Tag Archives: AR

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #26 The Case of the Double Trouble Detectives

The Case of the Double Trouble Detectives

by James Preller

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

Jigsaw Jones finds himself in competition with Reggie for the title of the best detective in town. Reggie relies on technology and charm to solve mysteries. Can Jigsaw prove that he is better?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize this introduction. Jigsaw’s eating dinner with his family; his sister is mad at her friends for telling a boy she thinks he is cute, but she found out the boy thinks she’s cute too p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Mila worried about Reginald? He started his own detective agency, and she doesn’t think he can handle it p.11

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Reginald. 8 years old; wealthy; wears glasses; short; nice; lonely p.20

Chapter 4

  1. Describe Reginald’s office? Clean and large; leather armchairs and oak desk; thick carpeting; phones and other gadgets; four television screens on the wall p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why was it difficult for Jigsaw to walk out of the room? He knows he can solve the mystery and wants to help Reg p.35

Chapter 6

  1. Define homophone. Give an example not listed in the story. Two words that sound the same, but have different definitions; listen to your child’s answer (ie. hole/whole; tail/tale; roll; role) p.41

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jigsaw and Mila went to stake out Athena’s house and found Reg stuck in a tree; Jigsaw climbed up and helped him, but Reg grabbed a dead branch and he fell down into a bush p.46

Chapter 8

  1. Why do they need to find the socks? The war rings could be attached to them p.58

Chapter 9

  1. What mystery does Jigsaw’s dad want him to solve? Why his mom is mad at him p.63

Chapter 10

  1. Why do married people fight sometimes? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Reginald stop by Jigsaw’s house? To let him know he’s not cut out to be a detective and to tell them thanks for watching out for him p.72

Chapter 12

  1. Why is it such a big deal Jigsaw’s father forgot his wedding anniversary? Wedding anniversaries are special and are a time to celebrate a marriage p.78

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #13 The Case of the Detective in Diguise

The Case of the Detective in Disguise

by James Preller

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

Someone is stealing brownies from the sandwich shop, and Jigsaw goes undercover to catch the brownie bandit.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the definition of “disguise”? To change your appearance to hide who you are.
  2. Why are Jigsaw and Mila making a poster? They want to solve mysteries and hope to receive business at the sandwich shop Jigsaw goes to after school p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Ben. 5th grader; Jigsaw’s buddy; likes sports; received a football fort his birthday; nice to Jigsaw; not nice to Bobby p.7

Chapter 3

  1. Have you ever felt like you didn’t need a baby sitter but had to have one anyway? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Is Jigsaw going to find a mystery to solve at the sandwich shop? Explain. Yes, the people baby sitting him have had problems p.17

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize the case Jigsaw has been asked to figure out and how is he going to solve it? Brownies are disappearing after school; putting on a disguise so his friends don’t recognize him p.19

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. The students are learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and are decorating the halls in his honor; Jigsaw wrote Mila a secret code; something is wrong with Ben p.25

Chapter 6

  1. What does the phrase “stone in my shoe” mean? Use it in a sentence. Always been a problem; listen to your child’s answer p.36

Chapter 7

  1. Do you agree that Red Cap did the right thing to tell on Jigsaw shopping in the back? Why, or why not? Yes; to help the owners of the store p.43

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Solofsky. In 2nd grade with Jigsaw; wants to be a detective; calls Jigsaw by his first name, Theodore; mean p.50

Chapter 9

  1. Predict what Jigsaw asked Marc to do. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Ben got his football back and Solofsky claimed to have found it; Mike said he saw the thieves and got the ball back, but Mila doesn’t believe him p.59

Chapter11

  1. What is the outcome of the two mysteries? Solofsky has Mike take the football so he could pretend to solve the case; the owner was sneaking brownies and eating them when he took out the trash p.67
  2. Were you correct in your prediction of how Marc helped Jigsaw? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer; Marc watched Mike from his window and saw he was eating brownies p.68

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #12 The Case of the Class Clown

The Case of the Class Clown

by James Preller

Grades 2-5; Genre - Mystery; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

