Tag Archives: Adventure

Comprehension Questions – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl

Grade 5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL R; AR pts. 5.0

In this timeless classic, Willy Wonka, a crazy chocolatier, opens his chocolate factory doors for the first time to five lucky children who have randomly purchased the coveted chocolate bars containing the golden ticket. Besides a lifetime supply of chocolate, the children get a chance to tour the mysterious factory with their guide, Willy Wonka.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Charlie. Lives with his parents and both sets of grandparents; they’re very poor; he loves chocolate and only gets it on his birthday; he walks by the largest and most famous chocolate factory on the way to school and wants to go inside to see what it’s like p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Grandpa Joe describes Willy Wonka and how amazing he is p.9

Chapter 3

  1. What shocking information did Grandpa Joe tell Charlie? There are no workers going in or out of the chocolate factory gates; the workers they can see in the windows aren’t ordinary p.14

Chapter 4

  1. Why is it so exciting that people will be able to go into the chocolate factory? It’s been closed to the public and factory workers for over 10 years p.16

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Charlie feeling discouraged about finding a golden ticket? His odds of getting one are very low, since he only gets one chocolate bar a year p.21

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Veruca need a spanking? She’s spoiled and always gets her way; she’s never been disciplined p.25

Chapter 7

  1. Choose a word to describe Charlie in this chapter. Why did you choose it? Listen to your child’s answer; kind, thoughtful, generous, sharing, selfless p.29

Chapter 8

  1. What do all the golden ticket winners have in common so far? They are all selfish and bratty p.34

Chapter 9

  1. Why are Charlie and his grandpa laughing at the end of this chapter? They had a special moment together, and in the excitement of possibly getting the golden ticket they nervously opened the bar, but didn’t find anything p.36

Chapter 10

  1. Why was it important that Charlie save his strength? He did not have enough food to eat and doesn’t have energy to waste p.40
  2. Why is he needing to do this? His dad lost his job and they didn’t have much to eat p.38

Chapter 11

  1. How is Charlie able to purchase the candy bars? What was the consequence? He found a dollar bill half buried in the snow; he received the golden ticket p.43

Chapter 12

  1. What instructions were given on the ticket? The ticket holder is to arrive at 10 am sharp on February 1st; they are to bring one or two family members to look after them p.50

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. It’s February 1st and the lucky kids and their family members are waiting to go inside the chocolate factory gates while a large crowd has gathered to observe p.53

Chapter 14

  1. Describe Willy Wonka. A little man wearing a purple coat, green pants, gray gloves, carries a cane with a gold tip and a black top hat; friendly and kind; welcoming; lots of energy p.57

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the chocolate room. Underground; large and beautiful; consists of a valley with green meadows, a chocolate waterfall, chocolate river, enormous glass pipes that carry the chocolate to other rooms to make candy; the trees, flowers and grass are edible; has little men called Oompa-Loompas p.63

Chapter 16

  1. How did Willy Wonka convince the Oompa-Loompas to come work for him? He’d give them all the cacao beans they want to eat p.70

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Willy Wonka say the Oompa-loompas were joking? He didn’t want people to think they had purposely made Augustus go into the pipe p.80

Chapter 18

  1. What did everyone see as they went down the chocolate river? Storeroom doors with signs on them; creams, beans, whips p.86

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the Inventing Room. Secret room only Willy Wonka goes into; the most important room in the factory; where secret inventions are made; looks like a witch’s kitchen with black metal pots, kettles, pans, etc. filled with inventions p.87
  2. Describe one of the inventions listed in this chapter. Everlasting Gobstopper or Hair Toffee p.90

Chapter 20

  1. Who knew what the invention made in this chapter is? How? Violet; she loves gum p.94

Chapter 21

  1. What happened to Violet in this chapter? She took the gum that came out of the machine even though Mr. Wonka told her not to, and she swelled into a blueberry p.95

Chapter 22

  1. How does Mr. Wonka treat Mike Teavee when Mike asks him a question? He doesn’t answer it and tells him to stop mumbling or to stop interrupting him p.105

Chapter 23

  1. Describe Willy Wonka’s behavior in this chapter. He’s losing patience with everyone except Charlie and Grandpa Joe; he’s not very nice and is calling people names p.107
  2. What does Mr. Wonka mean, “the square candies look round”? The candies have faces on them and look around the room p.108

Chapter 24

  1. How was Veruca disrespectful in this chapter? She didn’t listen to Willy Wonka and went into the room to get herself a squirrel p.111
  2. What was the consequence? The squirrels threw her into the garbage chute; there’s an incinerator at the bottom that may be lit p.113
  3. Who is to blame for her disrespectful behavior? She and her parents p.118

Chapter 25

  1. Describe the elevator. Glass; covered in black buttons that travel all over the factory; goes very fast; on the same track as another elevator so they could crash; goes in all directions p.118

