  1. How did the children know the beaver was a friend? he gave them the same white handkerchief to them that Lucy had given to Mr. Tumnus p.67
  2. Who do you think is Aslan? Listen to your child’s answer p.67
  3. Tell me about Edmund. He is grumpy; feels picked on by Peter; is mean and selfish p.70
  4. How do you think the children felt about being in the home of the Beavers’? happy, full, content, safe p.75

Chapter 8

  1. Who is Aslan? The King; the Lord of the whole wood; he’ll take care of the White Witch; the great Lion p.78
  2. Why is it so important for the children to go to the Stone Table and meet Aslan? To begin doing things; to help Mr. Tumnus; to help get rid of the White Witch p.80
  3. Why would Edmund betray them all? He is under the White Witch’s spell; he wants Turkish Delight and to be a King p.85

Chapter 9

  1. Tell me about Edmund’s journey to the White Witch’s castle. It was snowing, cold and the sky grew dark; it was slippery, rocky and he tripped over tree stumps; the snow stopped falling and it got windy, but the moon came out so Edmund could see. He finally made it and didn’t want to go in, but knew he couldn’t’ go back at this point p.88
  2. Why do you think the White Witch turned the creatures in her courtyard to stone?  Listen to your child’s answer; they had displeased her p.96
  3. What did Edmund tell the queen when he was brought to her? His siblings were at the Beaver’s home; Aslan has returned p.99

Chapter 10 

  1. Why was it important for them all to see Father Christmas? What did it mean? That Aslan is on the move; the witch’s magic is weakening p.107
  2. What were the presents Father Christmas shared with the children? Peter a sword and shield; Susan a horn and bow with arrows; Lucy a cordial and dagger p.108
  3. Why didn’t Father Christmas want Susan or Lucy to be a part of the battle? Battles are ugly when women fight p.109

Chapter 11

  1. Why weren’t the wolves able to find the children or the Beavers’ during the night? The scent was cold and snow had covered up their tracks p.113
  2. What happened to the merry party eating a feast when the witch and Edmund rode up in the sledge? The Witch turned them to stone for being traitors p.116
  3. What was happening to the world around them as Edmund, the dwarf and the witch were walking to the Stone Table? It was turning to spring; birds were chirping; flowers were blooming; grass was growing p.120

Chapter 12

  1. Describe to me what the Stone Table looked like. Large slab of gray stone that was supported by four upright stones; it was cut all over with strange lines and figures that might have been letters to an unknown language.125
  2. What made Susan blow her horn? They were being attacked and needed Aslan and Peter to come back p.130
  3. Why were the wolves attacking them? The witch had ordered them to kill the children p.131

Chapter 13

  1. How did the Witch and dwarf escape from Aslans’ rescue party? They turned into a stump and boulder p.138
  2. When the Witch came and spoke with Aslan and the others, what did she demand? That she has a right to have Edmund since he had been a traitor p.142
  3. What do you think Aslan and the Witch spoke about when he asked everyone to back up so he could speak to her alone? Listen to your child p.143

Chapter 14

  1. Why weren’t Susan and Lucy able to sleep at the first of the chapter? They had a horrible feeling p.147
  2. Who was all gathered at the Stone Table that night? Crowd of people; ogres; wolves; bull-headed men and other creatures; the White Witch p.150
  3. Tell me what happened to Aslan at the Stone Table? The White Witch had him tied up and had his mane shaved off; the creatures spit on him, kicked him, hit him, jeered at him; the White Witch killed him p.154

Chapter 15

  1. What did the mice do to help free Aslan from the cords? They chewed them loose p.159
  2. What brought Aslan back to life? A deeper magic than the Witch’s magic; He knew that the spell she cast to kill him meant the Stone Table would crack and death would work backward since he had willingly given up his life p.163
  3. Did you imagine yourself riding on a lion with silent padded feet, going faster than a horse, flying in the wind? What do you think it would be like? Listen to your child’s answers p.165

Chapter 16

  1. How did Aslan bring the statues back to life? He breathed on them p.167
  2. Who was Lucy most excited to see come back to life? Mr. Tumnus p.171
  3. When Aslan reached the battle, who did he attack first? The White Witch p.177

