Tag Archives: AR

Comprehension Questions – #8 Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed

Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed

by Barbara Park

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

There's no such thing as monsters. Mother and Daddy even said so. But then why is there monster drool on Junie B.'s pillow? Oh, no! What if Paulie Allen Puffer is right; what if she really does have a monster under her bed? If Junie B. goes to sleep, the monster might see her feet hanging down. And he might think her piggy toes are yummy little wiener sausages!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Junie B. wear her dinosaur dress to school? It was picture day p.2
  2. What did Paulie Allen Puffer say that gave Junie B. shivers on her arms? That everyone has a monster under their bed p.8
  3. Where did Paulie explain the drool on your pillow comes from? A monster lying on your pillow practicing putting your head in his mouth p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Junie B. continue to say, “just say right” to her friends in class? She wanted them to tell her there weren’t any monsters under her bed p.14
  2. Did her friends help her feel better? no p.17
  3. Why isn’t Grace saying, “right”? Because she felt there really might be a monster under Junie B.’s bed p.18

Chapter 3

  1. What fun snack did Grandma Miller want to make for Junie B. to help her feel better? Popcorn p.21
  2. What made Junie B. nervous while she was changing out of her school clothes? She thought about the monster that could be under her bed p.23
  3. Why couldn’t Grandma Miller see the monster under Junie B.’s bed? Because he turns invisible when you look at him p.26

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Junie B.’s dad cook hamburgers for dinner? That’s her favorite meal and he hoped it would help her feel better or distract her p.31
  2. Why didn’t Junie B. want to go to bed? She was scared there was a monster under her bed p.33
  3. Why did Junie B.’s parents get frustrated because she wouldn’t stay in bed? They knew there wasn’t a monster under her bed, but she wouldn’t believe them p.36

Chapter 5

  1. Who was Junie B. relieved to see that night? Her dog, Tickle p.44
  2. Where did Junie B. try to go to sleep and who did she take with her? Her parent’s room; her stuffed animal and dolls p.47
  3. What happened when Junie B.’s mom woke up? She took her right back to bed and told her not to get out again in a quiet angry voice p.48

Chapter 6

  1. How did Grace’s mom get rid of the monster under her bed? She sucked it out with the vacuum hose, put the vacuum cleaner bag in the trash compactor and smashed it flat p.51
  2. Why was there still a problem when Grandma Miller vacuumed under the bed and put the bag in the trash? It wasn’t the trash compactor, so the monster wouldn’t be smashed flat p.54
  3. Why was Junie B. still nervous after her grandma flattened the bag with her car tires? Because it wasn’t the trash compactor p.56

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Junie B. panic when she saw drool on her pillow? Paulie told her that was monster drool and that meant the monster laid his head on her pillow p.58
  2. How did the kids react to Junie B.’s pictures? They laughed and said they were gross p.63

Chapter 8

  1. How did Junie B. feel about her pictures when she first saw them and brought them home? She thought they were ugly p.65
  2. What was Junie B.’s great idea? She thought her school pictures were so scary, she put them under the bed to scare the monster p.66
  3. How did Junie B.’s mother feel about the solution to her problem? She laughed and thought it was a good idea too p.67

Comprehension Questions – When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts: 6.0

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper: I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

Comprehension Questions

Chapters 1-3 pgs. 1-11

Ask your child to think about the names of the chapters and how they’re symbolic to the story. Tell them you’ll ask them at the end of the book to see if they’ve figured it out.

  1. What point of view is this story told in and who’s the main character? first person; Miranda p.1,5
  2. Why does Miranda’s mom need to win the game show? Because her mom’s hating work and if she wins, she doesn’t have to work anymore p.6
  3. What book is Miranda telling Belle about while waiting for her mom in the store? A Wrinkle in Time; If you child doesn’t know yet, don’t tell them, sections of this book come up through the rest of the story p.8
  4. What did Miranda and her mom hide in this chapter? A key to their apartment p.11

Chapters 4-6 pgs. 12-20

  1. How did Miranda meet Sal? She and her mom had just moved into the apartment and that same day they met Louisa holding Sal in the lobby. He was crying and stopped when he saw Miranda p.15
  2. Describe the crazy man on the corner? He showed up as school began and would do sudden kicks into the street, shake his fist at the sky, yell crazy stuff and throw his head back and laugh so everyone could see his mouth full of fillings. He sometimes slept with his head under the mailbox p.16
  3. Who is Miranda referring to when she says, “you”? listen to your children’s thoughts

Chapters 7-10 pgs. 21-31

  1. What’s the consequence of Sal getting punched? It ended Miranda’s and his friendship p.24
  2. How does Miranda deal with strangers that she comes across? She asks them if they have the time p.25
  3. How did Miranda deal with the bully who followed her and punched Sal? She turned around and asked him if he had the time; after their conversation realized she wasn’t scared of him p.30

Chapters 11-14 pgs. 32-53

  1. Why did Miranda ask Annemarie if she wanted to have lunch together? Miranda needed a friend and overheard Julia tell Annemarie that she wouldn’t eat lunch with her for the rest of the week p.35
  2. Why is it important that Louisa writes down notes from the game show? So Miranda’s mom can practice just how it will be when she gets on the show p.40
  3. Who was the last kid on the list Miranda picked up to the dentist and what did they have a debate about? Marcus, the boy who hit Sal; Miranda’s book p.47