Chapter 26

  1. What will “…change the world”? Being able to reach into a television and grab a chocolate bar p.129

Chapter 27

  1. What happened to Mike Teavee. He didn’t listen and became the first person to be sent by television, so he became tiny and will need to be stretched out p.130

Chapter 28

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mr. Wonka told Charlie he’d won since he was the only child left; they got into the elevator and shot through the roof of the factory; they saw the other children leave the factory p.142

Chapter 29

  1. What’s the result of each of the children’s choices that are going home? They will deal with the consequences of their choices for the rest of their lives p.148

Chapter 30

  1. Why did Willy Wonka invite children to come to the factory? To choose who he would like to give it to after he’s taught them all his secrets and how to run the factory p.151

Comprehension Questions – (Fairly) True Tales Series Grump The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Grump

The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

by Liesl Shurtliff

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fables/Fairy Tales; GRL O; AR pts. 10.0

Ever since he was a dwarfling, Borlen (nicknamed "Grump") has dreamed of visiting The Surface, so when opportunity knocks, he leaves his cavern home behind.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Borlen and his background. A dwarf; born underground, but close to The Surface; ate common rocks and minerals instead of gems; named Borlen after the rocks surrounding the area he was born; fearful of going deeper underground and desires to go to The Surface, but his parents don’t want him to p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen’s mother took him to the nursery mines and asked other dwarflings to play with him; one crew did, but they bossed him around; Borlen found a baby bat and took care of it; they explored the caverns looking for a tunnel to the surface; Borlen’s parents signed him up for a crew because he kept trying to escape to The Surface p.10

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the ceremony Borlen and the other dwarflings went through in this chapter. They lined up, received an axe, used the axe to mine their Fate Stone and were given a crew to work with

Chapter 4

  1. How did Rudger treat Borlen and Gilpin? He was mean and teased them p.45

Chapter 5

  1. How is Gilpin a good friend to Borlen? He made him a bed, smiled at him p.56

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize how Borlen made it to The Surface? The crew found they were digging close to The Surface; Borlen suggested he continue digging there while the rest of them dug deeper; Borlen secretly dug upward until he broke through p.63

Chapter 7

  1. Describe how Borlen got in trouble in this chapter. He enjoyed being on The Surface and ran and fell, causing two human children to see him, they chased him, and he got away, the queen came in a carriage and was wearing a ruby on her forehead, Borlen followed the queen into the castle p.73

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen watches as the queen and her advisor talk about the kingdom and her plans; she finds out her advisor betrays her so she turns him into a weasel; she looks into her mirror and sees Borlen p.78

Chapter 9

  1. Using descriptive words, compare the queen in chapters 8 and 9. 8: mean, harsh, impatient.

9: kind, warm, friendly p.85

Chapter 10

  1. How did the queen convince Borlen to stay above ground? He’s not happy underground and he’s valued on The Surface p.102

Chapter 11

  1. How did the queen trick Borlen? She cried and acted sad until he offered to let her use his mirror p.109

Chapter 12

  1. Is the queen a good person? Why, or why not? No, she throws innocent girls into the dungeons and planted a poisonous apple tree; she’s manipulative p.115

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize what happened at the ball. Borlen sat next to the queen in Snow White’s seat; Borlen received rubies as gifts and ate them all feeling euphoric; he sang then started to tell the queen about humans who grab dwarves by the beard; he spies on Snow White; Borlen told the queen Snow White is the prettiest human he’d ever seen p.120

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Borlen horrified at the end of this chapter? The queen grabbed him by the beard and now he’s bound to do everything she commands p.135

Chapter 15

  1. Why is Borlen nervous Snow White is in the tunnel?  A human inside the dwarf caverns will make the other dwarves unhappy and scared p.146

Chapter 16

  1. Summarize this chapter. Snow White wanders to the dwarves sleeping quarters and Borlen follows; he looks in the mirror and sees the huntsman giving the queen the boar heart; Snow White and Borlen fall asleep p.147

Chapter 17

  1. How did the dwarves find themselves on The Surface? Snow hit the ceiling of the cave with the axe and it was starting to collapse, so they escaped to The Surface p.159

Chapter 18

  1. Why did the dwarves decide to let Snow and Borlen stay with them? They had compassion on Snow; didn’t know how to get back into the caverns and now Snow knew where the caverns were p.169

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the evening with Snow White. She was bossy regarding the cottage and food; she didn’t like food that was prepared so Borlen went to find her some; she still didn’t like the food; she took their beds, and they slept on the floor p.173

Chapter 20

  1. Why didn’t Borlen want the ruby Snow White offered him? The queen had used rubies to get him to do what she wanted, and he didn’t want to be manipulated again p.196

