Tag Archives: AR Quizzes

Comprehension Questions – Little House on the Prairie #4 On the Banks of Plum Creek

On the Banks of Plum Creek

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grades 4-7; Genre-Historical Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 8.0

After moving to Minnesota, the Ingalls family encounters a terrible blizzard and a grasshopper plague. The plot contains racial prejudice within historical context.

Comprehension Questions

The Door in the Ground

  1. How does this story begin? Laura’s family has traveled to Minnesota; they traded their horses, mule and wagon cover for a dugout and wheat fields p.1

The House in the Ground

  1. Describe the dugout. A little house dug out of the side of a hill; clean and small; whitewashed; willow branches and sod used for walls and roof p.10

Rushes and Flags

  1. Why does Ma say the girls will turn into “water bugs”? They are always playing in the water and come into the house all wet p.20

Deep Water

  1. Why don’t Ma and Pa want the girls to go upstream to the hole full of deep, dark water? They don’t want the girls to go by themselves in case they drown or get hurt p.23
  2. How did Pa teach Laura a lesson? When she continued to go out into the deep water after being told not to, Pa swam under and grabbed her foot, pulling her under the water p.24

Strange Animal

  1. What helped Laura stay safe and not go to the swimming hole? A badger p.30
  2. Why did Laura tell her Pa that she disobeyed him? She felt guilty and she knew she needed to p.33
  3. Have you been in a situation where you haven’t been honest and knew you needed to tell the truth? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Wreath of Roses

  1. Why is it exciting for Laura’s family to have a milk cow? They have been without milk and butter since they left Indian Territory p.40

Ox on the Roof

  1. How did the ox get on the roof? An ox got away from Laura and Jack as they tried to take him to the stable and he ran on their roof. One of his legs went through but out didn’t seem to do any harm; however, the next morning, the roof collapsed p.47

Straw Stack

  1. Why did the girls get in trouble for playing on the straw stack? As they jumped, slid and rolled down it, it spread the straw out; Pa needed the straw to be in a stack so he could feed it to the animals throughout the winter p.60

Grasshopper Weather

  1. Define grasshopper weather. Warm weather around Thanksgiving; nights are chilly, days are warm p.63

Cattle in the Hay

  1. Summarize this chapter. Ma, Pa, and Carrie went to town. Mary and Laura stayed home. Laura saw the cattle trampling and eating the hay. Jack helped them run at the cattle and finally got them to leave to the prairie. The cattle were there because Johnny had fallen asleep p.67

Runaway

  1. What scary event happened in this chapter? When the Ma and Pa were coming back from town, Bright couldn’t wait to eat at the stable and ran home without listening to Pa. Ma and Carrie almost fell to the riverbed in the wagon p.74

The Christmas Horses

  1. What is Ma’s explanation of Santa Claus? He is more than one person; he is everywhere and he is all the time. Whenever anyone was unselfish, that was Santa Claus p.85
  2. Do you agree or disagree with Ma? Listen to your child’s answer

A Merry Christmas

  1. What special gifts were given and received on Christmas? Mary and Laura made Carrie a beautiful button string and they all received candy in their stockings. They also received two beautiful horses and got to ride them down to the water p.93

Spring Freshet

  1. Laura was excited about the roaring creek. How would you have felt seeing and hearing so much water so close to your home? Listen to your child’s answer p.98

The Footbridge

  1. What sticky situation did Laura get herself into? She snuck outside and got into the roaring creek holding onto the footbridge. She could have drowned since the water was so strong, but she pulled herself out and was ok p.101

The Wonderful House

  1. If you previously read the book, Little House on the Prairie, compare the home Pa built in that story to the home he built in this book. In Indian territory, Pa built a home from logs he cut and stacked himself. This home is made from boards that were cut from a machine, there were lots of windows and a lean to attached. Pa also purchased a black stove p.107

Moving In

  1. List two things Laura found exciting as they moved into their new house. The new stove for Ma; there was so much light coming in from the windows; the curtains Ma had sewn; Laura and Mary’s new room with their own boxes; that she could hear the rain on the roof p.118

The Old Crab and the Bloodsuckers

  1. What did Mary and Laura find along the path Pa told them to take? Shallow water with minnows, a crawdad and leeches or bloodsuckers p.128
  2. Have you ever had leeches stuck to your skin? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

The Fish-Trap

  1. Summarize how Pa helped Laura understand the importance of going to school. Not every child gets a chance to go; he promised her Ma their girls would go; that’s why they moved so close to a town with a school; her Ma used to be a teacher and understands the importance of book learning p.138

School

  1. Summarize Laura and Mary’s first day of school. They arrived and met a few other kids; the teacher rang the bell and they went inside; the teacher found out their names, ages, and their reading level; the teacher let them borrow her slate; at lunch, everyone else went home while Laura and Mary ate their lunch in the shade p.152