Chapters 15-19 pgs. 54-66

  1. Where did Miranda, Annemarie and Colin get jobs and what was the pay? Jimmy’s; a soda and cheese sandwich p.55
  2. What was missing and what did Miranda find in her library book? The apartment key; a note that freaked Miranda and her mom out p.60
  3. Why was Miranda nervous to bring Annemarie home? They had to walk by the group of boys and the laughing man on the corner p.64

Chapters 20-25 pgs. 67-83

  1. What was in Jimmy’s bank in the back of the restaurant? Lots of $2 bills p.69
  2. How does Miranda feel about Colin? She has a crush on him p.74
  3. What did Jimmy do to Julia at the sandwich shop? He kicked her out p.83

Chapters 26-30 pgs. 84-99

  1. What had been stolen from Miranda’s apartment? Richard’s work shoes p.87
  2. Why shouldn’t Annemarie eat bread and drink soda? She has epilepsy and that type of food makes her seizures worse p.92
  3. What did Miranda learn from the third note? That whoever was writing the notes was watching her p.99

Chapters 31-34 pgs. 100-117

  1. Why did Marcus hit Sal? To see what would happen p.105
  2. Why had Miranda’s bread count at Jimmy’s come up short? Colin had taken two of the rolls and stuffed them in his knapsack p.109
  3. How did Miranda’s mom react when she found out Miranda gave the laughing man a sandwich? She was upset and thought Miranda put herself in danger p.115

Chapters 35-39 pgs. 118-136

  1. Why didn’t Jimmy let the kids into the restaurant? Someone had stolen his bank and he assumed it was one of them p.124
  2. Why does Jimmy think Julia stole the bank? She’s black p.130
  3. If you haven’t figured it out yet, what’s the book Miranda is always carrying and debating with Marcus? A Wrinkle in Time p.135

Chapters 40-43 pgs. 137-153

  1. Why did Miranda’s mom get scared when Miranda wasn’t home and she didn’t know where she was? She thought something happened to her; Miranda left and said she was going to bring back a bagel for her and never came back p.141
  2. What caused Miranda’s change of heart? She saw Julia’s face as she looked at Annemarie and realized she had the same face when she looked at Sal p.144
  3. Who was at the door when Miranda heard the strange knock and what did they want? Colin; he kissed Miranda p.153

Chapters 44-47 pgs. 154-170

  1. Why did Sal run away from Marcus into the road? Sal was scared of him because he had punched him p.158
  2. Who wrote the notes to Miranda and saved Sal’s life? The laughing man p.162
  3. Why did Sal want to take a break from being friends with Miranda? He wanted to have other friends because he didn’t have any p.169

Chapters 48-55 pgs. 171-197

  1. Explain what happened with Marcus’ brother and Marcus’ explanation of why he hit Sal. Anthony, Marcus’ brother got beat up and Marcus stood and watched. Anthony was upset that Marcus didn’t help him and told him he’d have to hit and be hit someday to understand. The next day Marcus hit Sal and instead of hitting Marcus back, Sal bent over and cried. When Anthony found out what Marcus did, he was mad at him for hitting a short kid p.177
  2. Who’s the laughing man? Marcus from the future p.189
  3. What did Miranda find under the mailbox and who’s the drawing of? Her missing apartment key and a drawing of Julia p.194
  4. Summarize this story. Miranda received three notes explaining she needed to write a letter telling the story of what happened between Sal and Marcus. The notes were from Marcus (the laughing man) from the future. Young Marcus needed the letter to know how to protect Sal.

Challenge Question

  1. What did the chapter titles represent in this story? Subjects on $20,000 Pyramid

Comprehension Questions – #10 Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal

Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal

by Barbara Park

Grades 2-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

Lucille is having a slumber party - at her richie nanna's big giant house! Grace and Junie B. can't wait to see all the rich stuff in that place. Sleeping over at the nanna's is sure to be a dream come true! 'Cause what could possibly go wrong?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Lucille’s nanna. She’s very rich; she owns a gold Cadillac and drives Lucille to school every day; she has a huge house with lots of rooms and Lucille’s family lives with her p.2
  2. How did Lucille feel about Junie B. calling her nanna, Nanna? She was very upset p.6
  3. How did Junie B. make Lucille’s nana laugh? Nanna thought the things Junie B. said were darling p.6

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Lucille upset at Junie B. and Grace? She was trying to convince her nanna to be her a white poodle when Junie B. and Grace climbed in the back of the car p.11
  2. What was Junie B.’s idea to help Lucille get the poodle? Junie B. and Grace could sleep over and help beg for the poodle p.13

Chapter 3

  1. How did Junie B. get invited to sleepover? Lucille’s nanna called Junie B.’s mom p.16
  2. List three rules Junie B. needs to follow to spend the night at Lucille’s. No running, no jumping, no shouting, no squealing, no hollering, no snooping, no spying, no arguing, no fighting, no cheating at games, no talking back to the nanna, no breaking other people’s toys, no grumping, no crying, no fibbing, no tickling people when they say no, no staying up late, and absolutely no head-butting p.20

