Tag Archives: Adventure

Comprehension Questions – Tales from the Odyssey Book #3 Sirens and Sea Monsters

Sirens and Sea Monsters

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL P; AR pts. 1.0

Retells a part of the Odyssey in which Odysseus and his men, returning from the Land of the Dead determined to sail home to Ithaca, encounter Scylla, the six-headed monster, and Charybdis, the deadly whirlpool.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize how this story begins. Odysseus and his men return to Circe’s island; she feeds them and they rest; Odysseus shares who he talked with at the Land of the Dead p.13

Chapter 2

  1. List the warnings Circe gave Odysseus. He was going to pass the sirens, he needed to make sure his men put beeswax in their ears or they will die; he is to pass the sea monster Scylla but not fight her, if he fights more men will die, only 6 men will die if they hurry past her; he’ll reach the sun god’s island and he is not to touch the animals or his men will die and he’ll have trouble when he arrives home p.23

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Odysseus want to tell his men about the dangerous voyage ahead of them? So, they could be prepared and know what to expect p.37
  2. Describe the experience Odysseus and his sailors had while passing the sirens. The wind stopped blowing; Odysseus prepared the beeswax and his men put it in their ears; they tied Odysseus to the mast; the men rowed past the island; the sirens sang and Odysseus desired to throw himself into the water, but his men wouldn’t untie him; they got past the island, and they were all safe p.39

Chapter 4

  1. What does it mean to defy something? openly resist or refuse to obey p.51
  2. Why did Odysseus defy Circe’s counsel? He didn’t want any of his men to die p.51

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Odysseus understand Circe’s words at the end of the chapter? He saw that there was no way he could fight Scylla and that the best thing he could do was to hurry past her p.56

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Odysseus worried about Eurylochus’s plan? He knew that this plan could still go wrong and that circumstances might make his men want to eat the sheep and cattle of the sun god p.63

Chapter 7

  1. How did the plan go wrong? Zeus caused a storm to rage on the island for so long that they ran out of provisions and found less and less to eat, so his men were hungry p.66

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The men killed the sun god’s animals; Odysseus was angered; they sailed away, and a horrible storm hit and all of the men but Odysseus were killed p.73

Chapter 9

  1. What word would you use to describe how Odysseus was feeling at the end of this chapter? Betrayed by his gods; alone; devastated 

Chapter 10

  1. Who did Odysseus meet and how did she help him? Calypso; she sang to him which helped him feel comforted and at peace p.89

Describe how Odysseus felt at the end of this story. He was broken (heart and body); worried about his family; but relieved to find peace and safety after all the troubles he and his men have been through p.91

Comprehension Questions – The Whipping Boy

The Whipping Boy

by Sid Fleischman

Grades 5-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts. 2.0

A bratty prince and his whipping boy have many adventures when they inadvertently trade places.

Phrases

  • Mad enough to spit ink p.1
  • Puts my spine a-shiver p.23
  • Catchpenny rogues p.25
  • It’s me that’s in the soup p.39
  • Knockin’ about outside the castle walls p.49
  • Sweat and stew p.49
  • As close as a cow’s tail p.75

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the purpose of a whipping boy? It is forbidden to whip a prince, so a boy is found on the streets and brought into the castle to be whipped when the prince is in trouble p.2

Chapter 2

  1. Why did the whipping boy learn to read, write and do sums when the prince learned nothing? Jemmy needed to be close by when the prince took his lessons p.6

Chapter 3

  1. Why was Jemmy worried to run away with the prince? He knew he’d be whipped when they were caught p.8

Chapter 4

  1. What’s happening at the end of this chapter? The boys were getting kidnapped p.11

Chapter 5

  1. Why didn’t Jemmy want the prince to tell the men who he was? They’d hold them for ransom p.13

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the kidnappers. Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy; Billy smelled of garlic, was big, thick, and loud with red hair; Cutwater was tall and thin p.18
  2. Why is Billy nicknamed, Hold-Your-Nose Billy? He smelled of garlic

Chapter 7

  1. What do you think Jemmy’s plan is? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. What was untrue in the letter Jemmy wrote? He signed it, “your obedient son”; the prince isn’t obedient p.26

Chapter 9

  1. Who’s the whipping boy now? The prince p.28
  2. How’s Jemmy going to free the prince? Sending the “whipping boy” to the castle with the note p.29

Chapter 10

  1. What decision did the prince make to fowl up Jemmy’s plan? He refused to go to the castle p.32

Chapter 11

  1. Who was to deliver the note since Prince Brat won’t? The horse p.38

Chapter 12

  1. Describe the prince. Selfish, not very clever or smart; won’t learn to read or write p.40

Chapter 13

  1. How did the boys escape? Jemmy ran with Cutwater chasing him; a bear distracted Cutwater so Jemmy could hide; the prince found Jemmy p.41 

Chapter 14

  1. Why didn’t the prince want to go back to the castle? His dad doesn’t notice him; he doesn’t want to get in trouble; he likes the freedom p.49

