Tag Archives: AR Quizzes

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Mystery Writer Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Mystery Writer Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades K-2; Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

There's a book fair at school. Cam Jansen and her friends are excited because the famous mystery writer Jim E. Winter will be there to sign books. When Danny's parents discover their car is missing during the signing, Jim E. Winter thinks he can solve the mystery. But will Cam-with her famous photographic memory-solve it first? Click! See if you can spot the clues.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Cam and her mom driving to the school that night? To go to the book fair and see Cam’s favorite author p.1
  2. Describe what a book fair is? It’s a fair that comes into the school a couple of times a year and exhibits and sells lots of books p.7
  3. What did Cam think about Jim E. Winter when she saw him in person? She was surprised he looked much older than his picture, but she wanted to meet him anyway p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What did Danny want to do while they waited in line to see Jim E. Winter? Tell jokes from his new joke books p.12
  2. What does Barry Blake do each time after he solves a mystery? Goes home and helps his mom make dinner p.15
  3. What went missing at the end of this chapter? Danny’s dad’s car p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Jim E. Winter think he was qualified to help solve the mystery of the missing car? He was once a police detective p.18
  2. Why did Jim E. Winter think Mr. Pace didn’t remember what parking space he parked the car in? because he couldn’t remember his license plate number, so how could he remember what number he’d parked in p.21
  3. How would clicking the remote button help Jim E. Winter find the car? When you push the button the lights flash and there’s a horn or beeping sound, so they could easily find the car in the parking lot p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What happened when Jim E. Winter push the remote button? Nothing, they couldn’t see the car p.25
  2. Where did Jim E. Winter go when he couldn’t find the car? Back to signing books p.27
  3. Did Jim E. Winter solve the mystery? No p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Cam have to stay in the gym? The principal and her mother asked her to p.29
  2. Which police officer has been at the school before to help solve other mysteries? Officer Oppen p.30
  3. Who else’s car was stolen? Eric’s dad’s car p.32

Chapter 6

  1. What did Mrs. Jansen say when Cam asked her to help with the mysteries? Yes, but she wanted to come along to make sure she was safe and dry p.34
  2. How did Cam know the thief took the keys out of Mr. Pace’s pocket then returned them again? Mr. Pace is right-handed and puts his keys in his right pocket, but they were in his left pocket p.37
  3. What was missing on his keychain? The key to his car p.39

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Jim E. Winter writing down Cam’s explanation of how the thief stole the cars? He wanted to use it in a book p.41
  2. Why would the thief have parked the first car he stole close to the school? So he could get back to the school quickly and steal another car p.42
  3. Who does Cam think the thief is? The man they saw walking across the street as she and her mom drove up to the school p.44

Chapter 8

  1. Where were the cars being hidden? In a garage p.53
  2. What did the police officer ask Cam to do that made her mother nervous? Identify the man that walked across the street earlier p.54
  3. Why was Jim E. Winter going to put Cam Jansen’s name in a book? Because she helped him solve the mystery p.57

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Wedding Cake Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Wedding Cake Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades ; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

Cam and her friends are having fun performing in a talent show at the senior center and enjoying cookies from Ken's Bake Shop. But when a wedding cake goes missing from Ken's truck, it's up to Cam to solve the tasty case. Click! along with Came and follow the clues to catch the cake thief!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where was Mr. Jansen taking Cam and her friends? To the senior center p.1
  2. Why were they going to the senior center? To help with the talent show p.2
  3. Why was Lucy Lane taking a picture of Bob? So Bob can send the picture with a card to his friends and family for the holidays p.3

Chapter 2

  1. What did Danny do for the talent show? Tell funny jokes p.10
  2. What did Cam do for the talent show? She did memory magic where she took a mental picture of people, then faced the wall and gave the details what she remembered p.12
  3. Where did Lucy Lane and Ken need to go? to a wedding p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Why couldn’t Lucy and Ken go to the wedding? Ken couldn’t find the keys to his truck p.16
  2. Where were Ken’s keys? In the back door of his truck p.19
  3. What’s missing now? The cookies, cake and pastries that were in the back of the truck p.20

Chapter 4

  1. How did the seniors at the center feel about the mystery? They were excited p.22
  2. What clue did Bob find on the ground near the truck? A shopping list with broken cookie and cookie crumbs p.25
  3. What police officers came to help solve the mystery? The same ones that came to school and helped solve the case of the missing computers: Officers Oppen & Davis p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Danny think the thief was across the street? The house across the street has a large window the thief could have looked out and saw the opportunity to steal the desserts p.29
  2. Who lived in the house with the large window and what did they see? An elderly woman; she didn’t see anyone by the truck, but did say there were two trucks p.33
  3. Predict what clue Cam is missing. Listen to your child’s answers p.35