Chapter 4

  1. List two things Junie B. packed by herself for Lucille’s. Slippers, pajamas, pillow, bathrobe, blanket, sheets, stuffed elephant name Philip Johnny Bob, and a small throw rug p.22
  2. Why was Junie B. so energetic and excited when Lucille’s nanna arrived to pick her up? She’d been sitting and waiting all day instead of using her energy p.28
  3. Who was in the car with Lucille's nanna? Lucille and Grace p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Lucille’s nanna say no as Junie B. and Grace asked her to get a poodle for Lucille? Her nanna’s allergic to dogs p.32
  2. Name one room in Lucille’s home you would enjoy having in your own and why? Have your child name a room and explain why. Here are the rooms: living room, dining room, kitchen, big giant patio, daddy’s office, mother’s office, family room, pool room to play pool, outside pool to swim and sit in the hot tub, the library, the gym, Nanna’s room, mother and daddy’s room, fancy gold bathroom with the Jacuzzi, brother’s room, Lucille’s bedroom, and a whole bunch of guest rooms p.35
  3. Why couldn’t Junie B. and Grace play with Lucille’s stuffed animals or sit on her bed? They were just for show p.37

Chapter 6

  1. How did Nanna react after Junie B. broke a crystal glass, dropped her Frank on the white tablecloth from Ireland, and spilled chocolate ice cream on her chair cushion? She sighed and said, “you’re a bit of a bull in a China shop, aren’t you dear?”, she patted her hand and then said, “quite all right” p.47
  2. What bed did the girls jump on? The guest room bed that made for tall people p.53
  3. Describe what happened when the girls had a pillow fight on the bed? Junie B.’s pillow ripped open and feathers exploded out of it, then Nanna walked in the room and put her face in the pillow p.57

Chapter 7

  1. What did Lucille do when Nanna said, “I don’t want to hear one more peep out of you”? she started saying “peep” over and over p.62
  2. How did Nanna react? She opened the door to the bedroom and yelled, “SILENCE!” p.63
  3. How did Junie B. feel about Nanna now? She was scared of her p.63

Chapter 8

  1. What word would you use to describe Junie B. as she decided she didn’t want to eat anything since she might break or ruin more things? Responsible, thoughtful, careful, etc. p.68
  2. Why was Junie B. relieved to feel her normal back seat material instead of the soft material in the nanna’s car? She didn’t have to be as careful and she could relax p.69
  3. What helped Junie B. realize that she loved her own nanna just perfect? She can be herself around her own nanna, is comfortable, and doesn’t have to worry about breaking things or making her mad p.71

Comprehension Questions – The Fudge Books Superfudge

Superfudge

by Judy Blume

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

Farley Drexel Hatcher - otherwise known as Fudge - thinks he's a superhero, but his older brother, Peter, knows Fudge is nothing but a big pain! Dealing with Fudge is hard enough, but now Peter's parents have decided to move to New Jersey for an entire year! Even worse, Peter's mom is going to have a new baby. And if this baby is anything like Fudge - help! How will Peter ever survive?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the big news Peter’s parents told him? His mother is going to have a baby p.3
  2. Describe how Peter felt about the new baby? He was angry; he didn’t want another sibling like Fudge; he wanted to run away p.4
  3. How did Peter come to accept the idea of the new baby? His dad told him to take a chance, the baby may not be like Fudge; his mom promised him the baby would sleep in the dining room and not his room p.10

Chapter 2

  1. How did Peter feel about the baby’s nickname, Tootsie? He thought it was a terrible name since he thought she’d be teased when she went to school p.16
  2. Why wasn’t Tootsie in her crib when Peter came home from school? Fudge had taken her out and was playing hide and seek with her p.19
  3. Why did Fudge try to sell Tootsie? He wanted to be the baby; Tootsie wasn’t any fun p.21

Chapter 3

  1. What news did Peter’s parents share with him and Fudge in this chapter? They’re moving to Princeton, New Jersey for a year p.31
  2. Why was Peter upset that in Princeton, Fudge will be in the same school? He didn’t want to go to a new school; he doesn’t want to be in the same school as Fudge p.35
  3. Why was Peter’s father taking a leave of absence from work? He’s writing a book p.38

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Jimmy come and apologize to Peter for getting mad at him for moving? He realized he was only an hour away by train and Peter can’t do anything about moving p.41
  2. Why is Sheila glad Peter’s moving? She won’t have to smell his dog p.46
  3. Why did Fudge put trading stamps all over Tootsie? He wants to trade her in for a two-wheeler p.49

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Peter’s dad buy books about roses, gardening and beetles? In the new house they had a rose garden, as well as an herb and vegetable garden p.52
  2. Describe Alex Santo. He’s going into 6th grade like Peter; he’s very small; has hair that hangs in his eyes; wears a t-shirt that says Princeton Class of ’91 p.54
  3. Why did Alex and Peter take worms to Mrs. Muldour and why were they so small? She buys them for $.05 a worm; they cut them in half/thirds to make more money p.58

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Peter have trouble falling asleep? He missed the sounds of the city; it was too quiet p.64
  2. Why didn’t Peter want to walk with Fudge to school? He wanted to ride his bike like all the other kids at school p.67
  3. Why did Peter get called down to the principal’s office? To help get Fudge down from on top of a cabinet. Fudge had kicked the teacher because she wouldn’t call him Fudge, and then he climbed up on top of the cabinet just below the ceiling p.74

