Tag Archives: AR

Comprehension Questions- I Survived The Attacks of September 11, 2001

I Survived The Attacks of September 11, 2001

by Lauren Tarshis

Grades 4-6; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 1.0

The only thing Lucas loves more than football is his Uncle Benny, his dad's best friend at the fire department where they both work. Benny taught Lucas everything about football. So when Lucas's parents decide the sport is too dangerous and he needs to quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan.  So the next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It's a bright, beautiful day in New York. But just as Lucas arrives at his uncle's firehouse, everything changes — and nothing will ever be the same again.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Tell me the setting of this story.  New York City, New York; Tuesday, September 11, 2001; 8:46 am; streets busy with taxis, cars & buses  p.1
  2. What's the definition of "careened"?  (verb)  to lean, sway, or tip to one side while in motion p.2
  3. Describe the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.  two silver and glass buildings next to each other; rose a quarter of a mile high in New York City

Chapter 2

  1. The author introduced this story by beginning in the first chapter with the events of September 11th unfolding in New York City. In the second chapter, the author shifted the sequence of the story by going back in time. Explain why you think the author used this style of writing.  To get the audience’s attention; interesting way to introduce Lucas and the events of September 11th.  p.4
  2. Why was Lucas the happiest when playing football with his team?  he felt he belonged  p.5
  3. How did Lucas feel about football when Uncle Benny took him to his first practice?  didn't like it; didn't feel like he could play  p. 9

Chapter 3

  1. What's a "concussion"?  (noun) injury to the brain or spinal cord due to jarring from a blow or fall  p.12
  2. What did Lucas' dad do for a living?  fire fighter  p. 15
  3. What are two consequences of Lucas' dad being burned in the warehouse fire?  arms that are still scarred; made him quiet; far away look in his eye   p.16

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Lucas’ mom take him to the doctor? To get him checked out before he could play football again  p.18
  2. The doctor showed Lucas pictures of football players. What did they all have in common? They all died from concussions  p.21
  3. Why did the doctor suggest that Lucas never play football again? 3 concussions in 2 years is too many for an 11 year old boy  p.22

Chapter 5

  1. How do you know the firefighters were fond of Lucas?  they hugged him; rubbed his head; said they missed him; said he was growing like a weed  p.30
  2. Who told Lucas' mom about Dr. Barrett?  Uncle Benny  p. 32
  3. What was flying overhead when Uncle Benny was talking to Lucas about quitting football?  an airplane  p. 33

Chapter 6

  1. What is the definition of "hypnotized"? (verb) being frightened or startled so that movement is impossible  p.37
  2. what did the plane crash into when it was flying low over the city?  one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center  p.38
  3. How would you feel if you saw an airplane flying low in a city and crashing into a building? Sad; scared; panicked; terrified  p.38

Chapter 7

  1. How big was every floor of the Twin Towers?  About the size of a football field  p.42
  2. Why was it important for Lucas to call his mom and leave a message about where he was after the airplane hit the tower? She didn’t know where he was and would be worried p.45
  3. What did Uncle Benny’s words mean, “we’ll do what we always do”?  they’ll fight fires and save lives  p.45

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Benny feel like he needed a job after all of the fire fighters disappeared to the twin tower? He wanted to help   p.47
  2. What job did Benny choose to do to help? Clean up the breakfast dishes  p.47
  3. When Benny was washing dishes and watching the news in the firehouse, what made him drop the skillet into the sink, shattering plates and glasses? Another plane crashed into the second tower  p.49

Chapter 9

  1. Why couldn’t Lucas get a hold of his parents when he tried to call them? There were too many people using the phones and all of the circuits were busy  p.52
  2. Lucas didn’t want to be alone after the second airplane hit. Where did he go?  Down south to the crash site  p.56
  3. Who came out of the crowd and grabbed Lucas and held him tight? His dad  p.58

Chapter 10

  1. What did Lucas' dad mean when he said they weren’t going to be able to put out the fires, but that it was a rescue operation now? Save all of the people they can  p.60
  2. What do you think made the roaring noise, the ground tremble and felt like a boiling hot tornado hit in New York City? One of the buildings fell down  p.66
  3. Why did Lucas feel like the world had ended and that he was the only person left? There was silence and he couldn’t see anything when he opened his eyes  p.66