Chapter 6

  1. How did the young man in the bathrobe feel when he opened the door and saw the police officer? Worried that he was in trouble p.37
  2. What was the clue Cam, Eric and her dad were looking for on the ground near the truck? Cookie crumbs p.40
  3. Where did Cam find the cookie crumbs and where did they go? On the ground at the back of the truck; passed her car, passed the next car and on further down the road p.42

Chapter 7

  1. Who does Cam think stole the cake and other desserts? Mr. Fancy p.43
  2. Why does Cam think it was Mr. Fancy? He had a vehicle big enough to put a tall cake p.46
  3. What information did Cam remember from Mr. Fancy’s truck that will help the police find him? The name of his company, his phone number and email address p.49

Chapter 8

  1. What did everyone do while they waited for the police to find Mr. Fancy and call them? continue the talent show p.51
  2. What did Ken give to Cam as a reward for finding his cake and desserts? Lots of delicious muffins, cookies and breads at his bakery p.55
  3. How did Ken and the cake get to the wedding? He took it in Mr. Fancy’s truck and had a police escort p.57

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

It's a very snowy day outside and Cam and Eric's class head to the computer lab. Cam, Eric and Danny can't do any work because three computers are missing! There are only two clues: footprints in the snow outside, and a locked window. This mystery seems impossible to solve, but with Cam Jansen on the case, the thieves don't stand a chance!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why are so many parents taking their kids to school? It’s snowing p.1
  2. Why did the bus driver, Mrs. Lane, turn off the engine to the bus before they got to school? There’s a long line of cars, that aren’t moving, leading to the school p.3
  3. Why do people call Jennifer, Cam? It’s her nickname for her photographic memory p.5

Chapter 2

  1. How did Beth feel about Danny’s jokes? She didn’t like them p.10
  2. What was missing in the computer lab? 3 computers p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why didn’t the thief take the new printer when he stole the computers? He couldn’t fit it through the window p.14
  2. Why did Beth write the clues on the chalkboard? To help them remember then and to help solve the mystery p.17
  3. Why was Eric so confident that Cam could solve this mystery? Because she’s solved other mysteries p.19

Chapter 4

  1. Why is Danny in the school office more than the secretary? Because he gets in trouble a lot p.23
  2. How does Danny think the thief stole the computers? Used a big magnet to unlock the window from the outside, climbed in, then took the windows out through the window p.24
  3. What’s Cam’s theory? That there are two thieves, one handing the computers to another outside p.25

Chapter 5

  1. How did Mrs. Bell feel about her computers being stolen? Upset; she didn’t care that kids were being loud p.30
  2. What two doors did Cam and Eric check to see if they could find where the thief entered the school? The gym doors and back door p.32
  3. Who’s also asking questions and trying to figure out the mystery? The two policemen p.33

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Eric want to go inside so badly? It was cold outside p.37
  2. Why was it easy for the thieves to get away? There were so many people at the school that morning p.37
  3. How did Mrs. Adams show kindness to Cam and Eric when they came back into the school? Let them warm up by her heater and gave them pretzels p.38

Chapter 7

  1. Who does Cam think stole the computers? A person in a blue car p.46
  2. How does she know? A blue car left from the back of the school during the morning drop off p.48

Chapter 8

  1. What did Beth say Danny was guilty of when the police came towards them? bad jokes p.54
  2. What’s the good news the police officers gave the kids? They found the car and computers were still in the trunk p.54
  3. What did Dr. Prell give to the class as a reward for finding the computers? Ice cream cups p.56

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

The Dark is Rising

by Susan Cooper

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Part One

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Part 2

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Part 3

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds

The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds

by David A. Adler

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL L; AR pts: 1.0

Cam and Eric are sitting in the mall when an alarm goes off. Cam jumps onto a bench to get a better view and sees a man race out of the jewelry store. Cam knows that she has to act fast, especially after the police arrest the wrong person. It's up to Cam and Eric to catch the real thief.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why is “Cam” the main character’s nickname? It’s short for Camera since she has a photographic memory p.6
  2. Why didn’t Eric want to play memory games anymore? He was tired of losing to Cam p.7
  3. Why do you think the alarm went off in the jewelry store? Someone might have stolen something p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Who came out of the store after the man ran out of it? A couple with a baby and two elderly women p.11
  2. How did Eric get his baby brother to stop crying when the alarm was going off? He fed him a bottle p.14
  3. How did the policemen know what the man looked like and which direction he went? He asked the people outside of the store who saw him p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Who told Cam and Eric about what happened in the jewelry store? The two elderly women who came out of the store p.20
  2. Who was yelling as Cam and Eric were talking to the elderly women? the police had caught the man and he was yelling, “I didn’t do it! You’ve got the wrong man!” p.23
  3. What did the elderly women say about the man the police had caught? They said he didn’t do it p.24