Chapter 7

  1. What kind of bird does Fudge want and why? A myna bird; they can talk p.82
  2. Why was it ironic that the bird was copying Fudge? Fudge had copied Peter in everything he had said and now Fudge was being copied p.88
  3. Who helped Fudge sleep in his own room again? Uncle Feather his bird p.89

Chapter 8

  1. Whose painting did Peter see in the art gallery? Jimmy’s dad’s painting p.100
  2. Why is Peter’s mom going back to work in the dentist office? They need the money; Peter’s dad is writing a book and isn’t working  p.102
  3. Why didn’t Peter tell Beverly the story of how the painting became Anita’s Anger? He realized there were things he wouldn’t want Jimmy to tell other people, so he thought this was probably one of those things Jimmy wouldn’t want others to know p.111

Chapter 9

  1. Describe Daniel, Fudge’s friend. He’s pudgy with a lot of red hair and ears that stick out; he’s 6; knows a lot about birds; very picky about his food; always watches TV while he’s eating p.116
  2. Why was it difficult for Peter when his two best friends met? They were jealous of each other and couldn’t stand each other p.122
  3. Describe what happened at the movie theater. The boys ran into Sharon, Elaine and Joanne from school. Joanne bought their tickets, and everyone was introduced to Jimmy; they got the little boys settled in the theater, then the older kids went to their own seats; Peter sat next to Joanne, they shared popcorn, and then held hands after Fudge put ice down Peter’s back p.126

Chapter 10

  1. What did Fudge want for Christmas? A red bicycle like Peter’s p.137
  2. Why was Peter upset there weren’t ever secrets during Christmastime? He always knew what he was going to get for Christmas, either by finding the presents or overhearing his mom talking about it p.140
  3. What’s Fudge’s opinion of Santa Claus? He knows he’s not real, but pretends since his mom and dad thinks he believes in Santa p.147

Chapter 11

  1. Why wasn’t Peter worried about his parents getting a divorce? Whenever his parents fought, they ended up laughing p.150
  2. Why did Fudge get so many cuts and bruises while riding his bike? He didn’t use the brakes and would crash into things p.151
  3. Who did Fudge have Brian Tumkin draw? Mr. Green the principal p.157

Chapter 12

  1. What prank did Fudge play on Peter? Fudge woke Peter up saying he was late for school, but it was really a Saturday p.159
  2. What did Alex and Peter do for the afternoon? Had a picnic at the lake and watched the university rowing team p.163
  3. What consequence did Peter suggest as a punishment for the boys running away? Taking away their bikes for a month p.173

Comprehension Questions – Ready, Freddy! Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

by Abby Klein

Grades PreK-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

Freddy's Thresher's first-grade class is doing a Thanksgiving play, and Freddy wants to have a really cool part. Will he get to be an Indian, or will Thanksgiving end up being nothing but big trouble onstage?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? It’s the Pilgrims first harvest in the New World in October 1621
  2. What are three things you’re thankful for? Encourage and listen to your child
  3. What was the class going to get to perform for the parents and how will they get their parts? A play; the parts will go in a hat and each person will choose p.18

Chapter 2

  1. What made Freddy so excited that he danced around the dinner table? His grandparents were coming for Thanksgiving p.20
  2. What’s the worst part Freddy could get in the play? the Thanksgiving turkey p.26
  3. What part in the play does Freddy hope to get? An Indian p.27

Chapter 3

  1. How did Freddy feel about Jessie when she stood up to Max? He thought she was brave and wanted to be like her p.32
  2. What was Max’s consequence for teasing Chloe? He was to go to time-out and have last pick for his part p.34
  3. What part in the play did Freddy get? The turkey p.38

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Freddy lucky to get to be the turkey for the play? It’s the symbol of Thanksgiving and is a very important part of the play p.40
  2. What part did Jessie get and how did she feel about it? The Indian princess; she was happy because the princess was brave p.42
  3. How was Jessie a friend to Freddy on the bus home from school? Max was making fun of Freddy for being the turkey and she told him to stop and that she knew karate p.44

Chapter 5

  1. How did Freddy’s mom know that something was wrong after school? He usually goes to the kitchen after school for a snack, but instead he went to his room and hid under his covers p.50
  2. What did Freddy decide to do so he wouldn’t have to be in the play? Run away from home until after Thanksgiving p.51
  3. How did Freddy’s mom find his packed suitcase? She tripped on the handle p.56

Chapter 6

  1. How would Suzie have felt if Freddy ran away? Really sad p.63
  2. What did Freddy give Suzie to keep his secret of taking a family picture off his mom’s dresser? his golden-dollar coin p.65

Chapter 7

  1. What advice did Papa Dave give Freddy about running away? Running away doesn’t solve anyone’s problems, people have to face them head on p.68
  2. What was Papa Dave’s reason for the turkey being the best part of the play? The turkey will be the most remembered because its different and being different is good p.70
  3. What advice did Freddy receive from his grandpa about Max bullying him? Show Max that he’s proud to be turkey and to wobble, flap his wings and gobble until Max runs away p.70

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Freddy’s mom find his hood for the play? In the bathroom laundry hamper p.74
  2. What made Freddy run out of the room and hide in the supply closet? The kids in the class were laughing at him as he put on his costume p.77
  3. How did the principal help Freddy feel better about being the turkey? He told Freddy about his part in a play in first grade. He was a piece of trash and stole the show by dancing and by being the best piece of trash anybody had ever seen p.83

Comprehension Questions – Ready, Freddy! Don’t Sit on My Lunch!