Chapter 11

  1. Describe how the dust felt that coated Lucas. Made it hard to breathe; it was everywhere- between his teeth, stuck to his tongue and the back of his throat; grains were jagged with bits of ground glass; cut into his skin as he tried to brush himself off  p.68
  2. When dad turned on his flashlight to gather everyone together in the convenience store, what did Lucas compare it to? The moon on a foggy night p.68
  3. What type of figurative language is this an example of? Simile  p.68
  4. What had happened to one of the towers? It had completely collapsed  p.72

Chapter 12

  1. What was Uncle Benny's outcome? He made it out carrying a man a minute before the second tower collapsed; he sought shelter under an engine truck  p.81
  2. Write a paragraph of 35 words or more- What was one good thing that Lucas had realized had come out of that day? How can going through a catastrophe help people and their relationships become stronger?

Comprehension Questions – The Bailey School Kids Christmas Special Mrs. Claus Doesn’t Climb Telephone Poles

Mrs. Claus Doesn’t Climb Telephone Poles

By Marcia Thornton Jones & Debbie Dadey

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

There are some pretty weird grown-ups living in Bailey City. But why is Mrs. Claus repairing telephone and cable wires in Bailey City after a big blizzard? And could Santa be so worried about her that he'd forget all about Christmas? The Bailey School Kids are going to find out.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s causing the internet to be down and the school to be closed until after Christmas? snow storm  p. 1
  2. How was snow stopping the kids from going to school and from playing video games or using the internet? The power was out  p.3
  3. Who did the children see up on the telephone pole? A woman  p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the woman who was working on the telephone pole. Grandma; said “Ho! Ho! Ho!” into the receiver; friendly; wore red; name is Joy;  p.3-6,8
  2. What made Liza try sledding down the hill? It looked like more fun than standing and watching p. 11
  3. How did Liza feel about sledding after she zoomed down the hill for the first time? It was exciting, but she didn’t want to do it again  p.16

Chapter 3

  1. What is “fruitcake”? a rich cake containing dried or candied fruit, nuts, etc.  p.17
  2. How did Eddie cheat when racing Melody to the Burger Doodle Restaurant? Cut in front of her, forcing her into a snowdrift, then threw a snowball at her p.18
  3. What is the definition of “bickering”? to argue  p.21
  4. Why was Joy unhappy? She doesn’t feel appreciated by S.C. p.23

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Liza scream when she heard the name “Eli”? she recognized Eli was the same man talking to the janitor who turned out to be Santa Claus  p.28
  2. What does “abominable” mean? Very unpleasant; disagreeable p.28
  3. How did Joy respond when Liza said that “Santa can do anything, can’t he?” she cleared her throat, lost her sparkle, ran out of the restaurant  p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What is a “microscope”? an instrument with a  magnifying lens, used to inspect objects too small to be seen p.34
  2. When the children went to the bakery to pick up a cake for Melody’s aunt, what did they overhear Joy saying behind the counter? Telling the baker how to make cookies  p.37
  3. What does Joy compare her husband’s red nose to? a cherry gum drop  p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Where did the children follow Joy to? A small cottage  p.42
  2. List 2 ways to describe the cottage. Looks like the house from Hansel and Gretal; lots of Christmas lights; snowman on the roof; spruce trees with lights; candy canes lining the brick sidewalk  p.44

Chapter 7

  1. What does “bragging” mean? To boast; acting arrogant; to speak of one’s own achievements p.47
  2. When the children were going to sledding the second time, why did their breath make little white clouds? The warm air from their mouths mixed with the cold air outside   p.49
  3. What happened to Eddie’s sled after it slid down the hill without him? Broke into 3 pieces  p.50
  4. What did Joy do for Eddie’s sled? Fix it  p.52

Chapter 8

  1. How did Joy want Eddie to thank her for fixing his sled? Be more careful; think how his family would feel if he got hurt  p.55
  2. What did Joy do to help make sledding easier for Liza? Went down the hill with her p.57
  3. Who does Liza think Joy is? Mrs. Claus  p. 60

Chapter 9

  1. A simile is a figure of speech in which two unlike things are compared using like or as. Give me an example of a simile on page 64.  Eddie tossed snowballs like a catapult
  2. How would you describe Eddie during the snowball fight? Mean; bullyish; crazy  p.66
  3. Why do you think Joy calling Eli at the end of this chapter? To tell Eli that Eddie is being naughty  p.67

