Tag Archives: Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Questions – The Dark is Rising Sequence #1 Over Sea, Under Stone

Over Sea, Under Stone

By Susan Cooper

Grades 6-8; Genre – Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: 12.0

Barney, Simon and Jane find themselves beset by deadly dangers as they embark on a great quest. Having found a crumbling parchment map, they begin their search for ancient treasure linked to King Arthur. More precious than life itself, the treasure, found by the right people, would help keep at bay the ancient forces of evil that were once again powerful in the world. They turn for help to their Great-Uncle Merry, who draws on his vast knowledge of ancient lore to protect them.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. List the characters and describe the setting of this story. Barney, Jane, Mother, Father, Great-Uncle Merry, Simon, Rufus the dog; setting: train station, then a city called Cornwall p.1
  2. Describe Great-Uncle Merry. Not really their mother’s uncle, but an old friend her father’s, tall and straight, thick wild white hair; deep set eyes, brown nose curved like a bow, no one knew how old he was, there was something ancient about him p.3
  3. List Barney’s passion and Simon’s passion. King Arthur; boats p.4;5
  4. What is so mysterious about the yacht? Great-Uncle Merry seemed upset by it; Young Bill wouldn’t talk about the supplies he had gathered for it and was really upset after running into Jane; the old fisherman called Young Bill evil; the yacht appeared and disappeared silently and strangely p.6

Chapter 2

  1. What did the children do for entertainment while stuck inside during the rain? Pretended they were explorers and explored the house p.14
  2. Describe the adventure the children pretended they went on. They were explorers in a jungle and made sure to take food for a picnic. They worked their way through each area of the house, then pretended they heard the natives coming after them.
  3. What did they find that was curious while on their adventure? A door behind the wardrobe p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Sketch a picture of the scroll Barney found when searching for his thrown apple core. Brownish parchment springy as steel, cracks through it, another sheet stuck down in it that was darker and older, covered with small writing in strange squashed-looking dark brown letters. Below the writing was singed p.23
  2. Why did Jane and Barney expect Simon to understand the manuscript? They thought it was written in Latin and Simon has been taking Latin at school. 25
  3. Who did Barney think the scroll was written about? King Arthur and his King Mark p.26
  4. Why didn’t the children want to tell their parents about the manuscript? They feared their parents would make them put it back where they found it p.26
  5. Who came to visit the Drew’s during their supper and why? People from the yacht at sea; they invited to spend the day on the yacht out at sea p.29

Chapter 4

  1. On page 36, the author used a word to describe how Jane felt about the Withers. What is it and what does it mean? Sinister- evil or productive of evil p.36
  2. What did Jane find when coming down the stairs for lunch? A small book in the treasure chest p.38
  3. What was her discovery of the book? It had the name King Mark Head which was similar to the name on the map on the manuscript p.39
  4. Describe what a vicarage is and what this one looked like. Home of the vicar or clergy of a village; Scruffy house with neglected overgrown plants; grass as high as hay; weeds in the gravel of the drive; inside was not taken care of and worn p.41

Chapter 5

  1. What did Simon find the morning after Jane visited the vicar? Their house had been broken into and books from all of the main floor had been gone through and thrown on the floor p.48
  2. What do the children think the burglars were after? The manuscript with the map p.53
  3. Who do you think broke into the house? the Withers or Mr. Hastings the vicar p.54
  4. Who do the children feel they can tell about the manuscript? Great-Uncle Merry p.55

Chapter 6

  1. What was Great-Uncle Merry’s response after seeing the manuscript? Happy and Relieved p.58
  2. Explain the battle the children put themselves in the middle of by finding the manuscript. Between King Arthur and the evil ones from the world long ago; people who are trying to remember the world at the time of King Arthur; good and evil that still lives on and is seeking the grail p.60
  3. What do you think over sea and under stone mean?  Listen to your child’s ideas p.62
  4. What was Great-Uncle Merry doing while the children were in the house finding the manuscript? Leading the enemies on a detour and distracting them p.65
  5. Why can’t the children or their great-uncle go tell the police about the Withers? They wouldn’t believe them p.69

Chapter 7

  1. Why would the white yacht, named the Lady Mary, be following the children’s dad and uncle out to sea? The Withers were on it and they were following Great-Uncle Merry to see if he’s lead them to something about the manuscript p.72
  2. Who did the children see as they were sitting on the grass halfway up the Kemare Head? Mrs. Withers and Bill p.74
  3. Where was the clue the children were looking for as the sun was setting? On a large rock on the opposite headland on Kemare Head p.79
  4. Who was the man Bill saw and spoke to while trying to find Simon? Mr. Hastings p.84
  5. How did Simon get away from Bill and the man? Great-Uncle Merry came driving up, Simon got in the car and drove away p.86

Chapter 8

  1. What type of figurative language did the author use on page 89 in the phrase, “He would have given his ears to be the hero of the chase.”? An idiom p.89
  2. What did Jane realize the blodge mark was on the map? The moon p.92
  3. When the children’s parents left for the night, what did that mean the children could do? To go wander out at night to see if the clue worked with the moon p.95
  4. What did Simon and Jane find using the moon as a guide? That the rocks on the end of the headland is where the grail is buried p.100
  5. What was the threat on the hill that night? There were people there trying to get to Jane and Simon p.103

Chapter 9

  1. What is your conclusion about Mrs. Palk sneaking around Barney’s room? That she was looking for the map p.107
  2. Why didn’t Barney want to talk about the grail or map around Mrs. Palk? He was suspicious of her being a part of the evil p.108
  3. Where did Mrs. Palk tell Gumerry where the children went? To St. Austell    Why? To get rid of Gumerry so the evil ones could get to the children p.112

Chapter 10

  1. Why were the rocks at the end of the headland called the Gravestones? The children figured the Knight Bedwin was buried there as well as the grail p.115
  2. What did Rufus find? An area to dig in the ground next to a rock; the children found a large hole in the ground under that area p.119
  3. What could Jane hear in the gaping hole? The sea p.122
  4. What was Simon’s conclusion as he realized the Withers hadn’t seen a cave while scoping out the area? The cave might be under water p.124

Chapter 11

  1. Explain the connection between Bill and Mrs. Palk. She is Bill’s auntie p.130
  2. How had the children missed seeing Barney as he came down the hill? The procession was in the way and the other children were on a stone wall at the corner of the front quay instead of being in inner quay p.131

Chapter 12

  1. What happened to Barney when he couldn’t find Simon and Jane? He was kidnapped p.136
  2. Who had kidnapped Barney and where did they take him? The Withers; to a big deserted looking house p.138
  3. Describe the interaction between Barney and Mr. Hastings. Mr. Hastings asked Barney where the grail was hiding and Barney said he didn’t know what he was talking about. Mr. Hastings was shocked when Barney asked for another sandwich and excused Mr. Withers.  Mr. Hastings tried to convince Barney that he wasn’t bad, but that Gumerry was bad instead and hoping to get information about the grail p.142
  4. What did Barney say in his conversation with Mr. Hastings? He questioned him and said that Gumerry was doing it in the name of King Arthur and the old world before the dark came p.147

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Barney relax and heed his new master, Mr. Hastings? Mr. Hastings hypnotized him p.150
  2. What snapped him out of his trance? Rufus’ howl p.151
  3. How did the children get away from the men chasing them? They hid in a field p.154
  4. Why were the children nervous when they heard the owl hooting? Jane realized it was the enemy and not an owl and they feared the enemy had seen them p.160
  5. What did the children do to take extra precautions at the cave? Tie fishing line around Barney; had matches to light; figured out signals to communicate to each other p.165

Chapter 14

  1. Choose a word that describes Barney as he’s finding his way through the cave. Brave, courageous, determined, P.168
  2. What did Barney find in the cavern with the natural cupboard? The grail p.173
  3. Sketch the grail and describe it. P.173
  4. Summarize what Jane experienced while waiting outside for her brothers while they were in the cave. She felt a significant amount of responsibility holding the manuscript; anxious and worried as she let the string out; worried about the enemies; worried about the tide p.176
  5. What did the boys find with the grail? Another manuscript p. 178
  6. Summarize the battle in the last chapter. The children were starting to head back to the beach and saw the yacht. As they hurried, they saw another dinghy at the shore blocking them off. They were intercepted by the two enemy groups. Mr. Hastings and Mr. Withers were on the rocks with the children and Barney threatened to throw both artifacts into the water. Gumerry came to their rescue in a speed boat with Mr. Penhallow driving. Simon grabbed the artifacts and tried to throw them to Gumerry. Gumerry caught the Grail, but an oar intercepted the telescope case and broke it, sending its contents into the sea. The children all got into the boat and the enemies retreated and left the bay p.179