Nellie Olson

  1. Choose two words that describe Nellie Oleson. Give an example of each from this chapter. Example: Spoiled - Father gave her directions, but she didn’t listen and didn’t get in trouble when she should have; selfish - She has to have her way, playing Ring-around-a-rosy p.155&157

Town Party

  1. Did Laura enjoy the party? Why, or why not? Yes and no; yes because she got to play with new toys and beautiful books; no because Nellie yelled at her for almost touching her doll’s silky dress p.160

Country Party

  1. How did Laura get Nellie back? Guided her into the muddy water with the blood suckers p.174

Going to Church

  1. Pa is very kind and selfless. Give an example of a way he showed these characteristics in this chapter. Giving his hard-earned money to the church to put a bell in the belfry instead of buying himself new boots p.190

The Glittering Cloud

  1. Describe the devastation in this chapter. A giant grasshopper cloud came through the area and ate everything in sight. Because the wheat crop is eaten by the grasshoppers, Pa didn’t have wheat to sell and couldn’t pay off the house. Their friends had to move out east. p.192

Grasshopper Eggs

  1. Why did Pa leave? To go find work since the crop was eaten and the grasshoppers have laid eggs throughout the prairie. There won’t be a crop next year since there will be many more grasshoppers p.208

Rain

  1. Why was the rain such a blessing? It had been so dry that nothing new had grown since the grasshopper cloud ate everything. The cattle were starving and the water in the creek and spring was drying up p.213

The Letter

  1. What good news did Laura’s family receive? Pa was ok and found work. He walked 300 miles to find work and is getting paid a dollar a day and can buy new shoes. He also sent $5 home to them. P.226

The Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn

  1. What does the title of this chapter mean? Things were bleak and difficult on the prairie without Pa. When things became the most difficult, Pa came home. The symbolism of this title is that at night, just before down, it feels so dark outside, but then morning comes and everything is a little better p.228

Going to Town

  1. Did Ma and Pa purchase the chalice and overcoat? No
  2. Why not? They both felt they needed to save that money since they aren’t sure what will happen next year p.243

Surprise

  1. For Christmas, everyone in town received gifts from Brother Alden’s Church members in the East. Have you ever given gifts to people you don’t know at Christmas time? How did it feel? Listen to your child’s answer

Grasshoppers Walking

  1. What strange behavior did the grasshoppers have? For three days, they started walking westward. By the fourth day, they spread their wings and flew west in the same type of cloud they arrived in. 262
  2. With your parent’s permission, do an internet search to find out if the grasshoppers’ behavior was common or was a phenomenon.

Wheels of Fire

  1. How did Mr. Nelson act like a good neighbor in this chapter? He saw the smoke and took the initiative to help put out the fire before it got to the Ingall’s home p.271

Marks on the Slate

  1. List two positives and two negatives of living on the prairie during the time Laura and her family lived. Positives: different type of freedom, simplistic life, learn to work hard, learn to be self-sufficient; negatives: Blizzards are scary; fire is a threat without fire stations; crops can be ruined due to drought and grasshoppers p.281

Keeping House

  1. Why did the girls bring in the entire wood pile? A blizzard hit and Ma and Pa were in town. The girls didn’t want to have to burn up the furniture or die from the cold p.286

Prairie Winter

  1. How did Laura’s family make it through these winter storms? There was a sunny day between each storm, so they learned to take advantage of the sunny weather and play outside, do laundry, check the traps, cut firewood, etc. p.296

The Long Blizzard

  1. What feeling do you think Ma has at the beginning of this chapter? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What was the consequence for not listening to it? Pa is away from home when the storm comes in and they don’t know if he’s safe
  3. Have you ever had a feeling like that before? Listen to your child’s answer

The Day of Games

  1. Why did Ma play games instead of have the girls study? They were sad and worried about Pa, so she wanted to distract them p.316
  2. Why do the girls feel like they can’t cry? Back during this time in history, it isn’t appropriate for them to p.320

The Third Day

  1. Summarize this chapter. The storm went on fiercely; Ma did the chores and the girls tried to study but couldn’t; the day took a very long time to pass p.321

The Fourth Day

  1. Summarize Pa’s experience in the snow. He got lost in the storm on the way back from town and decided to keep walking since he would freeze to death if he didn’t. He fell into a hole and was protected from the storm. He fell asleep and woke up with snow over him, but he could breathe. He slept as much as he could, waiting for the storm to end. He had some crackers and Christmas candy that he ate. When he couldn’t hear the storm anymore, he crawled out of his den and saw the house not far away. It was a blessing he purchased the buffalo skin coat and wore two pairs of socks. p.326

Christmas Eve

  1. Why were Laura’s eyes shining? She was so happy she had tears in her eyes p.338

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Invisible Island

The Invisible Island

by Ron Roy

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Deadly Dungeon

The Deadly Dungeon

by Ron Roy

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Comprehension Questions – The Fort

The Fort

by Gordon Korman

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

The morning after Hurricane Leo rips through the town of Canaan, friends exploring the widespread destruction discover an underground bomb shelter. Text has violence, physical abuse, criminal activity, bullying & references to substance abuse. Themes include ableism.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Evan Donnelly. He has an older brother and they live with his grandparents because their parents went to drug rehab; his brother has a friend who is not a good influence; Evan’s in 8th grade and his town was just hit with a hurricane; he and his friends are checking to see if the fort made it through the storm p.1
  2. Who’s Ricky? Another boy who’s house was hit with a tree during the storm and is staying at Evan’s for the day while it gets fixed.