Chapter 15

  1. Who did the boys run into again? Hold-Your-Nose Billy and Cutwater p.54

Chapter 16

  1. Why didn’t Jemmy get satisfaction when the prince was whipped? The prince became his friend p.58

Chapter 17

  1. How is the prince’s character growing and developing? He took a whipping and didn’t cry out; he’s being called brave; he’s not being selfish; he didn’t turn in Jemmy p.61

Chapter 18

  1. What did the prince learn at the fair? That his subjects didn’t like him and dreaded the day he’d become king p.69
  2. What did Jemmy learn? The king blamed him for the prince’s disappearance and has a reward for whoever brings him in, dead or alive p.73

Chapter 19

  1. How has the relationship between the two boys changed from when they first ran away? At first, they didn’t care what happened to each other, now they are becoming friends and respect and trust each other p.77

Chapter 20

  1. How does this story end? Betsy and captain Nips get the reward, the prince promises to do his lessons, behave himself and blow out his night candle; Jemmy stays in the castle and gets acknowledged for helping the prince; Billy and Cutwater get put on a ship to go to an island for prisoners p.87

Comprehension Questions – The Girl Who Drank the Moon

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill

Grades 6-9; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts. 12.0

A witch, a swamp monster, and a perfectly tiny dragon raise a young girl named Luna, who must unlock the powerful magic buried deep inside her to save the people of the Protectorate.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1 

  1. Tell me what you know about the history of this village from this first chapter? There’s a witch in the woods; a child needs to be sacrificed so everyone else stays safe; an older brother was sacrificed p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the Sisters of the Star guards. Ruthless; well trained; long braids wrapped around their waists; all females; years of training in the Tower p.9
  2. Tell me about the society in this story and how you feel about it. The Elders are in charge and have created the witch and the need to sacrifice a baby to control the people in the village p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Xan. A true witch; kind; thoughtful; takes the babies to the Free Cities to be raised by a good family p.20
  2. Why was The Grand Elder confused to see six trees? Xan transformed herself into a tree p.21
  3. Why did she decide to keep Luna? She accidentally fed her moonlight and made her magic p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Who is speaking in this chapter? A mom who lost her baby to the Witch p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Glerk resistant to loving Luna? He didn’t want to get attached to her; he thought keeping her was a bad idea p.37

Why are Glerk and Xan worried about Luna’s magic growing? She’ll be out of control p.38

Chapter 6

Why are the Elders unhappy with Antain? He’s not arrogant and pompous enough p.49

Chapter 7

  1. How did Luna’s magic manifest? In thought and deed; she wanted a hat, so the dough turned into a hat p.54
  2. Why did Xan think she was missing something? She couldn’t remember very well p.56

Chapter 8

  1. Do you see commonalities between what the narrator has told you about the story and what this mom is telling her child? Explain. The Wizard saving the town; the dragon going into the volcano; the witch flying the dragon p.58

Chapter 9

  1. What was happening to Xan? Her magic was going into Luna, so she was getting weaker p.66
  2. How did Xan stop Luna from using her magic? Sure wrapped her in a cocoon p.68

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Xan have difficulty remembering her memories? She buried them p.72

Chapter 11

  1. What’s the spell Xan came up with? To keep Luna’s magic inside until she turns 13 years old p.78
  2. What will be a consequence of doing this? Xan will be drained of her magic and will die p.79
  3. Do you agree with Xan’s reasoning to hold in Luna’s magic? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Tells of the creation of the world starting with the bog and a beast p.82
  2. Who do you think the beast is? Glerk

Chapter 13

  1. What did Antain find when he visited the prisoner? Birds made out of paper covering the room and “she is here” written on a paper p.95
  2. Define day of reckoning. A time when the consequences of a course of mistakes or misdeeds are felt 
  3. Who did the prisoner threaten? Antain’s uncle the Grand Elder p.98
  4. What happened to Antain at the end of this chapter? He was attacked by the paper birds p.99

Chapter 14

  1. Describe how Luna felt when she woke. She felt different; expected magic things to happen but didn’t know why; couldn’t hear, see or comprehend magic p.100
  2. What did Xan tell herself to prevent feeling sorrow? Luna’s a regular girl now and she was never magic p.110

Chapter 15

  1. Why was the Tower significant to Antain? He lived there when he was younger and was scarred by the paper birds here p.121
  2. How has Antain changed since his last visit to the Tower? He’s a carpenter and lives alone lost in his work; becoming comfortable with lying p.121
  3. Why did Antain feel like his heart was flying at the end of this chapter? He was so elated to see and help Ethyne p.126

Chapter 16

  1. What animal does the author frequently use to foster imagery in this story? Birds p.127
  2. Summarize who this chapter is about and describe what happens at the end of this chapter. It’s about the mom who has her baby ripped away from her at the beginning of the story; the scars on Antain’s face are a map; the madwoman has paper, quills and ink appear magically and is always drawing a map or writing “she is here”; she doesn’t feel sorrow anymore, she feels hope p.131

Chapter 17

  1. How was Luna “off”? A pain in her head was getting worse through the day; she could see the nut full of magic in her forehead and felt it pulsing like a clock ticking; she knew it was bringing her closer to something p.138
  2. Which family was Luna thinking about and how did she tell a lie? Her mother and father; she told Fyrian she was thinking about her family, but didn’t clarify that she wasn’t thinking about him, Glerk and Grandmama p.139