Chapter 10

  1. What’s the definition of “romantic”? displaying or expressing love p.69
  2. Who is Cupid? A winged, infant boy with a bow and arrow that symbolizes love  p.70
  3. Why do the friends feel like they need to help Joy and her husband? Christmas will be ruined if they don’t  p.72

Chapter 11

  1. How did Liza trick Joy? When Liza spoke about what friends do when they have disagreements, Joy joined in explaining that friendship isn’t easy but worth saving.  Joy realized she needed to work it out with her husband  p.76-77

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Eddie acting so calm and unlike himself? He got the present he wanted from Joy p.81
  2. Why did it bother Eddie he got a present from Joy? He didn’t really believe until then that Joy was Mrs. Claus  p.81

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #23 High Time for Heroes

High Time for Heroes

by Mary Pope Osborne

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

Jack and Annie are on a mission for Merlin the magician! This time, the magic tree house whisks them off to Thebes, Egypt, to find Florence Nightingale, a world-famous nurse. But when they find her, the Florence Nightingale they meet is not a famous nurse at all—she’s not even a regular nurse! Have they found the right person? Or did Merlin make a mistake? An easy mission turns dangerous when Jack and Annie try to solve the mystery!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1
1. What was Jack working on when Annie wanted to see if the tree house was in the woods? A magic show for his parents and grandparents p.3
2. Who are Jack and Annie visiting in this adventure? Florence Nightingale p.7
3. Where were Jack and Annie traveling to find Florence Nightingale? Egypt p.12

Chapter 2
1. Who is Ali? A boy Jack and Annie met when they first got to Egypt. He has two donkeys and was napping in a rowboat. His grandfather is a tourist guide p.15
2. What part of Egypt did Jack and Annie get sent to? Thebes; on the River Nile; across from the Temple of Luxor p.18
3. Who is Mustafa? Ali’s grandfather; the guide p.23

Chapter 3
1. What is the definition of an “aristocrat”? a person who lives within the standards of exceptional rank and privileges, especially the hereditary nobility (upper class) p.28
2. Describe the Bickerson’s. Aristocrats; easily upset; miserable and frightened in Thebes p. 31
3. Who is Countess von Kensky? A woman from Hungary who has a baby baboon for a pet named Koku p.32
4. What does Florence enjoy doing in Egypt? Taking notes of the ruins p.37

Chapter 4
1. Why did Lord Bickerson call Jack and Annie “impolite”? they were standing up for Florence; shared their opinions which were the same as Florence’s p.42
2. Why did the countess need Annie and Jack to babysit Koku? The countess wanted to visit a sick friend who didn’t like wild animals p.48
3. What does “rendezvous” mean? To meet up with each other at agreed time and place p.49

Chapter 5
1. What’s the definition of “solitude”? being alone p.55
2. Where did Jack and Annie travel to when they rented the donkeys? Valley of the Queens p.55
3. How did Jack feel as they saw and approached the Valley of the Queens? nervous; couldn’t shake his uneasy feeling p.62

Chapter 6
1. What does the word “shrieking” mean? A loud, sharp, shrill cry p.65
2. When the jackals were coming after Annie at the entrance of the tomb, why did Koku jump from Annie’s arms and run away? To distract the jackals and get them to chase her p. 67
3. What were two skills Jack and Annie gained as expert rock climbers after they inhaled the mist? Confidence; shift body weight; relax their grip; 100% focused on finding new places to grip; knowing where to put feet and hands p.71
4. What is the definition of “hoisted”? lifted; raised p.72

Chapter 7
1. Why did Annie have to remind Jack not to “freak out”? he could lose his concentration and fall down the cliff side p.78
2. How far did Jack get down the cliff side when he realized the mist had worn off? Half-way down p. 79
3. What does it feel like to have the breath knocked out of you? Can’t breathe or talk; tightness in chest; scary p.80
4. Predict what you think is going to happen next. Florence will tend to Jack and Annie’s injuries and realize she has a gift to take care of people; She will admit to Jack and Annie she enjoys taking care of people p. 82

Chapter 8
1. When Jack and Annie were wanting to go back to the river, how did they know which way to go? Followed the moon since it rose over the Nile p. 83
2. What does the word “jostle” mean? Bump, shove, push, brush against p. 84
3. Give two examples of onomatopoeia on page 88. Baaing of sheep; bleating of goats; croaking of frogs; rustling of reeds; hee-haw of donkeys p.88
4. What’s the definition of “moored”? to make fast with or as if with cables, lines, or anchors; to secure  p. 91