Chapter 2

  1. Who is telling the story in this chapter? Mitchell Worth p.9
  2. How do you know? the chapter is named after him p.9
  3. Predict what Ricky and Evan found. Listen to your child’s answer p.15

Chapter 3

  1. What is clever about the author’s writing style? Each chapter is told through a different character’s eyes p.16
  2. Were you correct in your prediction from Chapter 2? Listen to your child’s answer
  3. Why do the boys feel they can claim the bomb shelter as their own? The guy who built it is dead; no one else knows about it p.23

Chapter 4

  1. Why does C.J. purposely crash and hurt himself on his bike? He needed a stunt to cover up how he really got hurt, which was on his skateboard on a railing at the library and crashing after trying not to hit an older woman p.28

Chapter 5

  1. How is Jason different from the other boys he is friends with? He has a girlfriend p.32
  2. Why is everyone worried to eat the food at the fort? It’s 40 years old p.38
  3. Would you eat it? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. How was Ricky a good friend to Evan today? Evan’s brother Luke and his friend Jaeger wanted Evan to steal money from a business owner; as Evan got near the cash register, Ricky came in the door and gave Evan a reason to leave p.46
  2. Why is Evan worried about his brother? He makes bad choices when he’s around Jaeger and begins to act like their parents p.50

Chapter 7

  1. What does Ricky realize about his new friend group? They don’t need him to have fun or really care if he’s part of their group p.56

Chapter 8

  1. What did C.J. and Mitchell learn in this chapter? That the utensils from the fort are real silver p.63
  2. Why are the utensils black? As silver ages over time, it turns black p.63

Chapter 9

  1. How is Ricky proving himself to his new friends? He is quick to think, got them $85 for the fork at the pawn shop and helped Mitchell when he was in trouble; he is showing them that he is a good friend p.67

Chapter 10

  1. What heavy responsibility does Jason need to worry about that is too much for an eighth grader? His divorced parents put him in difficult situations where he has to explain his family situation to police p.74

Chapter 11

  1. Why doesn’t Marcus and C.J.’s mom want the police to be called? Marcus hurts C.J., that’s why C.J. is hurt all the time p.80

Chapter 12

  1. Do you agree with Ricky’s response to Luke and Jaeger’s question about the woods? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.89
  2. What should Ricky tell them about the Fort, the money and the snacks? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Explain why Evan covered for Jaeger when grandma asked about the broken ceramic doll? He didn’t know what Jaeger would do if Grandma called the police; he’s worried something bad will happen to her p.101

Chapter 14

  1. Describe what happened in this chapter. C.J. and his parents go to a hockey game. Marcus, his stepdad, gets angry and hurts his mom and C.J. They get in the car and Marcus is upset, ashamed and apologizes, promising to never do it again p.101
  2. Does C.J. believe Marcus’s promise? Why, or why not? No. Because this is a cycle that repeats itself because Marcus won’t get help p.108

Chapter 15

  1. How is Mitchell watering his ex-therapist’s herb garden and why? Peeing on it because he is angry at him. He can’t receive help because his mom lost their insurance when she was laid off p.117
  2. Do you agree that Mitchell should be doing this? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Why does C.J. feel stuck in his home situation? He can’t call the police because his mom will deny what Marcus is doing and she will defend him p.122
  2. Explain why this is unhealthy for her and C.J. to stay in this situation? It’s protecting a man who deserves to be in jail and shows her son that her abusing husband is more important than him and her p.122

Chapter 17

  1. Why does Luke think Jaeger is good for him to be around? Makes him tough and Luke thinks Jaeger has good ideas; he feels rejected by his grandma p.125
  2. How did Luke and Jaeger manipulate Mitchell and why? They told him they would tell the police how he peed on the therapist’s garden and that his mom would need to pay attorney fees to keep him out of juvenile detention; to get him to tell them where they are getting the money from p.129

Chapter 18

  1. Jason finds himself in real trouble with his girlfriend and possibly the police. Do you agree that he should talk? Listen to your child’s answer p.137

Chapter 19

  1. Name one characteristic C.J. showed in this chapter and explain. Courage for standing up to his mom; sadness because he misses her and he’s sad about the situation they’re in; determination to not put up with an unhealthy and abusive situation; irritation because Ricky is watching him very closely etc. p.138