Chapter 18

  1. Describe the interaction between Xan and Antain? Xan was trying to protect the baby, so she threw him aside and turned into a large hawk to take the baby to safety; Antain was just trying to talk to the Witch, but she misunderstood him p.149

Chapter 19

  1. What did Luna become aware of in this chapter? That her grandmother never spoke of memories; that they’re keeping secrets from each other p.164

Chapter 20

  1. Who us telling this story in this chapter? How do you know? Luna; The chapter title; these are all things about Luna p.166

Chapter 21

  1. How did Fyrian return to Luna? How? By crying out her name; the spell Xan gave him must have transferred to Luna p.177
  2. Why did the smell of the boots give Luna a headache? They were magical p.179
  3. What did she forget at the end of this chapter? To ask Glerk about the boots p.180

Chapter 22

  1. What is this person’s perception of the boots? They’re old and magical; they can travel the world covering great distances faster than normal boots; the Witch put them on and was able to find more magic p.182

Chapter 23

  1. What is the second map Luna drew? The village she came from; the place she was laid to be eaten by wolves and the Tower with the words, “she is here” p.195

Chapter 24

  1. How are each sacrificial baby chosen? It’s the youngest baby at the time of the sacrifice p.201
  2. What’s Antain’s plan? To give up his baby, go to the Witch’s home and kill her p.205

Chapter 25

  1. What word did Luna learn in this chapter? Magic p.211
  2. Why is that important? She hasn’t been able to read, see or hear magic for the last 8 years
  3. How old is Luna? 13 years old

Chapter 26

  1. Who overheard the Grand Elder and Sister Ignatia talking? How? The madwoman; she’d turned herself into a beetle and traveled on a shoe to her office p.215
  2. What could Sister Ignatia smell? The madwoman and her magic p.216
  3. What plan were they coming up with? To kill Antain p.218

Chapter 27

  1. Why is Xan careful she doesn’t feel sorrow? To protect her from the Sorrow Eater p.223
  2. Who do you think the Sorrow Eater is? Sister Ignatia p.223

Chapter 28

  1. Who is traveling in this book and where are they going? Xan, Luna, Glerk, Fyrian, Sister Ignatia, Antain, the madwoman; Antain and the madwoman are traveling to the Witch’s home, Sister Ignatia is going after Antain to kill him, Xan to pick up the baby being sacrificed, Luna’s going after Xan and Glerk and Fyrian are going after Luna p.225

Chapter 29

  1. What had happened to this history? It has been changed, twisted to fit what Sister Ignatia and the Elders want the people of Protectorate to believe p.242

Chapter 30

  1. Summarize this chapter. Luna becomes lost, then fell into darkness as rocks gave way p.243

Chapter 31

  1. What’s does the madwoman find at the treehouse? No one is home; pictures that Luna drew; her daughter’s name is Luna p.252

Chapter 32

  1. What helped Xan remember who she was and what she was doing? Glerk and Fyrian p.258
  2. Where do you think the paper birds came from? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 33

  1. Who is the Witch in the history that traveled the world in the Seven League Boots? The Head Sister; Sister Ignatia p.258
  2. Which two peoples were blocking the Head Sister’s view? Xan and Luna p.267

Chapter 34

  1. Why is Ethyne’s home happy and bright? She has hope p.275
  2. Why do you think Ethyne has power over the Grand Elder? She has a strength inside of her and is not intimidated by him p.276
  3. Who created the birds that are protecting Luna? Her mother, the madwoman p.284

Chapter 35

  1. Who did Glerk smell? Sister Ignatia 288
  2. Where is Sister Ignatia’s home? The same place Xan and Luna live p.291

Chapter 36

  1. Who do you think was blocking the scrying device in this chapter? Listen to your child’s answer; Xan p.299

Chapter 37

  1. What was Xan hearing for the first time? Why the babies were left in the ring of trees p.303

Chapter 38

  1. Who is possibly telling the history of the world to their child? The madwoman or Ethyne; So many families lost children to the evilness of the Grand Elder and Head Sister, it represents what all parents could have told their children p.248/307
  2. What characteristic does Ethyne have that helped her find the truth? She was curious and asked questions; she desired to know the truth p.309
  3. Do you think the Grand Elder should be nervous? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 39

  1. What happens to Fyrian in this chapter? He begins to grow to an enormous size p.320
  2. Which Witch is Antain threatening to kill? Luna p.326

Chapter 40

  1. Predict how you think this story will conclude. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 41

  1. How does Luna, her mother and grandmother receive more and more strength? From the moon p.341

Chapter 42

  1. What color of magic does Xan shine? Licheny green p.341
  2. Who reached Luna just as she reached her grandmother and Antain? The madwoman/her mother p.342

Chapter 43

  1. What stopped Antain from attacking the Witch? The trauma of being attacked by the birds p.343
  2. What spell did Luna cast for the first time? Transformation; changed her grandmother back into a person p.348