Someone in Ms. Gleason's class is playing practical jokes, and it is up to Jigsaw and Mila to catch the clown.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe what brought on this case. Athena put her foot in her shoe and green slime oozed out making her embarrassed p.3

Chapter 2

  1. What clues did Athena provide? A brown paper that said “Gotcha”, socks with slime, and the slime tasted like green jello p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jigsaw and Mila ran into Jigsaw’s dad who was training a raisin circus p.12

Chapter 4

  1. What happened in this chapter to support the case? Another prank has been done; fake baloney in a sandwich p.21

Chapter 5

  1. Do you agree or disagree with Jigsaw that lying is ok sometimes? Listen to your child’s answer p.30

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Jigsaw and Mila think Ralphie is doing the pranks? He was on cubby; he’s also a jokester p.35

Chapter 7

  1. What made Jigsaw’s teacher upset in this chapter? How would you have felt? Someone put pink coloring into the fish tank; listen to your child’s answer p.40

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the magic trick Jigsaw’s dad did? He poured soda water in a container and placed raisins in it; they repeatedly sank to the bottom, then came back up to the top p.45

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Helen a suspect? She traded Ralphie jobs and was on cubby duty; she also started to tell lots of jokes p.53

Chapter 10

  1. What was the evidence Jigsaw and Mila found. They went to the library and found a book on practical jokes; in it was a paper that had H.Z. written in balloon letters that matched the GOTCHA letters; in the book were the same practical jokes p.62

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. Helen was caught and said she did the jokes to be popular and liked; everyone said she’d just needed to be nice, and she felt happy p.71

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #11 The Case of the Marshmallow Monster

The Case of the Marshmallow Monster

by James Preller

Grades 2-3; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Jigsaw goes camping with family and friends and solves a monster mystery.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Jigsaw is going camping with his family and friends and will solve a mystery with marshmallows and a lake monster p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Have you ever gone camping? If you have, share your experience. If you haven’t, share a fun experience you’ve had in the out of doors. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. List the steps to build a fire. 1) Place tinder in a pile in a fire pit; 2) Place kindling on top of the tinder in a pyramid; 3) after the kindling starts burning, put on larger pieces of wood p.16

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mr. Hitchcock told a spooky story around the fire about a lake monster p.19

Chapter 5

  1. Should the children have left food out? Why, or why not? No; animals will come and cause trouble p.28

Chapter 6

  1. What convinced Jigsaw to take the case? He went swimming in the lake and became creeped out after something brushed his leg and his feet got stuck in the mud p.39

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jigsaw stay back from the waterfall hike? He needed to work on the case p.43

Chapter 8

  1. How did Wingnut and Freddy become suspects? They have stomach aches, and it could have been from eating too many marshmallows p.51

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Jigsaw cross the boys off the suspect list? They were sick from eating candy not marshmallows p.56

Chapter 10

  1. Describe how Mila is a good friend to Jigsaw. She supports him and helps him p.64

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Mila and Jigsaw heard footsteps and saw something, they threw a rock at it, screamed and blew the whistle; it was Jigsaw’s dad; he put the marshmallows in the car p.66

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #8 The Case of the Great Sled Race

The Case of the Great Sled Race

by James Preller

Grades 2-3; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Someone steals Bigs Maloney's sled two days before the Great Sled Race, and Jigsaw and Mila are on the case.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Bigs. Roughest and toughest kid in 2nd grade; wants help getting his Velma back p.4

Chapter 2

  1. Who is Velma and why did Bigs name her that? A sled; the first part of Velocity and the first part of Machine p.10

Chapter 3

  1. What could be the motivation behind someone stealing the sled? Prevent Bigs from winning a sledding race p.18

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jigsaw went to school the next day and learned that reading is like solving a mystery…answering who, what, when where and how p.20

Chapter 5

  1. What word is the root of the word motivation that explains why? Motive p.30

Chapter 6

  1. Why is Jigsaw the main character’s name? He likes to solve puzzles p.35

Chapter 7

  1. What is suspicious about the conversation with Jasper? He acted like he had a cold and didn’t open the door; he seemed nervous and asked if Bigs would really clobber someone p.43

