Tag Archives: Fiction

Comprehension Questions – The Swindle Series #3 Framed!

Framed!

by Gordon Korman

Grades 5-7; Genre - Mystery/Humor; GRL R; AR pts. 6.0

Griffin Bing is in big trouble when a Super Bowl ring disappears from his middle school's display case, replaced by Griffin's retainer, and the more he and his friends investigate, the worse his situation becomes.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the new principal at Griffin’s middle school. Mr. Egan was a successful high school football coach before becoming the principal; he believed in working hard and doing hard things; wasn’t warm and accepting; knew about Griffin’s plans and told him he is watching him; intolerant; doesn’t like excuses p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why does Darren Vader like the new principal? He’s on the football team and is on his good side since he plays football p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Why are Griffin’s friends hesitant to send the emails? They don’t want to get into trouble with the new principal p.26

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Luthor was on the hunt to find Griffin’s retainer and seeing Darren’s mouth guard during a football game, Luthor thought it was Griffin’s retainer and tackled him and took it; Savannah, Griffin and Pitch were blamed for trying to harm Darren p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Predict what was in Savannah’s backpack that agitated Luthor and Cleopatra. Listen to your child’s answer p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Explain the crime Griffin was accused of. Stealing the Super Bowl ring in the display case; the retainer he had been looking for was in the display case instead of the ring p.46

Chapter 7

  1. Why don’t Mr. Egan, Officer Vizzini, or Celia White believe that Griffin is innocent? He’s got a history of breaking the law and his reputation is catching up to him p.50
  2. Why does the judge think it’s a good idea for Griffin and his friends to take a break from one another? She’s implying they’re not good influences for each other p.56

Chapter 8

  1. List three things that describe the alternate school Griffin is attending and how does it contrast to the public school his friends attend? 1. Grades 7-12; 2. No bullying because there were spies everywhere; 3. Classes were a joke- teachers didn’t teach, just kept order; differences: his school doesn’t include high school grades; there is usually bullying at a public school; the teachers teach at a public-school p.60
  2. Describe Shank and how does he think he is a good friend to Griffin. Sheldon Brickhaus; 8th grader; muscles and thick neck; at the JFK; he won’t leave Griffin alone; he thinks he’s being a good friend because he is trying to help Griffin feel welcome at the school p.73

Chapter 9

  1. How did Griffin’s plan fail? Mr. Egan saw him and he didn’t go through the metal detector; it’s also possible he has the wrong suspects p.81

Chapter 10

  1. How did the judge make it difficult for Griffin to find who framed him? She put him on house arrest so he can’t leave his house unless he goes to school, doctor appointments or court p.84
  2. What would you do if you were one of Griffin’s friends? How would you try to help him? Listen to your child’s answer p.88

Chapter 11

  1. What did Griffin’s friends do? They made a plan p.94
  2. What is their plan? a stakeout on Dr. Egan’s house to prove he has the ring p.94

Chapter 12

  1. How did the plan go wrong? It started raining so the Egan family came home from their walk earlier than anticipated. Pitch is stuck on the roof and Ben is in a box on the porch! p.104

Chapter 13

  1. How did Pitch and Ben get out of their predicament? Savannah took Luthor outside and had him bark. His bark is so loud, it covered up any noises they would have made getting away from the house p.107

Chapter 14

  1. What do you think Mr. Egan’s reaction to Logan will be? Listen to your child’s answer p.117

Chapter 15

  1. What conclusions did the kids make about the jewelry box? It has the ring; Mr. Egan is going to take the ring somewhere, maybe he’s going to sell it, maybe he’ll melt it down p.119

Chapter 16

  1. Why is Mr. Egan’s errand to the jewelers alarming? The kids think he is taking the ring to the jewelers p.129

Chapter 17

  1. Why will the kids have consequences after what’s happened in this chapter? Mr. Egan took the box to the jewelers and as he opened the box, the kids opened the door to the store and took pictures. They were caught red handed spying on him p.136

Chapter 18

  1. What word would you choose to describe Griffin in this chapter and why? Listen to your child’s answer p.137

Chapter 19

  1. What lead did the kids find after arriving at school early? The custodian might have the ring p.146
  2. What brought them to that conclusion? He was alone in the building when the ring went missing  

Chapter 20

  1. Why has Griffin given up? He can’t do anything to prove himself innocent and they don’t have any leads; Savannah’s explanation makes him more discouraged p.153

Chapter 21

  1. What brought Griffin hope in this chapter? Shank brought Savannah‘s pack rat idea to life, thinking it might be a possibility and that he could be the one to help find the missing ring p.161
  2. Compare something Griffin and Shank have in common. They are both planners p.163

Chapter 22

  1. Do you agree with Griffin that he should be a part of this next plan? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.168

Chapter 23

  1. How do you think Griffin will distract his parents on the night of the plan? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 24

  1. Define a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that, for literary effect, refers to one thing by mentioning another.
  2. What metaphor did Celia White use on page 181 and what is she comparing it to?

