Tag Archives: Fiction

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Unwilling Umpire

The Unwilling Umpire

by Ron Roy

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

When the umpire at the baseball game fund-raiser is accused of stealing a collection of autographed baseballs, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose try to prove his innocence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the opening scene in this book. The kids are at a fundraising ball game to raise funds for children with disabilities; Ruth Rose and Josh have made a bet on who is going to win p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why does Pete look guilty at the end of this chapter? He went to get allergy medicine in the clubhouse and hasn’t come back yet, so it means he could have smashed the case with the baseballs and made a run with the signed baseballs p.12

Chapter 3

  1. On page 15, Ellie described what Mr. Pocket looked like after speaking with the kids. What is it and what does that look like? Draw a picture of a Mr. Pocket in the figurative sense of her description

Chapter 4

  1. How likely will the kids find out something about Pete on the Internet? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Why do the kids think the man in the newspaper article is Pete? The middle name of the man is Peter, and he has a very unusual last name, so it is likely him p.26

Chapter 6

  1. Why do you think Pete isn’t talking? He’s guilty; he’s protecting someone; Listen to your child’s answer p.36

Chapter 7

  1. Describe Pete’s countenance in the jail cell. Discouraged, quiet, dejected, hopeless p.38

Chapter 8

  1. What have you learned about Pete in this chapter? He’s honest; takes care of his younger brother because parents died in a car crash; responsible p.52
  2. Choose a word you would use to describe him. Explain. Protector-for trying to help his brother; selfless; loving p.53
  3. Pete taking the blame for his brother isn’t necessarily helping and protecting him. List two ways it’s hurting Buddy. Buddy doesn’t learn to be accountable for his actions; when he does finally have to pay for a consequence, he won’t know how to deal with it

Chapter 9

  1. Was Buddy’s explanation to Officer Fallon enough to get him out of jail? Why or why not? No; they need to catch the thief and get the baseballs back p.60

Chapter 10

  1. Officer Fallon needed to search Buddy’s trailer to see if he was telling the truth about the stolen baseballs. Do you think Officer Fallon will find them? Listen to your child’s answer p.64

Chapter 11

  1. Describe one emotion Buddy is feeling in this chapter and explain why. Hopeful- Officer Fallon believes him; hopeful - to stay in Green Lawn instead of going to Florida; impressed- he likes green Lawn and how nice people are p.67

Chapter 12

  1. How did the Internet help them find the thief? They went to a website to see if they could purchase the baseballs back; they found one that looked like Mr. Pocket’s baseball and they emailed the seller; the seller responded with their physical address to send the money, and it was in Green Lawn p.76

Chapter 13

  1. Do you agree with Officer Fallon, that lying is never right, even if you’re trying to protect someone? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What did you like about this book? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – Restart

Restart

by Gordon Korman

Grades 5-9; Genre - Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

Chase Ambrose forgets everything after falling off a roof and losing consciousness. He forgets his name & his parents. He forgets what he was doing on that roof. And he forgets he's the biggest bully at Hiawassee Middle School. Book has violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the introduction to this story. Chase Ambrose wakes up in a hospital not remembering anything about himself, his family or his past; his mom takes him home and he wonders who he is as he looks at the picture of himself and his two friends on his phone p.1
  2. Using the text, what are two clues to help you know what kind of person Chase is? Little kids fear him; his mom makes up an excuse about why the beam is cracked in their house; he’s holding a bat with a pumpkin on the end of it in the picture p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Whose point of view are we reading in this chapter? Describe her relationship with Chase. Shoshanna Weber; twin to Joel whom Chase incessantly bullied; Shosh hates Chase because his actions have hurt her brother physically and emotionally; her parents had to send her brother away to a music school to keep him safe p.13

Chapter 3

  1. Why is the school principal encouraging Chase to see the amnesia as a rare opportunity, a blank canvas? Because Chase previously made decisions that hurt other people in the past, the amnesia presents an opportunity to change and become a better person. He can choose to be kind and a good friend instead of a bully p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Why was this encounter Brendon had with Chase important and telling to who Chase is right now? Brendon saw Chase as a polite, respectful, grateful, and humble person. It was hard to believe, but he had proof captured on his camera p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Chase is in a circumstance where he doesn’t know what to believe or who to trust. Have you ever been in a situation like this? Explain. What did you do about it?
  2. If you were Chase, what would you do? Who would you talk to? Listen to your child’s answer p.43

Chapter 6

  1. Give two reasons why Chase was drawn to Brendon? He feels comfortable around him; Brendon is honest with him; Brendon doesn’t seem to judge Chase or act strange around him p.44