Chapter 4

  1. What did Cam think was strange about the couple who left the store with the baby? They didn’t have a baby bag or anything, just a baby in a blanket and a rattle p.28
  2. What direction did the man go when the police let him go? The same way the couple went when they left the store p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What did Cam and Eric do, when following the man, as he stopped and looked at them? kept walking right passed him p.33
  2. How did Eric keep Howie quiet while they were spying through the window at the man and couple? Rocked the carriage p.36
  3. What made Howie cry after Eric left to go get the police? an acorn that dropped out of a tree after a squirrel ran along a branch p.40

Chapter 6

  1. What was inside the baby rattle? 81 diamonds p.44
  2. How did Cam trick the thieves while they were counting the diamonds? She slammed the door to the room and jumped behind a bookcase in the room they were in p.46
  3. Why was Cam worried about Howie crying? Someone would find them p.49

Chapter 7

  1. Who did Cam see in the window? A policeman p.51
  2. How did Cam and Howie get out of the house and away from the thieves? Cam ran to the open window and handed Howie to Eric, then climbed out herself p.52
  3. How did the police capture the thieves? A policeman called to them with a megaphone and the thieves came out with their hands up p.54

Chapter 8

  1. How did Eric’s mom feel when they weren’t in the mall with Howie when she was done shopping? Worried sick p.56
  2. Why did the elderly woman think the couple with the baby should know the thieves were captured? She was worried about them and didn’t know that the man and woman were the actual thieves p.56

Comprehension Questions – The Trumpet of the Swan

The Trumpet of the Swan

by E.B. White

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 6.0

Louis, a romantic swan, is in love with the angelic Serena, but he can't tell her how he feels; he has no voice. When he meets eleven-year-old Sam Beaver, a human friend, he goes to school with him to learn how to read and write. Louis' father also helps out; he steals a brass trumpet for his son. In the end, Louis learns to play, wins Serena's heart, and repays the music shop owner for his stolen trumpet.

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. Where was Sam camping and what was it like? Canada; a big wilderness.  Pg 2.
  2. Where was home for Sam and his father?  A cattle ranch in Montana. Pg. 4.
  3. Why did Sam want to return in thirty-five days? It takes that long to hatch swan eggs. Pg 6.
  4. What are baby swans called? Cygnets. Pg 7.

Chapter 2

  1. Describe a trumpeter swan? Large white, black bill, black feet, makes “Ko-hoh!” sound. Pg 12.
  2. Why was the nesting spot perfect? Surrounded by water. Pg13.
  3. What is a male swan? A cob. Pg. 14.
  4. How did the swans feel about their 6 foot nest? Proud and happy. Pg 16.

Chapter 3

  1.  What did the swans think boys do? Throw stones and sticks. Pg20.
  2. How did the cob think the swan felt about sitting on eggs? It was onerous or irksome. Pg 23.
  3. What happened when the swan got a drink of water? The Red Fox tried to steal eggs. Pg. 25.
  4. Who saved the swan? Sam Beaver with a stick. Pg 25.

Chapter 4

  1. What do baby swans have to break open the shells? A powerful neck muscle and a dagger tooth. Pg 30.
  2. What did Sam use to see the swans from a distance? Field glasses. Pg. 33.
  3. How do they swim? Cob first, cygnets in a line, mother last. Pg. 36.
  4. How did the last cygnet greet Sam? It untied his shoe lace. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. What did the parent swans never hear Louis do? Beep or burble. Pg. 42.
  2. Why did they think this was serious? He wouldn’t attract a mate. Pg. 44.
  3. What did the cob tell Louis about being dumb? Two meanings; not smart and not able to speak. Pg. 49.
  4. What was the advantage in not being able to speak? Makes you a good listener. Pg. 50.

Chapter6

  1. Where are the swans going for winter? South to Red Rock Lakes, Montanan. Pg. 54.
  2. What is special about Red Rock Lakes? Warm water from a hidden spring. Pg. 54.
  3. What are the three parts of flying? The takeoff, the ascent, and the leveling off. Pg. 55.
  4. What did Louis fear would happen if he couldn’t fly? Be left behind and starve. Pg. 58.

Chapter 7

  1. What did Louis decide he should do since he couldn’t use his voice? Learn to read and write. Pg. 62
  2. Who did Sam’s father need to check with for the swan to stay? The game warden. Pg. 67.
  3. Why did Mrs. Hammerbotham say swans don’t need to read & write? They don’t communicate. Pg. 68.
  4. How did Mrs. Hammergotham discover Louis name? He shook his head when asked. Pg. 71.
  5. What grade was Sam in and what lesson was he learning? Fifth, arithmetic. Pg. 75.