Don't Sit on My Lunch!

by Abby Klein

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

Freddy Thresher knows that Max Sellars is the biggest, meanest bully in the whole first grade. The best way to get along with Max is to stay out of his way. He'll push you, he'll punch you, he'll sit on your lunch! So is Freddy crazy to think he can beat out Max and get the one open spot on the hockey team? Now Freddy's friend Jessie has to get him into shape...if it's the last thing she does!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Jessie have that Max wanted? A jersey p.12
  2. What sport does Jessie play? Ice Hockey p.13
  3. What’s a bully? A person who seeks to harm or intimidate others p.14

Chapter 2

  1. How did Freddy’s mom react when he told her he wanted to play hockey? She screamed that no child of hers would play hockey; she was really upset p.20
  2. How did Freddy’s dad convince his mom that playing hockey would be good for Freddy? It would help his hand eye coordination; he would learn about sportsmanship; its good exercise p.23

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Jessie call Freddy? To invite him over after school to practice hockey in the parking lot p.30
  2. How did Suzie treat Freddy when he was talking to Jessie on the phone? She teased him, sang the kissing song to him p.31
  3. What did Freddy’s dad do in response to her teasing? He sent her to her room, like sending a hockey player to the penalty box p.34

Chapter 4

  1. How did Max bully Freddy at lunch? He sat on his lunch sack and smushed his lunch p.36
  2. Why didn’t Jessie think Max would be good at hockey? He wasn’t a team player p.39
  3. How did Max get sent to the time-out table? He broke Chloe’s chopstick and she called over Miss Becky the lunch helper, and explained how Max had been a bully p.44

Chapter 5

  1. Who watches Jessie after school while her mother is at work? Her grandmother p.46
  2. What snack did Jessie and Freddy have after school? Tamales p.47
  3. What did Jessie teach Freddy, as she helped him prepare for the hockey tryouts? He needed to get used to people coming at him; how to hold the stick; how to hit the puck to shoot, pass and make a goal p.51

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Freddy need to apologize to Suzie? He was showing his dad how to shoot a puck using a knife and mashed potatoes and flicked mashed potatoes into Suzie’s face p.56
  2. Why was Freddy so upset that his family thought Jessie was his girlfriend? It was embarrassing to him; she wasn’t his girlfriend and just a friend p.64
  3. What was Freddy’s nickname and why is it a good hockey name? Mouse; because mice move quickly, they can move easily in and out of tight spots, and they almost never get caught p.66

Chapter 7

  1. Define what bragging means and how does it make you feel when someone else is bragging? To talk boastfully; it can make you feel bad p.67
  2. What did Chloe’s mom teach her to do when Max was bullying her? Ignore him p.69
  3. What did Freddy bet Max? His snack and dessert for a week p.68

Chapter 8

  1. Name Freddy’s two good luck charms? His shark tooth and great white shark underwear p.73
  2. How did Suzie help Freddy the morning of the tryouts? She made a pinky swear that she wouldn’t tell their mom about Freddy wearing his lucky underwear when they were dirty and let Freddy use her lucky penny p.78

Chapter 9

  1. Whose team was Freddy on during tryouts? Max’s p.80
  2. Why was it important for Freddy to skate down to the goal when Max had the puck? If the puck didn’t go into the goal, he could pick up the rebound; he picked up the rebound and when Max passed the puck to him, he made a goal and they won the game p.83
  3. Who made the hockey team? Freddy and Max p.88

Comprehension Questions – Baseball Pals

Baseball Pals

by Matt Christopher

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

Jimmie learns an important lesson about the misuse of power when he is elected captain of his baseball team and makes decisions that are not in the team's best interests.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. On the ballfield; the characters of the story were gathered talking about which position everyone would play; autumn time p.3
  2. Who convinced everyone he was to be the pitcher and how did he do it? Jimmie; he was the new team captain, he said he’d been practicing all summer, and he found other positions for the team members to play p.3
  3. Why did Ervie make Jimmie feel unsettled? Jimmie didn’t know if Ervie was happy or not; Ervie looked at Paul in a certain way p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Why wasn’t Tiny playing with Jimmie’s team this year? The Red Rockets had already asked him to be on their team and gave him a jersey p.9
  2. Describe Jimmie’s experience while he was pitching in this chapter. He struggled getting it over the plate and walked two guys. Then he slowed down his pitches and the batters hit them p.15
  3. Why was Jimmie pleased with himself at the end of the chapter? He hit a ball way out in the field and made it to third base p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Who’s the team’s new manager? Mr. Nichols p.19
  2. After the game why did Ervie want to go home? He was hungry and it was getting late p.22
  3. How does Jimmie feel about Ervie? He wishes he didn’t have to bring him with him to the field; he’s impatient with him p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Jimmie lie to his mom about coming home on time? He didn’t want to come home on time and wanted to stay at the field p.26
  2. When Jimmie went to Paul’s after dinner, what did he find Paul doing? Practicing his pitching p.28
  3. What was the news Tiny told Jimmie at the end of this chapter? Paul wasn’t playing the Planets, instead he was going to play with the Red Rockets p.31

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. Jimmie went home and to his room. He was upset about Paul joining the other team, and got angry to the point that he decided he didn’t care anymore, then he went to play with Ervie p.35