Chapter 21

  1. Describe how Snow White is a good friend. She’s kind; likes Borlen for who he is; a good listener; ready to give her life for Borlen; is humble p.202

Chapter 22

  1. Was it wise for Borlen to not tell the prince or Snow White about each other? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.211
  2. Predict what you think will happen now that the queen sees Borlen in the mirror. Listen to your child’s answer p.219

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen’s stone showed the queen where Snow was; Snow was sick and Borlen tried to help her feel better; they played a game and the queen disguised as an old woman arrived at the cottage p.30

Chapter 24

  1. Explain why Borlen’s heart was “in the deepest depths of despair“. He felt at fault for killing Snow White p.232
  2. Do you agree with him? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 25

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen lived in a cavern by himself during the winter; taking care of Leaf kept Borlen alive; someone left gems for Borlen; the trolls escaped the queen and found him, bringing him his fate stone p.234

Chapter 26

  1. Predict Borlen’s plan. Listen to your child’s answer; ask about the queen and what new beginnings might happen for Borlen p.249

Chapter 27

  1. How did Borlen find the prince and convince him to help him? A young maiden grabbed him by the beard and commanded her take a message to Florian; people then told him where to find him; Borlen told Florian someone brave and strong needed to help Snow White and that she spoke highly of him p.256

Chapter 28

  1. Describe Florian. He’s a prince, is a good friend to Snow White, wants to be brave and courageous, but is afraid; his father banished him from home since he’s not very brave; is a worrier
  2. Do you think Snow will wake up now that Florian kissed her? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. Why is Florian surprised when Snow woke up? She was grumpy and hungry; she didn’t seem pleased at all p.272

Chapter 30

  1. How did Borlen save Snow White? The ruby he threw at the apple is what kept her alive when she bit into the apple; it was his idea to make the queen turn herself into a rat p.284

Epilogue

  1. What did you like about this story. Explain.  Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – (Fairly) True Tales Series Red The (Fairly) True Tale of Red Riding Hood

Red

The (Fairly) True Tale of Red Riding Hood

by Liesl Shurtliff

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fable/Fairy Tales; GRL W; AR pts. 8.0

Followed by a wolf, a huntsman, and a porridge-sampling nuisance called Goldie, Red embarks on a quest to find a magical cure for her ailing grandmother.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Red’s background. She has a grandma who’s a witch; her granny tried to teach her magic, but Red permanently hurt her granny so she never wanted to do magic again p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Red went to her granny’s house, and on the way, she saw a wolf; a huntsman shot at the wolf and scared him away; when Red arrived at her granny’s, the wolf was there dressed up as her p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Why is granny dressed up as a wolf? To scare people away from the cottage p.16
  2. Why is Red concerned at the end of this chapter? Her granny is sick and that is unusual p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why is Red hesitant to make the Curious Cure-All recipe? She doesn’t want to gather the ingredients; Pixie venom, tree-nymph wings, wolf hairs p.24
  2. Explain how Red came upon her red cloak? Her Granny gave it to her; she wore it when she was a young girl p.26

Chapter 5

  1. How many ingredients did Red find in this chapter? One, Pixie venom p.31

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Goldie. She’s nosy and gets into other people’s business; has golden hair; the same age as Red; new to The Mountain p.35
  2. What fairytale is she from? The three bears 

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Red tried to get rid of Goldie, but couldn’t; Red looked for a gnome to send a message to her parents; Goldie thought she found a gnome, but it was a dwarf p.46

Chapter 8

  1. What advice did Goldie give Red and how did she respond to it? She needed to practice her magic to get better at it; Red was angry p.63

Chapter 9

  1. Do you think the wolf will be a friend or foe to Red? Why? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. What did Red learn about Goldie in this chapter? Her mom doesn’t love her anymore since there’s no gold in The Mountain p.78

Chapter 11

  1. Describe how Red and Goldie are becoming friends? They help each other; laugh together; have fun together; protect each other p.80
  2. Name a friend you have and describe your friendship. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. Why didn’t Red want Goldie to drink the wine? She’d lose her memories p.93

Chapter 13

  1. Explain what it means to get a dose of your own medicine? To receive treatment for how you treated someone p.98
  2. How was Red a good friend to Goldie? Goldie lost her memories and Red stayed with her, trying to help her p.98

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Red so worried that Goldie let a Sprite take her hand? She would be dragged to the bottom of the river and die p.110

Chapter 15

  1. What was strange about Horst’s behavior? He pushed a tall tree over to cross the river p.119

Chapter 16

  1. How did Red hide Wolf from the huntsman? Put clothes on him and said he was her Granny p.121

Chapter 17

  1. Describe Borlen. Dwarf; Grumpy; loves rubies; Main character in the book, Grump p.132

List two magical properties the cloak has. Completely protects from the elements, protects from feeling things fall on her, protects from the sprites 