Chapter 9
1. What would Florence love to do with her life? Be a nurse p. 97
2. Why did Florence think Jack and Annie hit their heads when they fell off the cliff? They said she would be a great nurse someday p. 98
3. What did Florence say that caused the ring to finally glow? One’s life must have meaning and purpose p. 101

Chapter 10
1. Why wouldn’t Mustafa accept payment from Jack after all he had done to help the children? Mustafa did it because they needed help,  not for the money p. 112
2. What happened to Jack and Annie’s injuries when they reached Frog Creek, Pennsylvania? They were gone p. 114
3. After the adventure to Egypt, how many secrets of greatness had Jack and Annie learned? 3 p. 115

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #22 Hurry Up Houdini!

Hurry Up Houdini!

By Mary Pope Osborne

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

Jack and Annie continue their journey as they find the second key to greatness under the direction and assistance of Merlin,  They get to meet the Great Houdini at the amusement park on Coney Island and even get to perform on the same stage as the great illusionist.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What two things did Merlin give Jack and Annie to help them during their quest? A gold ring (Ring of Truth) and a tiny bottle of Merlin’s magic mist p.7
  2. Where did Merlin want them to go for this mission?  Coney Island, NY  p.8
  3. Who were Jack and Annie going to visit for this adventure? The Great Houdini p.8
  4. What do you know about the Great Houdini?  A magician, performer

Chapter 2

  1. After the tree house landed in New York, Annie thought they had arrived at the time of the Middle Ages.  What made her come to that conclusion?  She saw spires, towers, turrets, domes  p.10
  2. Back in 1908, how much was a penny worth if compared to a coin in our time?  A quarter p.11
  3. What ride did Jack and Annie go on before buying their tickets for Houdini’s show? A water roller coaster; Shoot the Chutes p.21
  4. Why do you think Jack wanted to buy the tickets to Houdini’s show before eating the hot dog, ice cream and going on Shoot the Chutes?  It might be sold out; they might miss it  p.22

Chapter 3

  1. How did Jack like the Shoot the Chutes ride he and Annie went on?  He didn’t like it; it made him queasy p.23
  2. What’s the definition of “coincidence”?   an occurrence of events happening by chance  p.27
  3. Give an example of onomatopoeia in this chapter.   Ah-OO-ga! Ah-OO-ga!  p.29
  4. Why was Mr. Dewey so upset when Jack and Annie tried to buy tickets for the Great Houdini’s show?  The opening act, the Bambini Brothers ran off stealing from the box office, now the Great Houdini’s show doesn’t have an opening act and it will start late  p.32

Chapter 4

  1. How did Jack and Annie help solve Mr. Dewey’s problem of not having an opening act for the Great Houdini?  Jack and Annie used the magic mist to become great performers and do the opening act p.36
  2. What was the name of Jack and Annie’s act for the performance? Jolly Jack and the Amazing Annie p.38
  3. How did Jack feel about performing in the opening act of the Great Houdini? He didn’t like it  p.39&44
  4. What’s the definition of a “horde”? a large group of people  p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack turn around and go back to the theater, especially when he was so angry at Annie? She was going to use the magic mist to become a great performer, but he realized he had the mist p.46
  2. How did Jack sneak into the theater? He climbed onto a garbage can and crate to reach the window of Annie’s dressing room p.49-50
  3. How did Jack feel about performing after he inhaled the mist? The crowd wasn’t so scary, he couldn’t wait to get on stage and show them what he could do  p.54

Chapter 6

  1. What are illusionists?  Magicians  p.59
  2. Tell me three magic tricks Jack and Annie did during their act.  Pulled rabbits and doves from their hats, made cards appear from thin air, made wands appear, connecting three solid rings  p.62-67
  3. Tell me the definition of “flourish”. To make dramatic, sweeping gestures  p.69

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jack and Annie go back on stage and perform a second time?  The Great Houdini hadn’t shown up to do the show  p.71
  2. Why did the audience “boo” Jack when the curtain lifted for the second performance? They wanted the Great Houdini p.76
  3. Why was the Great Houdini late for his performance?  He and Bess got trapped on the Trip to the Moon ride p.81