Chapter 6

  1. How did Mr. Nichols react to Paul leaving the team? He said it was ok and that Jimmie could become a good pitcher too with practice p.38
  2. Who went out to pitch after Jimmie continued to throw bad pitches during batting practice? Mr. Nichols p.41

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jimmie go to Mose’s house early Saturday morning? To practice pitching since Mose was going to be the catcher p.43
  2. How did Jimmie do while he was practicing? Not very well; he never threw to the mitt p.44
  3. Why did the umpire yell “Balk!” when Jimmie was winding up before a pitch? A pitcher can’t wind up if there are men on base, because after a pitcher winds up, he can’t stop and throw it to the base to get them out p.46

Chapter 8

  1. Find a simile at the top of page 52. Jimmie ran like a deer p.52
  2. Who won, the Mohawks or the Planets? The Mohawks p.53
  3. Why didn’t Ervie think the Planets were going to win any games in the league? He said they didn’t have a good pitcher p.55

Chapter 9

  1. Where did Jimmie go with his father? Fishing p.56
  2. What important lesson did Mr. Todd teach Jimmie while they were fishing? To be patient and to keep at something if you want it p.61

Chapter 10

  1. What was Jimmie’s plan so Paul would come and watch TV with him that evening? Have his mom invite over his parents and Paul would come over too p.63
  2. What did Ervie say that made Jimmie mad and run out of the room when the Karoski’s came over? that Paul was mad at Jimmie because they both wanted to pitch for the Planets p.66

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Jimmie see during their Sunday walk and how did he feel? Some boys playing baseball from his team and Paul was pitching; made him mad p.68
  2. Why did the praise, Jimmie’s dad said about Paul, hurt Jimmie? His own dad said that Paul had really nice form and was going to be a great pitcher one day when Jimmie struggled at being a pitcher p.71

Chapter 12

  1. What secret did Jimmie tell Wishy? That Jimmie doesn’t think he’ll be a pitcher and instead he should play infield p.75
  2. What did Wishy help Jimmie practice? Catching grounders p.76

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Jimmie feeling confident, like he could hit anything? He had decided not to be pitcher and felt good about his decision p.80
  2. What position did Jimmie play for the last two innings? First basemen p.85
  3. Whose name did Jimmie cry out when he was cheering for the pitcher? Paul’s name p.86

Chapter 14

  1. When does the team list need to be turned in? Before Thursday p.87
  2. Why was Mr. Nichols impressed with Jimmie as he practiced playing infield? He didn’t realize Jimmie was so good p.90

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Jimmie take Ervie along to see Paul? He didn’t want to be alone to talk to Paul p.91
  2. Why was Paul’s mom upset when Jimmie told her Paul left in a blue car? She was worried about him and sad that he didn’t tell her where he was going p.98

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Paul gone for four hours? His cousin asked him to go for a ride, but only thought it would be a half hour, then as they got to the lake the car stopped, and they had to get a ride home from somebody p.101
  2. How did Paul respond when Jimmie told him he could pitch for the Planets? He said he was already pitching for the Red Rockets p.103

Chapter 17

  1. Who was in the alley waiting to talk to Jimmie? Paul with team members from the Planets p.106
  2. How did Wishy convince Paul to come play for the Planets? He gathered other team members, took them over to Paul’s house, and they talked him into it p.108
  3. Why did Jimmie want Mr. Nichols to call the Red Rockets manager about Paul switching teams? He was worried what the other manager would say p.110

Chapter 18

  1. How did Jimmie feel as he played short stop? Confident; happy; had fun; enjoyed playing p.112
  2. Who won the game? The Planets p.117
  3. What was more important to Jimmie than winning the game? Having Paul on the team 117

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #25 Shadow of the Shark

Shadow of the Shark

by Mary Pope Osborne

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

When Teddy, a young sorcerer, offers to send Jack and Annie on a dream vacation, they can't wait to go. The brother-and-sister pair wish for a trip to a beach paradise, and the magic tree house whisks them off to the coast of Mexico. Everything starts out perfectly as they raft around a coral reef. But then a hungry shark attacks and their dream vacation turns into a nightmare!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What were the children up to when they found Teddy’s note? They had just finished snorkeling and were riding their bikes home p.5
  2. How do Merlin and Morgan want to thank Jack and Annie for their hard work? By sending them on holiday, a vacation p.10
  3. Where do Jack and Annie want to go on vacation and why? Cozumel; the snorkeling is great there p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Why didn’t Jack want Annie to record or take pictures of the beach? He didn’t know what he would say to his parents if they saw the video or pictures p.19
  2. Why was Jack hesitant to take the raft? He didn’t know who it belonged to p.20
  3. What did Jack read in the guidebook about coral? It’s made of animals, is very delicate and takes a long time to grow, so you shouldn’t touch it p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what Jack saw as he snorkeled in the water? Fish, turtles, crabs, jellyfish, a stingray p.27
  2. Why was it so difficult for Jack to control the raft? The current was pushing him around p.32
  3. What did Jack see that made him panic? A shark fin coming towards them p.33
  4. How did Jack and Annie escape the shark? They used a coin from the velvet bag and said they’d like to have fun escaping the shark, so the waves pushed them further out to sea p.35