Chapter 20

  1. What is Mitchell avoiding and why? His friends and the Fort; He doesn’t want to tell his friends that Luke and Jaeger are blackmailing him; he also doesn’t want the Luke and Jaeger to follow him to the Fort p.150

Chapter 21

  1. What is one of the perks to Janelle knowing about the Fort? She will help it get cleaned p.157

Chapter 22

  1. How did Ricky figure out what is happening with C.J.? He saw Marcus at Home Depot and how he behaved to an employee he supervised; he also connected the other details he’s observed about C.J.’s behavior p.160

Chapter 23

  1. How did the friends support C.J.? They believed Ricky when he told them his suspicions and they caught him staying at the Fort and didn’t let him be alone. They showed him know they were there for him p.173

Chapter 24

  1. Summarize this chapter. C.J.’s friends are helping him out and as he heads back to the Fort to sleep one night, he sees Luke and Jaeger; they follow him, but he loses them when he gets knocked down by a branch. He hears their car leave and he is able to go to the Fort p.175

Chapter 25

  1. How did Ricky help Mitchell feel better in this chapter? They helped him understand that Luke and Jaeger can’t black mail him because Jaeger won’t go to the police p.191

Chapter 26

  1. C.J.’s mom did a very courageous thing in this chapter. What is it and what could be the negative consequences of it. She packed her bag and decided to leave Marcus. Marcus could kill her and C.J. p.196

Chapter 27

  1. Explain Ricky’s status with the four friends and if he is being accepted by them. He’s able to hang around them since he found the Fort. It’s taken time, but he’s slowly gaining each person’s respect through his good ideas, his loyalty, and the initiative he’s shown p.203
  2. List one characteristic Ricky has shown to gain their respect. Ingenuity; courage; initiative; respectful; stands up for himself; confidence p.204

Chapter 28

  1. Have you been in a situation you didn’t want anyone to know about? Explain. Can you relate to Evan and C.J.? Listen to your child’s answer p.206

Chapter 29

  1. How does Janelle handle Luke and Jaeger? She threatens to call her dad who’s a policeman p.212
  2. Why does that stop the older boys? They don’t want to get any attention from a police officer because they are consistently breaking the law p.212

Chapter 30

  1. What is the consequence of C.J.’s mom not turning off the location finder on her phone? Marcus finds them in the bunker p.216
  2. Are you surprised that Marcus would lose his cool in front of C.J.’s friends? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 31

  1. Summarize this chapter. As Jason and Janelle get to the Fort the hatch is open; Luke and Jaeger pounce on them and go into the Fort with Jason; Janelle finds her phone and calls 9-1-1; Marcus grabs Jaeger by the throat and Jaeger pulls out his pocket knife and stabs Marcus; Marcus lets him go and drops to the ground but Jaeger won’t let anyone call an ambulance; the police arrive and arrest Jaeger and take Marcus to the hospital p.218

Chapter 32

  1. What does Mitchell come clean with in this chapter? That he peed on the herbs the spaghetti is made with p.231

Chapter 33

  1. Why is the white flower blooming in the cactus symbolic at the end of this story? It shows that hard things can be beautiful; these friends have struggled to accept each other, stand by each other and have grown together. What a beautiful way to end the story. As their friendship strengthens and blooms, so did this flower. It can also symbolize that times in life can be difficult, but by working together and supporting each other, they can be overcome  p.238
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Canary Caper

The Canary Caper

by Ron Roy

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

C is for Canary...Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose get an urgent call from Mrs. Davis. Her canary is missing! The little bird has vanished without a trace, and he's not the only one!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the mystery in this story? Mrs. Davis’s canary and Ruth Rose’s cat are missing p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What other animals are missing? A parrot and rabbit p.23
  2. What do you think happened to the pets? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. What did Ruth Rose think was strange about the person returning the canary? She wondered how he knew to return the canary to p.33

Chapter 4

  1. Describe what was fishy about Fred Little? He was only at Mrs. Davis for a few minutes and had to use the restroom; didn’t take the reward; said he contacted Mrs. Wong, but the friends talked to her and she hadn’t heard anything p.38

Chapter 5

  1. What theory did the friends form that connected the lost pets to the burglaries? 1. The pets would get stolen. 2. When the pets were returned, the burglar would make an excuse to see the house. 3. The burglar would come back later to steal valuable items they saw p.48

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Ruth Rose’s mood and why she feels that way. Grumpy, sad; her cat is missing and she wants to solve the mystery so she can get her cat back p.62

Chapter 7

  1. Did the canary guy see the friends hiding in the bushes? Predict what will happen next! Listen to your child’s answer p.72