Sometimes you have to cut off one branch to save the whole tree; Griffin is the bad branch and his friends are the tree

Chapter 25

  1. What is Rendezvous in Paris? A perfume Shank used to lure the rat into the trap p.189
  2. How do you know it’s perfume? Shank’s mom wore it one morning p.185

Chapter 26

  1. How has Shank been reliable to Griffin and his friends during this operation? He was on time; brought the equipment and lure needed; was patient at catching the rat; stayed on the rat even after tripping p.193
  2. Predict where the metal door leads to. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 27

  1. What role does Pitch play on the team? She’s the climber p.205
  2. What role would want if you were Griffon Bing’s friend? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 28

  1. What is the main idea of this chapter. The friends found the rat’s nest and in the nest was the ring. Ben was brave, Darren interrupted the plan, and Mr. Egan witnessed how Darren was guilty and how the friends found and saved the ring p.208

Chapter 29

  1. What was Mr. Egan’s reaction once the ring was found? He apologized to Griffin and he took the blame for accusing Griffin by judging him for his past p.216

Chapter 30

  1. Why did the principal race like a madman to get Griffin home? Because the anklet Griffin was wearing alerted the police that he wasn’t home. He’d be in big trouble if he wasn’t there when the police arrived p.220

Chapter 31

  1. How does this story end? Shank is given a chance to attend Griffin’s school and is successful with his grades and on the football team; Pitch takes Darren’s place on the field and scores a touchdown, it doesn’t count, but she got to live out her dream p.231
  2. What important lesson did Griffin learn in this chapter? More important than a plan was having the right friends p.234
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #39 Windy Night with Wild Horses

Windy Night with Wild Horses

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Jack and Annie are whisked away to Mongolia to rescue little horses.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize what Jack and Annie will be doing in this story. They are going to Mongolia to be Eco-volunteers p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Using the information in this chapter, describe Tuya. 11-12 years old; responsible; warm and welcoming; tried to follow the rules, but saw that Jack and Annie were also responsible; helps with the Mongolian Tours; has a good relationship with the bus driver p.15
  2. How did Jack and Annie convince Tuya to let them on the bus without a grown-up? They told her about their adventures being Eco-volunteers around the world p.16

Chapter 3

  1. How did Tuya think critically and problem solve in this chapter? She figured out how to help Jack and Annie stay at the nature preserve by letting them stay with her and her family p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Compare a nomad’s lifestyle to the way you live. Listen to three comparisons your child makes p.32
  2. What do you think the big surprise is? Listen to your child’s answer p.38

Chapter 5

  1. What is the difference between a wild horse and a tame horse? A wild horse is free and roams at will and isn’t trained to let people ride them; a tame horse is usually owned, trained and taken care of by their owner. They are also trained for people to ride them p.41

Chapter 6

  1. Why is it a miracle for the Takhi to arrive in Mongolia? They had died out in Mongolia, but other countries had them in their zoos from around the world and are starting to return them to Mongolia; they are the last wild horses on earth p.49
  2. Give an example of a way Jack was honest in this chapter. He realized he left the gate to the horse corral open and confessed to Annie instead of just staying quiet about it p.57

Chapter 7

  1. Why were the wolves dangerous to the Takhi? The Takhi had only lived in zoos and didn’t recognize predators or know how to defend themselves p.54

Chapter 8

  1. What fantastic beast appeared and how did it help Jack and Annie? A white stallion; led the lost horses back to the corral p.69
  2. What does the author mean, “on the first night of their new lives, all the wild horses were safely back home.” Jack and Annie felt like new people because of their experience and seeing this unique way of life p.76

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Jack relieved in this chapter? He didn’t leave the gate open, the latch had broken, so the Takhi escaping the corral wasn’t his fault p.80
  2. Why did Jack and Annie tell Tuya what really happened and not her mom? Tuya will believe them and her mom probably wouldn’t p.83

Chapter 10

  1. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What is a theme you observed during this story? Teamwork and courage; nature and adventure; wildlife conservation  

Comprehension Questions – Sammy Keyes #1 Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

by Wendelin Van Draanen

Grades 5-6; Genre - Mystery; GRL W; AR pts. 6.0

Sammy's penchant for speaking her mind gets her into trouble when she involves herself in the investigation of a robbery.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Sammy is looking out of her apartment using binoculars and sees a thief stealing from someone’s purse through a hotel window. He sees her and now she’s worried he’s looking for her. She’s worried to tell her grandma because she will worry p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Sammy. Going into 7th grade. A good friend; Observant; Doesn’t like to be noticed p.10