Chapter 44

  1. What is happening to Xan in this chapter? She’s dying now that Luna’s magic is unlocked p.350

Chapter 45

  1. What made the Sorrow Eater’s magic disappear? Luna opened the woman’s heart and all the sorrow that was stored inside from her own memories spilled out; her magic came from sorrow p.366
  2. What does the phrase, “she is here, she is here, she is here” mean throughout this story? Luna is here; where Luna is on the map; Luna’s mother is here p.368

Chapter 46

  1. Why was Xan happy to hear the cries of joy when the Star Children returned? She had saved each one from death and was happy to hear them return to their original families p.379

Chapter 47

  1. What does Glerk do in this chapter? He takes Xan to the bog and leaves a poem for Luna p.383

Chapter 48

  1. How does this story end? Someone is telling what the village has become, who the Witch is and what will happen in the future p.385
  2. Did you enjoy reading this story? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answers

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #5 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

by C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin, Eustace, are magically transported onto the ship, "Dawn Treader", where King Caspian is searching for the seven friends of his father.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Eustace. Doesn't have friends; collects bugs; enjoys reading non-fiction books; doesn't like his cousins the Pevansies; is bossy and a bully p.3
  2. Explain the port side and starboard side of a ship. Port means the left side when looking at the front of the ship; starboard is the right-side p.6
  3. How do the children travel to Narnia in this book? When looking at a painting of a boat driving forward in the sea, it came alive and swept the three children into the ocean p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Where are the voyagers going? To find the lost counselors of the king p.20
  2. What helped Eustace feel better? Lucy’s cordial p.24
  3. What sparked the conflict between Reepicheep and Eustace? Eustace swung Reepicheep around by his tail p.33

Chapter 3

  1. What mishap occurred when the group went to the Lone Islands? They were captured and were going to be sold on the market as slaves p.41
  2. Who purchased Caspian? Lord Bern; one of the Lord’s Caspian’s uncle sent to sea p.46
  3. Why did Lord Bern believe that Caspian was the real King Caspian? His voice, Caspian remembered Lord Bern’s name, Caspian spoke the same as his father p.47

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Pug call Eustace Sulky? Sulky means to be morose, bad-tempered, and resentful, refusing to be cooperative or cheerful. Eustace is all these things p.63
  2. Why does Duke Bern want Caspian to stay? He foresees war from Calormen p.65

Chapter 5

  1. Define what a poop is in this context. The aftermost and highest deck of a ship, especially in a sailing ship where it typically forms the roof of a cabin in the stern p.68
  2. Why was it a bad idea for Eustace to wander away from the group? He got lost p.78
  3. Why did Eustace think the ship would leave him? He thought Caspian and Edmund were out to get rid of him p.81
  4. Is this true? No p.81

Chapter 6

  1. Why is it a bother for Eustace to disappear? Everyone needed to take the time to find him p.89
  2. What made Eustace realize Caspian and Edmund weren’t his enemies? Turning into a dragon made him miss them p.92
  3. How did everyone realize the dragon wasn’t going to hurt them? He tried to communicate with them p.96

Chapter 7

  1. Explain how Eustace became a human again? Aslan came and helped him shed his skin p.107
  2. How did Eustace’s character grow when he was a dragon? He learned how to be helpful and to have a better attitude towards those around him p.112

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The ship was attacked by a sea serpent then landed on an island; after getting water, a group decided to explore; they came upon a lake that turned things to gold; they started getting greedy, but they saw Aslan who helped them come to their senses; they came back to the ship with the realization it was a Narnian Lord who was lost at the bottom of the golden lake p.116

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the invisible people threaten to kill the group who came on land? To get Lucy to read a spell to make them visible again p.141
  2. Why did Lucy need to read the spell? Only the magician or a girl could make the spell work p.141

Chapter 10

  1. List two spells Lucy came across in the magic book. Beautification; how to hear what your friends say about you; how to make things visible; cures for warts, toothaches, cramps p.151
  2. What did Aslan mean when he said he’d been invisible this entire time? He has been there with her, but couldn’t show him to Lucy since she didn’t believe p.159

Chapter 11

  1. Did Lucy need to be afraid of the invisible people when they were made visible? No, they looked like dwarves with one foot p.166
  2. Did the Dufflepuds learn to appreciate who they were? Yes p.173
  3. Name two things the magician did for Caspian and his party? Fed them; gave them a place to rest; fixed the boat; created a map of where they had sailed; gave them treasures when they left p.173

Chapter 12

  1. What happened when Lucy prayed to Aslan for help? A beam of light shined on the ship, an albatross appeared and guided them to the sun; Aslan whispered courage to Lucy and breathed a delicious smell into her face p.186
  2. Was it purposeful to go into the darkness? Why? Yes; to find Lord Rhoop p.188

Chapter 13

  1. Why had the three Lords fallen asleep at the table? They began to fight over what they should do, and someone grabbed the dagger the White Witch used to kill Aslan p.200

Chapter 14

  1. How did Caspian persuade the sailors to sail to the end of the World? He made it sound like it was a privilege and that not everyone could go; by possibly taking away the opportunity they wanted it more and more p.215
  2. Predict what Caspian wanted to talk about with Ramandu’s daughter. Listen to your child’s answer p.217