Epilogue

  1. Who do the children think Great-Uncle Merry is? Merlin p.193

Comprehension Questions – Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor

Grades 6-9; Genre – Fiction; GRL W; AR pts: 10.0

The land is all-important to the Logan family. But it takes a while for Cassie and her three brothers to understand just how lucky they are to have it. They must learn the hard way that having a place they can call their own in rural Mississippi permits the Logans the luxuries of pride and courage that their poor black sharecropper neighbors can't afford.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. 1933 in Mississippi, autumn time, it was morning as the main characters were walking to school on a dirt road, passing the white kids school, then in the school for black kids p.24
  2. Who are the Logan children? Little Man, Cassie, Christopher-John and Stacey; children who are a family who live in Mississippi with their mama, papa, and Big Ma; children who are the descendents of slaves p.2
  3. Define racism and give an example from this chapter. A belief that one group of persons is superior to another, usually with color of skin. Ex. Berry’s getting burned by some white men p.6; White kids on a bus, where our characters can’t ride the bus p.8; Jeremy getting beat up because he walks with the main characters to school p.9; white kids go to one school our main characters have to go to another p.10; they got all of the old used books the white kids had used and what the books called them p.17
  4. Why were most of the children at the Great Faith school have such thread worn clothes and shoes that were too small to wear? They were all so poor; they worked on plantations and didn’t make very much money p.11
  5. Why didn’t Cassie and Little Man want the books the school was giving them? Because of what the books called them p.18

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Papa bring home Mr. Morrison? He lost his job and he was going to work as a hired hand at the Logan’s farm p.27
  2. Explain in your own words what happened to the Berry’s. they stopped at a gas station for gas and Henrietta heard some white men talk about the men she was with. John Henry left without getting gas and after dropping her off to her home, the white men drove up behind them and rammed into their car. He stopped at his uncle’s house for fear he was going to run out of gas and the men came and dragged him, Beacon and his uncle out of the house and set them all on fire p.29
  3. Why did Cassie’s dad tell them all not to go the Wallace’s store? There was drinking, dancing and smoking and he felt there was going to be trouble one day for those kids who went p.30

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Big Ma use the term “ignorant white folks” when talking to Little Man about getting dirty by the school bus each day? Ignorant means lacking knowledge or comprehension of something, so she understands that the white people don’t understand that black people should be treated similarly p.33
  2. How did Big Ma show Little Man tough love when they were talking about the bus issue? Didn’t feel sorry for him and told him to stop fretting over it; told him to study hard in school and get a good education and he’d be ok; told him he could buy a car when he grew up to drive himself where he wanted to go p.33
  3. What was Stacey’s plan to stop the bus from splashing them to and from school? To dig into the road to make it look like it was washed out p.38
  4. When the bus fell into the deep ditch, why was Mama and Big Ma happy? Now the white kids will have to walk to school just like their kids do every day; now there’s no special privilege for white kids p.42
  5. Why do you think the men in the cars with the headlights came to Cassie’s home that night? To punish the children for digging the ditch; to capture Mr. Morrison p.50

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Mama and Big Ma suspect something was wrong with the children? They were listless, didn’t eat or sleep well p.53
  2. Why were the children relieved after talking to TJ and hearing about the man who got tarred and feathered? They learned it wasn’t because of their prank to stop the bus p.57
  3. Why did Papa bring Mr. Morrison to live near his family? To protect them p.59
  4. Why did Stacey get whipped in school? TJ handed him his cheat notes and the teacher saw p.61
  5. Why did Stacey decide to tell his Mama about fighting at the Wallace’s store? Mr. Morrison helped him understand he needed to. Stacey respected Mr. Morrison and wanted to do what he said p.66
  6. Explain why Mr. Granger wants to buy their land? He just wants it to own it, he doesn’t need it; to take away their privilege of having land; it was his before the ward, but his family had to sell it since they didn’t have any money p.67

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Big Ma park the wagon at the back of the field on market day? Only the white people’s wagons could park near the entrance p.80
  2. How was Cassie supposed to act in the store while Mr. Barnette was helping everyone else before them? Patient, wait until he’s ready to help; helps everyone who’s white before helping her p.85
  3. How had Cassie been insulted when in town? Mr. Barnette yelled at her for having no manners and expecting to be helped in proper order at the store and Lillian Jean made her apologize for bumping into her and expected Cassie to walk in the road p.86

Chapter 6

  1. How did Uncle Hammer react when Cassie told him what happened in Strawberry? He was angry and wanted to get revenge on Mr. Simms so got into his car to go to Mr. Simms home p.93
  2. How did Cassie’s mama explain the reason for Lillian Jean’s treatment? She explained that people are still stuck thinking that white people are better than black people even though slavery had ended decades before p.95
  3. What did Uncle Hammer give Stacey on the way to church and why did he give it to him then instead of at Christmas? A new coat because his was worn and too small p.101
  4. When Uncle Hammer persisted across the bridge to make the other car stop and wait for them, why was Mama so worried as she said, “one day we’ll pay.” Uncle Hammer’s actions will cause the Wallace’s to take offense and cause the Logan family to have issues because of it p.105

Chapter 7

  1. What did Stacey do to the coat Uncle Hammer gave to him and what was his uncle’s reaction when he found out? Gave it to TJ; Uncle Hammer told him not to got get it, but got after him for doing whatever TJ wanted him to do and told him he needed to stick up for himself and not be influenced easily p.107
  2. Summarize Mr. Morrison’s story about the night men. His little town got attacked by them since a woman complained some boys had hurt her. The night men came, started the town on fire, and killed women, children and men. His sisters died and his mother threw him out of the house so he wouldn’t get hurt and she fought next to his dad. They both died that night p.112
  3. What did the children get for Christmas? Books, clothes and candy/food p.116
  4. What did Mr. Jamison propose to Papa and Uncle Hammer? That he’ll back the credit for people to shop at the store in Vicksburg p.122
  5. Why did Mr. Granger come to visit the Logan’s? to tell them not to go to Vicksburg for the groceries or he would cause them to lose their land p.122

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the advice Cassie’s papa gave her about the incident with Lillian Jean? She has Uncle Hammer’s temper and she has to consider what is worse, the hurt you receive or the hurt your family would receive if they reacted the way they wanted to, but you can’t back down at some things or theya eat you alive ; he told her not to be mad, but she needed to decide how she was going to respond this treatment p.133
  2. Why was Cassie so kind to Lillian Jean and being her “pet”? to get her to trust her and tell her things, so when she beat her up and made her apologize, she had leverage to keep Lillian Jean from telling anyone what she had done p.137
  3. Explain why Mama lost her job as a schoolteacher? Mr. Granger came to her class and she admitted to not teaching everything in the book that the school board provided because it wasn’t true p.140
  4. What did TJ say that got their Mama fired?  That she wasn’t a good teacher and destroyed school property by covering the books with paper and that she was the one who told everyone not to go to the Wallace’s store p.143
  5. What’s a consequence of TJ talking to Kaleb Wallace about Ms. Logan and getting her fired? Nobody will talk to him at school p.146
  6. Predict what’s going to happen to TJ and how his actions are going to affect his relationship with the Logan’s.  He’s going to side more with the white people and help them ruin the Logan’s p.147

Chapter 9

  1. What’s the problem with TJ hanging out with Jeremy’s brothers who are 18 & 19? They’re much older than him; could be a bad influence; don’t treat him well when he’s not with them p.150
  2. What’s a chain gang? A group of men who have been arrested or convicts that are forced to working on road construction, ditch digging or farming while chained together p.155
  3. Describe the example Papa used when answering Cassie’s question if they were going to give up. He used a fig tree growing in an area with lots of trees overshadowing it. That fig tree keeps on growing and doesn’t give up. It has a right to be in the yard too. They aren’t giving up either p.156
  4. What had happened to Stacey, Mr. Morrison and Papa on their way back from Vicksburg in the rain? Someone had loosened the wheels on the cart, they came off and while the men were putting the wheels on a car came from behind and someone shot Papa. Jack the mule got scared and the cart rolled and ran over Papa. Mr. Morrison went after the men and stopped them from hurting any of them. The men left and they brought Papa home with a broken leg and his head wrapped from the shot p.162

Chapter 10

  1. Why were Cassie’s parents worried about money? Because her papa couldn’t work on the railroad to get the mortgage payments and her mom lost her teaching job p.166
  2. What did Mr. Morrison do when Kaleb Wallace blocked the road with his truck? He picked up each end of the truck and moved it p.170
  3. When Jeremy came to the pond and trees to see the Logan children, what did he tell them about TJ? That he was hanging around with white boys and stealing stuff from people p.173
  4. What does it mean that the bank called up the note? The bank wanted the Logan’s to pay for the debt on the land immediately p.175
  5. What did Uncle Hammer do to get the money to pay the debt at the bank? Sold his nice car and other things as well as borrowed some money p.178
  6. Why did TJ come to the revival? To show off his new friends to his old friends and boast about his new clothes and friends and how they’d give him anything he wanted p.182