Chapter 3

  1. What is Sammy honest about in this chapter and what does she lie about? She’s honest about how she saw the burglary and the description of the man; she’s dishonest about where she lives p.18
  2. Why did Sammy lie about where she lives? She lives with her grandma in a senior apartment building and it’s against the roles for her to live there p.23

Chapter 4

  1. Describe Sammy’s first day of school. She met Marissa on the steps of the school and neither of them knew where to find their home room, so they approached a girl and she wasn’t very nice to them. The boy she was talking to helped them out. Turns out the girl is in the home room and as she was mocking Sammy during the Pledge of Allegiance, the teacher caught her and she got in trouble p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Sammy feeling angry after school? She is being treated unfairly. She hit Heather in the nose, but the fact that Heather picked her with a pin in the rearend is being ignored p.34

Chapter 6

  1. What did Marissa and Sammy learn about the woman whose money was stolen? Her name is Madame Narisha and she owns the astrology store p.43

Chapter 7

  1. Why does Sammy go hang out with Hudson? Mrs. Graybill accused Sammy of sleeping at Grams apartment, so to throw her off their trail, Sammy pretends to say good-bye for the day and is waiting until she can go back p.52
  2. What does Sammy learn at Hudson’s? He has a new renter, and she recognizes him from the mall; there’s been another burglary in the neighborhood p.54

Chapter 8

  1. Predict how Rommel got the purse. Listen to your child’s answer p.59

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize this chapter. Marissa calls Sammy and tells her the police are at her house; Sammy runs over and pretends she’s getting out of the shower; they ask her to identify the thief but none of the photos match the person Sammy saw stealing in the hotel room; Grams tells Marissa that Sammy can’t stay over for the night; Sammy is crushed p.64

Chapter 10

  1. Why is Marissa upset in this chapter? She isn’t happy with her home situation; her parents work all the time, and she doesn’t feel entirely supported by them p.73

Chapter 11

  1. After talking to Gina, predict what Sammy’s day is going to contain? Listen to your child’s answer (ex. Finding her birth certificate; exploring the map to find the roof) p.87

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Grams not in the apartment for so long? So, Sammy could understand what it meant to worry; she wanted to get to know Mr. Hudson p.91
  2. Grams and the police officer’s conversation were going well at the end of the chapter. Predict what could ruin Sammy and Grams ruse? Listen to your child’s answer p.96

Chapter 13

  1. Was your prediction correct? Listen to your child’s answer p.97
  2. What detective work did Sammy and Marissa do? Go visit Gina and ask her questions. They also found a rolled-up napkin with Gina’s hotel number jamming open the fire escape door p.104

Chapter 14

  1. Why doesn’t Officer Bosch believe Sammy and still thinks she put the napkin under Mrs. Graybill’s door? He doesn’t believe a child could be helpful and do a better job than he does. He thinks she is a troublemaker p.114

Chapter 15

  1. Why was it good for Sammy to learn how to knit? It kept her out of trouble; gave her something purposeful to do; let her mind think p.128

Chapter 16

  1. How did Sammy set things straight with her peers when she went back to school? She realized Heather was faking her broken nose. She called the doctor’s office pretending to be Heather and had the doctor call the vice principal. The vice principal made Heather take the bandages off her nose. Heather tried to hit Sammy and instead hit the vice principal. Heather was suspended for three days p.132
  2. Who do you think the hotel thief is? Listen to your child’s answer p.139

Chapter 17

  1. How will Sammy catch a thief laying the $10 and $5 bill on the sidewalk? Listen to your child’s answer p.145

Chapter 18

  1. Explain how Sammy’s plan worked? Oscar has always acted like he is blind and deaf, but by putting the money on the sidewalk, she saw that he could easily see it when he saw it and picked it up. She also saw him changing and putting on his disguise p.146

Chapter 19

  1. How did this story wrap up? Oscar gets arrested; the girls talk to officer Jacobsen in the police station; Sammy tells him that they are foster sisters; Officer Jacobsen is nice to Sammy and Marissa; he gets the napkins from Officer Borsch; the girls go to St. Mary’s to get Marissa’s bike and talk for a long time about people not always being who they appear to be p.155
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – My Weird School Daze #1 Mrs. Dole is Out of Control!

Mrs. Dole is Out of Control!

by Dan Gutman

Grades 2-3; Genre - Comedy & Humor; GRL O; AR pts. 1.0

The out-of-control crazed PTA president is turning second-grade graduation into a bigger affair than a presidential inauguration. By the time the ceremony is over, it will be time to graduate from next year's class. 