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize this chapter. The ship sails and Lucy sees sea people; they can drink right from the ocean and can now handle looking at the sun; they don’t need to eat; the ship sailed without wind p228

Chapter 16

  1. Why do the shipmates travel without speaking? The closer they get to Aslan’s land its more sacred and reverent p.234
  2. Why aren’t Lucy and Edmund coming back to Narnia? They’re getting too old p.247

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #3 A Dandelion Wish

A Dandelion Wish

by Kiki Thorpe

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 2.0

Mia and her friends have discovered a magical passageway to Never Land, but when her little sister, Gabby, goes to Never Land alone, the passageway closes up, with a fairy stuck on the Main Land side, too.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Mia sulk in this chapter? She wanted to go to Pixie Hollow with her friends, but she had to babysit Gabby p.4
  2. Was it responsible of Mia to go to Pixie Hollow anyway? No, she should have stayed and watched her sister p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Was Mia being a good example and taking good care of her sister? Why or why not? No, because she was more worried about herself p.24
  2. Why was Mia worried at the end of this chapter? Gabby went through the fence and their father fixed it so Gabby couldn’t come home from Pixie Hollow p.30

Chapter 3

  1. Why was everyone so busy in Pixie Hollow? They were cleaning up the mess Bingo made p.32
  2. Do you think it will be easy for Iridessa to look after Gabby? Listen to your child’s answer p.41

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Rosetta fainted realizing she couldn’t go home; Mia called her friends over and they tried to find the right slat in the fence to Never Land, but they loosened the wrong one and Rosetta disappeared through it p.43

Chapter 5

  1. How did Gabby and Iridessa get lost in this chapter? Gabby ran ahead into some trees and Iridessa followed p.62

Chapter 6

  1. How did Rosetta serve Mia in this chapter? She fixed up her neighbor’s yard so Mia could go back through the fence p.76

Chapter 7

  1. How could Mia have prevented this whole mess? She should have just babysat Gabby and not gone to Never Land

Chapter 8

  1. Why wasn’t Gabby scared in this chapter? She had faith in fairy magic p.100

Chapter 9

  1. How did the dandelion wishes help Gabby? They helped her get back to Pixie Hollow and they created another passage to Never Land so she could go home p.102
  2. How did this situation change Mia’s heart toward her little sister? She realized she has messed up and just wanted her sister back p.108

Chapter 10

  1. What promise did the girls make to each other? They wouldn’t go to Never Land without the four of them together p. 116
  2. Why did Iridessa stay close to Gabby? She cared for her and was a good friend p.117
  3. Why was Tink going back to the mainland with the girls? To fix the lawn mower p.118

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #2 The Space Between

The Space Between

by Kiki Thorpe

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 2.0

Just as they were settling in at Pixie Hollow, Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby have to go home, but even when they leave Never Land, its magic seems to follow them.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. If you could be a talent Clumsy what would it be? 
  2. What talent did Lainey have? Animal-talent p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Why were the girls sad in this chapter? It was time to go home p.17
  2. What gift did the queen give them? Fairy dust to fly back to Never Land p.22
  3. Where do you think the dust disappeared to? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. What happened to Fawn in this chapter? She’d traveled through the tree to the Clumsy world; was chased by a cat; then ended back up in Pixie Hollow as she squeezed through a fence p.35

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Lainey disappointed to be back in her world? She had lost so much in Pixie Hollow and was worried she wouldn’t be anyone special p.50
  2. How do you think the dairy mouse came to Lainey’s world? Listen to your child’s answer p.56

Chapter 5

  1. What caused mischief in Pixie Hollow? The cat p.65
  2. What stopped the cat from feasting on the fairies in the kitchen? Peppercorns p.66

Chapter 6

  1. Name two strange things in this chapter. Mia can’t find her cat and a flamingo appeared in her backyard p.76

Chapter 7

  1. What was Fawn’s plan to get the cat back to the mainland? Lure it to where it came to into Never Land p.90

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Milkweed disappear to? Back to Never Land p.93
  2. What do you think the flamingo was trying to tell Lainey? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Did Lainey’s plan work? Why or why not? No; she saw Milkweed at the tree and didn’t want to cat to eat the mouse p.104
  2. Where did the flamingo lead Lainey? Back to Never Land p.108

Chapter 10

  1. Who did the cat belong to that was running through Never Land? Mia p.114
  2. Why did Lainey realize at the end of the story? She’s special, she has a fairy for a friend p.120

Comprehension Questions – The Never Girls #1 In a Blink

In a Blink

by Kiki Thorpe

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

In a blink of an eye, four best friends all get whisked off to Never Land, home to Tinker Bell and her fairy friends.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where does this story gets its name? four friends were outside; one heard the ocean, one saw flamingos, one heard bells jingling and one saw a fairy; there was a great wind and at the end of the chapter, in a blink they weren’t in the backyard anymore p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Prilla go see Tink? She accidentally brought the four girls to their land and needed help; everyone went to Tink with their problems p.15
  2. How would you feel if you were called to see the queen? Listen to your child’s answer p.23