Chapter 11

  1. Explain what happened at the Barnette’s store with TJ, R.W. and Melvin. TJ, M.W. and Melvin went to the store to get the pistol, but the store was closed. TJ climbed into the window and opened the door for the other boys. Once in they got the gun and were trying to get the metal case with money, but the Barnette’s came down the stairs. Mr. Barnette tried to stop them but got knocked in the head by the flat part of the ax and Mrs. Barnette fell and hit her head on the stove. The older boys beat up TJ since he said he was going to tell. They ran to do some business and TJ got a ride with a farmer close to the Logan’s home p.187
  2. What will be the consequence of Stacey taking TJ home instead of telling his parents? The children all saw the Avery family with TJ get pulled out of their home. TJ was accused of breaking into the store p.191
  3. Who came and tried to help the Avery family and TJ from getting hurt? Mr. Jamison p.193
  4. Why did Cassie and her brothers need to run and tell Papa and Mr. Morrison about the events at the Avery home? To warn them and protect them from Kaleb Wallace and the Simms since they want to hang them both as well as TJ p.195

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Mama so worried about Papa taking a gun to find Stacey and help TJ? She knew if he fired at the men he would be hung p.197
  2. What started the fire on their cotton? Lightning p.199
  3. What did Papa and Mr. Granger do to stop the fire? Dig a trench p.202
  4. What had happened to TJ? He got taken into Strawberry to jail so he could be tried for breaking into the mercantile store and hurting/killing the Barnette’s p.205
  5. How did Papa stop the hangings that night? He started a fire which caused Mr. Granger to stop focusing on TJ and instead putting out the fire on his fields p.208
  6. Why did Cassie cry at the end of the story? She mourned what would happen to TJ; she cried for the things that happened in the night, but what would not pass; for the land p.210

Comprehension Questions – Stuart Little

Stuart Little

by E.B. White

Grades 4-5; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 3.0

"When Mrs. Frederick C. Little's second son arrived, everybody noticed that he was not much bigger than a mouse. The truth of the matter was, the baby looked very much like a mouse in every way." So begins E.B. White's tale of a sensitive, erudite mouse that is somehow born to a family of humans.

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Stuart. He is a two-inch tall human boy that has a mouse's sharp nose, whiskers and tail; he's born to a human family p.1
  2. Why is it concerning that Stuart wasn't gaining very much weight? He only gained a third of an ounce and it is important for babies to gain weight to show that they are thriving and growing in healthy ways p.3
  3. How did Stuart serve and help his mom in this chapter? To find her ring p.4
  4. How did the family feel when Stuart recovered the ring? That he was “awfully good” p.6

Chapter 2

  1. How did Stuart help around the house? Retrieving ping-pong balls, sticky piano keys p.7
  2. Give two examples in this chapter that show that Stuart's family protects and loves him. they tear up the nursery rhyme and change "The Night Before Christmas" words p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Define personification. A literary device that gives humans traits, emotions, or actions to non-human entities - such as animals, objects, or abstract ideas.
  2. Gives three examples from this chapter of how the author illustrates this literary device. Stuart exercises and touches his toes 10 times; Stuart turns on the light with a long string and turns on the water faucet; animals don't exhibit these behaviors p.13

Chapter 4

  1. Compare and contrast Stuart and Snowbell. Similarities: They are both part of the Little household, they are both small creatures living in a large human world, interact with humans and have human feelings; Contrast: Stuart is noble, adventurous, helpful; Snowbell is selfish, manipulative, jealous; Stuart is the hero and Snowbell is the villain; Stuart takes responsibility and solves problems and Snowbell causes problems p.18

Chapter 5

  1. What did George want to do to find Stuart? Rip up the floor p.21
  2. What did they end up doing? All called together and waited to hear his answer p.22
  3. Why did George pull down the shades? To respect Stuart who was “dead” p.25

Chapter 6

  1. Why is Stuart taking a risk when he goes outside? He is so small and vulnerable that cats, dogs, cars, etc. put him in danger p.27
  2. How did Stuart step up onto a bus? He held onto a man’s pants p.28
  3. What boat did Stuart want to sail on and beat? The Wasp, The Lillian B. Womarth  p.33

Chapter 7

  1. What accident happened at the beginning of the race? The policeman fell into the water p.38
  2. What did the policeman cause? A big wave pg 39
  3. What caused the crash between the boats? A paper bag p.43
  4. Why did Stuart win? He sailed the Wasp “straight and true” p.45

Chapter 8

  1. How did Stuart catch bronchitis? He got locked in the refrigerator p.47
  2. What did Stuart do for Margalo? Take her temperature p.52
  3. What did Stuart do to Snowbell’s ear? Shoot it with an arrow p.55

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Stuart jump into the garbage can? To avoid the Irish Terrier p.57
  2. Where was the garbage truck going? To dump the load on the scow p.60
  3. Why was Stuart sad that he might die? He would miss his home p.61

Chapter 10

  1. What did the Angora cat tell Snowbell? You have more self-control than me p.69
  2. Who overheard the plot to kill Margalo? The pigeon p.71
  3. What did Margalo do when she read the note? Fly away p.71

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Stuart run away from home? To look for Margalo p.73
  2. Who did he go see for advice? Dr. Carey p.75
  3. Why wouldn’t Stuart’s car attract attention? It was invisible p.79

Chapter 12

  1. Why were the scholars delighted at #7 School? They would have a substitute for Mrs. Gunderson p.87
  2. What would be a fine law? Absolutely no being mean p.94
  3. Is this a realistic law? Why or why not? Explain. Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 13

  1. What is sarsaparilla? It's a drink made from a tropical, woody vine that has medicinal properties and is found in South America, Jamaica, and Mexico p.102
  2. Why did the storekeeper want Stuart to meet Harriet Ames? They were similar size and he thought they would have a lot in common; He thought they might like each other in a romantic way; Hopefully, they could be friends and support each other p.103

Chapter 14

  1. What was the conclusion to the date? Never happened; Stuart was too discouraged that his boat was ruined to go with Harriet, he never saw her again p.124
  2. Have you ever had plans that got ruined by someone else? Explain. Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 15

  1. What is a theme of this story? Example: Stuart Little has many physical limitations, but learns to overcome them
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – #5 Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake

Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake

By Barbara Park

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

When the teacher announces that there will be a school carnival, Junie B. plans to win hundreds of prizes. The heavy fruitcake she wins at the Cake Walk may be more of a prize than Junie B. can manage!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who came to babysit Junie B.? Grandpa Miller p.2
  2. What does Junie B. use as a booster seat when she eats at the table? A telephone book p.7
  3. Why didn’t Junie B. like the cereal she had made herself? She had poured orange juice on it instead of milk p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Why did the children call Junie B. a cheater? She said she had won tic tac toe, but didn’t realize her X’s weren’t in a row p.13
  2. Who did Junie B. have a hopping content with? Lucille p.17
  3. How did Junie B. feel about losing? Sad p.19
  4. How did Junie B. act that let you know she was sad? Glum; walked to her class slow; put her head on the table p.19

Chapter 3

  1. What’s a school carnival? A fun event held inside or outside of the school that has lots of games with prizes p.23
  2. What game would you want to play at the carnival Mrs. explained in the book? Fishing booth; penny toss; moon walk tent; putting green; clothespins in the bottle; basketball shoot; ring toss; throw the sponges at the principal p.24
  3. Junie B. had a hard time being polite. Give three examples of being polite. Raising hand; speaking softly; using kind words p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did Junie B. do to prepare for the carnival so she could win the games? Practiced the games at home p.29
  2. What happened when Junie B. flushed the sponge down the toilet? It got stuck and made the toilet overflow p.35
  3. What did Junie B.’s mom try to teach her about winning? We don’t always have to win, but it’s important to realize we have fun while we’re playing the game p.35

Chapter 5

  1. What did Lucille have on her face at the carnival? painted red hearts p.38
  2. What happened when Junie B. played the putting green game and clothespin game? She knocked the golf ball into the air and hit people and she couldn’t drop the clothespins into the carton p.40

Chapter 6

  1. What’s a word that describes Junie B.’s feelings after Grace showed her the prizes she’s won? Jealous; sad; mad p.47
  2. How would you feel if someone made fun of you when it was your turn for the sponge game like Jim did to Junie B.? Have trouble concentrating, feel self-conscious, feel bad with low self-esteem p.50
  3. Why was Junie B. able to do the cake walk after she got in trouble from hitting Jim in the face with a sponge? She’s lost her shoe and her dad said he’d look for it while she went to the cake walk p.55