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe A.J. His first name is Arlo; his friends are Ryan, Michael and Neil; he doesn’t like school or being called by his first name p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why was Ryan embarrassed that his mom came into the class? She told everyone in the class about when he was a baby p.13

Chapter 3

  1. As the second graders were reminiscing about what happened that year, they listed the name of some of the books in the My Weird School series. Have you read one of those books? If so, give a quick summary of it p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Why does Ryan’s mom break out crying whenever she visits his class? He is growing up fast and moving on to the third-grade p.30
  2. Do your parents or guardians feel the same way? Discuss with your child

Chapter 5

  1. Do you agree that Andrea should be worried about Mrs. Daisy? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.41

Chapter 6

  1. Why was everyone celebrating during this chapter? It was the last day of school for the year p.49

Chapter 7

  1. What does it mean when someone goes overboard? Does too much and is extreme p.58
  2. How did Mrs. Dole go overboard? For graduation, she put together a big stage, had farm animals, eternal flame; President Bill Clinton spoke p.55

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The president spoke then a helicopter came and two men ran out and danced around; Mr. Hynde, the music teacher ran up to the stage p.63

Chapter 9

  1. How did Mrs. Dole go out of control in this chapter? She rented doves, fireworks, and a Blue Angels flyover for the graduation p.76

Chapter 10

  1. Why was Andrea’s mom upset with Mrs. Dole? She didn’t agree with the graduation and thinks Mrs. Dole went overboard. She’s mad that the fire started and animals got out. They weren’t necessary for the graduation p.89

Chapter 11

  1. Why was Mrs. Daisy getting fat, fainting and going to the doctor? She’s going to have a baby! P.97

Chapter 12

  1. What word should A.J. have used instead of antique when describing Hydrant? Unique p.100
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Talking T. Rex

The Talking T. Rex

by Ron Roy

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

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose investigate the theft of a great deal of money from the belly of a nearly life-size Tyrannosaurus rex model that their friend Jud Wheat is using to raise money for a dinosaur museum.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What do you think Jud’s surprise is? Listen to your child’s answer p.2
  2. How did the kids serve their community in this chapter? They helped Mr. Pocket plant a rose bush p.4

Chapter 2

  1. What was the surprise? A giant talking and moving T. Rex p.11
  2. Why did Jud and his friends bring the T. Rex to town? To earn money to create a dinosaur museum in Montana p.11

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the dinosaur show. Jud and Scoop gathered the donations and Jud introduced Tyrone. Dean moved the dinosaur’s tail and hands from inside the dinosaur and shared facts about the T. Rex p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Predict who you think took the money. Listen to your child’s answer p.31
  2. Do you think it could have been Jud, Dean or Scoop? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. What is suspicious in this chapter? The muddy footprints in Mr. Pocket’s shed p.49

Chapter 6

  1. What do the friends use as cover to go check Tyrone? The fireworks show p.56

Chapter 7

  1. What predicament did the friends find themselves as they checked out Tyrone? They went into the dinosaur and the door locked behind them. They are stuck in Tyrone! p.62

Chapter 8

  1. How did they find the money? Dink remembered the muddy footprints and that the duffel bag with the cash was on the shed p.72
  2. Why will it be difficult to decide who the thief is? They found a green band aid on the bag and all three of the guys use those band aids p.73

Chapter 9

  1. What clues did the kids put together in this chapter? Muddy footprints, rainstorm in the middle of the night, Scoop didn’t get much sleep, Scoop’s wet shoes hanging from the car antennae, Scoop wasn’t watching the fireworks, the kids found him at the shed looking for the money p.78

Chapter 10

  1. How does this story end? Scoop gets arrested and the kids talk about how Scoop got the key; the kids are sleeping outside under the stars in their sleeping bags p.82

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #38 Time of the Turtle King

Time of the Turtle King

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

When the magic tree house returns, it whisks Jack and Annie away to the Galapagos Islands. They become World Turtle Experts and must save a tortoise in danger of an erupting volcano.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Have you ever seen a port by the ocean? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Whether you have or whether you haven’t, describe one or what you imagine one to look like p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize what Jack and Annie experienced when putting on and taking off their badges. They became experts on the turtles in the Galápagos Islands. Jack didn’t feel like himself and took a minute to embrace this role for the adventure p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Why do you think the man was grumpy towards the tourists on the island? He had to deal with them frequently and must not have liked them p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Predict what the emergency is. Listen to your child’s answer p.36

Chapter 5

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What did you learn in this chapter? Listen to your child’s answer p.37