Chapter 8

  1. Was your prediction correct? Summarize what happened in this chapter. The friends stayed in the bushes; Fred Little used stilts to climb into a window on the second story; Mrs. Davis scared Fred little when he came into her room; when he was back outside on the ground, the police arrested Fred; Mrs. Davis came out of the house swinging a sword and the friends came out of the bushes p.73

Chapter 9

  1. Was Ruth Rose’s cat part of the burglar scheme? No p.86
  2. What happened to Ruth Rose’s cat, Tiger? She had been hiding under Rose’s bed, she had kittens p.87

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Absent Author

The Absent Author

by Ron Roy

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

Dink and his friends Josh and Ruth Rose investigate the disappearance of his favorite mystery author, Wallis Wallace.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Wallis Wallace. He’s an author who writes mysteries. He’s from Maine and he lives in a castle. He’s coming to visit Green Lawn at Dink’s request p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Does Dink know for sure that Wallis Wallace has been kidnapped? No p.17
  2. What has drawn Dink to that conclusion? In the letter written by Wallis Wallace, it said that he would be at the Book Nook unless he’d been kidnapped p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Explain what an itinerary is. An itinerary is a plan of a trip, including the route and the places that you will visit.
  2. How will the friends be able to locate Wallis Wallace using the itinerary? They can reach out to each of the locations the author was expected to be at p.26

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. The friends learned that Wallis Wallace flew into Connecticut and was picked up by a taxi and dropped off to the hotel in Green Lawn p.28

Chapter 5

  1. What did the kids find at the hotel that was suspicious? Someone had checked in right after Wallis Wallace, but the signature of the name was smudged p.46

Chapter 6

  1. Who are the suspects so far and why? The taxi driver and hotel manager; they might have kidnapped Wallis when they got to the hotel p.55

Chapter 7

  1. What does the phrase, “out of hot water” mean? To have successfully escaped a difficult situation p.64

Chapter 8

  1. What is a cliff hanger in a story? where a scene or chapter ends at a crucial, unresolved, or suspenseful moment to keep the audience engaged and compel them to continue reading or watching.
  2. How was the end of this chapter a cliff hanger? The kids heard the “help!”, but we won’t know what is going on until the next chapter p.71

Chapter 9

  1. How did Ruth Rose conclude that Mavis is Wallis Wallace? Listen to your child’s answer p.75

Chapter 10

  1. Were you correct in your assumption? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What did you like the most about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Dink and his friends Josh and Ruth Rose investigate the disappearance of his favorite mystery author, Wallis Wallace.

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Bald Bandit

The Bald Bandit

by Ron Roy

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

There's a bank robber in Green Lawn! A red-haired kid took a video of the crime, but nobody can find him. Without the video, will the robber go free? Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose must track down that kid--before the bandit does!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Explain why the friends are excited after the detective’s visit. If they can find the high schooler with the video of the bank robber, they will each get $100 p.8

Chapter 2

  1. How will the friends take advantage of Halloween? They will knock on doors looking for a tall red headed boy who has the video p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Explain how Operation Redhead went. Not well. The friends didn’t find him or anyone who knew of him; Josh wanted to give up, but Dink wouldn’t listen p.17

Chapter 4

  1. What information did Dink learn from the barber? The Redhead is now bald so the bandit doesn’t recognize him; he found out his name and where he lives p.35
  2. Why did the barber give the information to Dink? Dink said they would share the reward money with the Redhead p.33

Chapter 5

  1. Why won’t Lucky give his video tape to the detective? He doesn’t trust him p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What convinced Lucky to hand over the video tape? The friends wouldn’t give his name to the detective or anyone else p.45

Chapter 7

  1. Now that the friends know the detective is the bandit, predict what they will say to the detective. Listen to your child’s answer p.53

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Ruth Rose snuck out of the house and got the police; Dink and Josh let the bandit in and hid the real video tape and started to give him one of Dink playing soccer; the bandit was going to kidnap Ruth Rose but she started to yell really loud p.54

Chapter 9

  1. List a characteristic the friends demonstrated at the end of this book? Explain. Charity; kindness; selflessness; compassionate; they gave all the reward money to Lucky to help him pay for college p.69

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Falcon’s Feathers

The Falcon's Feathers

by Ron Roy

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

Josh and his two friends look for the person who stole a peregrine falcon from its nest.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did you learn about peregrine falcons in this first chapter? They are almost extinct; they have multiple eggs/babies at a time; they are private and don’t like to be disturbed; they build their nests in trees; if humans disturb their nests, the parents might abandon the babies; falcons have a mother and father that stay together to help them grow up p.4

Chapter 2

  1. What is Josh’s reasoning that an owl or snake didn’t take the falcon babies? Mother and father falcons are fierce and wouldn’t let an animal take their babies p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Who did the children see near the nest and why? A man named Curt; he’s from the Department of Environmental Protection; Josh spoke with him on the phone; he was checking out the nest and told the kids to stay away from the area p.19