Chapter 7

  1. What cake did Junie Choose for a prize for winning the cake walk? Fruitcake p.61
  2. When Junie B.’s mother tried to hand her the cake, she dropped it on the ground. Why? It was so heavy p.62
  3. How did Junie B. get the cake out of the room and outside to where her dad was? She dragged it p.63

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Junie B.’s dad find her shoe? Under the jumping tent p.63
  2. How did Junie B. feel about her fruitcake when she unwrapped it and looked at it? Disgusted; thought it had rotted p.65
  3. What uses did Junie B. find for her fruitcake? Booster in the car and at the table p.68
  4. Describe Junie B.’s attitude as she went to bed that night after the carnival? she appreciated her prizes p.71

Comprehension Questions – Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie

By Kate DiCamillo

Grades 4-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 3.0

The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she names Winn-Dixie.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. In the Winn-Dixie grocery store in the produce department p.7
  2. Explain how Opal became Winn-Dixie’s owner? He followed her into the store and the manager said to call the pound and she couldn’t let him go to the pound, so she said the dog was hers p.8
  3. Describe Winn-Dixie. Dirty; ugly; bald patches on him; could see his ribs; big; smiles p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Why does Opal’s father call her by her second or middle name? it’s his mother’s name and he loves her a lot p.14
  2. What did Opal tell Winn-Dixie on their way home from the store? How she got her name; how she had just moved to Naomi; about the preacher p.14
  3. Is your name special to you? Why or why not? Listen to your child's answer; if they don't know where their name came from, explain why you chose to name them that

Chapter 3

  1. How are Opal and Winn-Dixie similar? They’re both like orphans p.21
  2. Why did it take Opal courage to ask her father to name 10 things about her mother? She didn't want to make her dad angry; he didn't like to talk about her p.25
  3. Is there something you have wanted to ask your parent/guardian, but haven't had the courage? Explain. Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 4

  1. List 2 things about Opal’s mother that was similar to Opal. She had freckles and red hair; she could run fast p.26
  2. Why do you think Opal’s mother left? She didn’t like being the preacher’s wife; they fought when she drank alcohol p.28
  3. Why did Opal write down all ten things? So she could memorize them and remember them, so that if her mother came back, she’d know who she was and never let her go again p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What happened when the preacher and Opal left Winn-Dixie home? He howled or tore the house apart p.31
  2. Explain what happened when Opal brought Winn-Dixie into the church. He saw a mouse, caught it and brought it to the preacher, who threw it outside p.36
  3. List the things Opal prayed for at the end of this chapter. She was lonely; the mouse; her mama and that she could tell her the story of the mouse and Winn-Dixie p.38

Chapter 6

  1. What did Miss Franny think Winn-Dixie was as he looked in the window of the library? A bear p.41
  2. Why was Miss Franny so worried about seeing a bear? She had a bad experience with a bear coming into the library p.42

Chapter 7

  1. How did the Herman W. Block Library come to be? Miss Franny was the daughter of Herman W. Block and told her dad she wanted a little house full of books she could read and share with others p.46
  2. Explain the story of the bear in the library. Miss Franny was reading her book on a hot day with all of the windows and doors open. A shadow crossed by her and she looked up when no one answered her question and saw the bear sniffing her p.47
  3. Who was Opal’s first friend in Naomi? Miss Franny p.51

Chapter 8

  1. What plan did Opal come up to pay for the collar and leash? Do jobs around the pet store p.54
  2. How did Gertrude feel about Winn-Dixie? She landed on his head, so she liked him p.56
  3. Describe Sweetie Pie Thomas. She’s a 5 year-old little girl; sucks on her third knuckle; wants a dog, but can’t have one; goes to Opal’s church p.57

Chapter 9

  1. Who was the witch Stevie and Dunlap were talking about? Gloria Dump p.64
  2. Why did they call her a witch? She was old, had crinkly brown skin, wore a big floppy hat and had no teeth p.63
  3. What did Gloria feed Winn-Dixie? Peanut butter p.63

Chapter 10

  1. What does it mean to have a green thumb? Being good at growing plants p.69
  2. How was Winn-Dixie helping Opal? He helped her find friends; he helped her get a job p.70
  3. What was the main idea of this chapter? Opal builds a greater relationship and trust with Gloria by sharing her worries about her mother, her father and the Dewberry boys p.67

Chapter 11

  1. Find a simile on page 74. Barreling like a bowling ball
  2. How did Winn-Dixie continue to behave during the thunderstorm? out of his mind with fear; racing back and forth every time there was thunder p.76
  3. Opal had a difficult time talking when the preacher said they need to keep Winn-Dixie safe during thunderstorms. What was she feeling? Lots of love for the preacher and felt like crying p.78

Chapter 12

  1. What was Otis doing in the pet store when Opal arrived early to work? Playing his guitar with every animal out of its cage p.80
  2. What effect did Otis have over the animals as he played his guitar? He was like a snake charmer p.81
  3. What did Otis and the animals have in common? They’d both been locked up p.83

Chapter 13

  1. What was Opal’s favorite place to go that summer? Gloria Dump’s p.88
  2. Why did the twins make Opal so mad? They continued to call Gloria a witch p.89
  3. Why did Opal enjoy going over there so much? Gloria would make her a sandwich and coffee/milk and talk to her p.90

Chapter 14

  1. Why couldn’t Gloria get glasses to see? Because her eyes were too bad p.92
  2. What was hanging from the tree in Gloria’s backyard? Whiskey, wine and beer bottles p.94
  3. Why were there bottles hanging from it? Gloria used to drink and these were the bottles she had drunken out of; they were her ghosts of the things she’s done wrong in her life p.95
  4. Why did Gloria show Opal the tree? To teach her that she shouldn’t judge Otis for being in jail p.96

Chapter 15

  1. Find a simile on one of the first two pages of this chapter. Fur blowing off like a dandelion puff; stop and start shaking like a leaf; protecting her like soldiers p.98&99
  2. Why did Opal want to tell Gloria a story? To keep the ghosts away from the bottles hitting together in the wind p.100
  3. How did Miss Franny react when Amanda Wilkinson came into the library and demanded a book? She told her she’d have to wait until she finished telling Opal the story of her great grandfather in the Civil War p.102

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Miss Franny’s great grandfather’s experience of fighting in the war. Hot or cold; covered in vermin, fleas and ticks; always hungry; always getting shot at; stinky in the summer p.106
  2. What did Littmus find after walking home from the war? His home was burned; his mom and sisters dead from typhoid fever and his dad on the battlefield p.107

Chapter 17

  1. What did Miss Franny’s great grandfather do with his life after the war? Built the candy factory and made candy p.111
  2. What’s the secret ingredient of the candy Miss Franny gave the girls? Sorrow p.114
  3. What did Opal decide to do as she passed the twins on her bike? Wave to them p.116

Chapter 18

  1. What did the preacher think the candy tasted like? Opal’s mother; melancholy p.121
  2. What did the preacher want Opal to say to Stevie? That she was sorry for calling him a bald-headed baby p.123
  3. Who is Carson and what happened to him? Amanda’s five year-old brother who had drowned last year p.124

Chapter 19

  1. Why did Otis go to jail? He wouldn’t stop playing his guitar when the policemen asked him too and he hit one of them when they put handcuffs on him p.130
  2. How did Sweetie Pie respond to the candy Opal gave her? She spit it out and tasted like not having a dog p.132

Chapter 20

  1. How did Opal come up with the idea to have a party and invite her friends? From the book, Gone with the Wind p.125
  2. How did Gloria respond to Opal’s idea? She made her promise to invite the twins p.137
  3. What was Otis’s reaction when Opal asked him to come to the party? He didn’t want to come at first, but told him she would do her jobs for free for a week and then told him to bring his guitar p.142

Chapter 21

  1. What kind of sandwiches did Gloria and Opal make for the party? Egg-salad sandwiches p.143
  2. Why did Miss Franny wobble when she walked and sway when standing still? She was wearing high heels p.145
  3. Why was Otis hesitant to come to the party? He was nervous to be around people p.149

Chapter 22

  1. What did Otis do that made Sweetie Pie laugh? Leaned over and his guitar on his back bonked him on the head p.151
  2. What did the weather turn into just as the party got started? A rain storm p.154

Chapter 23

  1. Who did Opal forget to bring inside as the thunder started to roll? Winn-Dixie p.157
  2. Why was she so worried about him? In thunderstorms he gets scared and this time she didn’t hold onto him, so he ran away p.157

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Opal make a list to describe Winn-Dixie? If she had to make a sign about him it would tell people about him p.162
  2. Explain what the preacher told Opal when she blamed him for not trying to stop her mother from leaving. He told her he did try, but he couldn’t stop her; he wished she’d come back every day; was very grateful she had left Opal p.165

Chapter 25

  1. Where had Winn-Dixie been during the thunderstorm? Under Gloria’s bed p.173
  2. What helped him come out from under the bed? Otis’s music p.174

Chapter 26

  1. What is a theme for this story? Explain. Letting go; friendship; dealing with grief and abandonment
  2. Describe how Opal's relationship with her father had changed at the end of the story. They had grown together in understanding and were connecting with each other
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard

By Lynne Reid Banks

Grades 4-6; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 6.0

A young boy discovers that his magic cupboard and key can turn toys into live people and animals. Text contains violence and racism.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does Omri feel when Patrick gives him the plastic Indian? Disappointed pg 2
  2. What does Omri’s mum give him for the cabinet? A boxful of keys pg. 3
  3. What does the Indian do when Omri tries to pick him up? Stab him pg 9.