Chapter 6

  1. Choose one characteristic Jack and Annie showed during this chapter as they talked about the tortoises. Confidence
  2. Why did Jack panic and get nervous? Jack doesn’t like to be in danger and hasn’t done any actual missions to save turtles, so it made him nervous and insecure p.52

Chapter 7

  1. How do you know Jack started to feel confident again in this chapter? He was more concerned about the tortoises than himself p.54
  2. How did he show overconfidence? He dismissed Morgan’s rhyme p.56

Chapter 8

  1. Why was it beneficial that Jack lost his expert badge? While he was looking for it, he found a turtle. He wouldn’t have seen it unless he was looking low in spaces p.65

Chapter 9

  1. How did Jack and Annie know their mission on Galapagos Island was complete? They completed everything in the rhyme p.80

Chapter 10

  1. How did Annie cheer up Jack? She helped him understand that he helped the tortoise without being an expert and did exactly what Morgan wanted him to do; she also said that it was ok to cry and that experts throughout the United States were crying p.86
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – Swindle Series #2 Zoobreak

Zoobreak

by Gordon Korman

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL T; AR pts. 5.0

After a class trip to a floating zoo where animals are mistreated and Savannah's missing pet monkey is found in a cage, Long Island sixth-grader Griffin Bing and his band of misfits plan a rescue.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Griffin. A man with a plan; determined; doesn’t like people to disagree with him; stands up for what he believes in p.2
  2. What does Savannah need help with? Her pet monkey is missing p.4

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Luthor. A dog owned by Savannah; he used to belong to the pawn shop owner in the first book, but he is in prison, so Luthor is with Savannah p.6
  2. How are Luthor and Griffin similar in this chapter? They will lose their best friends p.11

Chapter 3

  1. How did Darren know about Griffin’s Dad’s top-secret invention? Darren’s mom is Griffin’s dad’s lawyer and she must have told him about it (even though it’s top-secret) p.15

Chapter 4

  1. Describe All Aboard Animals. A floating streamer with animals in cages p.22
  2. Why was Savannah outraged while going through the animal exhibits? The cages hadn’t been cleaned, water hadn’t been changed, there wasn’t enough warmth and the cages were too small p.24
  3. What animal do you predict is the newest addition to the zoo? Listen to your child’s answer p.25

Chapter 5

  1. Predict how Griffin will respond to his question at the end of this chapter. Listen to your child’s answer; he’s going to come up with a plan to get Savannah’s pet back p.31

Chapter 6

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer p.37
  2. What plan did Griffin come up with? Operation Zoobreak p.37

Chapter 7

  1. How did Griffin talk Ben into doing Operation Zoobreak? Convinced him this would be the last chance for them to work on a plan together since Ben was changing schools p.40

Chapter 8

  1. What do you think will be Griffin’s job on the team? Listen to your child’s answer; ex. He’s the one who comes up with the plan, so he’ll be the one who adapts the plan if anything goes wrong p.48

Chapter 9

  1. What was accomplished during the trip to the floating animal zoo? Melissa was able to put up the webcams; Pitch was able to explore the area; Ben and Griffin found another way onto the boat if it’s locked p.50
  2. Is the floating zoo a good business venture for the people who own it? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. What did Logan do to accomplish the task he was given and what did he learn? He fell into the water so Klaus would rescue him and drew the attention away from Griffin and Ben; he found out that Klaus sleeps on the boat and is a light sleeper p.64

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pitch was climbing and researching the climb in, with the conclusion that the team couldn’t do it; everyone gathered on the dock and Logan and Pitch reported their bad news: they can’t climb the fence to get into the preserve and Klaus is a light sleeper; Griffin got the idea to approach the boat by water p.67

Chapter 12

  1. What do you think caused the webcam to go dark? Listen to your child’s answer p.78
  2. Explain why there could be a potential problem if Griffin doesn’t figure out why the webcam stopped working. They don’t know what caused the webcam to go dark, so Klaus or Mr. Nasty could be onto them, and their plan may not work p.78

Chapter 13

  1. What helped Griffin come up with a way to get to the zoo since Darren didn’t show up? Ben fell asleep in a rowboat p.86

Chapter 14

  1. What was the first hiccup in their plan once they reached the boat? Klaus was sleeping beneath the vent in a compartment and Ben woke him up as he was climbing through the vent and shined the flashlight into his eyes p.92

Chapter 15

  1. Predict the danger Cleo is trying to warn Savannah about? Listen to your child’s answer p.97

Chapter 16

  1. List two hiccups to the plan that manifested during this chapter. 1) Savannah wouldn’t leave the boat without rescuing all the animals 2) the rowboat was gone, so they had no way to escape p.99