Chapter 7

  1. On page 59, Shoshanna says, “Amnesia can wipe out the details of your past, but it can’t change the kind of person you are.” Do you agree with her? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. What did Chase remember during the game? He ripped the head off Helene’s teddy bear p.66
  2. Is this a big deal? Do you think Helene forgot about it? Is this something Chase should take more seriously? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Compare Chase’s behavior to Bear and Aaron’s while doing community service. Chase is polite, respectful, taking the initiative to see how he can help and serve the residents of the senior citizen center; his friends are rude, eating the snacks, don’t care about the residents, ignoring them and saying rude things to them p.72

Chapter 10

  1. What significant event happened in this chapter? Chase stood up to Joel and the football team for Brendon with the consequences being making his old friends his enemies p.82

Chapter 11

  1. What did you find out in this chapter about Aaron and his relationship with Chase? He’s upset that Chase isn’t acting like his old self; Chase has something valuable that must have been stolen or retrieved illegally, but he doesn’t know he has it and Aaron doesn’t want to bring it up since Chase could turn them in to the police; Aaron feels betrayed that Chase is hanging out with the video club p.87

Chapter 12

  1. How is Chase’s relationship with Mr. Solway helping them both? Chase can open up and talk to him; Mr.Solway is honest and says things that may be hard to hear, but that are important; Mr. Solway has a friend and visitor in Chase where he can share his past; they are good friends to each other p.95

Chapter 13

  1. What do you think will soften Shoshanna and help her realize Chase isn’t pretending? Listen to your child’s answer p.107

Chapter 14

  1. Do you agree with Chase’s conclusion… that Bear and Aaron might have stolen the medal? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.120

Chapter 15

  1. Describe why Brendon likes Kimberly more at the end of the chapter than at the beginning. Her reaction to Brendon’s stunt is endearing p.127

Chapter 16

  1. What hard conversation did Shoshanna have with her parents? That Chase has changed and that he is her friend; Joel can come home since Chase has changed p.134

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Joel comes home and attends his old school; he’s surprised that Chase doesn’t recognize him; in video club Chase apologizes to him; he realizes Chase has changed, but he still hates him p.137
  2. Chase has apologized to Joel. Is it ok that Joel still harbors hard feelings towards him? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 18

  1. Explain why Chase got emotional at the end of the chapter. Shoshanna invited him into her house for the first time; her mom and brother paused for a moment but went back to what they were doing. They didn’t kick him out of their home. They are beginning to accept him p.154

Chapter 19

  1. Bear acts like he and Aaron are being picked on for doing community service. Do you agree that Bear and Aaron are victims in this story? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.157

Chapter 20

  1. Do you think that Chase was part of the stunt in the music room? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.165

Chapter 21

  1. What does Chase want? To be a part of the video club; to not be his old self p.178
  2. Is it too late? What can Chase do to stop being pulled into his old life? Tell the truth

Chapter 22

  1. Is it evidence or just assumption that makes Brendon think that Chase is not in on the prank? Assumption p.180
  2. Give two examples of why Brendon might feel that way. He stood up for him to the football players before; his overall behavior is inconsistent with the old Chase until that incident
  3. Why is everyone cheering Joel on page 183? He is standing up for himself and showing courage

Chapter 23

  1. Why did “hot tears of shame” stream down Chase’s face in this chapter? He realized he is the one who stole the Medal of Honor from Mr. Solway and he’s ashamed of himself; he’s upset he at himself for stealing the medal and at Bear and Aaron because they won’t let him return it to Mr. Solway p.189

Chapter 24

  1. What convinced Brendon that his assumption about Chase was right? He watched the footage from the camera and saw Chase’s reactions and behavior p.196

Chapter 25

  1. How did the little girl in the painting help Chase in this chapter? She was the only thing he remembered from before his accident; she helped him find the Medal of Honor and helped him remember how and why he fell from the roof p.201
  2. Do you agree with Chase that he needed to visit Mr. Solway and not meet his friends? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.206

Chapter 26

  1. Using the text for evidence, find and read the paragraph out loud that shows that Shoshanna understands that Chase is innocent. “Shosh’s cheeks are bright read as she digests the truth. My sister…” p.213

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize how Chase got past Bear and Aaron. He dropped the Medal of Honor and let the vacuum suck it up, then he ran at the two boys and bowled them over with the vacuum and ran past them p.217

Chapter 28

  1. How did the video club prove to Chase they were his friends? They stood up for him and helped him when Bear and Aaron attacked him p.221
  2. Choose a word to describe Chase’s behavior in this chapter. Explain. Listen to your child’s answer; Example: Courageous-for being honest even when there would be strong consequences p.223