Chapter 2

  1. What does Omri worry happened to the Indian while at school? He dies without food, drink pg 15
  2. What did the Indian think was magic? Electricity pg 21
  3. Did Little Bear live in a tepee? No, a longhouse pg 21
  4. Who is the Indian? Iroquois brave, son of chief, Little Bear pg 23

Chapter 3

  1. Omri finds out that Little Bear fought in a war
    with whom and against whom. With the
    English against the French and the Algonquin pg 29
  2. What did Little Bear say that scared Omri? He scalped 30 French soldiers pg 30
  3. Why did Omri not tell anyone about Little Bear? They would make him an experiment in a
    laboratory pg 31

Chapter 4

  1. How did Little Bear hurt his leg? Horse kicked when box was squeezed pg 41
  2. What did Little Bear call fire water? Water and Listerine; disinfectant pg 41
  3. What plastic figure did Omri grab to help Little
    Bear’s injury? WW I orderly pg 42

Chapter 5

  1. What does Omri tell Tommy so he won’t be afraid?
    It’s just a dream pg 45
  2. What supplies does Omri gather for Little Bear? Seed tray, posts and bark pg 47
  3. Where does Omri get an ax for Little Bear? From a knight pg 48

Chapter 6

  1. Omri sneaks away at lunchtime at school to buy
    what? Plastic chief with bow and arrow pg
    52
  2. How
    does Little Bear check to see if the chief is dead? Puts his feather in front of his mouth pg 59
  3. What does Little Bear take from the dead chief
    and why? Cape, headdress, bow and arrow
    and now he’s the new chief pg 59
  4. What does Omri’s father make him do? Replace items he used at hardware shop pg 60

Chapter 7

  1. When they get to Omri’s room who do they find
    there? Gillon and Adiel pg 65
  2. What did the brothers feel about the longhouse? Admiration at the details pg 67
  3. Why
    did Omri not want Patrick to put a lot of toys in the cupboard? Because they are real pg 69
  4. What did Patrick beg Omri for? One live toy of his own pg 74

Chapter 8

  1. What did Patrick do when Omri went to get some
    food for the Indian? Put the cowboy in
    the cupboard pg 78
  2. What does the cowboy do to Patrick? Shoots him pg 80
  3. What does Omri promise Patrick to do? Bring the Cowboy to school pg 85

Chapter 9

  1. Why does Little Bear do a dance? He is getting a wife pg 89
  2. What happened when Omri was a sleep? The cowboy escaped pg 90
  3. What does Little Bear want Omri to do? Take him to school too pg 94

Chapter 10

  1. What did Omri fix for breakfast? Egg, beans and bread crust pg 98
  2. What did Omri make the cowboy and Indian do to
    eat? Call a truce pg 99
  3. What did Boone threaten Little Bear he’d do if
    he didn’t fight fair? Set his
    hallucy-nation on him pg 103

Chapter 11

  1. How does April taunt Patrick? She says “Lookit he’s blu-shing!” pg 108
  2. Why do Omri and Patrick get thrown out of class?
    Little Bear stabs him in the side  pg 111
  3. What does Omri do with the little men? Puts them in the same pocket pg 114

Chapter 12

  1. When Omri couldn’t find Patrick where was he? The music room pg 119
  2. When Patrick was late to class by 20 minutes
    what did Miss Hilton do? Sent both boys
    to the headmaster Mr. Jonson pg 120
  3. Why
    did Omri attack Patrick in Mr. Johnson’s office? He was going to tell him about the little men pg 124
  4. Did Patrick show the little men to Mr. Johnson? Yes pg 126

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Patrick say he had to show the little
    men? They would tell his dad pg 128
  2. How did Omri feel when the art teacher saw
    Boone’s drawing? It was fun pg133
  3. How did Omri trick Mr. Yapp with the little men?
    He told them to act like plastic pg 139

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Adiel take Omri’s cupboard? He thought Omri took his football shorts pg
    142
  2. Why was the magic gone from the cupboard? Because the key was lost pg 145
  3. Why does Little Bear shoot Boone with an arrow? TV shows portrayed Indians as bad pg 150

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Omri worried for the safety of the
    little men? The rat was loose pg 155
  2. What did Omri worry would happen to Little Bear
    under the floor? the rat would eat him pg
    161
  3. How did Omri think he could stop the little men
    from fighting? Become blood brothers pg
    167

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Little Bears’ wife called Bright Stars? Her shining eyes pg 173
  2. Who became blood brothers? Little Bear and Boone pg 176 Little Bear and Omri pg 178
  3. Where
    was Omri’s mum going to keep the key? She
    was going to wear it on a chain pg 181

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Super Edition #1 Danger in the Darkest Hour

Danger in the Darkest Hour

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-5; Genre – Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL T; AR 3.0

The Magic Tree House has taken Jack and Annie back in time to England in 1944. England is fighting for its life in World War II. Before long, Jack and Annie find themselves parachuting into Normandy, France, behind enemy lines. The date is June 5. Will the brave brother and sister team be able to make a difference during one of the darkest times in history? They don't know, but they have to try!

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Jack feel when Annie interrupted his reading? He was frustrated; impatient; mad p.5
  2. What was so interesting about the pigeon Annie found? It had a canister to carry messages; it was a carrier pigeon p.7
  3. Who sent the message for Jack and Annie? Teddy p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the setting of the area Annie and Jack traveled to. Hazy; ducks on the pond; sheep grazing in the field; broken down buildings, stone pillars and crumbling archways; Glastonbury, England; 1944 p.14
  2. Why is Teddy concerned about Kathleen? She went on a mission, but hasn’t returned and sent a carrier pigeon with a message in a secret code, but Teddy can’t figure it out p.21
  3. Explain why the times Jack and Annie traveled to were dark. Teddy is limited in his magic; Kathleen is missing; the war is going on and many people are affected p.22
  4. How were Jack and Annie going to travel to Normandy? By jumping out of a plane with parachutes p.26

Chapter 3

  1. Who would Jack and Annie need to find to help send a message to Teddy? Someone from the French Resistance p.30
  2. Demonstrate the ways Jack and Annie can make the Victory sign. Holding up two fingers that make a V; drawing it on a piece of paper; scratching it in the dirt; or any other way you can think of p.30
  3. Tell me three of the supplies Teddy gave Jack and Annie for their mission? Old fashioned pack; Flashlight; clothes; boots; parachutes; goggles; helmet; identity cards with French names p.31

Chapter 4

  1. What was Annie’s attitude when she found out they didn’t have the magic wand? Positive; determined; looking on the bright side; but then she got scared and Jack had to encourage her p.44
  2. Why did Jack and Annie hide in the barn? They heard dogs and men searching for them p.50
  3. Why did the German shepherd barking at them calm down? Annie used her “making friends with animals” skills p.51

Chapter 5

  1. Who are Gaston and Suzette? A married couple a part of the French Resistance p.53
  2. Describe where Jack and Annie stayed the night. Gaston and Suzette’s home in the cellar that had hundreds of wine bottles and smelled dank and musty p.58
  3. What happened to Gaston and Suzette’s twin boys? They were couriers and got caught by the Nazi’s when they were putting up a message of hope p.60

Chapter 6

  1. Why was is so important that Gaston and Suzette had a wireless? That was how Jack and Annie were supposed to communicate with Teddy once they found Kathleen p.65
  2. What were the code phrases the French Resistance used and what did they mean? Code Purple: destroy communication lines so the Nazi’s don’t find out what’s happening; Code Green: Resistance Fighters need to blow bridges and train tracks to keep enemy troops from traveling to that area p.66
  3. Why did Gaston want the children to leave France? An invasion was happening the next day p.70
  4. What did Suzette and Gaston give to the children to help them on their journey? A compass; hats; bikes and advice p.74