Chapter 3

  1. Where did the girls blink to? Never Land p.30
  2. Why do the fairies keep calling the girls Clumsies? That’s what fairies call the humans from the mainland p.31

Chapter 4

  1. Define what a talent is. A natural aptitude or skill p.37
  2. Why do you think it bothered Kate that the other children who have come to Never Land go home and forget about it or stay forever? It wasn’t really a fair choice; she might have wondered who could forget about Never Land p.49

Chapter 5

  1. Describe where the girls slept that night in Never Land. A huge willow tree; hammocks with moss and silk sheets; lights that were fireflies; pillows stuffed with rose petals p.51
  2. Why didn’t the girls need to worry about time passing at home? They realized time passed differently in Never Land and hoped no time had passed at homep.59

Chapter 6

  1. What did the girls want to do for their last day in Never Land? Learn to fly p.71
  2. What do you think Kate’s plan is? Listen to your child’s answer p.72

Chapter 7

  1. What did Kate learn about flying? It was harder than it looks p.76
  2. Why didn’t Kate remember Prilla’s warning about Vidia? She stopped listening to Prilla because she was bored p.85

Chapter 8

  1. How did Vidia trick Kate? She taught her to fly, then took off with the pixie dust p.96

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Vidia need Kate to get the dust for her? The queen put a magic spell around the pumpkin so she couldn’t go near it p.99
  2. Who found Kate? Where? How? Gabby; tangled in the branches of a tree far from Pixie Hollow; she covered more distance than usual because of her belief in magic p.108

Chapter 10

  1. Did the girls make it home? No p.118
  2. How did the girls feel about being stuck in Never Land? They knew they’d get home someday but we’re glad for the extra time they could spend there p.118

Comprehension Questions – Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins

by Scott O'Dell

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts. 6.0

Left alone on a beautiful but isolated island off the coast of California, a young Indian girl spends eighteen years, not only merely surviving through her enormous courage and self-reliance, but also finding a measure of happiness in her solitary life.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does this story begin? We meet Karana, the Girl With the Long Black Hair and her little brother, Ramo; a ship with a Russian and Aleuts approach the people to hunt sea otters; a deal is reached so the people of the island get the same amount of sea otters as the people hunting them as payment p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Do you agree with the chief to keep the fish for his tribe, or should he have shared? Listen to your child’s answer p.12

Chapter 3

  1. What signs did the visitors show they were leaving the island soon? The Russian trimmed his beard; the Aleuts skinned the sea otters; the Aleut woman cleaned her skin aprons p.16

Chapter 4

  1. Why was there fighting between the Aleuts and Karana’s people? The Russian didn’t want to pay the people of the island p.21

Chapter 5

  1. List two troubles the tribe had after the battle. There were only 15 men left in the tribe; women helped hunt and gather food, and the men looked down on the women for this; the tribe was sorrowful p.24

Chapter 6

  1. What good news came in this chapter? Kimki made it to the land he was searching for and sent white men to bring back Karana’s people p.32

Chapter 7

  1. What was exciting, scary and frustrating in this chapter? Exciting: a boat came to take the tribe to a new land; Scary: Ramo ran back to get his fishing spear and the boat left him, Karana jumped out of the ship and swam back to shore; Frustrating: Karana’s skirt got ruined p.35

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the tragic event in this chapter. Ramo left in the morning to bring a canoe around to the cove but was killed by wild dogs p.43

Chapter 9

  1. How did Karana have courage in this chapter? She decided to sail for the land east of hers p. 58

Chapter 10

  1. What gave Karana hope as she paddled back to her island? The dolphins jumping ahead of her canoe p. 63

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Karana decide to never leave the island again? It was her home; she was grateful to be back p.65
  2. What factors did the main character take into account as she was deciding where to build a home? The wind, the noise of the sea elephants, the wild dogs/foxes, flow of the spring, if she can see the cove if the ship returns p.66

Chapter 12

  1. Describe one preparation Karana made in this chapter and why you chose it. Fence, home, weapons. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Was Karana successful in getting her bull? Explain. No, she adventures to the shore where the animals were sitting and the one she shot at got into a fight with another bull p.79

Chapter 14

  1. What happened to the old bull? He died in the fight with the other bull p.85

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the leader of the wild dogs and what happened to him? He’s an Aleut dog; Karana shot him, but nursed him back to health; he stayed with her and she named him Rontu p.89

Chapter 16

  1. Why was it beneficial for the main character to canoe around her entire island? She could see if her canoe leaked; she found a cave close to her house where she could hide her canoe; she found a large devilfish and was determined to make a special spear to catch him p.97

Chapter 17

  1. How much time does one sun equal? One day p.102
  2. Why was it important that the main character let Rontu fight the other dogs without interference? He had an advantage he might not have again p.105

Chapter 18

  1. What new friends did Karana make that spring? Explain. Two baby birds; she took them from their nest and put them in a cage; she trained them to stay close and eat from her hand p.109

Chapter 19

  1. What king of water creature is the devilfish? An octopus p.118
  2. Did Karana kill the giant devilfish she was hunting? Yes p.119