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the cob not go search for Louis? There were too many directions he could have gone. Pg. 79.
  2. How long was Louis gone? One year and a half. Pg 81.
  3. With whom did Louis realize he could converse with the slate? People not animals. Pg. 85.
  4. What did Louis mother see him do? Unable to talk to Serena that he loved. Pg. 88.

Chapter 9

  1. Where did the cob go to get a trumpet? A music store in Billings. Pg. 91.
  2. How did he get the trumpet? Dove into the glass window and took it. Pg. 92.
  3. How did the cob feel about stealing? Bad for his honor; good to help his son. Pg. 95.
  4. Why did the cob steal the trumpet? He had no money. Pg. 98.

Chapter 10

  1. Why did the young females start to notice Louis? Because he carried things around his neck. Pg. 99.
  2. Where did Louis go for help with the trumpet? To Sam Beaver at the Bar Nothing Ranch. Pg.103.
  3. What songs did Louis learn to play? Reveille, mess call, and taps. Pg. 107.

Chapter 11

  1. How did Mr. Brickle introduce Louis? Louis the Swan, a musician. Pg. 113.
  2. What did Applegate say? He didn’t like birds. Pg. 114.
  3. What does Kookooskoos mean? An Indian word for Great Horned Owl. Pg. 115.

Chapter 12

  1. Why was the skunk in trouble? He had a can from the dump stuck on his head. Pg. 120.
  2. How did Sam help the skunk? He used a fishing pole with a looped line. Pg. 123.
  3. Why did Applegate go out alone in the canoe? He was mad at the other boys for mocking his name. Pg. 125.
  4. Why couldn’t Louis fly out to help? His flight feathers fall out in summer. Pg. 127.

Chapter 13

  1. What is the difference between a trumpet and a bugle? A bugle has no valves. Pg. 134.
  2. Why couldn’t Louis play the trumpet valves? Because he had webbed feet. Pg. 135.
  3. What did Louis compose for Serena? A love song. Pg. 138.

Chapter 14

  1. How did the Swan Boat move? A paddle wheel by pedaling like a bike. Pg. 144.
  2. What song did Louis play in front of the Swan boat? Row, row, row your boat. Pg. 145.
  3. Why did Louis need money? Because his father was in debt for stealing the trumpet. Pg. 147.
  4. Why did the Boatman want Louis to stay at the Ritz? Because the park wasn’t safe at night. Pg. 148.

Chapter 15

  1. What did the boatman tell the clerk Louis was? A celebrity. Pg. 151.
  2. What convinced the clerk that Louis was a celebrity? The girls wanted his autograph. Pg. 152.
  3. What did the bellboy and the waiter want from Louis? A tip. Pgs. 158, 161.
  4. What did Louis send Sam in the letter? The newspaper clipping. Pg. 164.

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Louis go to Philadelphia?  He got a telegram job offer from Abe Lucky Lucas. Pg. 169.
  2. What surgery was performed on birds in the Lagoon and why? Pinioned, so they can’t fly. Pg.175.
  3. Why was Louis not going to be pinioned? He would give a free Sunday concert. Pg. 176.

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Serena fly to Bird Lake at the Zoo? A storm blew her off course. Pg. 182.
  2. Who stole Louis’ Trumpet? The Wood Duck. Pg. 187.
  3. What song did Louis wake Serena with? Beautiful Dreamer. Pg. 189.
  4. How did the swans show that they liked each other? They placed their necks over the others’ neck. Pg. 197.

Chapter 18

  1. What did Louis do to the keepers? Jabbed one in the behind and beat one with his wing. Pgs. 201, 202.
  2. What did Louis tell the Head Man about safety? “Safety is all well and good: I prefer freedom.” Pg. 206.
  3. What 2 favors did Louis ask the Head Man? #1 to leave Serena alone until Christmas, #2 to send a telegram to Sam Beaver. Pg. 206.
  4. What was Sam’s plan? For Louis to donate cygnets that need extra security to the zoo. Pg. 210.

Chapter 19

  1. What did Sam say would happen to Louis in captivity? He would pine away. He would die. Pg. 215.
  2. Why did the Head Man think animals had it easier than men? They didn’t have to buy things. Pg. 218.
  3. Why were warning messages sent at the airport? Because there were swans on the airstrip. Pg. 221.
  4. Why would Louis be triumphant when he returned? He was famous, had money. Pg. 224.

Chapter 20

  1. Why was the cob’s wife worried about him going to the music store? It was dangerous. The storekeeper might shoot him again.  Pg. 227.
  2. Where was Alfred Gore going? To the candy store because he was thirsty.  Pg. 234.
  3. How did the doctor classify the cob’s wound and what did the cob think it meant? Superficial; He thought that meant very serious. Pg. 237.