Chapter 7

  1. What did Jack do that made people chase them? Made the V signal to a horse and buggy that passed them p.80
  2. How did Jack and Annie escape? A milk man told them to get into his truck and he took them to Caen p.83
  3. Describe the busy town square Jack and Annie were in. Women with children buying food, cloth and lace; cobblestone streets; quaint buildings; church covered with ivy; small train depot; sidewalk café p.84

Chapter 8

  1. Who did Annie mean when she said, “I hate them.”? The Nazi’s p.90
  2. Why did she so strongly dislike the Nazi’s? they were cruel p.90
  3. Why were the Nazi officers going to arrest Jack? They found Resistance papers in the pack p.92
  4. When Jack held up the flyers in the bistro, who did the waitress go get and why? Her mom; she wanted to know how Jack and Annie knew the twins p.100

Chapter 9

  1. What good news did Sylvie give the children? That Tom and Theo escaped from jail and are safe to the south of France p.102
  2. What did Kathleen mean when she wrote knights and small, round cows? They were types of apples p.106
  3. Who do you think was singing the song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?  Listen to your child’s ideas p.110

Chapter 10

  1. Who did Jack and Annie find in the cave? Kathleen and refugee children p.112
  2. Explain how Kathleen has taken care of the children day and night? In the day the stay in the cave and at night they sneak into the chateau’s attic and sleep while Kathleen goes and looks for food p.114
  3. Why do you think the Nazis arrested Sophie and Sarah’s parents for being scientists and Jewish?  The Nazis were sending the Jews to concentration camps. This is a good opportunity to have a discussion with your child about the Holocaust if they’re ready for it. P.115
  4. Describe Annie’s plan to get them all to the drop zone? Sneak the kids out at night, get in a delivery truck, Jack will drive it to the drop zone and Teddy will pick them up in a bigger plane p.119

Chapter 11

  1. Describe how Jack began to feel as he talked with Kathleen and felt her hope? Began to have courage and feel like he could drive the truck p.125
  2. Why did Kathleen write a note for the baker? Because they were taking his truck without asking permission and told him where he could find it p.126
  3. On the last page of this chapter, it commented on Jack’s throat getting tight. What does that mean? He was feeling emotional/ like crying because he really wanted to help the kids find freedom p.132

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Jack so nervous they were going to get caught by the Nazis? They had to go through a checkpoint p.134
  2. How did they make it through the checkpoint safely? Kathleen tricked Jack into thinking she had cast an invisibility spell p.140
  3. How did Jack feel about being tricked? He was confused at whether to be angry at Kathleen or amazed at himself, but just laughed in the end p.141
  4. Why did Kathleen sing songs with the young children? To help them be happy and calm p.143

Chapter 13

  1. What was in the field next to the church as the searchlights scanned the sky overhead? A large plane with Teddy inside p.147
  2. How did Teddy feel when he realized he forgot to send the wand with Jack and Annie? Terrible; guilty p.149
  3. How did the children respond to being in the plane? Excited p.151
  4. Why was Jack confused about the plane? It was silent taking off; you could open the window; it got passed the searchlights; he didn’t know if spy planes were made during WWII p.152

Chapter 14

  1. Now that the children were all safe, what was going to happen to them? Relatives and friends would be located and would come get them p.160
  2. Who was the pilot and what kind of plane did he have? It was Merlin and he had a magical plane p.163
  3. Tell me two things Jack and Annie learned and saw on this mission? How it feels to live in terror all of the time; how it feels to speak or move about freely; seen cruel people hunt down the innocent p.164
  4. How did Jack and Annie feel as they got back to Frog Creek? Safe p.167

Comprehension Questions – Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web

By E.B. White

Grades 3-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 5.0

Wilbur is the runt of a litter born to a pig on the farm of Fern Arable's father. When it is announced that her father is going to kill the pig, Fern rushes forth to save it, asking of her father: "If I had been very small at birth, would you have killed me?" Her father spares the pig, but only if Fern agrees to care for it. Falling in love immediately with the little pig, Fern takes care of him until he is moved to her Uncle’s farm. Wilbur becomes friends with the other animals at the farm including a spider named Charlotte who saves Wilbur’s life.

Vocabulary Words

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. Farm; kitchen and on the way to the pigpen; morning, breakfast time; grass was wet and the earth smelled of springtime p.1
  2. Why did Fern’s father decide to keep the pig and not kill it? Fern said she would take care of it and that it was an injustice to kill a pig just because it was small p.3
  3. From your perspective, can you understand why Fern's father wanted to kill Wilbur? Explain. Example: It costs extra money to feed a pig he can't use; the pig will likely not thrive, so he doesn't want to spend time and feed on it; listen to your child's answer

Chapter 2

  1. What is the main idea of this chapter? Fern’s has great love and devotion, as she cares for Wilbur raising him as a pet. As Wilbur grows older and too large to keep as a pet, her father insists on selling him to her uncle, Homer Zuckerman, marking the transition from being a pet to life on a farm. p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Wilbur’s new home. The lower part of a barn, below the cows, in the manure pile p.14
  2. Is the goose a good or bad influence and why? Bad; She told Wilbur to free himself and to dig in the orchard and garden; told him how to escape when people were coming p.17
  3. How did Lurvy and Uncle Homer catch Wilbur? Go behind him and drove him toward the barn; got a bucket of slop to lure into his pen p.19
  4. Why didn’t Wilbur care that he was being led back to his pen? He was nervous; he wanted the food; he wanted to be in his pen again and not being chased around p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why is Wilbur sad in this chapter? It’s raining and he can’t do his plan; he’s doesn’t have any friends and he’s lonely p.27
  2. Describe Templeton. He’s a rat; he’s dug tunnels everywhere so he can get to where he wants to without being seen; he sleeps in the day and is out at night; gluttonous; 30
  3. Give me three descriptive words of how Wilbur was feeling in this chapter. Lonely; despair; sad; rejected p.31
  4. Who do you think spoke to Wilbur about being his friend? Charlotte p.31

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Wilbur have a difficult time sleeping? He was anxious for morning so he could meet his new friend p.33
  2. Describe Charlotte. Friendly; nearsighted; a spider; has eight legs; pretty; tells the truth p.37
  3. What did Charlotte say that finally convinced Wilbur that catching bugs and drinking their blood was ok? If she didn’t, bugs would otherwise multiply and take over the world p.40
  4. What did goose know about Wilbur that he did not? Mr. Zuckerman and Lurvy were going to kill him at Christmastime p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Give three reasons why the author stated that the happiest and fairest days on the farm are in early summer. Blossoms and lilacs with bees; temperature is warm; school ends; cutting of the hay and put in the loft of the barn; birds, nests and eggs; plenty of things for a child to chew (dandelion stem); goose eggs hatch p.42
  2. Why did the geese worry about Templeton? He would kill a gosling if he could get away with it p.46
  3. What did Charlotte say would happen if the egg broke? It would be such a strong smell that no one could handle living in the barn, it’s a stink bomb p.47

Chapter 7

  1. Who told Wilbur that the farmer would most likely kill him when the weather got cold? The old sheep p.49
  2. What was Wilbur’s reaction? Got upset, cried and ran around in a panic p.50

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Mrs. Arable concerned about Fern? Fern told her about the animals speaking p.54

Chapter 9

  1. What did Charlotte try to teach Wilbur to do? Spin a web p.56
  2. Why couldn’t Wilbur spin a web? He lacked a set of spinnerets and know how p.58
  3. How did Charlotte help Wilbur feel better when he was worried about dying? She said she had a plan to help him p.63
  4. What was the advice Charlotte told Wilbur? Build himself up; get plenty of sleep; stop worrying; no hurrying; chew food thoroughly and eat every bit of it, except leave enough for Templeton; gain weight and stay well; keep fit; don’t lose nerve p.64

Chapter 10

  1. What was Charlotte’s plan going to do to Zuckerman? Trick or fool him p.67
  2. What did Avery want to do with Charlotte? Catch her p.72
  3. Why wasn’t Avery able to catch her? He was climbing to swing a stick to knock her in a box and lost his balance. He fell and landed on the rotten egg and it exploded making it stink terribly, so he ran away p.73
  4. What made the terrible smell go away? Lurvy covered the rotten egg with dirt p.75