Chapter 8

  1. What was one of the Great Houdini’s nicknames? The Master of Escape  p.88
  2. Describe to me the Great Houdini’s most thrilling and dangerous escape he performed that night? He escaped a huge locked milk can full of water with three pairs of handcuffs around his wrists p.89
  3. What magic trick did the Great Houdini do that included his wife Bess? He tied her arms behind her back, she stepped into a large bag that Houdini tied at the top, she was placed in a trunk that was inside a cabinet, then the cabinet was locked with padlocks. She escaped and opened the trunk and bag and the Great Houdini jumped out p.94

Chapter 9

  1. How did Harry and Bess leave the theater after the show? Through a secret exit out of their dressing room p.97
  2. Where did Jack and Annie find Harry and Bess? On a bench eating ice cream cones p.101
  3. Why do Harry and Bess wear such big hats? So fans won’t recognize them p.101
  4. What did Bess say to Jack and Annie that made the Ring of Truth glow?  Anyone would have to work hard to be truly great at something p.105

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Jack and Annie want to walk with Harry and Bess to the Japanese Tea Garden? That’s where the magic tree house was p. 107
  2. When Jack and Annie were telling their new friends about the magic tree house, how did Harry and Bess respond? They didn’t believe them, they winked at each other, went along with Jack and Annie p.109
  3. Why did Jack and Annie tell Harry and Bess their secret about the tree house? Harry mentioned he would be happy to just once see a bit of magic he could never do or never explain p.107&112
  4. What was Jack and Annie’s new secret of greatness? Hard work  p.112

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #21 Stallion by Starlight

Stallion by Starlight

By Mary Pope Osborne

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

Time-traveling brother-and-sister team Jack and Annie must find four secrets of greatness for Merlin the magician. To start, they travel back in time to meet Alexander the Great. He should know all about greatness, right? But young Alexander is bossy, vain, and not great at all! How can they learn from him? It’s going to take a wild black stallion, magic from Merlin, and a lot of bravery to succeed. Are Jack and Annie clever and bold enough to complete their mission?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. In the first chapter, how did Jack and Annie know the tree house was back?  Penny was standing on the sidewalk  p.5
  2. Who did Jack and Annie find in the tree house when they first climbed in?  Merlin p.6
  3. What question did Merlin struggle to find an answer to? What makes a person great  p.9
  4. What three objects did Merlin give Jack and Annie to help them on their next four missions?  The Ring of Truth, magical silver mist in a tiny glass bottle, research book on Macedonia p.10-12

Chapter 2

  1. How did King Phillip II get his army to become the best fighting machine in the world? He drilled his men night and day p.18
  2. Why did the boys scowl at Annie when she asked them if King Phillip and Alexander the Great live up on the hill? They’re a fierce and warlike people/not friendly  p.20
  3. Why did the blacksmiths glare and follow Jack and Annie when they tried to sneak away? They thought they were stealing military secrets when they saw Jack writing down what they were doing p. 21

Chapter 3

  1. How did Annie “defy” the teacher that was teaching about the universe? She went against what he was saying p.24-25
  2. What was the teacher’s name? Aristotle p.26
  3. Why is Aristotle in Macedonia? To tutor the prince, Alexander, when he turns 13 p.31
  4. Why did Jack and Annie wait outside while Aristotle went into the Royal House? Aristotle needed to get permission for his guests, Jack and Annie to enter into the House with him p. 34

Chapter 4

  1. What is a mural?  A large picture painted or affixed onto a wall or ceiling  p.36
  2. Describe Prince Alexander’s appearance and behavior when he first arrived and entered the hall everyone was gathered and eating in.  fair haired, muscular, purple cloak over his tunic, strode to the center of the room, tossed back his cloak, bowed p.39
  3. What is a word that describes Alexander? Pompous, arrogant, egotistical, full of himself, stuck-up p. 41

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Jack nervous to go alone with Alexander? He was worried Alexander would challenge him to mounting a moving chariot, hunt a lion p.46
  2. What did Alexander want Jack to write about, when he took him and Annie to the covered porch behind the house?  Alexander  p.47
  3. Instead of writing down what Alexander was saying about himself, what did Jack write?  Alexander is a raving nut, a show off, could never have friends, he should be locked up  p.48-50
  4. Why didn’t Jack use Merlin’s magic to become the greatest athlete in the world to beat Alexander? Jack didn’t want to waste it on an arrogant bully  p.55