Chapter 18

  1. List what happens in this chapter that reminds you of The Three Bears story. Goldie tries all the food and eats the one she likes best, she sits in all the chairs and lays in all the beds to find the one she likes best p.144

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen took Red, Goldie and Wolf to the castle with the roses, Red found the red roses and picked one; the gargoyles came to life and attacked; a beast captured Red and Goldie p.152

Chapter 20

  1. Describe the castle. Magical, does everything and provides everything the Beast needs p.169

Chapter 21

  1. How is the castle pranking the girls? It made completing the tasks the beast wanted difficult p.177

Chapter 22

  1. Why is Red bothered in this chapter? Her granny is the enchantress that turned the princess into the beast p.192

Chapter 23

  1. What has Red been running away from and finally learned in this chapter? Red can’t stop Granny from dying; she needs to stop fearing p.198

Chapter 23

  1. Why is Horst trying to kill the girls at the end of this chapter? Red wouldn’t let him have Wolf p.212

Chapter 24

  1. Read the last sentence in this chapter out loud. What does it mean? Horst sought a heart to give him life, but Red was filled with magic which protected her and destroyed him p.222

Chapter 25

  1. What did Red learn in this chapter? She can do magic correctly; she created her own path in the forest; fear made her path dim, fear is what interferes with magic p.232

Epilogue 

  1. What did you enjoy about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – (Fairly) True Tales Series Jack The (Fairly) True Tale of Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack

The (Fairly) True Tale of Jack and the Beanstalk

by Liesl Shurtliff

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fables/Fairy Tales; GRL S; AR pts. 10.0

This tale relates the story of Jack, who, after trading his mother's milk cow for magic beans, climbs a beanstalk to search for his missing father in the land of giants.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Jack. He’s 12 years old, constantly gets into trouble, wants adventure instead of working on the farm, named after his 7-greats-grandfather who, as legend says, was a giant killer p.1
  2. Why is it significant that dirt fell in Jack’s eyes? It supported what Jaber said, if it starts raining dirt, Jack should run because the giants are coming into Jack’s world p.12

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Giants came down from the sky and ravaged the farm, taking whatever they wanted; they also took Jack’s dad p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the sight Jack saw in town. The town was gone, desolate; the giants tore up the buildings and took everything and everyone p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Compare the events in this chapter to the real fairy tale. Are they similar? Jack sold the cow to a peddler for magic beans; yes p.37

Chapter 5

  1. What did the author mean on page 46, “The seed has been planted and the idea was growing in her.”? Jack’s mother was getting used to the idea that there may really be giants p.46

Chapter 6

  1. Why do you think the plants are all dying? Listen to your child’s answer p.58

Chapter 7

  1. List the dangers Jack needed to watch for in this chapter? Wood with splinters and nails, hot wax, a cat, giant p.64

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Mum Martha. Giantess who is kind and loving; has another little boy named Tom Thumb; treats the boys as her own; is happy to have them since her son grew up and moved away; is a cook for the king; works all day p.69
  2. Were you correct in your assumption of why the plants are dying? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer; there’s a famine in the land p.74

Chapter 9

  1. What world is Jack in and how do you know? Red’s, Grump’s and Rump’s; the king has the same name, there are pixies and messenger gnomes p.85
  2. Describe Tom. Fun; same age as Jack; likes the same things as Jack p.87

Chapter 10

  1. What did Jack learn in this chapter? The queen’s brothers come down to his world to steal food, animals, people and buildings; Jack’s father might be with them p.95

Chapter 11

  1. Describe Bruno. Giant; Sir Bluberys is teaching him how to be brave; one of the giants that goes to Jack’s world; Bruno doesn’t like stealing food from the elves; afraid of pixies; has a big brother whose mean to him p.106

Chapter 12

  1. What did Jack learn in this chapter? His father is alive and just left in a shoe to the castle p.125

Chapter 13

  1. How did the cobbler’s elves treat Jack? Why? Like a prisoner; they wouldn’t let him leave the table; they feared he would die p.130

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jack found that Annabella climbed the bean stalk; he agreed that she could stay in the giant world; as they made their way up the road toward the castle a giant toad caught her with its tongue and carried her off p.137

Chapter 15

  1. How did Jack and Annabella escape the toad? The toad jumped after a fish and Bells jumped into the water; Jack grabbed her skirt and pulled her to him; they covered themselves with leaves and dead grass until the toad left p.153

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Annabella. She’s 4 years younger than Jack; friendly and helpful; knows how to take care of Jack; smart and wise; thinks quickly in difficult situations p.158

Chapter 17

  1. How did Jack get into the castle? He hopped onto a wagon wheel that took him to the castle; he hopped onto Bruno and Frederick’s wagon that took him inside p.174