Chapter 4 

  1. Why did Ruth Rose name the baby falcon Flash? He moves so quickly p.25
  2. What’s the result of someone trimming Flash’s wings? He couldn’t fly p.27

Chapter 5

  1. What was suspicious about Grace watching them from the diner? She was reading a magazine about falcons p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Predict who you think took Flash out of his cage. Listen to your child’s answer p.44

Chapter 7

  1. Why is Grace at the top of Josh’s list as a suspect? Because of Grace’s suspicious behavior; Flash bit her; she could have busted the lock on the gate; she was reading the magazine about falcons p.48

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Josh and his friends look through a book about falcons? To learn more about them; to learn why someone wants to steal Flash and the other babies p.49

Chapter 9

  1. What clues were found in this chapter? The person who broke into the gate was wearing gloves; the falcon’s leg band had the letters and numbers GLKS-6-17 p.61

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Josh, Dink, and Ruth Rose went to Curt’s cabin and heard whistling; they went to the shed and climbed in through the window; there were at least a dozen falcons in the cages; Curt saw them in the shed and slammed the window closed so they couldn’t get out p.66

Chapter 11

  1. What puzzle did Rush Rose solve while they were trapped in the shed? GL stands for Green Lawn and KS stands for Kurt Striker (his name begins with a K, not a C)

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Grace so suspicious during this story? She’s an undercover agent sent to Green Lawn to protect the Falcon population p.83

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Empty Envelope

The Empty Envelope

Ron Roy

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

Dink and his friends unearth the mysterious truth behind the envelopes incorrectly delivered to his house.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize what happens in this chapter. Dink has received four letters from someone he doesn’t know. He lives in Connecticut, but the address on the envelope is to Colorado p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Ms. Duncan. Tall, black hair, dark squinty eyes, strong, demanding, from Colorado, she claims the letters belong to her, visiting Connecticut, anxious to get her letters, her mom died last month p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why do the friends think there is a secret message in the letters? The name in the letters doesn’t match up with Ms. Duncan’s name and the date is not consistent with when her mom died; they think Ms. Duncan is lying to them; they found pinholes in specific alphabet letters p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What message did the kids find in the letters? The words, Jenny hidden on fifth envelope”. Predict what you think it means. Listen to your child’s answer p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. How would you feel if you came across a stamp worth as much money as the kids had? Listen to your child’s answer p.41

Chapter 6

  1. Who do you think the kids should talk to? What should they do with the man and Ms. Duncan parked in front of Dink’s house? Listen to your child’s answer p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize Ruth Rose’s plan. She called the hotel and spoke with Ms. Duncan; she told her she knew about the stamp and said she has it; she’ll meet Ms. Duncan and sell it to her for $500 the next day; Ruth Rose is working with the ppolice,so the criminals get arrested p.60

Chapter 8

  1. Did the plan work? What happened? The kids waited at the library; the boys were in the office and Ruth Rose waited at a table; the criminals came in and when they gave the money for the stamp to Ruth Rose she hollered at Officer Fallon and he arrested the criminals p.64

Chapter 9

  1. Who was the old woman reading about in the newspaper in the library? Clementine Painter: the woman who the stamp had been stolen from p.72
  2. What’s the mistake Otto Bird made that caused the letters to get sent to Connecticut? He lost his glasses and couldn’t see very well, so he copied down the wrong zip code p.73

Comprehension Questions – The Inheritance Cycle #3 Brisingr

Brisingr

by Christopher Paolini

Grades 10-12; Fantasy; Young Adult; AR pts. 45.0

Eragon upholds the oath he made to save Katrina from King Galbatorix, while being pulled in different directions by the needs of the Varden, elves, and dwarves - all of whom need his help and strength to overcome the tyranny of the king. This book contains themes more appropriately written for young adults: swearing, violence, gore, mild sexual innuendo, torture, human sacrifice and mutilation.

Comprehension Questions

The Gates of Death

  1. How does this story begin? Eragon and Roran are outside of Helgrind wanting to save Katrina. They see grotesque sacrifices and slaves being chained up to be sacrificed. Eragon scryes to see if Katrina is there and thinks he feels her inside p.1

Around the Campfire

  1. what did Roran learn about Eragon in this chapter? Eragon is immortal; he is firm with his decision to not eat meat; he loves Arya p. 25

Divergence

  1. why doesn’t Eragon want to find Sloan? Sloan is responsible for Katrina’s capture and Roran will want to kill him p.53
  2. What do you think the word Gianga means and why did Eragon want Saphira to leave him? Gianga means go or leave in the ancient language; Eragon needs to take care of Sloan and find the Ra’zac to kill it p.63

Rider and Ra’zac

  1. Describe Eragon’s struggle now that he had killed the Ra’zac. He was thrilled he had killed them but realized his purpose for leaving Carvahall was gone; he had nurtured his hate for the Ra’zac and with them defeated, he mourned that he couldn’t chase them anymore. Eragon realized his struggle and decided to focus on the positive and was determined not to make the same mistake once Galbatorix is defeated p.71