Chapter 4

  1. What did the kids learn they were floating towards? Eastern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula p.40
  2. Why did the kids want to use a magical coin? To wish for money so they could pay for a hotel, dinner, ferry ride and the theme park they read about p.46
  3. Why did Annie want to check out the theme park before going to the hotel? She heard music and wanted to see if there was a performance going on p.48

Chapter 5

  1. How did Annie convince Jack to skip buying the tickets and slip through the opening of the wall? She told him the show would be over if they spent the time to buy the tickets p.54
  2. What did Jack notice the audience was wearing? Boy were wearing loincloths or feathered robes and the women and girls wore colorful dresses with big jewelry; many men wore headdresses p.55
  3. What happened when Annie spoke to the boys watching the dance? They were frightened and one told his mom; the dance stopped, the warriors came and got Jack and Annie and took them to the House of Columns p.58

Chapter 6

  1. What did Jack and Annie realize while waiting in the House of Columns? Teddy accidentally sent them to ancient Mayan times, not to Cozumel in their timep.64
  2. What happened to the velvet coin purse? Annie put it down to help put the raft on the beach and left it on the sand p.67
  3. Why does Heart-of-the-Wind’s father think Jack is to be the next ruler? He thinks the gods sent Jack p.75

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Annie call Heart-of-the-Wind brave? She loves to explore and swim in the dark by herself p.78
  2. How did Jack and Annie escape the House of Columns? Heart-of-the-Wind distracted the guards and the kids jumped out the window p.80
  3. Who are the Ones-Who-Tell-the-History-of-the-Forest and why? Howler monkeys; they howl at night as if they’re telling a story p.83
  4. How did the kids get passed the jaguar in the forest? Heart-of-the-Wind gave him peaceful thoughts p.86

Chapter 8

  1. What did Heart-of-the-Wind call the sinkhole? The Sacred Well p.90
  2. Describe the Underworld. A huge chamber with a hole in the top letting moonlight in, huge columns of white rock stretched down from the ceiling (stalactites), with animal statues guarding it, then to a narrow pitch-black cave p.91
  3. Why did Jack and Annie suggest Heart-of-the-Wind be the next leader of her people? She was a great leader, with courage and compassion p.98

Chapter 9

  1. What was Annie’s plan for convincing Heart-of-the-Wind’s father that she’d make a great leader? Use the cell phone to have Jack record a message to her father, to plant the idea that she could be the next leader p.104
  2. How did Heart-of-the-Wind respond to using the phone and watching the message? She was in awe p.106
  3. Why did Heart-of-the-Wind want to make the wish? She wanted to make a miracle for the kids, just like they had done for her p.111

Chapter 10

  1. How did Jack and Annie get back to Cozumel safely? A huge whale shark swam under them, lifted the raft onto its back and swam to the shore p.117
  2. Why did the whale behave that way? When Heart-of-the-Wind spoke the words for the coin, she asked that a shark help the kids have a fun and safe ride p.118
  3. What did Jack find when he looked up Heart-of-the-Wind on the computer? That she had become a ruler of the Mayan people, was the first female ruler, and became ruler under extremely unusual circumstances p.129

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Missing Mummy

The Missing Mummy

By Ron Roy

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

It’s Mummy Monday at the museum, and Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are going to see a new Egyptian exhibit. It features a child mummy in an actual tomb! But then the mummy is stolen and the tomb robbed of its treasure. Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose unravel the mystery and return the mummy to its rightful resting place?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did the kids want to go to the museum? All week long they were having programs that looked fun p.2
  2. How did the kids earn money for the programs? They helped clean out Josh’s barn and his dad paid them p.3
  3. What’s the exhibit at the museum the kids went to? An Egyptian exhibit with mummies p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What’s an ancient Egyptian coffin called? A Sarcophagus p.11
  2. What’s each mummy wrapped in? strips of linen cloth p.13
  3. Where did Ruth Rose find the missing mummy? In the girl’s restroom p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what the kids thought the mummy snatcher might have done to get away? She might have disguised herself after taking the mummy in the restroom p.20
  2. Where did the kids go to look for the lady who took the mummy? Back into the tomb p.22
  3. Why are the kids trapped inside the tomb? While they were in there, the tomb entrance closed p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Describe what it was like for the kids when they were locked inside the tomb? Cold, creepy, quiet p.27
  2. What did the kids do to get more comfortable after sitting on the gravel/ground? Ruth Rose found carpet squares in a closet, so they spread them out in the closet and laid on them p.29
  3. What woke up the kids while they were sleeping in the closet? A huge blast that shook the closet p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Who appeared after the blast and what were they doing? two thieves; stealing the treasure p.33
  2. How did the thieves get into the tomb? They blew a hole into the building from outside p.35
  3. Who came by Dink’s house the next day and why? Officers Peters and Washington; to ask the kids questions about the thieves p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Why did the kids want to go back to the museum? It was Tyrannosaurus rex Tuesday p.43
  2. Why did the kids go sit at the back of the museum? They were early, it was hot, and they wanted to sit in the shade p.44
  3. What did Josh smell when the thieves broke into the museum? French fries p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Why did the kids decide to go check out Aunt Freda’s Fabulous Fries? Because Josh had smelled French fries during the theft, there might be a connection p.56
  2. Describe what the kids discovered at the restaurant? A woman with short hair works there; Ruth Rose realized she has short dark hair like the woman who came out of the restroom; Dink realized she walked like one of the thieves; Josh realized she smells like French fries p.62