Chapter 18

  1. Why did Tom get upset when Jack accused him of not caring about his dad? He did care; Tom hasn’t talked about his dad; we’re not sure what happened to him p.193

Chapter 19

  1. What convinced Queen Opal to help the elves? She told them her story and she felt bad they had lost their father p.202

Chapter 20

  1. Define kindling. Small sticks or twigs used for starting a fire p.218
  2. How is the king going to punish Tom and Jack? Use them as kindling p.218

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jack and Tom were thrown into the dungeon to smash the gold eggs and make them into coins; when the king lifted up the coins, he threw down food and Jack found his father by fighting over an apple p.219

Chapter 22

  1. Describe King Barf. His full name is King Bartholomew Archibald Reginald Fife; very selfish, very greedy, only cares about gold, doesn’t care about his queen or child, mean, angry p.236

Chapter 23

  1. How is Jack like his grandpa in this chapter? He noticed the small things, the seeds; he figured out the yolks in the golden eggs were seeds p.244

Chapter 24

  1. Why didn’t anyone believe Sir Bluberys? The things he said weren’t always believable p.250
  2. Predict Jack’s plan to save the two worlds. Listen to your child’s answer. p.260

Chapter 25

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? What did Jack do? Stole the chicken, but now he needs to deal with King Barf p.270

Chapter 26

  1. How did Jack defeat King Barf? Encouraged him to eat the golden eggs; because of the seeds in the golden eggs, plants grew inside and out of him 277

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize this chapter. Tommy is reunited with his father, Jaber p.285

Epilogue 

  1. How did Jack grow in this story? Listen to your child’s answer; matured, realized that his family was important to him, realized that his sister has specific strengths that he doesn’t have

Comprehension Questions – (Fairly) True Tales Series Rump The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumpelstiltskin

Rump

The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstiltskin

by Liesl Shurtliff

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL S; AR pts. 9.0

This story relates the tale of Rumpelstiltskin's childhood and youth, explaining why his name is so important, how he is able to spin straw into gold, and why a firstborn child is his reward for helping the miller's daughter-turned-queen.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction of this story. On The Mountain; Rump is the main character; his mom died when he was born and wasn’t able to tell his Gran what his full name is; Rump feels like his name is why he’s short, can’t find gold, and isn’t respected by the people in the village; the village mines for gold and receives extra rations when they give gold to the king p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Rump so concerned about only having half his name? He thinks it limits him; a name is special and is your destiny p.10
  2. Why did the pixies behavior confuse Rump? They acted like they wanted him to use the spinning wheel; he’d heard pixies were only good for finding gold p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Red ask if Rump was made of gold? The pixies swarm and bite him; they won’t leave him alone p.23

Chapter 4

  1. Why were Red’s granny’s words important to Rump? He learned he had to find his destiny to learn his entire name p.28

Chapter 5

  1. What warning do you think of at the end of this chapter that Red’s granny gave Rump? He needed to watch his step and he would cause trouble p.35

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. The pixies wake up Rump and he turns straw to gold with the spinning wheel; Rump takes all of the straw out of his mattress and makes gold; morning comes, and he sees Frederick and Bruno looking in the window; he’s worried they saw the gold p.36

Chapter 7

  1. Why is Red nervous about the gold yarn? Magic has consequences; Frederick and Bruno saw it p.46

Chapter 8

  1. What do you think Rump’s dream meant? His mother was at first happy to be able to spin gold, but then it caused so much trouble she was in over her head p.51

Chapter 9

  1. What do you think Gran meant when she said the gold was inside Rump? Listen to your child’s answer; who Rump is inside in the real treasure p.61

Chapter 10

  1. Why was Rump’s house torn apart when he got home from Gran’s funeral? Someone had torn it apart looking for the gold p.68

Chapter 11

  1. Why did the king visit The Mountain? He found out someone in The Village was spinning gold and didn’t share with him p.68
  2. What gave Rump away? The pixies p.72

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Rump think the miller was mad at him? The miller lied for Rump saying it was his daughter who could spin gold; now the miller’s daughter is being taken to the castle to spin for the king; if she doesn’t spin gold she’ll die or go to the dungeon p.76

Chapter 13

  1. What consequence does Rump have if he uses magic? He loses control, his will p.87

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Rump feel like he needed to help Opal? Because he is good and kind and felt like it was his fault she was taken away p.92

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Rump hate gold? He was a prisoner to it and the greed of the king p.110

Chapter 16

  1. Choose a word to describe Opal. Explain why you chose that word. Listen to your child’s answer; selfish, she’s willing to give up her first-born baby to become queen p.113

Chapter 17

  1. Describe Martha. Kind, round woman, fed and took care of Rump after he fell out of the tower p.120

Chapter 18

  1. Summarize this chapter. Rump left the city and headed to Yonder to learn about his mother; he received a message from Red; he was captured by trolls p.130