Chapter 17

  1. How did Edmund smash the Witch’s wand? He defeated 3 ogres to get to her and used his sword to smash her wand p.178
  2. What did Lucy’s cordial do for Edmund and others that were wounded from the battle with the Witch’s army? Heal them p.179
  3. Why did Susan feel that she nor Lucy should tell Edmund what Aslan did for him? It would make him feel terrible p.180
  4. How did the children come upon the old lamp post? They were chasing a white stag p.185

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #30 Hurricane Heroes in Texas

Hurricane Heroes in Texas

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; AR pts: 1.0

Jack and Annie are on a mission! When the magic tree house whisks them back to Galveston, Texas, in 1900, they find out that a big storm is coming. But even though there is rain and wind, no one believes there is any danger. As the storm grows, seawater floods the city. Now everyone needs help! Jack and Annie have a little bit of magic and a lot of hope, but will it be enough?

Vocabulary Words

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why would it be dangerous for Jack and Annie to take a walk when there’s thunder and lightning? They could get hit by lightning or a tree near them could get hit and they could be electrocuted. P.4
  2. Who had Jack and Annie met the last time they were in Texas? Slim p.6
  3. What is on the necklace? A tiny star p.8

Chapter 2

  1. What helped Jack and Annie realize they had traveled to the early 1900’s? their clothes; no cars or trucks; horse buggies; street trolleys p.12
  2. What were the landmarks Jack and Annie used to make sure they would find the tree house again? Blue house, iron fence, Avenue L. p.15
  3. How did people respond to Jack and Annie when they introduced themselves in the café? Cheerful; helpful; kind p.17

Chapter 3

  1. Explain what a storm surge is? When high winds push the ocean water over land p.22
  2. Where is the lowest ground on the island? The Strand p.26
  3. How did Jack and Annie know the storm surge had begun? There were gigantic waves out at sea p.28

Chapter 4

  1. What did Jack and Annie do to show courage while the water was rising?  Save a toddler; help dogs; help a man p.31
  2. Why weren’t Jack and Annie able to climb into the tree house? the wind had blown the ladder over a branch p.34
  3. How did Jack and Annie get to safety? A woman had thrown them a rope and pulled them to the porch of her house p.36

Chapter 5

  1. Tell me about Rose. Kind; strong p.39
  2. Why was Rose worried? Her husband; he was expected home any minute and hadn’t made it yet p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Where did Rose know they needed to go to get out of the water in the house? the roof p.46
  2. How did they get onto the roof? Through a hole; they climbed onto a chest, then dresser, then onto a chair p.47
  3. Tell me what happened after they all climbed onto the roof? The house was swaying and cracked; part of the house crumbled into the water and their part of the roof slid on the flood waters and they were pushed around with the current p.51

Chapter 7

  1. How did Annie know the Ursuline Academy would be a safe place? She read it in the guide book p.56
  2. What is a Catholic nun? A woman who has devoted herself to Jesus Christ p.59
  3. When Jack put on the shoes and made Rose laugh, why do you think he was ok with it? It felt good to laugh; they had in a stressful situation and now could relax p.61

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Lucas call out Rose’s name? he heard the song they always sang to Lily and thought it was Rose singing it p.67
  2. Why was Mother Mary Joseph worried about others finding their way to the school in the dark? They didn’t have a light and the nuns have very little oil left for their lamps p.70
  3. What did Annie use to light up the darkness? the star necklace p.71

Chapter 9

  1. What did Galveston look like now that the storm was over? No buildings were standing from where Jack and Annie were to the seashore; puddles of mud; mounds of trash; debris everywhere p.74
  2. Who was the hero Morgan wanted Jack and Annie to learn about? Mother Mary Joseph p.77
  3. Why do you think Jack focused on Frog Creek woods, his home and his mom and dad? He didn’t want to think about the destroyed city and wreckage; what was around him was sad and overwhelming p.78

Chapter 10

  1. How would you feel if you were Jack and Annie and saw the tree house in ruins? P.81
  2. Why did the people of Galveston call Mother Mary Joseph a shining light? Because of her love and compassion that saved more than a thousand from the storm p.85
  3. After the hurricane, what did the people of Galveston do to protect the city from another storm? Pumped sand from the ocean floor to raise the level of the entire city; built a high sea wall p.86