Chapter 17

  1. Describe the reunion between Cleo and Luther. They saw each other, jumped toward each other, and collided in midair; they were thrilled to see each other p.110

Chapter 18

  1. What’s the next plan Griffin is coming up with? What to do with the animals they stole from the zoo; the zookeeper they reached out to is out of town for two weeks p.116

Chapter 19

  1. Why is the new operation called Operation Houseguest? They were dividing up the animals from the floating zoo, and each member of the team will house a few of them; the animals will be houseguests at each team member’s home p.119

Chapter 20

  1. Why doesn’t the team want Darren to know they stole the animals from the floating zoo? They don’t trust him; he stood them up when he told them he would help them p.135

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize this chapter in less than 30 words. Savannah and Griffin went to each team members’ home to check on the animals. Darren wanted to get in on the plan p.137

Chapter 22

  1. What proof does Klaus have that Mr. Nastase is a thief? He stole the lamp from a hotel p.152

Chapter 23

  1. Give an example of how the zookeeper is a hypocrite? He said he knew everything there was to know about animals, yet he didn’t recognize his own loon in the pond next to Savannah’s house and called it a pigeon p.161

Chapter 24

  1. How did Darren’s plan backfire? Darren caught the owl and wanted to sell the owl back to the zookeeper, but the zookeeper told him to find out where his animals are, or he’ll tell the police Darren stole them p.169

Chapter 25

  1. How can the lost paper with the plan turn their plan into a catastrophe? Listen to your child’s answer p.173

Chapter 26

  1. List two reasons why it was risky for the kids to take Griffin’s dad’s invention? If his dad found out, he’d call the police; the police might see them traveling to the zoo and stop them p.178

Chapter 27

  1. When Darren’s parents found out about the plan putting the animals in the zoo, they were concerned for the safety of the six kids. How would your parents have reacted? Listen to your child’s answer p.187

Chapter 28

  1. Who are the two extra security guards wandering around the zoo? Klaus and Mr. Nastase p.195

Chapter 29

  1. Describe Klaus’s attitude towards his boss stealing more animals? He doesn’t like it; he has morals and values and doesn’t agree with stealing p.202

Chapter 30

  1. What brave thing did Klaus do to protect the boys? Jumped in front of the gun so he would get shot if Mr. Nastase shot it p.207
  2. Choose a word to describe how Klaus felt when his boss shot him with the tranquilizer gun? Hurt; betrayed p.208

Chapter 31

  1. The kids were arrested! Predict what you think will happen with them, the zoo, the floating zoo, Klaus and Mr. Nastase. Listen to your child’s answer p.213

Chapter 32

  1. Choose a character and describe how they have grown in this book? Listen to your child’s answer p.223 examples: Melissa: growing in confidence; Darren: growing in compassion; Griffin: realizing he needs to be careful with his plans

Chapter 33

  1. This question is for parents: In explaining where the animals ended up, he described the owl making his home in a bell tower at a church on First Avenue. Why is his comment “Hoo was on First” so funny? “Who’s on First” is a comedic routine Abbot and Costello did back in 1956 p.226
  2. How did Ben benefit from the Zoobreak? The ferret that they freed from the floating zoo was an animal Ben took care of during the “Houseguest” plan. The ferret kept him awake in the day which led to him sleeping better at night. He didn’t need to go to the special school for narcolepsy if he always had the ferret with him, so his parents let him keep Ferret Face p.228
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions Magic Tree House #37 Rhinos at Recess

Rhinos at Recess

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre-Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

The magic tree house transports Jack and Annie to South Africa where they must protect a majestic rhino from poachers.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Annie assume they are traveling to Africa? She saw a bird from Africa on a tree when she and Jack ran home to pick up her project during recess; the poem Morgan left them includes a description of Africa p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Describe a game reserve. Specific areas in Africa that protect animals from danger; rangers work in the reserve to protect the animals p.21

Chapter 3

  1. Why did it matter that a chopper was at the west gate of the reserve? Poachers travel in helicopters and could be in the chopper p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Speedy run to the trees? He was scared p.38

Chapter 5

  1. Describe a rhinoceros. Very large animal with wrinkled dark gray skin, two large horns on its face p.42
  2. How did Jack and Annie stay safe from the rhino? They climbed a tree; they stayed quiet so the rhino couldn’t hear them p.41
  3. Predict what you think “the giant” and “them” is in the poem? Listen to your child’s answer p.45

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize the plan Annie came up with to save Rosie and her calf from the poachers. To call Rosie and get her to chase them to the tree they were hiding in, hoping her baby will follow; the leaves from the tree will hide the rhinos p.52