Chapter 21

  1. Where did Louis and Serena go to nest? Back to the woods in Canada. Pg. 243.
  2. What did Serena like about Boston? The Ritz. Pg. 246.
  3. Did Sam ever tell his dad where Louis lived? No. pg. 250.

Comprehension Questions – #19 Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch

Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

Something very wonderful is happening to Junie B. Jones; she's getting to be a professional lunch lady! That means hanging out with Mrs. Gutzman in the cafeteria, standing behind the counter, and even wearing a real actual hair net! Who knows? Pretty soon she could be the boss of the whole entire lunch operation!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Junie B. get in trouble for? Opening her new lunch box under her desk p.4
  2. Why is Junie B. so excited about her lunch box? She’s waited a long time to get it and is happy she doesn’t have to carry her lunch in a brown paper bag p.7
  3. Why does May think buying a lunch is better than bringing a lunch? School lunch is prepared by professionals and doesn’t get soggy p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Why did most of Junie B.’s class want to buy school lunch? The cafeteria was serving hoagies p.14
  2. Why didn’t Junie B. want to sit by Sheldon? His nose was runny and he wouldn’t blow it p.16
  3. What was on the hoagie sandwich? Ham, cheese, tomato and lettuce p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What did Herb share with Junie B. at lunch? His cookie p.20
  2. Why did Junie B. think she was Mrs. Gutzman’s favorite in room nine? She would sometimes give her an extra cookie during snack time in kindergarten p.22
  3. What other person thought they were also Mrs. Gutzman’s favorite? Jose p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What did Mrs. Gutzman wear to protect food from germs and hair? Hair net and plastic mitts p.27
  2. Why won’t Mrs. Gutzman deliver cookies to Junie B.’s class this year? The cookies are only for the kindergarteners since the other grades get their cookies during lunch p.28
  3. What did Mrs. Gutzman give Junie B. to take home? A permission slip and plastic mitts p.33

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Junie B.’s mother want to talk about her being a lunch helper at dinner? So she could discuss it with Junie B.’s dad p.37
  2. How did Junie B. practice being a lunch helper? She put on her plastic mitts and touched food in the refrigerator p.39
  3. What does “a helper is not the boss” mean? A helper does what the boss tells them to do and doesn’t act like the boss p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What did the other kids call Junie B. in her dream? Boss of Lunch p.45
  2. What made Junie B. feel like a princess? Her white kitchen apron p.49
  3. Why couldn’t Junie B. stop staring at her reflection in the oven? She looked like a professional lunch maker p.50

Chapter 7

  1. What three jobs did Junie B. get as a lunch helper? Stock the napkins, wipe off the counter with a sponge and be the lunch greeter p.51
  2. How did Junie B. feel about being the lunch greeter? She was nervous and shy to talk to the big kids she doesn’t know p.55
  3. Why did Junie B. plug her nose? The lunch for that day was stinky p.58

Chapter 8

  1. How did the older boys treat Junie B.? They made her feel bad p.60
  2. Why did Junie B.’s classmates put their lunch trays back and not eat lunch? Junie B. grossed them out by talking about germs and hair and called the lunch tuna noodle stinkle p.64
  3. How did this chapter end? Junie B. was fired from being a lunch helper p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What did Mrs. Gutzman bring into Junie B.’s classroom? Two boxes p.69
  2. How did Mrs. Gutzman help the class forgive Junie B.? She said Junie B. was responsible for the cookies being brought to their class p.75
  3. Why did Junie B. decide she wanted to be the Boss of Cookies? She did a perfect job handing out the cookies p.76

Comprehension Questions – #18 Junie B., First Grader (at last!)

Junie B., First Grader (at last!)

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

It's a new school year, and everything is different. Junie B. Jones has a new class, a new teacher, and even some new friends. She also has a new problem: She might need to get glasses! Will Junie B. manage to convince her parents that her eyes are just fine the way they are? How important could that blurry stuff on the chalkboard be, anyway?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why doesn’t Junie B. like first grade? She doesn’t know the kids in her class, and she has to write in her journal p.5
  2. Why was Junie B. so excited Lucille was in her class? It made her feel comforted to know her best friend was in her class p.8
  3. How does Lucille feel about being friends with Junie B. in first grade? She doesn’t want to; Lucille already had one whole year of being friends with Junie B., now she wants to have Camille and Chenille as friends p.12

Chapter 2

  1. Who sat next to Grace on the bus? Her new friend from class, Bobbi Jean Piper p.16
  2. Why didn’t Junie B. know Herbert rode on her bus? He had switched schools and was new on the bus p.18
  3. Is Herb going to be a good friend? yes, he likes Junie B. and is nice to her p.21