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #24 Soccer on Sunday

Soccer on Sunday

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie find themselves in the streets of Mexico where they must find the final secret of greatness for Merlin. There they meet a young soccer player who dreams of one day playing just like his hero, the great Brazilian soccer player, Pele.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Annie know the Magic Tree House was back? She saw a streak of light in the night p.4
  2. What time of day do Jack and Annie go to the tree house? Early morning; dawn p.5
  3. Where was the World Cup going to be? Mexico p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Mexico City.  Hot; many cars honking and tires screeching; busy street; trees; tall buildings; a big city p.12
  2. How did Jack feel about being in Mexico and going to The World Cup? Excited p.15
  3. What’s the metro? Public transportation; like a subway p.18

Chapter 3

  1. When Jack and Annie were lost what did they do? Asked people for help p.25
  2. Why did it take so long for Jack and Annie to get on the train? There were a lot of people and the doors didn’t stay open very long p.27
  3. Why were Jack and Annie unsure which stop to get off the metro? Jack lost the paper with the directions p.29

Chapter 4

  1. Who helped Jack and Annie which stop to get off the train? A Mexican boy; Roberto p.33
  2. Why was Roberto going to the soccer game alone? His parents couldn’t afford it; they gave him the ticket for his birthday; he has 8 brothers and sisters p.35
  3. How did Roberto get to the stadium so quickly if he’d never been there before? He’d practiced it in his mind many times; his father told him what to do p.39

Chapter 5

  1. Where were Jack and Annie’s seats for the game? On the second row, right on the aisle p.44
  2. Where was Roberto’s seat? Up at the top of the stadium p.45
  3. In what way were Annie and Jack generous? They gave Roberto one of their tickets and decided to trade seats at halftime p.47

Chapter 6

  1. Why wasn’t Jack able to trade seats with Annie as they had planned? It took a long time to get down to the right section, but he couldn’t find them in time before half time was over and an official told him to go back to his seat p.55
  2. How was Jack feeling about not being able to find Annie at the end of the game? worried p.56
  3. Why do you think it was hard for Jack to sit so high in the stadium and come down and see Annie and Roberto have a wonderful time? Because he couldn’t see the game p.61

Chapter 7

  1. When the soccer team got on the bus, what was Annie’s solution for finding them? Go to the city and look for them p.65
  2. What did the kids playing soccer in the mud say that made Roberto sad? That they didn’t want him to play soccer with them p.70
  3. What was Annie’s solution to help them all play soccer better? Merlin’s magic mist p.72

Chapter 8

  1. Who made all of the goals on Miguel’s team? Roberto p.80
  2. After the game was over, and somebody asked what the score was, what did the referee say? Who cares? That was amazing! P.82
  3. Why did Jack and Annie think it was a good idea to leave the neighborhood while the magic was still working? They wouldn’t be so light footed and amazing as just their regular selves; it was better for them to run away from the kids chasing them while they still had the magic p.83

Chapter 9

  1. What made the ring explode with light? Roberto’s comment, “enthusiasm is everything” p.89
  2. What did Jack and Annie teach Roberto when he got sad about not being able to play soccer? To have humility, showing hard work, have meaning and purpose in your life & enthusiasm (the four things they’ve learned on Merlin Missions p.92
  3. Why did Jack and Annie think Roberto was such a great kid? He was polite, he was helpful, he was a good friend p.96

Chapter 10

  1. Why were so many people gathered when Jack and Annie got to Camelot? They were all grateful for Jack and Annie p.102
  2. Name three of the people gathered in Camelot? Merlin; Morgan; King Arthur; Teddy; Kathleen p.105
  3. Why did Jack and Annie want to invite their friends over? To play soccer p.111


Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #23 High Time for Heroes

High Time for Heroes

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL S; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie are on a mission for Merlin the magician! This time, the magic tree house whisks them off to Thebes, Egypt, to find Florence Nightingale, a world-famous nurse. But when they find her, the Florence Nightingale they meet is not a famous nurse at all—she’s not even a regular nurse! Have they found the right person? Or did Merlin make a mistake? An easy mission turns dangerous when Jack and Annie try to solve the mystery!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1
1. What was Jack working on when Annie wanted to see if the tree house was in the woods? A magic show for his parents and grandparents p.3
2. Who are Jack and Annie visiting in this adventure? Florence Nightingale p.7
3. Where were Jack and Annie traveling to find Florence Nightingale? Egypt p.12

Chapter 2
1. Who is Ali? A boy Jack and Annie met when they first got to Egypt. He has two donkeys and was napping in a rowboat. His grandfather is a tourist guide p.15
2. What part of Egypt did Jack and Annie get sent to? Thebes; on the River Nile; across from the Temple of Luxor p.18
3. Who is Mustafa? Ali’s grandfather; the guide p.23

Chapter 3
1. What is the definition of an “aristocrat”? a person who lives within the standards of exceptional rank and privileges, especially the hereditary nobility (upper class) p.28
2. Describe the Bickerson’s. Aristocrats; easily upset; miserable and frightened in Thebes p. 31
3. Who is Countess von Kensky? A woman from Hungary who has a baby baboon for a pet named Koku p.32
4. What does Florence enjoy doing in Egypt? Taking notes of the ruins p.37

Chapter 4
1. Why did Lord Bickerson call Jack and Annie “impolite”? they were standing up for Florence; shared their opinions which were the same as Florence’s p.42
2. Why did the countess need Annie and Jack to babysit Koku? The countess wanted to visit a sick friend who didn’t like wild animals p.48
3. What does “rendezvous” mean? To meet up with each other at agreed time and place p.49

Chapter 5
1. What’s the definition of “solitude”? being alone p.55
2. Where did Jack and Annie travel to when they rented the donkeys? Valley of the Queens p.55
3. How did Jack feel as they saw and approached the Valley of the Queens? nervous; couldn’t shake his uneasy feeling p.62

Chapter 6
1. What does the word “shrieking” mean? A loud, sharp, shrill cry p.65
2. When the jackals were coming after Annie at the entrance of the tomb, why did Koku jump from Annie’s arms and run away? To distract the jackals and get them to chase her p. 67
3. What were two skills Jack and Annie gained as expert rock climbers after they inhaled the mist? Confidence; shift body weight; relax their grip; 100% focused on finding new places to grip; knowing where to put feet and hands p.71
4. What is the definition of “hoisted”? lifted; raised p.72

Chapter 7
1. Why did Annie have to remind Jack not to “freak out”? he could lose his concentration and fall down the cliff side p.78
2. How far did Jack get down the cliff side when he realized the mist had worn off? Half-way down p. 79
3. What does it feel like to have the breath knocked out of you? Can’t breathe or talk; tightness in chest; scary p.80
4. Predict what you think is going to happen next. Florence will tend to Jack and Annie’s injuries and realize she has a gift to take care of people; She will admit to Jack and Annie she enjoys taking care of people p. 82

Chapter 8
1. When Jack and Annie were wanting to go back to the river, how did they know which way to go? Followed the moon since it rose over the Nile p. 83
2. What does the word “jostle” mean? Bump, shove, push, brush against p. 84
3. Give two examples of onomatopoeia on page 88. Baaing of sheep; bleating of goats; croaking of frogs; rustling of reeds; hee-haw of donkeys p.88
4. What’s the definition of “moored”? to make fast with or as if with cables, lines, or anchors; to secure  p. 91

Chapter 9
1. What would Florence love to do with her life? Be a nurse p. 97
2. Why did Florence think Jack and Annie hit their heads when they fell off the cliff? They said she would be a great nurse someday p. 98
3. What did Florence say that caused the ring to finally glow? One’s life must have meaning and purpose p. 101

Chapter 10
1. Why wouldn’t Mustafa accept payment from Jack after all he had done to help the children? Mustafa did it because they needed help,  not for the money p. 112
2. What happened to Jack and Annie’s injuries when they reached Frog Creek, Pennsylvania? They were gone p. 114
3. After the adventure to Egypt, how many secrets of greatness had Jack and Annie learned? 3 p. 115