Chapter 7

  1. Were you correct in your prediction of what the giant is? Listen to your child’s answer p.62
  2. What is the paper tree? An ancestral tree on the brochure p.62

Chapter 8

  1. Describe what happened when Jack and Annie called for help. A pre-historic rhino (Rosie’s ancestor) came from the past and chased the poachers away p.65

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Jack get emotional in this chapter? He felt a love and connection for the rhino p.79

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Annie want everyone to listen to her animal presentation? She’s going to teach them about rhinos, pre-historic and present day, and that they might disappear from the earth. She’ll tell them that rangers are trying to protect them and the sad, the good and the bad things p.85
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions Magic Tree House #36 Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Morgan le Fay tells Jack and Annie to seek out "The Gray Ghost" and listen to her story. They are whisked away to Nepal where they meet Tenzin, a climber, who takes them up the mountain to meet a snow leopard.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize what this story is going to be about. Jack and Annie are going to Nepal to find a ghost in the mountains p.1

Chapter 2

  1. List an observation Jack and Annie made of the people in this area. They are hard workers p.19

Chapter 3

  1. How did Annie convince Tenzin to help them find the ghost? She read Morgan’s poem to him and told him they were serious about finding the ghost, not just curious p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did you learn about Tenzin in this chapter? He’s sad because his wife and daughter died last winter p.34
  2. Predict how Jack and Annie will help him in this story. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack agree to follow Tenzin? Tenzin quoted a phrase from the poem and confirmed that they were supposed to follow Tenzin p.42

Chapter 6

  1. How did Tenzin put Jack and Annie at risk? By taking them on treacherous steep ground and for hiking so high p.51

Chapter 7

  1. What is the great ghost and how did Jack and Annie find it? A snow leopard; they tried to find Tenzin and when they hiked up to him, the snow leopard was with him. She was difficult to see because she blended in with the rocks p.59

Chapter 8

  1. How do you think the snow leopard is wise and what secret does she have to tell? Listen to your child’s answer p.62

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Jack want to tell Ama and the girls about the snow leopard. Tenzin has a special bond with the snow leopard, and they want him to be the one to talk about her if he wants to p.72
  2. Have you ever had a story that was your own that you haven’t wanted anyone else to share or talk about? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Were you correct in your assumption about what the poem means? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. If not, what is answer? The secret is love hides in plain sight, and we are never alone p.82
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – The Swindle Series #1 Swindle

Swindle

by Gordon Korman

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

After unscrupulous collector S. Wendell Palomino cons sixth-grader Griffin Bing out of a valuable baseball card, Griffin puts together a band of misfits to break into Palomino's heavily guarded store and steal the card back.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize how this story begins? Two boys are in a condemned building sleeping over. They invited a whole crew of others and even gave them a plan of how to sneak out of their homes, but no one else showed. The boys talked about why no one else came and reviewed the stories they had heard of how the horse was haunted p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Griffin and how he found the baseball card. A man with a plan; curly hair; determined to not be taken advantage of; stands up for what he believes in even if it’s misguided; comes from a home where parents are trying to make ends meet. He found the card by exploring the haunted home. It was in a locked drawer on a desk p.10

Chapter 3

  1. List two things you learn about Griffin in this chapter. He and Ben are in sixth grade; Griffin always sticks to the plan p.17

Chapter 4

  1. How is Griffin going to fight fire with fire? By stealing the card back from the man at the pawn shop p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Ben and list a characteristic that Ben showed in this chapter. Griffin’s friend who follows him and always supports him; in the 6th grade; also stands up for what he believes in; he showed integrity in this chapter by standing up to Griffin and not wanting to rob the pawn shop p.41

Chapter 6

  1. What changed Ben’s mind about the heist? He saw that Griffin’s house was for sale and Griffin told him about his family’s financial situation p.56

Chapter 7

  1. What security fact did Griffin forget to put on his plan? The Doberman p.61

Chapter 8

  1. What two items of the plan were worked out in this chapter? Savannah is working to tame the Doberman, and Ben’s dad helped them figure out the alarm code p.69

Chapter 9

  1. What was Savannah’s reaction when the boys told her what they were up and what was the consequence? She was angry and yelled. The Doberman began to grovel and whimper at Savannah p.76