Chapter 8

  1. Why does Jigsaw want to watch the video of Joey sledding? It’s filmed the same day and location the sled went missing; he might find a clue p.51

Chapter 9

  1. Predict what Jigsaw spotted on the video. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Are you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer; Jigsaw saw Lucy and Jasper take the sled p.66

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Jigsaw realized that Jasper just wanted to try the sled but didn’t return it before Bigs noticed it was gone; Lucy and Jasper were scared Bigs would hurt him, so they hid it; Jigsaw didn’t tell Bigs who took it and returned it to him; Bigs won the singles race and Mila and Jigsaw won the doubles race p.67

Comprehension Questions – Jigsaw Jones Mysteries #1 The Case of Hermie the Missing Hamster

The Case of Hermie the Missing Hamster

by James Preller

Grades 2-3; Genre - Mystery; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Wingnut's hamster is missing! Jigsaw and his partner, Mila, are on the case.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Wingnut. 6-year-old neighbor to Jigsaw: his nickname came from his large ears; his hamster is lost p.2

Chapter 2

  1. Why does Jigsaw and Mila think Jake’s pet snake is a suspect? Snakes eat hamsters p.13

Chapter 3

  1. What resources are available if you need to do research like Jigsaw and Mila? Library; internet; people
  2. Why didn’t Ms. Gleason give Jigsaw and Mila the information they needed? It’s important to learn how to find information

Chapter 4

  1. What did Jigsaw learn at the pet store? Snakes eat rabbits, mice and hamsters; hamsters can escape if the lid of their cage is off; they can’t climb walls, but they can jump high and hang on to the lid p.23

Chapter 5

  1. Define the word constricting. To squeeze or wrap around 

Chapter 6

  1. What could be a clue in this chapter. The new vacuum that sucks everything up p.36

Chapter 7

  1. What happened to Jigsaw when Jake held the snake up to his face? He threw up p.44

Chapter 8

  1. How is Billy a good brother? He’s kind and supportive; a good friend; takes care of Jigsaw; encourages him p.45
  2. Find a simile on page 49. “Then it hit me. KLUNK! Like a baseball bat smashed on my head.”

Chapter 9

  1. Have you used a phone book before? Describe one. White and yellow pages; tiny writing to fit all the numbers; residential and business numbers; used before we had the internet to look things up

Chapter 10

  1. Why is Wingnut’s mom upset at the end of this chapter? They took apart her new vacuum cleaner; broke plastic on the vacuum and spilled dust everywhere p.62

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mila is allergic to fur and because of her sneezing, they found Hermie in the closet; Hermie’s a girl and had babies p.63

Chapter 12

  1. Why is Jigsaw student of the week? He made the class a nicer place by donating two baby hamsters p.74

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #8 Medusa the Mean

Medusa the Mean

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

As one of the few mortals at MOA, it's hard not to get jealous when you're surrounded by beautiful, powerful classmates, and it isn't easy making friends either, especially when you have snakes for hair. The coauthor is Suzanne Williams.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Medusa. Likes the color green; skin and hair are green; was bullied and made fun of in elementary school; likes to make up stories of how she gets back at her bullies; is a mortal while her sisters are immortal; can turn mortals to stone; has snakes instead of hair p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Is Medusa making a wise choice to buy the necklace that will make her immortal? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.29

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Medusa gets her sisters to give her money, but it isn’t going to work; as she leaves the store, her snakes shoplift p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Was it wise for Medusa to sign the contract? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize Medusa’s trip home. She went home but her parents weren’t thrilled to see her; her room has been packed up; she took her scrolls from 1st grade and read them; she’s happy she doesn’t live there anymore and is grateful she goes to MOA p.76

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Medusa write and draw her Queen of Mean comic strip? She feels rejected and inadequate because she is mortal, it helps her feel better p.105