Chapter 11

  1. Describe Mr. Zuckerman’s reaction when they saw Charlotte’s web? In awe; bewildered; said a miracle has happened on the farm; said the pig was a special pig p.79
  2. Where did Mr. Zuckerman go with his suit on and why? To see the minister to explain there had been a miracle at the farm p.82
  3. Why was everyone coming to see the pig? They heard about it and wanted to see the “sign” that had appeared in the web p.83
  4. What was Avery’s punishment for trying to hit the spider with a stick? Sent to bed with no supper p.84
  5. What did the minister say the “sign” or miracle was? Human beings needed to be on the watch for wonders p.85

Chapter 12

  1. How do we know Charlotte’s plan to save Wilbur worked? Everyone thought Wilbur was unusual, so they won’t kill him now p.87
  2. How did the animals want Templeton to help out Charlotte? Bring magazine clippings from the dump so she can get ideas and know how to spell words p.89
  3. What made Templeton agree with bringing back magazine clippings? Realizing that if Wilbur dies, he won’t get any more food p.90

Chapter 13

  1. How did seeing the word “terrific” written in the web, change Zuckerman's attitude towards Wilbur? He saw potential in Wilbur and decided to take him to the fair p.96
  2. Give me two examples in this chapter that describe how Charlotte feels about Wilbur. Worked far into the night for him p. 92; Charlotte looked affectionately at him p.101; she told him a story even though she was tired p.102; she sang him a song p.104; listen to other examples stated

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Fern’s mother visit Dr. Dorian? She was concerned about Fern and her interest in the farm animals p.107
  2. What did Dr. Dorian tell Mrs. Arable? To not worry about Fern and that she seemed to be fine p.111

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Charlotte worried when she heard the crickets singing that summer was almost over? she didn’t have much time left and she couldn’t help him anymore p.114 &117
  2. What was Wilbur’s attitude even with the attention he was getting? Humble; modest; kind p.115
  3. Why did Charlotte need to stay at the farm and not go to the fair? it was time for her to lay eggs p.116

Chapter 16

  1. How did the sheep convince Templeton he should go to the fair? told him of all the food scraps that would be left around p.123
  2. What made Wilbur faint as everyone admired him? The farmer spoke of the ham and bacon that would come from killing him p.126
  3. How did the farmer know that Wilbur was ok? Wilbur fought back as they tried to get him into the crate p.28

Chapter 17

  1. Using 3 of the senses, describe what the family saw as they arrived at the fair. Hear the music; see the Ferris wheel; smell the of the race track; smell hamburgers frying; hear bleating in pens; see balloons aloft p.130
  2. Have you ever been to a fair? Compare the similarities and differences from your experience to Fern's experience. Listen to your child's answer p.131
  3. Describe Uncle. A spring big; much larger and dirtier than Wilbur; noisy; cracks weak jokes; unattractive personality p.134

Chapter 18

  1. What word did Templeton bring Charlotte at the fair and why was it a good word? Humble; he’s not proud and he’s near the ground p.140
  2. Why was the fair a paradise for Templeton? He could find all sorts of food to eat p.140
  3. What do you think Charlotte is making? Listen to your child’s ideas; an egg sac p.143

Chapter 19

  1. Why isn’t Charlotte going to see her children? She doesn’t think she’ll be around p.146
  2. Why is everyone so excited after bathing Wilbur in buttermilk? There was an announcement for Mr. Zuckerman to bring his pig to the judges’ booth to receive a special award p.151
  3. Why is Charlotte feeling content and peaceful? She thinks she has saved Wilbur’s life p.153

Chapter 20

  1. Where did Fern want to go during the award ceremony? On the Ferris wheel with Henry p.156
  2. Why is the writing in the web such a phenomenon? Spiders aren’t supposed to write p.158
  3. What did the rat do to Wilbur save him after he fainted? Bit his tail p.159
  4. Why did Avery enjoy getting splashed with water? He loved the crowd cheering at him as he acted like a clown p.162

Chapter 21

  1. Why can’t Charlotte go back to the barn? She’s going to be dead in a day or two; she doesn’t have enough spinnerets to lower her to the ground; she doesn’t have strength to get into the crate p.165
  2. What’s the deal Wilbur made with Templeton to make him get Charlotte’s egg sac? Wilbur would let him eat first when Lurvy fed him p.168
  3. How did the egg sac feel in Templeton’s mouth? Sticky; worse than caramel candy p.170

 Chapter 22

  1. Why did Wilbur look forward to winter ending? Charlotte’s eggs would hatch p.176
  2. Describe to me the signs of spring. A new lamb; frogs croaking; snow melting; a sparrow singing; goose sitting on eggs p.176
  3. What is a theme for this story? Friendship; sacrifice; Life & Death; Circle of Life
  4. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions- #1 Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

By Barbara Park

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

Remember when it was scary to go to school? 'Cause it was your first day and you didn't know anything. Meet Junie B. Jones, kindergartner. She's so scared of the school bus and the meanies on it that when it's time to go home, she doesn't.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Junie B.’s mom take her to visit the school? To meet her teacher; show her the classroom p.1
  2. Explain what Junie B.’s mom told her about the bus. She said it was yellow; called a school bus; stops at the end of their street; get on it, sit down, and takes her to school; then her teacher will meet her in the parking lot p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What did Junie B. feel like when she was worried? She didn’t sleep well; droopy; stomach queasy; she couldn’t eat her cereal p.10
  2. What helped Junie B. get on the bus? Her mom showed Junie B. that she should sit next to a girl on the bus and that it’ll be fun p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why didn’t the curly haired girl let Junie B. sit next to her? She was saving that seat for her friend p.13
  2. What was Junie B.’s temperature on the bus and why couldn’t she change it? Very hot and she couldn’t roll down the windows p.16
  3. What made the bus experience worse as Junie B. tried to get off? People pushed her; made her fall down in the aisle; stepped on her skirt p.19

Chapter 4

  1. What color chair did Junie B. want to sit in? red p.22
  2. What’s the name of the girl with red fingernails? Lucille p.25
  3. Name three places Junie B.’s class visited? Make sure to list them in the order they visited them. Library; cafeteria; nurse’s office p. 26

Chapter 5

  1. What happened to Lucille’s brother last year when he visited the principal? The principal yelled at him and told him he couldn’t beat kids up at recess anymore p.30
  2. What did Lucille bring up that made Junie B.’s stomach squeezy? She talked about the bus ride home p.34
  3. Why didn’t Junie B. follow her teacher as she led them to the bus? She didn’t want to ride the bus home p.35

Chapter 6

  1. Where did Junie B. hide? In the supply closet p.37
  2. When Junie B. woke from her nap, what did she find? The cars and bus were gone out of the parking lot p.40
  3. What did Junie B. pretend to be at the end of this chapter? The teacher p.42

Chapter 7

  1. What did Junie B. compare the media center to? A fort p.45
  2. Why did Junie B. like the pencil sharpener? It made pencils teeny p.47
  3. Who do you think the man was that was singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”? the custodian p.48

Chapter 8

  1. When Junie B. was in the nurse’s office, what did she do? Pretend to be the nurse; put band-aids all over her; she played with the crutches p.50
  2. Why did Junie B. feel like the nurse’s office was a dangerous place? She fell off the crutches and banged her head on the desk p.55

Chapter 9

  1. Why were the doors locked in the school? Because no one was there p.58
  2. Who did Junie B. call to get help since she couldn’t open the door to go to the bathroom? 911 p.59
  3. How did the man with the can help Junie B.? unlocked the doors so she could use the restroom p.62

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Junie B.’s mom hug her really tight? Junie B. didn’t come home on the bus and she was concerned about her p.64
  2. What helped Junie B. want to ride the bus the next day? A girl named Grace that’s in Junie B. class p.68

Comprehension Questions – My Side of the Mountain

My Side of the Mountain

By Jean Craighead George

Grades 4-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL U; AR pts: 6.0

Fifteen-year-old Sam Gribley has decided to run away from his crowded apartment home, but unlike most kids who rarely get beyond their block, Sam goes from New York City all the way to the ruined farm of Great-grandfather Gribley in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. Sam learns to live off the land, and in the course of a year, discovers just how much he values freedom, independence, and adventure when faced with the challenges of blizzards, loneliness and fear.