Chapter 10

  1. What could derail the heist at this point? Ben falling asleep and missing the next step p.87

Chapter 11

  1. Why do you think the safe and dog aren’t at the store? Listen to your child’s answer p.92

Chapter 12

  1. Find a simile on page 95. “Yet, deep down, it was like trying to enjoy great food while suffering from a gut-blaster stomachache.”
  2. What is Ben expressing in the last two sentences of page 95. Even though Griffin’s family is taking them to fun places, it’s hard to enjoy being there when you know Griffin is moving and there won’t be fun times anymore. Ben is thinking about the times they’ve spent together in the past, knowing there won’t be times together in the future p.95
  3. How did the boys find where the card is? They found the Doberman and realized the card and safe were taken to Swindle’s house p.98

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. The boys went to Swindle’s house and found Luther and found he uses a high-tech security system. They also met Swindle’s neighbor and learned he is always outside observing the activities in the neighborhood. Their teacher helped them figure out where to go to see Swindle’s floor plan to get into his house p.100

Chapter 14

  1. Predict how the boys will get into the house via the bathroom skylight? Listen to your child’s answer p.116

Chapter 15

  1. Were you correct in your previous prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Griffin thinks the heist will be easy once each person’s job is broken down. What do you think might go wrong? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Why didn’t Griffin want Darren on the team? He’s a talker and might tell on them; they don’t trust him p.132

Chapter 17

  1. If you were a part of this heist, what responsibility would you want to have? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.133

Chapter 18

  1. Does Griffin have a right to be nervous about the heist? What could go wrong? Listen to your child’s answer p.144
  2. Why do you think the card is cold? Listen to your child’s answer p.147

Chapter 19

  1. How was the heist going so far? Really well. The only hiccup they’ve had so far is Melissa intercepted an email to Palomino and the auction wanted to pick up the card early, but Griffin responded to them with the wrong address p.150

Chapter 20

  1. Choose a word to describe the team and how they worked together in this chapter. Explain. Flexible-Ben knew he couldn’t climb to the roof because of his narcolepsy and Melissa was happy to swap responsibilities. Encouraging-when Darren slipped on the roof, no one made fun of him, Pitch encouraged him and gave him clear instructions p.159

Chapter 21

  1. What went wrong with the heist? The vent pipe and Pitch fell into the house spraining her ankle; now the crew can’t exit the house that way
  2. What do you think Luther is trying to tell Savannah? Listen to your child’s answer p.171

Chapter 22

  1. What problems did the crew solve in this chapter? Melissa figured out the security system so they can get out of the house without triggering the alarm; Savannah found out why Luther was agitated, there’s a mean German shepherd in the basement. She shut the dog into the room, but it’s hitting the door trying to break it down p.172

Chapter 23

  1. What complicated the plan even further in this chapter? The man finally arrived to pick up the card; Ben fell asleep so he didn’t warn everyone; the card wasn’t in the safe p.180

Chapter 24

  1. Predict what Griffin is going to do to get the card out of the tree. Listen to your child’s answer p.193

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Griffin and his friends respect Griffin’s dad more in this chapter? They used his invention to get the card out of the tree and saw that it was a great invention p.199

Chapter 26

  1. Ben missed everything that happened inside the house. Pretend you are talking to him and tell him what happened from the time you climbed the roof to when he ran over to see what was going on. Listen to your child’s answer p.208
  2. Yikes! A police car is in front of Griffin’s house when he gets there. Why do you think they are there and predict what Griffin will do. Listen to your child’s answer p.208

Chapter 27

  1. Describe the sight Palomino probably saw when he arrived to his home. A broken window with glass all over the floor; dogs laying down in the kitchen; turkey skeleton on the floor of the kitchen; an empty plastic baggie that held the card p.214

Chapter 28

  1. What the heist crew did was a serious crime. Predict what will happen when the police arrive? Listen to your child’s answer p.223
  2. Use a word to describe how Griffin is feeling right now? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. What consequence is Griffin feeling now that he hadn’t predicted? How this would affect his parents p.231

Chapter 30

  1. Find a metaphor on page 237 and explain what the author means by using it. Ex. “It was a glowing coal on an icy night, a tiny measure of justice.” Griffin was feeling satisfied that Palamino didn’t have many customers amidst the possibility of getting arrested p.237

Chapter 31

  1. Why did Officer Vizzini finally arrest Griffin? He had the card and now there was evidence to arrest him p.242
  2. Why is the officer going to release Griffin? Palomino isn’t pressing charges and the card is being sent to the last surviving member of the Rockford family p.245
  3. Why isn’t Griffin’s family moving anymore? The publicity from the card has generated interest from investors for the SmartPick p.247

Chapter 32

  1. What’s ironic with who ended up with the baseball card? It went to Darren, who tried to steal the card during the heist p.250
  2. What did the money go towards and why? The Cedarville Museum where the Rockford house used to be. Darren’s parents didn’t want to reward him for stealing the card p.250
  3. What did you enjoy about this story? Listen to your child’s answer