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Alexander want to make others look like fools? Because he so greatly fears looking like a fool himself/ he wants to equal his father’s power and strength p.58
  2. What is the definition of “haggle”?  to try make a deal  p.60
  3. When Bucephalus neighed and bucked wildly, who felt they could tame him?  Alexander p.64
  4. Why did Annie want to restart their friendship with Alexander? She felt sorry for him, his dad’s mean to him, they showed off to the king and his men, they were mean to him p.66

Chapter 7

  1. When Jack and Annie sniffed the magic mist to become great horse trainers, what were they able to do with the Bucephalus?  Listen to his thoughts/understand him and have him understand them p.78
  2. What nickname did Annie call Bucephalus?  Buddy p.76
  3. After explaining what had happened to his master, what helped Buddy feel better? That whatever happened to his master wasn’t his fault  p.80

Chapter 8

  1. What does “balk” mean?    to stop short and refuse to go on  P.81
  2. What are some examples from the book to describe how Jack felt when they were riding the horse? Like they were dancing together and they had become one with the horse  p.83
  3. What helped Buddy let other riders ride him? He knows he doesn’t have to wait for his master anymore p.87

Chapter 9

  1. What was the secret of greatness Merlin wanted them to discover on this mission? Humility p.94
  2. What is the definition of humility?  put others before yourself; have a modest opinion about yourself P.94
  3. When Alexander truly listened to Buddy, what did the horse tell him? He was scared of the shadows p.97
  4. What helped Alexander look and act like a different person? Thinking about the horse instead of himself p.97

Chapter 10

  1. Who wanted Jack and Annie to stay and help with Alexander’s education? Aristotle p.101
  2. How did Alexander’s father feel about him after seeing him ride Bucephalus? Happy; proud of him; The king told Alexander he had better find a larger kingdom, since the king’s kingdom was not big enough for him p.104
  3. Explain the Ring of Truth.  It was given to Jack and Annie from Merlin to wear on their journeys. It will glow when they discover a true secret of greatness  p.10
  4. What does dappled mean?  having spots of a different shade, tone, or color from the background p.108

Comprehension Questions- Goddess Girls #1 Athena the Brain

Goddess Girls #1 Athena the Brain

by: Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL T; AR pts: 3.0

Athena has always been above average.  She's never quite fit in at Triton Junior Hight, but who would've guessed that Athena is actually a goddess?  Principal Zeus's daughter, to be exact.  When she's summoned to Mount Aolympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life.  But in some ways, school on Mount Olympus is not that different from down on Earth, and Athena is going to have to deal with the baddest mean girl in history - Medusa!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter  1

  1. Who brought the scroll?  The Wind (p. 1)
  2. Who was Athena’s father?   Zeus (p. 2)
  3. How old is Athena?   12 (p. 3)
  4. Who is Athena’s best friend?  Pallas (p. 6)
  5. Who brings Athena to Mount Olympus Academy?   Hermes (p. 19)

Chapter 2.

  1. How many heads does the office lady have?  9 (p. 25)
  2. What is one of Athena’s classes?  Hero-ology, Spell-ology, Revenge-ology, Beast-ology, Beauty-ology (p. 27)
  3. What color was the Goddess Girl Guide?  Pale Pink with a sparkly silver ribbon (p. 28)
  4. Who is the first Godess Girl to talk to Athena?  Pandora (p. 32)
  5. What room number is Athena first class in?  208 (p. 38)

Chapter 3

  1. Who is the teacher of Hero-ology?  Mr. Cyclops (p. 40)
  2. How tall are the figures given to the class?  3 inches (p. 40)
  3. Who is Athena’s hero?  Odysseus (p. 43)
  4. What does Medusa call Aphrodite?  Bubbles (p. 44)
  5. What did Athena do when she was called to the office?  Blushed in embarrassment (p. 45)

Chapter 4

  1. What color is Zeus’s hair?  Red (p. 48)
  2. What is Zeus doing when Athena enters his office?  Chiseling a block of stone (p. 48)
  3. What who was Athena’s mom?  A fly (p. 54)
  4. What is the nickname Zeus calls Athena?  Theeny (p. 55)
  5. What sound does Poseidon make when he walks?  Squish Squish sounds (p. 60)