To Walk the Land Alone

  1. Do you agree with Eragon’s decision on how he punished Sloan? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.89

The Trial of the Long Knives

  1. Describe the Trial of the Long Knives. Each person takes a turn cutting their arm with a knife. The winner is the person who makes the most cuts p.100

Winged Tidings

  1. How did Nasuada and Arya respond to Saphira’s story about Eragon? Nasuada thought his reasons for staying were inadequate; Arya took off to look for Eragon p.124

Escape and Evasion

  1. How did Arya find Eragon? She guessed his path and listened to the birds, animals and trees to see where they had seen him p.145

A Delicate Matter

  1. What is the real reason Roran wants to wait to fight? He wants to marry Katrina and have Eragon perform the ceremony p.162

Bloodwolf

  1. Why does Nasuada worry that she will need to put a battalion around Blodhgarm? He has a smell that attracts women p.178

Mercy, Dragon Rider

  1. Why is Arya confused with Eragon’s behavior toward the last soldier? Eragon made the choice to kill him when Sloan he wasn’t able to p.185

Shadows of the Past

  1. List two things Eragon and Arya talked about during this chapter. How to handle the emotional consequences of killing someone; Arya’s experience in Gil’ead; her love and friendship with Faolin; spirits p.189

Amid the Restless Crowd

  1. Why doesn’t Eragon want Roran and Katrina to know that Sloan is alive? Having him in their lives will complicate their relationship. Sloan needed to be punished for killing a man from Carvahall and Katrina would be upset if he was punished or killed. Sloan doesn’t like Roran and would also always cause issues p.227

To Answer a King

  1. Do you agree that Eragon told Orrin and Nasuada the full truth about staying at Helgrind? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.238

A Feast With Friends

  1. Summarize this chapter. Eragon contemplated using Murtagh’s sword and thought against it; Nasuada organized a feast for Eragon with his friends and family; Roran asks Eragon to marry him and Katrina p.243

Intersecting Sagas

  1. What did Eragon find out about Tenga, the hermit? He was Angela’s mentor p.260

Making Amends

  1. Summarize what happened when Eragon tried to place a counterspell on Elva. The spell he used took away her urges to help people in pain, but not the pain itself. She didn’t want him to take away what she still had: she could feel other people’s fears, thoughts, weaknesses, pain to her advantage without going through pain herself. It has made her a more lethal weapon if she turns against them p.266

Gifts of Gold

  1. What did Eragon accomplish in this chapter? He reconciled his debts and told Joed what happened to Brom p.272

I Need a Sword!

  1. What is Eragon’s new weapon called? Falchion p.299
  2. Draw a falchion. You can use a picture from the Internet or a book. 

Unexpected Guest

  1. What important event was interrupted and who interrupted it? Roran and Katrina’s wedding; Galbatorix’s men and Murtagh with Thorn p.307

Fire in the Sky

  1. What was different about the soldiers Galbatorix sent in the ships? He cast a spell so they couldn’t feel pain so it was very difficult to kill them p.337

Man and Wife

  1. Summarize this chapter. Eragon married Roran and Katrina; there was a wonderful celebration; Eragon and Nasuada visited the men in the healers’ tent who were injured; an injured man whose eyes turned white when his leg was struck and crushed by a missile saw in vision things about Eragon and Murtagh and things he shouldn’t know about it p.343

Whispers in the Night

  1. Why is Katrina thoughtful on this chapter? She doesn’t want to live in the battle camp and put her baby in danger p.357

Orders

  1. What is Nasuada’s plan in this chapter? To send Eragon with a Kull to the dwarf kingdom in Farthern Dur so Eragon can help speed up the process of choosing a king; Saphira will stay with the Varden and if they get attacked, Arya will fight with Saphira p.361

Footprints of Shadow

  1. Pick an emotion Eragon felt in this chapter and describe why he felt that way. Listen to your child’s answer; sad saying good-bye to his family and Saphira; anxious as he used the energy from dying animals to fill the gems in his belt; elated that the one Kull he respected the most joined him in his journey p.375

Over Hill and Mountain

  1. Describe how Eragon and Garzhvog bonded during their journey to the dwarf city. Eragon learned about Garzhvog and they faced dangers together. Eragon was sad to see him go back to the Varden p.387

For My Love

  1. Summarize how Roran killed the soldiers in the triangle of wagons? As Snowfire was running, Roran stood on the saddle and jumped into center of the wagons p.406

A Forest of Stone

  1. What agreement did Eragon and Orik make? If it looked like Orik wasn’t going to win the throne, Eragon needed to trust him to back another dwarf leader who would support the Varden p.424