Vocabulary
Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Sam’s home. It’s in a tree he dug and burned out that’s six feet in diameter; his bed is on the right made of ash slats and deerskin; fireplace on the left made of clay and stones; chimney p.3
  2. How did Sam know that a blizzard was coming? The animals were silent and in hiding; his hawk was nervous; it was darker than usual during the daytime p.7
  3. Tell me about Sam’s family. He has a mom and dad, four sisters and four brothers p.8
  4. Tell me the story of Great Grandpa Gribley and how it effects Sam?  He owned the land in the Catskill Mountains and built a home and plowed the land; the farm failed and he went to be a sailor; Sam found the land with the tree that had Gribley carved into it and lives 300 feet from it; he wanted to live on his great grandfather’s land p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What did the truck driver say to Sam as he dropped him off in the forest? He was surprised and told him how he ran away as a child as well; Said he’d be back in the morning if Sam wanted a ride home p.10
  2. Describe Sam’s first night in the woods? He was able to catch fish, but couldn’t start a fire to cook them; he made a shelter, but was so cold because of the winds and he couldn’t sleep because of a whippoorwill calling p.17
  3. How would you have felt in this situation? Listen to your child’s answers p.17

Chapter 3

  1. How did Miss Turner respond to Sam when he told her he wanted to live on his great grandfather’s farm? She believed him and supported him; told him to come back if he needed any books to learn about plants, trees and animals p.22
  2. How did Sam find his great grandfather’s property? From Miss Turner’s hand drawn maps p.22
  3. How did having a fire during the night compare to not having a fire? It made the woods friendly and warm; filled the woods with brightness when the first night was dark and frightful p.24

Chapter 4

  1. What did Sam find as he explored his great grandpa’s farm? Hickory trees; a small stream; the foundation of the house; apple trees; walnut trees; a marsh; giant trees p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Sam so careful and deliberate on where his home was? He didn't want it to be seen by people as they came through the mountains p.29
  2. Why did Sam feel like he didn’t plan his time very well in those first few days of his adventure? He had started a home, but didn’t have any food; he would work himself so hard he hardly had energy to find any food; he’d get hungrier p.29
  3. How did Sam put out the fire as he burned out his tree house? he’d smother it with dirt p.35

Chapter 6

  1. What was the story the old woman told Sam? The mountain was haunted; little men play ninepin in the gorge at twilight p.38
  2. Give me three characteristics the old woman has. Explain why you chose those. She was determined; strong; fierce; forceful; bossy; talked a lot; listen to your child's answer p.38
  3. How did Sam get away from the old woman? He walked her to her home and then headed to the library in town p.40

Chapter 7

  1. What did Sam do while he waited to see a peregrine falcon? Ate apples, went fishing and cooked his fish p.42
  2. How did Sam escape the mother falcon as he stole her chick? He used his shoe to protect himself from her dive, jumped to a ledge below, sat down and slid to the next ledge; she saw her other chicks and left him alone p.44

Chapter 8

  1. Who was the man at Sam’s camp and why was he there? A fire warden come to check the area since they saw smoke from Sam’s fire; they were worried about forest fires p.48

Chapter 9

  1. Who is The Baron and how did Sam meet him? A weasel and Sam caught him in a trap p.51
  2. Why did Sam want to catch a deer? To make a door for his home; make tethers for Frightful and a blanket for Sam p.52
  3. How was Sam careful so the warden wouldn’t come back? Put pine needles in bare areas; cleaned up front yard; used dry firewood so it wouldn’t smoke much p.52

Chapter 10

  1. How did Sam get his door? Someone shot a deer but left it; he got to the meadow and dragged it to the woods and covered it to look like a bush; then he cleaned his camp and hid in his tree p.56
  2. How did Sam know the poacher had left his camp and probably wouldn’t return? He heard a gunshot far down the mountain p.57
  3. How long did it take Sam to get the deer ready for smoking and the hide ready for tanning? Many, many days p.57

Chapter 11

  1. What did Sam do to get the deer hide ready to be a door? Soaked it in water and wood chips in a stump for 5 days; chewed, rubbed and jumped on it to make it soft; he had to cut it down to fit the door opening p.59
  2. How did Sam train Frightful to fly to his hand? He’d hold food in his hand and whistle p.62
  3. Why did hikers come to the area during the summer? To hike through the meadow to the gorge p.64
  4. When the two hikers were just about to have lunch on The Baron’s boulder, they left. What made them leave? The Baron running all over and around them p.64
  5. Why didn’t Sam want Frightful to eat what she catches? Because she’ll go wild and he wants her to rely on him for food p.68

Chapter 12

  1. How did Sam always know something was wrong in the forest? Frightful would be alerted p.72
  2. Describe Bando. A college English teacher who got lost in the forest; friendly smile; kind; blue eyes; likes birds; knows how to swing an ax and build a raft p.80
  3. Why does Bando call Sam Thoreau? Thoreau’s an old poet and writer p.77
  4. Name five things Bando and Sam did together? Made jam; made the raft; smoked fish; gathered white oak acorns and groundnuts; harvested the blueberry crop; went fishing; made willow whistles p.81

Chapter 13

  1. What did Sam decide to use to keep warm for the winter? A clay fireplace p.89
  2. What was Sam looking for as he dug around the old Gribley farmhouse? Anything metal to help him with his fireplace p.90
  3. What did Sam find to help with his fireplace? A flat, narrow, long rock p.92

Chapter 14

  1. What did Sam do to celebrate Halloween? He had a party by leaving out nuts, crayfish, smoked rabbit and apples for the woodland animals p.96
  2. What was the result of the party? Raccoons came in Sam’s tree house and made his bed and floor messy; Sam got sprayed by a skunk; animals found Sam’s camp and food p.99
  3. Was his party a good idea? Listen to your child's answer
  4. How did Sam get rid of the animals? Made the fire big; yelled; growled and snarled, hissed and snorted p.100

Chapter 15

  1. What is this chapter about? Deer hunting season and how Sam gets three deer p.104
  2. How does Sam get three deer? Hunters shot the deer, but couldn’t find them after they dropped dead p.104
  3. Describe how Sam made his deerskin hide jacket? Cut a rectangle with a hole for his head and sewed on straight sleeves p.105
  4. What does Sam compare this jacket to? A Russian military blouse and a carpenter’s apron p.106

Chapter 16

  1. When Sam went into town, what made people stare at him? His clothing p.108
  2. Who is Mr. Jacket? A young man Sam met in the drugstore p.108
  3. What important thing did Sam forget to do to prepare for the winter season? Why did it matter? Stack up a big woodpile; because he didn't prepare, he had to go out into the cold and snow to gather and chop wood p.112

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Sam place “x’s” outside his tree house? It was where he wanted to pile the firewood so he could reach it when the snow was deep and then tunnel to other firewood piles p.112
  2. How did Sam and Frightful spend their winter days and evenings? Ate breakfast; went to the gorge; went ice fishing; dug up plants to eat; went to the field and Frightful would fly while Sam would kick the grasses and sometimes a rabbit or pheasant would come up and Frightful would dive to get it; experiment with food; watch Frightful; write notes; go to bed p.113
  3. Sam thought he would tunnel to get to his firewood, but what did he end up doing instead? Walked on the snow and dug for wood p.115

Chapter 18

  1. Who does Sam compare the birds of the forest to? People who lived at his apartment house on Third Avenue home p.117
  2. Who was Sam’s first visitor during the Christmas holiday? Bando p.119
  3. Bando brought up newspaper articles. What did they report? A young man living in the Catskill Mountains p.120
  4. Who also came to visit Sam? His dad p.124

Chapter 19

  1. During the winter months what helped Sam know what to expect in the weather? The birds and animals p.134
  2. Why did Sam oversleep after the rain had frozen into ice? His home was in a block of ice and he couldn’t hear any morning sounds p.139
  3. Find an example of a simile on page 139. ice on a limb like shattering crystal; sky like Indian soup
  4. What was the consequence of the ice storm in the forest? broken trees and limbs lay everywhere; birds and animals died of starvation p.141

Chapter 20

  1. Why couldn’t Sam let Frightful go? He needed her still; she would have been killed by another female since she didn’t have a territory; he had trained her to have instincts made for man; she was a captive bird, not a wild bird p.149
  2. What information did Sam tell Matt Spell? He saw the wild boy wearing a bearskin coat who ran away and lives in a cave. The boy has long matted hair and wears a coon-tail hat. The boy wears newspapers for shoes and does a lot of fishing. He lives off of fish, roots, berries, rabbit and nuts.p.154
  3. What was the deal Matt made with Sam? Matt would come stay with Sam during spring break and would print what Sam told him to p.156

Chapter 21

  1. What does creating the guesthouse mean to Sam? That he was not a runaway anymore; he wouldn’t be alone anymore and hiding in the wilderness p.166
  2. How did Sam know his time on the mountain was coming to an end? Matt said photographers may be on the mountain; more and more newspaper articles were out about him; now that people knew about him, they would move him back to the city p.168

Chapter 22

  1. Why did Sam’s family come to the mountain? They missed him; wanted to see what he was doing; his mom still wanted to take care of him and be his mom p.176
  2. What is a theme from this story? Coming of Age; Survival; Independence and Self-Reliance
  3. Summarize your favorite part of this story. Listen to your child's answer