Chapter 29

  1. On page 235, Chase states, “And in that instance, I understand that being true to myself is more important than fooling the judge with the power to send me to juvie.” What does this mean? Living in a way that aligns with your own personal core beliefs instead of conforming to please others.
  2. Have you ever experienced this? Explain. How did it make you feel? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 30

  1. What is a theme found throughout this book? Example: Friendship & Forgiveness; redemption and personal growth
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #40 Sea Otter Sunrise

Sea Otter Sunrise

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-5; Genre - Action/Adventure; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

A new adventure takes Jack and Annie to Monterey Bay to find a job aboard a boat and fulfill a risky underwater mission. Before going home, they must decide what to do about an injured sea otter.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How do you know that Jack is reluctant to go on this mission? He’s asking questions and tells Annie to wait so she doesn’t read the rhyme p.9
  2. Why is Jack reluctant to go to California? He doesn’t know how to scuba dive and parts of the rhyme don’t make sense to him p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Bob. Grouchy and rude; old with white hair p.20

Chapter 3

  1. As Jack stared at his gear, he felt overwhelmed. What advice would you give him to help him know what to do? Listen to your child’s answer p.29
  2. Have you ever felt overwhelmed about doing something? Explain. Listen to our child’s answer
  3. How did you get through it? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Describe how Jack felt under the water. Like he was in paradise; it was peaceful and relaxing; beautiful p.37
  2. Have you ever experienced something like this before? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jack and Annie filled their bags with sea urchins, but on their way back to the boat, the strong current drove them into a kelp forest. Jack stayed calm and freed them both; they had to drop their bags to get out of the forest, but they made it p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Do you agree with Jack and Annie to help the otter? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.49

Chapter 7

  1. What type of figurative speech is the phrase, “this is a living nightmare!” It is a metaphor, but also could be an idiom p.59
  2. Why did Bob feel that way? He felt out of control, and he was worried he would lose his fishing license

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Bob take them when he drove past the dock? To the aquarium p.67
  2. How do you know? The people that met them wore uniforms that said “Monterey Bay Aquarium p.67
  3. Why do you think Bob had a change of heart? He saw the mom and baby together and realized they are living creatures that needed help. It softened his heart p.62

Chapter 9

  1. Do you think Bob was serious or joking when he told Jack and Annie, they were the worst urchin divers he has ever seen? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer p.73

Chapter 10

  1. How had Bob changed? He was impacted by the otters and softened p.82
  2. Why do you think the author used all capital letters when Bob spoke? He has a loud voice; everything he says is spoken with intensity; listen to your child’s answer p.82
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Orange Outlaw

The Orange Outlaw

by Ron Roy

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

While visiting Dink's uncle in New York City, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose help uncover who is responsible for stealing a very valuable painting.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. The kids have traveled from Connecticut to New York City; tall skyscrapers; an apartment building p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Have you ever been to a block party like the one in this book? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Compare this party to a party you’ve been to. Listen to your child’s answer p.10
  3. What will be the mystery in this story? Find out who stole the painting p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the crime scene? The painting was missing from the table, the fruit bowl was overturned, and there were orange peels and orange juice spilled all over the table, the floor and the balcony outside p.19

Chapter 4

  1. What did the kids find when they checked outside the apartment building? The balconies were too high for someone to reach; Miss Booker was a trapeze artist when she was younger p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. Uncle Warren went to bed; the kids couldn’t sleep so they brainstormed who the thief could be p.31

Chapter 6

  1. What did Mrs. Cornelius turn out to be and what information did she share with the kids? A witness; she saw someone on her balcony the night of the robbery; they had a baggy coat, bad posture, a wrinkled face and orange hair p.44

Chapter 7

  1. Have you ever had the chance to look through a microscope or magnifying glass? What did you see? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What was the photo that Ruth Rose found outside the apartment building? The stolen painting p.53

Chapter 8

  1. Is it farfetched to think an orangutan stole the painting? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.57
  2. If an orangutan did steal the painting, what do the kids need to solve now? Who the orangutan belongs to p.58

Chapter 9

  1. Predict what Ruth Rose’s idea is to obtain the orangutan’s hair. Listen to your child’s answer p.64

Chapter 10

  1. Oh no! How is Josh ruining the plan? He’s talking and he also hit a button that opens the large garage door p.71

Chapter 11

  1. Describe Mrs. Folwer. She helped steal the painting; she has a conscience because she confessed everything; she thinks for herself p.75
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

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