Chapter 20

  1. What threat was in this chapter? The Aleuts came back p.125
  2. How did the main character react? She made her house look like no one lived there and put food and water in her canoe p.125

Chapter 21

  1. How many days is equal to a moon? A month/30 days p.131
  2. Do you think the Aleut girl has good intentions and is friendly? Why, or why not? She was nice to Karana and brought a necklace to her p.131

Chapter 22

  1. Why was Karana happy to have Tutok to interact with? Tutok was a friend and kept her company p.138

Chapter 23

  1. List the friends Karana has made so far in this story. Rontu, the two birds, the otter Mon-a-nee p.144
  2. How did she make friends with these animals? She was nice to them and respected them; she fed them; if they were wounded, she looked after them 

Chapter 24

  1. Why did the main character decide she didn’t want to kill the wild dogs, birds, otters and other animals? She appreciated the friendship of those animals that were her companions p.149

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Karana stop counting moons and seasons? She accepted being alone on the island and no longer hoped that the white men were coming back p.151
  2. Why is this chapter so sad? Rontu died p.152

Chapter 26

  1. How did Karana catch another dog? She made the dogs all go to sleep and took home the one that looked like Rontu p.156

Chapter 27

  1. What natural disasters hit the island in this chapter? Tsunami and earthquakes p.159
  2. What’s a tsunami? Giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea

Chapter 28

  1. How has the character changed in this story? She was lonely and ready to leave her island and go to where people lived p.167
  2. How do you think Karana felt to see the ship leave the island again? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. Why did the white men sew Karana a dress to wear? What she was wearing must not have been appropriate to wear to the new land p.172
  2. Why didn’t the ship come back for Karana? It sunk p.173

Comprehension Questions – Call it Courage

Call it Courage

by Armstrong Sperry

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL X; AR pts. 3.0

A legendary adventure story of how Mafatu, the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, a Polynesian race who worships courage, conquers his fear of the sea and proves he isn't a coward.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did the author begin this story? Giving the history and background of where this story came from p.1
  2. Do you think it was reasonable for Mafatu to be afraid of the sea? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.3
  3. How were Mafatu and Kivi similar? They were both rejected by their peers and family p.8
  4. Why did Mafatu feel like he needed to leave the island? His people had rejected him; he wanted to learn how to have courage; the boys his age were going out to hunt sharks and swordfish the next day and he was the only one not going p.14

Chapter 2

  1. List 2 similes or metaphors in this chapter. “A monster livid and hungry p.24; empty as a shell p.25; as hard as the cut edge of a stone p.28 
  2. Summarize this chapter. Mafatu was out at sea; a storm came and broke up his canoe and stole away his paddle and food; he saw land and reached it but his canoe broke into splinters; he and his dog drug themselves onto the beach to a fresh water p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What examples of personification does the author use in this chapter? The chuckle of the cascade p.36; coconuts and pandanus trooped in shining legions to the very edge of the sea p.38; it’s voice warm and soft and reassuring in his ear p.47; trees reached for him as he fled p.53
  2. How did Mafatu know he was not alone on the island? He saw that fruit has been cut from the trees recently; he saw a path only humans could make; he saw terraces built by men; p.48
  3. How did Mafatu know which island he was on? he saw bones that had recently been burned for sacrifice; he was on a eaters-of-men island p.50
  4. How did Mafatu show courage in this chapter? He took the spear from the altar and touched a bone p.54
  5. Why does Mafatu think about the things that would please his father? His father is ashamed of him; he’s thinking of ways he can show his father he has courage p.59

Chapter 4

  1. How did Mafatu prepare for this adventure before arriving on the island? His previous life was making the same tools he needs on this island p.64
  2. What motivated Mafatu to dive into the water and kill the hammerhead shark? His dog fell off the raft and the shark swam after him p.74
  3. Why was Mafatu so elated and proud of himself for killing a wild boar? He did it with a spear which takes a lot of courage; he had courage to face the boar; his grandfather had killed one and was respected; he wants to be respected too p.78
  4. Why was Mafatu feeling more comfortable in the ocean? He had lived near it and in it for weeks and grew confident in his ability p.85
  5. Why does Mafatu attribute his successes to Maui? Maui is his God, and he believes Maui is helping him p.93
  6. Why was Mafatu so excited to return home? He had found his courage and could now prove he wasn’t afraid any longer p.95

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mafatu was being chased by the eaters-of-men into the ocean, but after a long chase gave up; Mafatu grew discouraged when he sat on the ocean for days, but finally made it to his home island; his father was proud to call him his son p.97
  2. How did the author conclude this story? He restated the first few lines that are at the very beginning of the book p.116
  3. Explain if you agree with this style of writing. Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A Nest for Celeste

A Nest for Celeste

by Henry Cole

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 4.0

Celeste, a mouse longing for a real home, becomes a source of inspiration to teenaged Joseph, assistant to the artist and naturalist John James Audubon, at a nearby Louisiana plantation in 1821.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Celeste. She’s a mouse; lives in a house below the floorboards; she weaves baskets p.11