Chapter 3

  1. What languages does Jose know? English and Spanish p.23
  2. What should Junie B. have done when she didn’t understand the assignment? Asked her teacher p.28
  3. Who tattletaled on Junie B. for talking during the assignment? May p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Junie B. want Mr. Scary to see her assignment? She did it wrong p.32
  2. What did Junie B. draw? A screaming chicken p.35
  3. Predict why couldn’t Junie B. read any of the words on the board correctly? She didn’t know how to read; she couldn’t see the words very well p.36

Chapter 5

  1. What did Junie B. do during recess? Read sentences for Mr. Scary p.38
  2. Where was Junie B. when she first read the sentences on the board? In the back of the classroom p.40
  3. Why did Mr. Scary take Junie B. to Mrs. Weller? To get her eyes tested p.47

Chapter 6

  1. What’s the E game Junie B. played in Mrs. Weller office? The E’s on the eye chart were facing all different directions and Junie B. was supposed to point which direction each E was facing p.51
  2. How did Junie B. feel about the game? She liked it and she felt it was easy at first, but then the E’s became smudges p.54
  3. Why doesn’t Junie B. like Mrs. Weller? She said she needed glasses p.56

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Junie B. late for school? She went to the eye doctor p.59
  2. Who are some good friends to Junie B.? Lennie, Jose, and Herbert p.61
  3. Why was Junie B. worried about getting glasses? She thought the kids in her class would laugh and make fun of her p.61

Chapter 8

  1. What did Junie B. share for show and tell? Her glasses p.71
  2. How did May respond when Junie B. put on her glasses? She laughed at her p.71
  3. Name one friend that helped Junie B. feel happy about her glasses. Have your child name one of the following friends: Herbert, Lennie, Jose, Lucille p.73

Comprehension Questions – #2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

by J.K. Rowling

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL V; AR pts: 14.0

When Harry and his best friends go back for their third year at Hogwarts, an escaped mass murderer is on the loose, and the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been called in to guard the school. The plot contains profanity.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Find the simile on page five that the author used to describe how the Dursleys treated Harry now that he’s back home with them again.  “back to being treated like a dog that had rolled in something smelly”
  2. How was Harry spending his birthday? Doing chores and in his room, making no noise and pretending he doesn’t exist p.6
  3. How did Dudley get Harry in trouble? He taunted him about not getting any cards on his birthday and asked if he had any friends at his school p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Dobby and the message he gave to Harry. Small creature with bat-like ears and bulging green eyes the size of tennis balls, a house elf; he warned Harry not to go back to Hogwarts because he’ll be in mortal danger p.12
  2. Why did Dobby come to warn him? Because Harry escaped Lord Voldemort twice, Dobby thinks Harry’s too great and too good to lose p.16
  3. What did Uncle Vernon do to punish Harry for ruining his deal and for not telling them that he couldn’t use magic outside of school? Put bars on his windows, locked him in his room, put food through a cat door, only let him out in the morning and evening for the bathroom, and told Harry he was never going back to school p.21

Chapter 3

  1. How did Harry become free from his room and the Durleys? Ron and his older twin brothers came to find out why Harry hadn’t written him all summer and broke him out of his room, ripping the bars from his window with their flying car p.25
  2. Why did they think Draco Malfoy could have sent the house elf to Harry? It wouldn’t surprise them if Draco wanted to stop Harry from going to school p.28
  3. What softened Mrs. Weasley’s anger when the boys arrived home with Harry? George told her the Dursleys were starving Harry p.34
  4. How did the boys get rid of the gnomes? They twirled them in the air to make them dizzy, then threw them over the wall p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Who was the author of the majority of the books Harry needed to purchase for his school year? Gilderoy Lockhart p.44
  2. Where did Harry land when using the Floo powder and who did he see? In a wizard’s shop on Knockturn Alley; Draco Malfoy and his father selling illegal items p.49
  3. Who did Harry see in Knockturn Alley? Hagrid p.54
  4. Who’s the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts? Gilderoy Lockhart p.60

Chapter 5

  1. When Ron and Harry missed the train, how did they get to Hagwarts? Mr. Weasley’s flying car p.69
  2. What attacked the car after the boys crashed? The tree they hit into p.75
  3. What is Ron’s and Harry’s consequence for being seen in the flying car and crashing into the Whomping Willow? They had to miss the feast and detention p.81
  4. How did the other boys treat Ron and Harry after learning about the flying car? They cheered them on like they’d just won a marathon p.84

Chapter 6

  1. Explain what type of letter Ron received. It’s called a Howler and is a punishment letter; when you open it, the messenger is yelling at you and after the message is given, it burns up p.87
  2. What did Colin and Harry have in common? They both came from muggle homes and didn’t know how they could do the odd things they did. Hogwarts sent a letter to them both inviting them to wizardry school p.96
  3. What does Professor Lockhart think Harry’s doing when he arrives in a flying car and learns Colin wants a photo with him? Thinks he’s trying to publicize himself p.98
  4. What did Ron and Harry think about Professor Lockhart as he ran out of the room and left the three friends to take care of the pixies? That he doesn’t know what he’s doing p.103