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the evening Rump had with the trolls. They fed him dinner; told him stories; wrestled and uncovered a hole with objects including a magical harp p.140

Chapter 20

  1. Do you think Rump should have eaten the apple? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 21

  1. Why did trump think he could find answers with the witches? They were magic like his mom and could spin wool into silk and grass into silver; because they had this is common, he hoped they knew of her p.163

Chapter 22

  1. How are Rump and his mom similar? They both can spin gold out of straw; they both lost their power due to the magic; they both were taken advantage of; they both wanted to escape p.173

Chapter 23

  1. What did Rump learn in this chapter? Hi mom got caught in a rumpel; his mom might have named him after the rumpel; her story sounded like his; a rumpel is deep magic p.180

Chapter 24

  1. Summarize Rump and Hadel’s interaction. She asked him to help move the Pixie nests; the pixies covered him; he told Hadel his name is Rump; she said only the entangler can get it untangled p.191

Chapter 25

  1. Explain what’s happening on The Mountain and why Rump feels he’s been selfish and should leave his aunts. They’re hungrier than ever because the king is withholding food, he wants more gold; the miller is looking for Rump; Rump is worried he will lead the miller to his aunts p.199

Chapter 26

  1. Summarize this chapter. The miller’s sons captured Rump; a gnome delivered the message that the queen had her baby; Rump was magically pulled to the kingdom to collect his bargain p.203

Chapter 27

  1. What did Rump learn in this chapter and do you think he’ll spin gold again? Why, or why not? The miller is the merchant who betrayed his mother; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 28

  1. Why did Rump tell Opal that if she learned his name, it would break their bargain and she could keep her baby? it stopped her from crying p.227

Chapter 29

  1. Predict why Rump wants to take the miller’s sons to a “pile of gold”. The trolls will help Rump p.233

Chapter 30

  1. Why did Rump feel strong and powerful at the end of this chapter? He found his name; he had the power to untangle the rumpel p.243

Chapter 31

  1. Why couldn’t the miller touch the gold? He hadn’t kept his end of the bargain; he hurt Red and he said he said no harm would come to her p.249

Chapter 32

  1. What could Rump now control? The magic p.256
  2. What character development did Rump experience in this story? He found himself and his own power; he wasn’t a prisoner to magic any more

Epilogue

  1. Why was it so important to Rump that the Mountain have a name? Because names are powerful
  2. How did this story differ from the original fairy tale? Rump didn’t want the child; Rump went to the castle to help Opal; he was looking for his name; he only told Opal to guess his name to stop her from crying

Comprehension Questions – Princess Academy

Princess Academy

by Shannon Hale

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL V; AR pts. 10.0

While attending a strict academy for potential princesses with the other girls from her mountain village, fourteen-year-old Miri discovers unexpected talents and connections to her homeland.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? High in the mountains; Mount Eskel; at a rock quarry; in autumn p.14
  2. What message did the king’s messenger give the village? The next princess is to come from Mount Eskel and the prince will come and choose a bride; a princess academy will be created to prepare all girls ages 12-17 p.22

Chapter 2

  1. Why did the announcement upset the village? Work in the quarry will be limited with the girls gone; the mood is heavy at the thought of sending their girls p.25

Chapter 3

  1. Why does Miri wonder if her papa misses her? He doesn’t use words to express himself; he allowed her to go to the princess academy and didn’t fight to keep her home p.47
  2. Why are the girls nervous to speak during dinner? Olana might punish them p.47

Chapter 4

  1. What changed Miri’s attitude about the academy and why did she want to be the academy princess? The silver dress; She was tired of being belittled and wanted to prove that she was just as good as any lowlander p.61

Chapter 5

  1. Why do the other girls hate Miri? She was sassy to Olana and made everyone miss the last opportunity to go home before winter; she has risen to the top of the class and the girls are jealous p.67

Chapter 6

  1. How did Gerti know Miri was in the closet? The communication of quarry-speech; Miri sang a quarry song p.76

Chapter 7

  1. What did Miri work on in this chapter? Quarry-speech p.75
  2. Describe Britta’s reaction when Miri asked her to go for a walk? Surprised, thankful, happy p.83
  3. What incentive did Olana give the girls to work harder? She showed them a picture of a beautiful home the family of the princess would move into p.87

Chapter 8

  1. What did Miri learn in this chapter? That one block of linder, only found on her mountain, was worth 1 gold; now when the village traded, they’d know how much to trade for p.102

Chapter 9

  1. What did Miri realize she needed to do with the other girls? Find common ground to build friendships p.111
  2. What was quarry-speech built on? Memories p.112
  3. Why would these two things go hand in hand? As you build friendships, you make memories p.112