Chapter 2

  1. How did the rats treat Celeste? They’re mean and bully her; they boss her around and eat her food and take what they want from her home p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the family in the house. Wealthy, live on a plantation; mother, father, and daughter; daughter is named Eliza and is old enough to be courted and is going to learn to dance; the family has hired a dance instructor who has brought along his assistant p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. The rats came to the main floor impatient as they waited for Celeste; the rats went ahead to find the crumbs under the table and didn’t see the cat; the cat caught and killed one of the rats named Trixie p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What is preventing Celeste from going to her home? The cat; it knows where she lives now p.55

Chapter 6

  1. Why hadn’t Celeste realized the beautiful place she lived? She always stayed on the ground and near the dining room; now she has ventured on the stair railing and to the upper floor of the housep.58
  2. Where did Celeste sleep that night? In the boot of the assistant p.64

Chapter 7 

  1. Why did Celeste think the snoring was strange? It wasn’t there the night before; the guest was back from his hunting trip p.75

Chapter 8

  1. How did Joseph respond when he found Celeste in his boot? He was happy and kind; he put her in a tiny cage for company p.80

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Celeste confused with Joseph’s behavior toward her? She thinks he’s going to eat or hurt her, but he is kind and sees her as a friend p.87

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Celeste miss having a home? She couldn’t run, escape, and hide p.101

Chapter 11

  1. Is Joseph a good friend to Celeste? Why or why not? Yes, he’s gentle with her, feeds her, puts her in his pocket and includes her p.108

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Joseph took Celeste outside to sketch; hunters came and killed a large number of birds with guns p.118
  2. Why was Joseph upset by this? the hunters killed so many birds it didn’t feel like hunting, it felt like a slaughter p.119

Chapter 13

  1. How did Celeste’s life differ now than from the beginning of this story? She had someone who cared about her; she left the house and went on adventures; she didn’t need to worry about food; she saw things that made her sad p.124

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Mr. Audubon shooting birds? He uses them as a model p.131
  2. What terrified Celeste in this chapter? Joseph got shot in the head and she thought he was dead p.138

Chapter 15

  1. Do you agree with Audubon’s or Joseph’s philosophy? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.144

Chapter 16

  1. Share Celeste‘s history. She lived in a field with her family; she left the nest and a tractor came and killed her family and ruined her home; a groundhog helped her p.159

Chapter 17

  1. Why was there so much chaos when Celeste went outside? A storm was coming p.170

Chapter 18

  1. Why was the storm so scary for Celeste? She was so small; raindrops were as large as her ears; the wind blew her into what felt like a raging river p.178

Chapter 19

  1. How did Celeste feel in this chapter? Exhausted; sore and stiff; tired p.186

Chapter 20

  1. Describe Lafayette. He’s an osprey; kind; helpful; talkative; wants to help Celeste p.191

Chapter 21

  1. What’s a gondola? A small, long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, propelled with a single oar, especially in Venice. A hanging platform or car for transporting people or cargo.
  2. Which definition matches what Celeste is making? A hanging car for transporting people p.200

Chapter 22

  1. How did Lafayette react when he saw the gondola? He was impressed and thought it was clever p.206

Chapter 23

  1. Describe Celeste’s experience flying with Lafayette. It was a wonderful adventure; she loved it; she soared high above the trees and saw gators and rivers p.213

Chapter 24

  1. What was Celeste’s plan for the thrush in this chapter? She has asked him to stand on the dogwood and sing for Joseph; she knew Joseph would be in inspired by the bird’s song p.224

Chapter 25

  1. What’s the definition of instinct? an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli 
  2. What was Cornelius’s instinct telling him? To fly south p.238

Chapter 26

  1. Describe Celeste’s predicament in this chapter? The cat found her, so she ran and escaped p.241

Chapter 27

  1. What’s Celeste’s plan to help Lafayette? To pose and look more alive p.263

Chapter 28

  1. Describe the outcome of Celeste’s plan? Audubon was happy; he never got frustrated p.272

Chapter 29

  1. In what two ways did Celeste help Lafayette? She saved his life and she freed him from the leather cord p.275

Chapter 30

  1. What did Celeste find and who do you think it belonged to? A dollhouse; Eliza p.282

Chapter 31

  1. What emotions did Celeste feel in this chapter? Why? Happy to have a new home; sad because she was alone p.291

Chapter 32

  1. How do you think Celeste felt to see Trixie in her new home? Sad; Trixie wasn’t a good friend p.299

Chapter 33

  1. Why didn’t Celeste feel like she could ask Lafayette to give Trixie a ride in the gondola? She didn’t know if he’d want to take her p.305

Chapter 34

  1. How has Trixie stolen Celeste’s home? she’s eaten her food and makes herself at home p.309

Chapter 35

  1. Whose fault is it that Trixie isn’t coming back? Her own; she shouldn’t have yanked the cord so hard as to break it p.314

Chapter 36

  1. Do you think Celeste should have gone back to her little house while Joseph was gone to dinner? Listen to your child’s answer; she was followed by the cat and couldn’t get back to Joseph p.322
  2. Predict what you think will happen. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 37

  1. What helped Celeste’s nest feel like a home? Friends p.336