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Wood so determined to win the Quidditch Cup this year? Because they lost it last year since Harry was in the hospital and they were short a player p.109
  2. Why did the kids go to Hagrid’s home? They needed help; because of Ron’s broken wand, he accidentally cast a slug spell on himself p.113
  3. Why were Hagrid’s pumpkins so large? He’d been putting an engorgement spell on them p.118
  4. What did Harry hear while in detention with Professor Lockhart and who do you think said it? “Come…come to me…Let me rip you…Let me tear you…Let me kill you…; listen to your child’s answers p.120

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Harry in Mr. Filch’s office and what did he read while waiting for Mr. Filch? He was in trouble for wearing his muddy and dripping wet robes into the building; a letter on Kwikspell to learn magic p.126
  2. Why does Hermione avoid the girls’ bathroom on the first floor? A ghost named Moaning Myrtle haunts one of the toilets, throws tantrums and causes the bathroom to flood p.132
  3. What did the kids find as Harry listened to the voice and climbed the stairs? Writing on the wall that said, “the Chamber of Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir, beware,” and Mrs. Norris, the cat, looking dead, hanging by its tail p.138

Chapter 9

  1. After analyzing the cat, what conclusion did Dumbledore come to? It’s not dead, but is petrified p.142
  2. Explain what a Squib is. It’s a person born into a wizarding family, but they themselves don’t have any magic powers p.145
  3. How did Professor Binns feel about the Chamber of Secrets? That it’s a myth and that there’s no truth to it p.152
  4. What’s Hermione’s idea of getting into Slytherin to question Draco Malfoy? Use the Polyjuice Potion to change their appearance to look like Draco’s friends p.159

Chapter 10

  1. What was the problem with the Bludger during the Quidditch match? Instead of going toward all players, it only went after Harry p.168
  2. How did Harry win the game for Gryffindor? He got the snitch p.171
  3. Who made the Bludger focus on Harry during the match and why? Dobby; so Harry would get hurt and be sent home p.177
  4. What happened to Colin Creevey? He was petrified on his way to visit Harry p.179

Chapter 11

  1. Why did the students trade talismans, amulets, and other protective devices? To protect themselves from the creature in the Chamber of Secrets p.185
  2. What distraction did Harry cause to help Hermione sneak into Snape’s office? Lit a firework to land in a cauldron; Snape had to help those that got hurt p.187
  3. What did Harry do to stop the snake from attacking Justin? Told the snake to “leave him alone” p.194
  4. What did Harry trip over in the dark passage? Justin and Nearly Headless Nick who were both petrified p.202

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Harry happy most people were leaving for the Christmas holiday? He was tired of people skirting around him in the corridors and from hearing their hissing, pointing, and muttering p.209
  2. How were Ron and Harry supposed to get a bit of Crabbe and Goyle, as well as keep them out of the way while they talked Malfoy? Hermione filled two chocolate cakes with a sleeping potion p.213
  3. What did the boys learn when they interrogated Malfoy? That Malfoy didn’t do it and where his father’s hidden chamber was p.222
  4. What happened to Hermione and why couldn’t she go with the boys to the Slytherin common room? Her potion turned her into a cat p.225

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Moaning Myrtle so upset when Harry and Ron came into talk to her? Someone had thrown a book at her p.230
  2. What was the book and who did it belong to? A journal; Tom M. Riddle p.231
  3. What was odd about the journal? There wasn’t any writing in it. When Harry wrote in it, the ink disappeared, but reappeared onto the pages as Tom wrote back to him p.239
  4. What did Harry learn after following Tom Riddle in the book? That Tom turned in Hagrid for opening the Chamber of Secrets 50 years before p.245

Chapter 14

  1. Why doesn’t Harry want to report the stolen journal? He didn’t want to expose Hagrid being expelled as a youth p.254
  2. Why was Harry more worried about what the voice said this time? He was worried someone would die p.255
  3. Why was the Quidditch cup match cancelled? Two students had been petrified, one of them being Hermione p.257
  4. What message did Dumbledore and Hagrid give the boys before they were accompanied off the school property? That Hogwarts will help anyone who comes asking for it; to follow the spiders and to feed Fang p.264

Chapter 15

  1. What made Ernie apologize to Harry? He realized Harry would never hurt Hermione p.268
  2. Where did the spiders lead Harry and Ron? Into the Forbidden Forest, p,272
  3. What did Harry and Ron find in the forest that had been lost? Ron’s family’s car p.274
  4. What saved Harry, Ron and Fang after Aragog was finished talking to them? Ron’s car p.279