The Laughing Dead

  1. Why is Roran’s heart heavy at the end of this chapter? His group attacked a convoy of soldiers who had a spell put on them to not feel pain, like the soldiers from the ships; only nine of the Varden remained and Martland’s hand was cut off; it was a horrendous battle p.427

Blood on the Rocks

  1. Summarize why Eragon feels like he needs a Rider’s sword. He just had a fight with seven dwarves and his falchion broke; he needs a true sword that won’t break and that will withstand blows from any enemy p.459

A Matter of Perspective

  1. Whose perspective did we hear in this chapter. Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? Saphira; listen to your child’s answer p.460

Kiss Me Sweet

  1. How did Katrina cheer Roran up? She reminded him that sane men do not like going to battle and killing people. True warriors go to battle because he has to p.470

Glumra

  1. List two ways Kvistor’s mother mourned his death. She chopped off part of her finger with a knife; she worshipped her gods; invited Eragon and his guards to stay until Orik summoned them p.476

Clanmeet

  1. How did the votes to win the throne get shifted to Orik? One of the clans attacked Eragon and Orik found out which one it was; he recommended the clanmeet ban the tribe and they all agreed p.496

Insubordination

  1. Do you agree with Roran’s decision to go against Edric’s orders? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.531
  2. What do you predict his consequence will be? Listen to your child’s answer

Message in a Mirror

  1. What two things did Nasuada talk to Saphira about? A member of the Varden killed three Urgals and she is conflicted with punishing him; Eragon reached out and requested Saphira fly out to join him at Farthen Dur p.534

Four Strokes upon the Drum

  1. What was the outcome of the vote? Who is the new dwarf king? Orik p.545

Reunion

  1. Why was Saphira so tired and hiccuping for the first time? She only took one break to get to Farthen Dur and needs rest and water to drink p.549

Ascension

  1. Who confirmed and blessed Orik as king? Guntera the dwarf god p.556

Words of Wisdom

  1. How did Eragon convince Nasuada to allow him to go to Ellesmera? She realized he needed more training to defeat Galbatorix p.565

The Whipping Post

  1. Why do you think Captain Edric is not a Captain anymore? He is not efficient and doesn’t do a good job at leading p.576

Among the Clouds

  1. Why was Eragon reluctant to fly all the way to Ellesmera? Saphira was exhausted p.584

Butting Heads

  1. How did Roran best Yarbog in the competition? When Yarbog was running to hit Roran, Roran grabbed his horn and wrestled him to ground, pinning him down p.593

Geneology

  1. What shocking news did Eragon learn on this chapter? Brom is his father p.604

Two Lovers Doomed

  1. Summarize Oromis and Eragon’s conversation on this chapter. Brom is Eragon’s father; he fell in love with the Black Hand, and she fell in love with him; Brom didn’t know she was pregnant with Eragon until after she died; he went up to Carvahall and found Eragon and that’s why Brom stayed there p.607

Inheritance

  1. Explain why Brom’s memory is special to Eragon. It helped Eragon feel, hear and see Brom and helped him know Brom’s feelings for him as his son p.621

Souls of Stone

  1. What revelation did Oromis and Glaedr share with Eragon in this chapter? Murtagh and Galbatorix get their strength from dragons who have put their consciousnesses in their heart of hearts; it is called Eldunari p.629

Hands of a Warrior

  1. Do you think Eragon will visit Sloan? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.642

The Tree of Life

  1. What is the consequence for attacking the Menoa tree? Eragon and Saphira received the brightsteel, but they offended the tree and elves at the same time. The elves may not forgive them p.660

Mind Over Metal

  1. Summarize this chapter? Rhunon made the sword in four hours; she didn’t want to break her oath, so she went into Eragon’s body and made it with his limbs p.668

A Rider in Full

  1. What did Eragon name his new sword and how did it react whenever he said its name? Brisingr; it lit on fire p.682

Greaves and Bracers

  1. What battle is commencing in this chapter? The Varden is attacking the city of Feinster p.686

Leave-Taking

  1. What sacred gift did Eragon and Saphira receive in this chapter? How will it help them? Glaedr’s Eldunari; they can communicate with Glaedr and Oromis and will have Glaedr’s energy for magic spells p.694

Flight

  1. What will Eragon and Saphira’s priority be in this battle? Saving Arya and another elf who are both trapped after they scaled the walls to the city p.704

Brisingr!

  1. How did Eragon get to use Brisingr in this chapter? He cut through the portcullis to the keep so the Varden could get through p.719

Shadow of Doom

  1. How was Arya able to kill the shade Varaug? Eragon distracted it via his mind and Arya killed it p.738

Sunrise

  1. When Eragon and Blodhgarm apologized to each other for both being foolish, what word would you use to describe this action? Why? Humility; they put aside the need to be prideful so they could work as a better team in the future p.740
  2. How did reading this last chapter make you feel? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer. Sad that Oromis died and that Glaedr is in the Eldunari; full of hope, excitement to see what happens p.740