Chapter 7

  1. Why is it a problem that Medusa told the truth in this chapter? She hurt Andromeda’s feelings p.133

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the Gray Ladies. Live in an igloo; hair so long it completely covered them; all the of them shared one eye; could read minds and knew what Athena and Medusa needed to hear p.149

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize Medusa’s conversation with Zeus? He wanted to see her because he was upset she had her face on a shield; when he found out who had manipulated Medusa he was more understanding; Medusa suggested he take Athena to pick up the wedding supplies p.178

Chapter 10

  1. Give two examples of Medusa rejecting the friendship of those around her. Why is she doing that? When Athena waved at her she ignored her and when Dionysus looked up at her in the window and she ducked; she doesn’t believe they want to be her friends p.185

Chapter 11

  1. Where should Medusa be putting her focus instead of trying to become immortal and popular?  Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Hera and Zeus get married; Medusa’s locket turns into a Pegasus; Zeus is so happy about Pegasus he gives Medusa immortality for a day; she begins to accept other’s friendship and starts to crush on Dionysus p.219

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #7 Artemis the Loyal

Artemis the Loyal

by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

It is time for the annual Olympic Games, and the four goddess girls are not happy. The games are for boys only, and the girls at MOA are not pleased.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What event will be happening during this story and why is Artemis unhappy about it? The Olympics; only boys can compete and she is mad she is not able to p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the giants. Came to the Olympics to wrestle; curly, bright red hair; twins; grumpy; larger than Mr. Cyclops; polite; their clan sided with the Titans in the war; p.16
  2. Define the word loyal. Giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.
  3. Why did her loyalty get Artemis in trouble? She wanted to help her brother, but he didn’t want it

Chapter 3

  1. Predict what will happen. Will Artemis talk Zeus into letting girls compete in the games? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Why does Apollo want Artemis to stop helping him? She’s always there and never lets him fail; he wants to be able to spread his wings and do things on his own p.81

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Artemis and her friends brainstorm ideas for a name for the girls only Olympics and came up with Her-O-lympics p.83

Chapter 7 

  1. Why do you think Otus was being nice to Artemis? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. Do you agree with Artemis’s definition and thoughts about fairness? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Was gathering signatures for the petition successful? Yes, a significant number of girls signed it along with two boys p.134
  2. What word would you use to describe Actaeon and Otus for signing the petition. Why? Courageous; open minded; listen to your child’s answer p.139

Chapter 10

  1. Predict how Zeus found out about the petition. Why do you think that? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize this chapter. Artemis asks Hera to speak to Zeus and try to convince him to let the girls have their Her-O-lympics p.177

Chapter 12

  1. Why is Artemis upset at the end of this chapter? The snake hypnotized her and she gave away Apollo’s weakness p.204

Chapter 13

  1. How did Apollo react when Artemis told him she told the python his weakness? He was grateful p.211
  2. Why do you think he acted that way? Listen to your child’s 
  3. Describe how Heracles won the wrestling tournament? He held the giant’s shoulders on the mat for three seconds p.226

Chapter 14

  1. Describe how Ephialtes was distracted from the fight over the wreath? Artemis turned herself into a stag and he chased her p.232

Chapter 15

  1. What does Artemis learn about herself in this book? She needs to be supportive to her brother, and not bossy

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #11 Persephone the Daring

Persephone the Daring

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology/Folklore; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

Though it means breaking some very serious Underworld rules, Persephone pushes Hades to return Eurydice to the living world.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Define dependable. Trustworthy and reliable
  2. Why doesn’t Persephone like being labeled dependable? It’s boring; she doesn’t see that it’s a good trait to have p.12

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize how Hades showed good character in this chapter. He caught the boys spying on the girls and stopped them; he trusted Persephone and her friendship p.29

Chapter 3

  1. What’s the opposite of dependable? Unreliable; can’t be trusted
  2. How is Persephone undependable in this chapter? She changed her style p.42
  3. Is it a problem to change your style? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Persephone and her friends went to the concert, and she was pulled on stage and got Orpheus’ autograph on her arm p.51