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Harry want to speak with Moaning Myrtle? She might be the child that was killed the first time the Chamber of Secrets was opened p.287
  2. What did Harry see in Hermione’s hand? A paper torn out of an old book about a basilisk p.290
  3. Why do you think it was good that Harry and Ron found the paper before going to talk to Moaning Myrtle? They now knew what the monster was and how to get to it p.292
  4. How did Harry get the sink to open? By saying “open up” in Parseltongue p.300

Chapter 17

  1. Who did Harry see in the Chamber of Secrets? Ginny and Tom Riddle who is Lord Voldemort p.307
  2. Who opened the Chamber of Secrets and how? Ginny Weasley; Tom Riddle had her in his power p.310
  3. How did Fawkes and the Sorting Hat help Harry defeat the basilisk and Tom? The phoenix poked out the basilisk’s eyes, the Sorting Hat gave Harry a sword to pierce the basilisk, the phoenix healed Harry with his tears, Fawkes dropped the diary in Harry’s lap and healed Harry p.319
  4. How did the children and Lockhart get back up to the bathroom? They all held onto each other and Fawkes flew/lifted them p.325

Chapter 18

  1. Why did the phoenix come to help Harry? He showed loyalty to Dumbledore p.332
  2. Why can Harry speak Parseltongue? Voldemort transferred some of his own power into Harry the night he gave him the scar p.333
  3. What did Harry do to show he belongs in the Gryffindor House? He chose to be there and wielded the sword from Godric Gryffindor p.333
  4. How did Harry free Dobby? Harry put the diary in his sock and gave it to Lucius Malfoy, Malfoy threw the sock and Dobby caught it p.338

Comprehension Questions – #17 Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl

Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

All the children in Room Nine are excited when they get their bright white graduation gowns. Mrs. says to keep them in their boxes until the big day. But Junie B. Jones just can't help herself. Then — uh-oh! — an accident happens! Can Junie B. find a way to fix things? Or will graduation be a spotty dotty disaster?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What gifts did Junie B. get for her birthday? Toys and games; A tool belt; tools to fix the toilet p.3
  2. Why was Junie B. nervous about graduation day? She’s going to go to first grade and won’t know any of the kids in her class p.5
  3. What’s a diploma? A special piece of paper; a certificate that says you’ve completed part of your education p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What did the class create to put on their invitations for the graduation? A poem p.10
  2. Name the first three lines of the poem? “Rose are red, violets are blue, graduation is here…” p.12
  3. Why did Junie B. have to go to the office? She yelled out a fourth line for the poem that was funny, but inappropriate and the teacher had already gotten after another student for the same thing p.14

Chapter 3

  1. How did the principal respond when he saw Junie B. in the blue chair next to his office? He was surprised to see her there, since it had been awhile since he saw her last p.16
  2. Why did the principal laugh when Junie B. told him the poem? He was taken by surprise; he thought it was funny p.20
  3. What did the principal want Junie B. to think about? Being obedient to her teacher p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What did the janitor bring into the room? Boxes full of caps and gowns p.25
  2. What did Lucille think Mrs. said was in the boxes? Cats and gowns p.25
  3. What did the kids do after getting their caps and gowns? Put them on and skipped around the room p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Grace raise her voice at Junie B. on the way home from school? Junie B. wanted to peek in her box and Grace knew she shouldn’t p.31
  2. Where did Junie B.’s mother put her graduation outfit and why? On the refrigerator; to keep Junie B. from putting it on p.35
  3. Who wanted to see Junie B.’s graduation outfit after her mother sent her to her room? Her stuffed animals p.37

Chapter 6

  1. Who gave Junie B. the box with her gown and cap? Her Grandpa Miller p.40
  2. What was Junie B. wearing when she poured grape juice for her and her friends? Her white graduation gown p.42

Chapter 7

  1. How did Junie B. clean up the driblets of grape juice on the shelf? With her white gown p.44
  2. What did Junie B. use to try to get the juice out of her gown? An eraser, a white crayon, her dad’s new whitening toothpaste p.46
  3. Why did Junie B. feel like a genius at the end of this chapter? She colored her gown with crayons to cover the stains p.50

Chapter 8

  1. How did Grace respond when she saw Junie B.’s gown? She gasped p.55
  2. Why did the kids stop laughing at Junie B.’s gown? She started crying p.59

Chapter 9

  1. What joke did Grandpa Miller tell Junie B. and her parents before she went on stage with her spotted gown? “…when she goes on the stage, she’ll be easy to spot” p.61
  2. What did the other kids do to their gowns that helped Junie B. feel better? Spots p.63
  3. How did Junie B. feel about the graduation ceremony? She loved it; she had the time of her life p.67