Chapter 8

  1. How did the kids get the opportunity to go into the kitchen and look around? Ruth Rose told Aunt Freda that Dink wanted to know how to make her French fries p.63
  2. What evidence did the kids find in the kitchen? They saw a black gym bag and a black jacket that’s short enough to see a white line of an apron underneath; Josh found a pebble like the gravel in the tomb p.66

Chapter 9

  1. Explain Dink’s dream? He was trapped in the tomb alone and the mummies came toward him, he felt a cold hand on his shoulder and the mummy’s linen strips were wrapping around him p.69
  2. Where does Dink think the treasure is hidden? In the small sarcophagus p.73
  3. Why do the kids think Dr. Tweed was one of the thieves? Someone had to set the bomb inside the tomb and the treasure would have been too heavy to carry it far, so he hid it in the sarcophagus knowing he’d be able to get to it p.73

Chapter 10

  1. What did the kids and police officers find in the tomb? Dr. Tweed holding a gym bag p.78
  2. Where were Dr. Tweed and the woman from the restaurant flying to and why? Europe; to sell the treasures p.79
  3. Where did the officers take Dr. Tweed and the woman? To jail p.82

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The School Skeleton

The School Skeleton

By Ron Roy

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

It’s a bona fide mystery at Dink’s school. Some sneaky soul has stolen the skeleton from the nurse’s office! The principal promises free aquarium tickets to the savvy student sleuths who can track down poor Mr. Bones. Soon mysterious clues are showing up all over the school. It’s up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to follow the clues and put those old bones to rest.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Donald David Duncan go by Dink? When he first learned to talk, all he could say was Dink when he tried to say his name p.2
  2. Why did Dink need to go to the nurse’s office? He got a paper cut and needed a Band Aid p.3
  3. What did Dink notice was missing from the nurse’s office? Mr. Bones the skeleton p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What’s the reward for the class that finds Mr. Bones? Free tickets to the new aquarium in Hartford, CT p.13
  2. Why did Josh think Mr. Neater could be a suspect for the missing skeleton? He has keys to the doors in the school p.14
  3. What was the topic of the story Mrs. Eagle assigned the kids to write? The vanishing school skeleton p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the footprint Ruth Rose and Josh found in the corner where the skeleton usually hung?  It was in the dust and looked like it was made by a sneaker; it was the left foot and adult sized p.18
  2. What did the kids want to do with the footprint before Mr. Neater swept up the office? Draw and measure it p.21
  3. How did Dink know the nurse, office secretary, or principal didn’t take the skeleton? The bottom of their shoes didn’t match the print in the dust p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What size shoes does Dink think the skeleton snatcher is? A size 10 p.28
  2. How many teachers did the kids need to measure for their footprint? 8 p.29
  3. What did the kids plan to do the next day to figure out the footprint clue? They wrote a note to the 8 teachers to ask if they would talk with them, Mrs. Waters would put them in their boxes, then when they would meet the kids would measure the footprint against each of their shoes p.31

Chapter 5

  1. How did Mrs. Eagle respond to the kids needing to leave class to talk to the other teachers? She said it was ok p.35
  2. What were the results from measuring the teacher’s feet that were on the list? None of them matched Josh’s footprint p.38
  3. What happened to Mr. Palmer that proved he didn’t steal the skeleton? He slipped on ice and got a cast on his foot the day before and was in the emergency room when the skeleton was stolen p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What did the kids see on the ground on their way back to class? A footprint on the ground in white powder p.45
  2. Why did Mrs. Eagle want the boys to open their lockers? The footprint was in front of their lockers and she wanted to see what was inside p.47
  3. What was in Josh’s locker? A twisted white paper with a skeleton on it and a shiny key hidden inside p.49

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Mrs. Eagle ask Josh, Dink, and Ruth Rose to tell the class what they’ve been up to? So the class could help and be involved p.50
  2. Where does Ruth Rose think the powder on the floor came from? Mrs. Waters said her powder was missing and someone could have taken it p.55
  3. What does Ruth Rose think the message with the key, skeleton and the 2 means? Key to skeleton p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What was strange about the key and how did it differ from Ruth Rose’s? it looked brand new and didn’t have any marks on it yet; Ruth Rose’s had tiny scratches from using it frequently p.61
  2. Why did the kids decide to go see Mr. Neater? Because he has keys to everything in the building and he could have put the key in Josh’s locker p.62
  3. Who else came to visit Mr. Neater and why? Cory from fifth grade and Jane and Susan from second grade; they also had found a footprint by their lockers and a paper with a skeleton wrinkled up with a key hidden in it p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What clues points to Mr. Dillon as the skeleton snatcher? There’s a small door from his office to Miss Shotsky’s and he had easy access to Mr. Waters powder p.71
  2. What’s Mrs. Waters missing now? Her key to the closet p.73
  3. Where was Mr. Bones? Hanging in Mrs. Waters’ coat closet p.74

Chapter 10

  1. What did the note read that was hanging from Mr. Bones? April Fools! P.77
  2. What day is it? April 1st; April Fools p.78
  3. Why did Mr. Dillon hide the skeleton and leave the clues? He loves April Fools Day and doing pranks. No one does pranks anymore, so he wanted to make it a memorable holiday p.82