Chapter 5

  1. From whose perspective is the author writing this chapter? Hades p.72
  2. How does he feel about being popular with the mortal girls? He doesn’t like it; he knows the truth and that he does a lot of boring things; he doesn’t want them to come to the Underworld p.72

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Eurydice. Orpheus’s backup singer and crush; unpredictable; free spirit; spontaneous; p.97

Chapter 7

  1. Choose a word to describe Eurydice. Explain. Irresponsible; thoughtless; selfish; inconsiderate; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. What do Persephone and Hades have in common? They are both rooming with the guests and hanging out with them p.104

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Hades get angry at Persephone? She told Eurydice sensitive information about him, and Eurydice put it into a song; it embarrassed Hades p.153

Chapter 10

  1. How is Eurydice a bad influence on Persephone? She encourages her to be more spontaneous and forgetful of her duties; she talks about personal things when she shouldn’t trust her p.159

Chapter 11

  1. How is Eurydice reckless and careless in this chapter? She went to the Underworld with Adonis and danced in the field with poisonous snakes; she expects to be let out without any consequences; she threw a fit when the Furies captured her and she fell towards the earth p.179

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Zeus stand by the Furies? It was a fair deal
  2. Do you agree with Eurydice’s punishment? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Does Eurydice understand that her recklessness isn’t good? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer; no, she continues to make irresponsible decisions p.226

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize the trick Eurydice and Orpheus played on everyone. Eurydice pretended to break up the band and took off with Viper; they planned to get back together on stage and sing the song about the Underworld p.233

Chapter 15

  1. How did Persephone feel about being dependable now? She valued it; she’s grateful she and her friends are dependable p.246

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #10 Pheme the Gossip

Pheme the Gossip

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology/Folklore; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

As the goddess girl of rumor and gossip, Pheme prides herself on being "in the know" and having the most up-to-date info on anyone and everyone at Mount Olympus Academy.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What part of speech is, “being caught red handed”? Idiom
  2. Use this phrase in your own sentence. “His mom caught him red handed, reaching into the cookie jar.”

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pheme couldn’t make the red go away and stuck her hands in her pockets; she bumped into Athena and her friends; she ran outside and met the boy who stowed away on Hermes cart p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Pheme. One of 13 kids; has red hair; is a goddess; has a gift of spreading rumors; when she speaks, the words puff out of her mouth and float above her head; works in the office of the school; is the floor monitor for her floor; is always looking for gossip to spread; snoops in rooms to find gossip; wants to be chosen to write in the Scrollazine magazine p.40

Chapter 4

  1. Would you trust Pheme to keep your secret? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Is Pheme being a good friend to Phaeton in this chapter? Why, or why not? No; she’s only helping him to help herself, selfish motives; he doesn’t want people to know who his father is and she’s telling everyone p.86

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Athena’s attitude toward Pheme for reading her diary. She forgives her and won’t tell her dad p.115

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pheme saw Phaeton using Artemis’s chariot and couldn’t tell her because of the no gossip spell Athena put on her p.120

Chapter 8

  1. How did Pheme manipulate the teacher to let her keep her notebook with her drawing? She lied and said it was part of her assignment; she incorporated it into her project p.153

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Pheme decide she needed to tell Zeus about Phaeton? She was worried about Earth getting destroyed; she stopped being concerned for herself p.180

Chapter 10

  1. How are Athena and Pheme showing signs of friendship? They are helping each other and watching out for each other p.193

Chapter 11

  1. What gave Pheme courage to help Phaeton? Athena’s gratitude from the time Pheme saved her p.209
  2. Do you have an experience you look back on that helps give you courage or strength? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 12

  1. Do you agree with Eros that gossip is necessary? Why, or why not? Good news is good, but gossip is not good; gossiping hurts people’s feelings and they don’t trust you anymore p.230

Chapter 13

  1. How did Pheme show courage in this chapter? She told Zeus everything p.234

Epilogue 

  1. Summarize this ending. Pheme was asked to be the writer for the gossip column p.251