Chapter 5

  1. What did Athena order for lunch?  Big Celestial Salad (p. 64)
  2. Who did Athena sit by at lunch?  Medusa and her sisters (p. 64)
  3. What activity poster was Athena interested in?  Invention Fair (p. 69)
  4. What did Aphrodite invite Athena to join?  Goddess Girls Squad (p. 71)
  5. Who is the girl with 3 dogs?  Artemis (p. 72)

Chapter 6

  1. Who was Athena’s roommate?  Pandora (p. 75)
  2. What is one of Athena’s inventions? Rake, ship, olive (p. 78-79)
  3. What does Athena thinking about her inventions cause?  Brainstorm (p. 82)
  4. Who gets angry about the Brainstorm? Zeus (p. 85)
  5. What was in the box Pandora opened in 5th grade?  Disasters (p. 88)

Chapter 7

  1. What class was Athena late for?  Hero-ology (p. 91)
  2. Who did Aphrodite make her hero Paris fall in love with?  Helen (p. 92)
  3. Who did Athena almost drown?  Her hero, Odysseus (p. 95)
  4. What present did Athena give to the city of Troy?  Wooden horse, Woody  (p.  102)
  5. Who did Athena ask to trust her?  Medusa  (p. 103)

Chapter 8

  1. What was Pandora trying out for?  Flag Marching Team (p. 105)
  2. How many times did it take for Athena to get Shape-Shifting right?  3 (p. 111)
  3. Who is Medusa crushing on?  Poseidon (p. 113)
  4. Who was fighting in the Hero-ology class? Trojans and Greeks (p. 114)
  5. Who does Athena apologize to?  Aphrodite (p. 116)

Chapter 9

  1. What invention was Athena missing?  Snarkypoo (p. 119)
  2.  Who was the white statue?  Pandora (p. 124)
  3. Who else does Medusa turn to stone?  One of Artemis’s dogs (p. 129)
  4. Who turns Pandora back to flesh?  Athena (p. 136)
  5. When are the girls planning on turn Medusa back to flesh? After the Invention fair, tomorrow (p. 137)

Chapter 10

  1. What was the lame invention Athena first sees? Sackrofice (p. 139)
  2. What had happened to Persphone?  Aphrodite had used her Lucky-in-Love Lip Balm on her (p. 140)
  3. What did Poseidon invent?  Water park, Poseidon Water Waves (p. 142)
  4. What was the prize Athena choose?  Having Pallas come visit (p. 152)
  5. How as Athena feeling about MOA?  Happy to be there, it wasn’t that different from home (p. 159-160)

Comprehension Questions- Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

By: Deborah and James Howe

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 2.0

When the Monroe family brings home a small black-and-white bunny they find in the movie theater after seeing Dracula, Chester the cat and Harold the dog are instantly suspicious. After all the vegetables in the Monroe kitchen start turning white, Chester and Harold are certain that Bunnicula is a vegetarian vampire. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions – Flat Stanley

Flat Stanley

by Jeff Brown

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

A bulletin board fell on top of Stanley Lambchop and he's become only a half inch thick.  Now that Stanley's flat he can do all sorts of things, like be rolled up, being flown like a kite and is able to be mailed to California to see his cousin.  He gets an extra fun adventure when he helps the museum director catch two dangerous art thieves.  Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions – Calvin Coconut #5 Hero of Hawaii

Hero of Hawaii

By: Graham Salisbury

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fiction; Lexile 460L; AR pts: 2.0

Hawaii boy Calvin Coconut has come up with the best idea ever for his sister Darci's birthday party. But a huge tropical storm hits the islands and threatens everything! The river next to Calvin's house rises high, and when Calvin's friend Willy falls into the raging water, Calvin grabs his skiff to save him. As Willy is swept into the bay, Calvin struggles in the wild waves. What happens next shows Calvin what heroes are made of! Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Calico Illustrated Classics: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

 King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

adapted by Lisa Mullarkey

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL P; AR pts: 2.0

Howard Pyle's classic tale of magic, bravery, and honor tells of the adventures of King Arthur. From the time young Arthur pulled the fabled sword from the stone, he was a just king. As the head of the Round Table, King Arthur led the most gallant men and brought peace to the land. King Arthur's most dramatic struggles are retold in the Calico Illustrated Classics adaptation of Pyle's King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Continue reading →