Chapter 10

  1. What was the outcome of the test? Everyone failed but Miri and Katar p.115
  2. Then why were all the girls walking home for the spring festival? Miri used quarry-speech to tell all the girls to get up and run out p.118

Chapter 11

  1. What are the poems at the beginning of each chapter? Quarry-speech phrases p.123
  2. Why were the villagers uncertain about Miri’s idea? It was new to them; they didn’t have a knowledge about trading gold and silver p.139

Chapter 12

  1. Predict what Olana will do when the girls return to the academy. Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Predict what Miri will do to help her sister. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? How did the girls get Olana to take them back? They used the rules of Diplomacy p.153

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize how Miri’s mother died and how learning this helped her. She was pregnant with Miri and was breaking a stone in the quarry; the stone slipped and knocked her down a steep side of the mountain; Miri was born that night, but her mother wouldn’t stop bleeding and died; she understood why her father wouldn’t let her in to the quarry; she now knew that her father thought of her mother every time he looked at her p.174

Chapter 15

  1. How had the academy changed the entire village? With the knowledge of the value of linder blocks, they now had gold; they were able to purchase more food and other necessities; other traders came to the village p.180

Chapter 16

  1. Do you think it was right for Miri and the other girls to quarry-speech the answers to each other? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.187
  2. Who won the academy princess title? Miri p.193
  3. What did Miri learn about Katar? She also felt alone and unloved; doesn’t like herself; they’re very similar p.195

Chapter 17

  1. What idea did Esa have? That everyone be happy for whoever is chosen by the prince p.202
  2. Why wasn’t Britta at the ball? She came down with an illness p.202
  3. Describe the interaction between the prince and Miri. They danced and later he asked her to walk with him; she asked him why he was there; he relaxed and told her that he felt a lot of pressure; they joked with each other and laughed; he complimented her p.217

Chapter 19

  1. Why did Pedar turn and run home?  He was angry at Miri for wanting to be chosen as the princess p.228
  2. Predict why Esa spoke with quarry-speech and told Miri to run. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize this chapter. Bandits captured the girls, Olana and Knut; they were asking who the new princess is and they all said they had been chosen; the bandits were perplexed and decided to take them all for ransom p.231

Chapter 21

  1. Do you think Peder got the message? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 22

  1. Did Miri’s plan to escape work? No, as the girls ran to the villagers outside the building, the bandits captured them p.265

Chapter 23

  1. How did Miri escape Dan the bandit? She used quarry-speech to communicate with Peder to veer Dan toward the cliff; she used the hawk in her pocket to stab Dan’s hand and he let her go; she dropped off the cliff and landed on the ledge, but Dan grabbed her foot; Miri’s dad hit Dan in the head with his mallet, making him let go and fall to his death p.275

Chapter 24

  1. What would you choose if you were Miri? Becoming a princess or staying in the village? Why? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 25

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. Britta was chosen by the Prince, they were childhood friends and loved each other; Miri purchased some books from Olana and was given the painting of the cottage; Peder and Miri walked home holding hands p.294
  2. What did you enjoy about this book? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #12 In the Game

In the Game

by Kiki Thorpe

Grades K-3; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Kate loves to fly in Never Land and play soccer in the human world. She accidentally takes a flying leap during soccer practice and is tempted to use fairy dust in her everyday life with the help of mischievous fast-flyer Vidia.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What character will be the main focus of this story? How do you know? Kate; the author is telling the story from her perspective; she’s on the front picture of the book p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Kate hesitant about playing keeper during the game? She still had fairy dust on her when she made the save and knows she can’t fly up again like that p.15
  2. Is it cheating if Kate uses fairy dust during her soccer game? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. Why isn’t Kate friendly to Vidia? Vidia is selfish and isn’t a good friend p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Lainey is dog sitting and the dog ran away; Kate found him on a roof; His bark is silent and he started floating when he jumped off the roof p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Should Kate go get more fairy dust? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. Explain how Kate was able to get fairy dust. Vidia came through the portal and made a deal with her, she'll give her fairy dust if she races her p.56

Chapter 7

  1. How did Kate feel when she realized she was thinking about cheating? It explained why she’d been feeling bad all morning and she felt better now that she had told her friends p.72

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Vidia was mad Kate didn’t race her; she went to find Kate and came upon the other girls and Rascal; Rascal saw her and chased her p.80

Chapter 9

  1. What decision did Kate make in this chapter? To use her fairy dust to catch Rascal instead of the soccer ball p.96

Chapter 10

  1. What did Vidia learn in this story? She was better off in Pixie Hollow where things are slow and she can be fast p.102

Comprehension Questions – #11 Into the Waves

Into the Waves

by Kiki Thorpe

Grades K-3; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Lainey's fondest dream has come true. Her parents finally let her get a pet, a goldfish. But bringing her new little friend to Never Land might turn out to be a big mistake.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction of this story. Lainey saved her money and bought a goldfish; she took her fish to Pixie Hollow so Fawn could find out what makes him happy p.1

Chapter 2

  1. What happened in this chapter? Rani, a water-talent fairy saw Sunny and let him free p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What plan did the girls come up with to find Sunny? Fawn will talk to other fish, Rani will swim trying to find him, the girls will be in the raft looking for him p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Why is it going to be challenging finding Sunny in the Wough River? It’s so big and splits into two different rivers p.44

Chapter 5

  1. Why is the Sunken Forest dangerous? The creatures are not friendly, its dismal, can lose sense of direction p.50

Chapter 6

  1. Do you recognize the crocodile? It’s the crocodile that swallowed the clock in Peter Pan p.62
  2. How did Mia scare it away? She hit it with her paddle p.65

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. The girls made it out of the swamp, Gabby brought cookies to eat for dinner; they tried to sleep; Peter came to visit and made a fire; he told them stories and in the morning their cookies were gone but Peter left coconuts and fairy dust for them p.67

Chapter 8

  1. Why didn’t Gabby fly when the raft went over the waterfall? She was scared stiff p.94
  2. Have you ever been so scared that you were frozen stiff? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. What happened to Gabby? When everyone jumped out of the raft, it floated in the air because of the fairy dust; she was ok p.96
  2. Predict how Sunny got to be so large. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. How did Sunny get so big? Was your prediction correct? He had eaten lots of food; magic p.105
  2. Why did Lainey ask the mermaid to take care of Sunny? Sunny was too big to take home p.107

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #10 On the Trail

On the Trail

by Kiki Thorpe

Grades K-3; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

The four best friends travel to Never Land, where they find adventure, friendship, and mystery. When the girls realize that animal-talent fairy Beck is missing, the search is on.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Name a good deed Mia did in this chapter? She found a fairy to help a rabbit get a thorn out of its paw p.9
  2. What pinch of magic do you think Mia’s going to add to the cake? Listen to your child’s answer p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Why are the characters worried at the end of this chapter? Beck is missing p.26
  2. Where do you think she’s gone to? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. Why does Myka have a hard time in Elixa’s workshop? All of the smells give her a headache p.32
  2. What clue did Elixa give Myka? Beck might have gone to find marigolds in the field p.35

Chapter 4

  1. What clues did they find in this chapter? Beck’s satchel; animal prints in the mud p.45

Chapter 5

  1. Predict why the feather is a clue. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Myka think they should check out Skull Rock? She feels like Beck could be there p.68

Chapter 7

  1. What’s crying in this chapter? The Never bird p.76
  2. Why is Myka in danger? Never birds eat fairies, and one is coming after her p.76

Chapter 8

  1. Name a good reason Myka decided to let the girls come along with her? Mia saved her from the Never bird p.77

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize how the fawn made its way to Skull Island. It was stuck in the bog; the Never bird pulled it out but scared the fawn to the water and it swam to the island; then it was too tired to swim back p.95

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. Mia made another cake and threw another tea party; however, she hid the dishes and made a treasure hunt for the fairies to find them p.102

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #9 Before the Bell

Before the Bell

Kiki Thorpe

Grades K-3; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

It is the first day of school, and Gabby can't wait to tell the fairies about it. She even met a new friend who loves fairies as much as she does. But then a fairy goes missing in Gabby's new classroom.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s special about a story-talent fairy? When they tell a story, the listeners feel like they are actually in it p.12
  2. Why is Gabby excited to start school? It’s new and exciting for her p.13

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Gabby think first grade was off to a good start? Spinner the story-talent sparrow snuck into her backpack and Gabby found him p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the things Spinner experienced in school that first day. Classroom, teacher, students, bookcases of books, using a crayon and pencil p.26

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Gabby regret telling Lizzie about Spinner? Lizzie was selfish and wanted to keep holding him; Lizzie spoke loudly about him and Gabby was worried the secret would be out p.42

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Spinner want to get to the bookcase? He loved stories; he’s a story-telling talent and wants more stories to tell p.46

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Spinner pulls books off the shelves and reads them; he senses danger but doesn’t listen and is smashed in a book when someone closes it p.53

Chapter 7

  1. Why weren’t the girls able to find Spinner and why do you think Glorinda is in Gabby’s backpack? He’s been taken; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. How could Spinner grant Lizzie’s wish to become a fairy? Tell her a story and through his magic, she’ll be the one in the story p.87

Chapter 9

  1. How did Spinner teach Lizzie that taking him was wrong? Through the story he told; she could feel what Spinner felt p.101

Chapter 10

  1. Do you agree that Gabby should be friends with Lizzie after what happened? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer