Tag Archives: Fiction

Comprehension Questions – Hank the Cowdog#3 It’s a Dog’s Life

By John R. Erickson

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fiction; 720L; AR pts: 3.0

Summary by Marcus Schlairet Russ (11 yrs old)

Have you ever wanted to get back at someone? Hank’s sister, Maggie, does in this story.

In the beginning, Hank gets in trouble because he messes up Sally May’s house. He was investigating something, Pete, the Barncat, told Drover.

Then, he ran away to visit his sister, Maggie. She tricked him into eating a bar of soap because he pushed her into the sewer when they were puppies.

In the end, the dogcatcher put him in the pound for rabies, because he was foaming at the mouth. He escaped and went home. He got revenge on Pete scaring him into the water trough.

You will laugh when you read about Hank’s adventures and eating the bar of soap. I know I did!

Comprehension Questions (written by Steven Schlairet)

Chapter 1

  1. What did Hank send Drover to do? Bark at the mailman. Pg. 2.
  2. Why did Hank say he had fleas? Because Loper only bought him 1 gunny sack a year. Pg. 4.
  3. Why did Hank say cowdogs barked at mailmen? Because they always did. Pg. 7.
  4. What news did Drover hear? It was the end of the world. Pg. 9.

Chapter 2

  1. What did Hank think was wrong with Pete? He swallowed a chicken bone. Pg. 11
  2. Why did Pete think it was the end of the world? Cat’s intuition. Pg. 13.
  3. What did they learn from the interrogation of Pete? Sally May wrote on her calendar. Pg. 15.
  4. What was the clicking time bomb? Drover’s chattering teeth. Pg. 16.
  5. How did Hank want to check out the problem? Penetration of the house. Pg. 18.

Chapter 3

  1. What did Hank think smelled like a skunk? Loper’s boots. Pg. 25.
  2. What did Hank find on the table? 3 T-bone steaks. Pg. 29.
  3. Why did Drover call “mayday!”? Because Sally May came home. Pg. 29.

Chapter 4

  1. What did Hank do when Sally May caught him? Knocked the jelly jar off the table. Pg. 31.
  2. Did Hank think it was his fault? No. The cowboys had plenty to eat. Pg. 34.
  3. What did Hank think of cat’s cleaning? Dirty from spit; not clean from the sewer. Pg. 37.
  4. Why was Hank going to leave to visit his sister? Let it blow over. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. Who did Hank meet playing the banjo and singing? Junior. Pg. 45.
  2. What did Hank teach Junior about singing? How to howl. Pg. 48.
  3. Who joined them in singing? Rip and Snort. Pg. 50

Chapter 6

  1. What was the clothes’ line pole with a shoe? A woman’s leg. Pg. 57.
  2. What did Maggie smell? Hank’s smell from the sewer. Pg. 59.
  3. Did Maggie want Hank to stay? No. Pg. 61.
  4. Why did Hank stay? To tell the kids stories. Pg. 63.

Chapter 7

  1. What did Maggie want to be called? Margaret; she didn’t like nick names. Pg. 65.
  2. What did Hank teach them first? To dig under the fence. Pg. 68.
  3. What did they eat from the garbage? A bunch of fish heads. Pg. 70.
  4. Who made fun of the pups? A cat on the fence. Pg. 72.

Chapter 8

  1. What does urchins mean? A mischievous child poorly dressed. Pg.74.
  2. What do the cats do? Sing a song mocking the dogs. Pg. 76.
  3. What do the dogs do back? Sing a song mocking the cats. Pg. 77.
  4. What do the dogs finally do? Start barking. Pg. 81.
  5. Who arrives after the neighbors get upset? The city dogcatcher. Pg. 83.

Chapter 9

  1. What is the bullet that Hank dodged? Getting his siter’s kids thrown in the pound. Pg. 84.
  2. What does Hank tell Maggie he did with the kids? They were just singing. Pg. 85.
  3. What does Maggie give Hank to eat? An Ivory Dog Bar. Pg. 89.
  4. Why did she give it to Hank? He pushed her into the sewer and she cried. Pg. 92.
  5. Why did the dogcatcher take Hank? He thought he was rabid. Pg. 95.

Chapter 10

  1. What did the dogcatcher do to Hank in the cage? Poke him with a stick. Pg. 99.
  2. What did the dogcatcher say about Hank? He tried to attack a child. Pg. 99.
  3. What test would they run on Hank? Cut off his head to check for rabies. Pg. 100.
  4. What did Ralph keep doing? Falling asleep. Pg. 106.

Chapter 11

  1. Did Hank believe his sister gave him soap on purpose? No. Pg. 108.
  2. What happened when Hank rammed the cell door? He passed out. Pg. 110.
  3. How did Ralph get in Hank’s cell? He just opened the latch. Pg. 110.

Chapter 12

  1. What else did the dogcatcher do besides chase hank? He started shooting at him. Pg. 116.
  2. What was Hank’s plan? To run around the Waterhole until Jimmy Joe ran out of gas. Pg. 117.
  3. Who drove Hank back to the ranch? Slim. Pg. 120.
  4. How did Hank get back at Pete? Shoved him into the water trough. Pg. 125.

Expressions used in the Story

Dodge a bullet.  Pg. 84

Mum’s the Word. Pg. 85.

Spill the beans. Pg. 87.

Toss your cookies. Pg. 94.

Comprehension Questions – The Family Under the Bridge

by Natalie Savage Carlson

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 3.0

Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. Then one day just before Christmas, Armand returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he must do whatever it takes to get them a real home. 

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What is the setting of this book? Paris, France in December p.1
  2. Describe the main character.  An older man named Armand who chooses to live on the street and desires no riches p.1
  3. What does Armand compare the children to? Starlings p.4

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Armand worried that the children will steal his heart? He doesn’t want to have feelings of love for them p.15
  2. Why was the children’s mother upset when she saw Armand sharing space with her children? She was surprised to see him living in the same space as her children p.13
  3. Why was Armand set on taking the children to see Father Christmas? Their mother wouldn’t approve of it p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Why was Armand describing the food the children saw with disgusting attributes? He didn’t want them to desire it p.24
  2. How did Father Christmas respond when the children told him they wanted a house to live in for Christmas? He was shocked and said his donkey couldn’t carry it p.27
  3. Why didn’t the children and Armand belong in that store? It was a fancy store and only with people with money could buy something in it p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Find a simile on page 31. They sang like three little birds on a branch in the springtime.
  2. How did Armand purchase food for the children to eat? He told them to sing then asked for alms and people gave him money p.31
  3. On page 33, the author states that the man at the pancake stand waited until Armand showed him his money before he poured the batter, why? To make sure Armand could pay for the pancakes
  4. How did the children’s mom react when she found out the children sang for money? She was very upset and told the children they couldn’t see Armand anymore p.37

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Armand take the children away from the bridge? Two women saw the children and were going to take them away and put their mama in jail p.43
  2. Where did Armand take the children? To his gypsy friend, Mireli p.49
  3. What persuaded the children to ask Father Christmas for a house on wheels? The children saw their new friend’s home and realized Father Christmas could pull it with his donkey p.51

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the children’s mama’s reaction to staying in the gypsy camp. She didn’t like it at first since she doesn’t like gypsies, but then learned to appreciate it p.57
  2. What did Tinka teach Suzy? Symbols that gypsies read and use p.59
  3. Why did Suzy want Armand to go see Father Christmas? To tell Father Christmas where they live now and what they want for Christmas p.62

Chapter 7

  1. How did the Calcets spend Christmas Eve? At a holiday party on the quay by their bridge and going to midnight mass p.65
  2. Why did Armand lie to the children about their home? Because he didn’t want to see them disappointed p.68
  3. How can you tell that Armand hasn’t prayed for a long time? He’d forgotten how p.70

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the gypsies pack up their camp and prepare to leave? A police officer was looking for Nikki, one of the gypsies p.77
  2. Why was the police officer looking for Nikki? He was bringing Nikki’s lost wallet to him p.83
  3. How did Paul inspire Armand? Paul tried to get a job to help the family but couldn’t, and Armand realized he should be the one getting the job p. 84

Chapter 9

  1. Describe the ending.  Do you agree or disagree with it? Why? Listen to your child’s answers
  2. How did Armand change during the book? He went from not wanting to work or be responsible for anything to wanting to work so he could be responsible for his new family p.97

Comprehension Questions – Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Mr. Popper's Penguins

by Richard and Florence Atwater

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 3.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Mr. Popper so absent-minded? He was day-dreaming of far-away places p.5
  2. What far-away place did Mr. Popper want to see most of all? The north and south poles p.7
  3. Why is Mrs. Popper worried that Mr. Popper doesn’t work in the winter? They won’t have as much money p.8

Chapter 2

  1. How does Mrs. Popper feel about the South Pole? That its dull and cold p.10
  2. Why does Mr. Popper want a penguin for a pet? They’re intelligent p.12
  3. Why is Mr. Popper mentioned over the radio? He sent a letter to Admiral Drake about the penguins p.14

Chapter 3

  1. What surprise did Admiral Drake send Mr. Popper? A penguin p.18
  2. Why did Mr. Popper fill up the bathtub? He thought the penguin was thirsty p.19
  3. Why did Mr. Popper call the penguin Captain Cook? The penguin made noises that sounded like Cook p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Why was the Popper family upset with Captain Cook? He ate their goldfish p.28
  2. Where did Captain Cook go to sleep? In the refrigerator p.29
  3. How did Mrs. Popper feel about Captain Cook? That he would make an all right pet p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What did the serviceman do to the ice box? Put holes in it and put a handle on the inside p.32
  2. How much money did Mr. Popper give to the serviceman? $10 p.33
  3. How did the serviceman react when Mr. Popper asked him to do these things? He thought Mr. Popper was crazy p.33

Chapter 6

  1. What did the policeman want when he came to the back door? The serviceman reported the penguin p.39
  2. Why did Mr. Popper get frustrated when he called the city building? They were confused on what he was calling about and didn’t know what a penguin was p.42

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Captain Cook gather odds and ends and put them in the fridge? He was putting together a nest p.48
  2. Why did Mr. Popper look like a penguin in this chapter? He shaved, slicked back his hair and put on his evening tailcoat p.49
  3. Why did Mr. Popper ask his wife for clothesline? He wanted it to take Captain Cook on a stroll p.49

Chapter 8

  1. How did the men with the camera know that Mr. Popper owned a penguin? They heard it from the police officer p.54
  2. What were the men doing with the camera? They were writing an article for the newspaper p.54

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the barber yell, “Good night!” when Captain Cook jumped onto the mirror ledge? He was surprised; this was an expression of surprise at the time this book was written p.57
  2. Why did Captain Cook want the shaving cream on the man’s face at the barber? It looked like snow p.58
  3. Why did Captain Cook want to climb the stairs? So, he could toboggan down them p.60

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Mrs. Popper call the doctor in this chapter? Captain Cook was ill and had a 104 degree temperature p.63
  2. What did the curator think was wrong with Captain Cook? He thought the penguin was lonely p.67
  3. What was the curator’s cure to help Captain Cook? He’s sending him Greta, the aquarium’s penguin who is also ill p.67

Chapter 11

  1. What does Mrs. Popper compare the two penguins to at the beginning of the chapter? Two peas p.68
  2. How could they tell the birds apart? Mr. Popper painted their names on their backs p.69
  3. How did Mr. Popper make a bigger, more comfortable home for the penguins? He left the windows open in his home and snow came into the house p.71

Chapter 12

  1. How did the Popper’s take care of the penguins for the rest of the winter? Mr. Popper had the furnace moved upstairs and an ice making machine installed In the cellar p.74
  2. How many eggs did Greta lay in all? 10 p.75
  3. Who did Mr. Popper name the penguin chicks after? Explorers and their assistants p.77

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Mrs. Popper considering eating the penguins? They were almost out of money p.82
  2. What idea did Mr. Popper come up with to earn money? Train the penguins to perform p.83
  3. How many songs did Mrs. Popper remember and what did she play the piano for? Three songs for three different acts the penguins would perform p.84

Chapter 14

  1. What made the passengers on the bus complain? Mr. Popper opened all of the windows to keep the penguins cool p.89
  2. What was Mr. Greenbaum’s reaction to meeting Mr. Popper and his penguins? He wanted to see the act p.91

Chapter 15

  1. Where did the penguins get to perform their act for Mr. Greenbaum?  On the stage in front of an audience p.93
  2. How do you know the audience enjoyed the penguins’ act? They stood up and cheered p.99  
  3. What did the theater owner offer Mr. Popper? A ten-week contract with $5,000 a week p.99

Chapter 16

  1. Why was a traffic officer involved when the Popper’s and penguins were on the way to the train station? The two taxis driving them were racing and got in an accident p.102
  2. Why was Mrs. Popper worried about the children missing school? she didn’t want them to get behind p.104
  3. How did the penguins disrupt the rest of the acts during their first performance? They would go on stage and make the audience laugh and distract the performer p.106

Chapter 17

  1. How would other performers feel when they heard the penguins were performing in the same show? They didn’t like it p.108
  2. Why weren’t the Poppers rich when receiving $5,000 a week? They ate at expensive restaurants and slept in expensive hotels p.112
  3. Predict if Mr. Popper will sign another contract with Mr. Greenbaum.  Listen to your child’s answer p.114

Chapter 18

  1. What did the Popper’s find at the theater? A seal performing act p.117
  2. Why were the Popper’s worried to have the penguins join the seals? They thought the seals would eat the penguins p.118
  3. What mistake did Mr. Popper make during this chapter? He told the taxi driver the wrong theater p.122

Chapter 19

  1. Who bailed Mr. Popper and the penguins out of jail? Admiral Drake p.127
  2. What did Admiral Drake offer Mr. Popper? To take the penguins to the North Pole and name the new penguin race after him p.129
  3. What did Mr. Greenbaum offer him? A deal with a movie producer that will put the penguins in films p.130

Chapter 20

  1. Why did Mr. Popper decide to give the birds to Admiral Drake? Because they had done so much for him that he needed to do what was best for them p.133
  2. What surprised Mr. Popper in this chapter? That he was invited to go with the expedition p.138
  3. Explain what you liked about this book.  Listen to your child’s response

Comprehension Questions – Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)

Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts. 1

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What happened to May’s sweater? Junie B. pulled on it and the sleeve stretched to the floor p.6
  2. What would the girls not be able to do if they had another fight? Sing in the Holiday Sing Along p.12
  3. How did Junie B. shake hands with May? She picked up her sleeve and shook it p.13

Chapter 2

  1. What was in the dusty box? Elf clothes p.17
  2. What song was Junie B., class going to lead? Jingle Bells p.21
  3. Why didn’t May tell on Junie B. when she sang the wrong words? She wanted to sing in the sing along p.23

Chapter 3

  1. Who did Junie B. sit by during the sing along? May p.25
  2. Why was May upset with Junie B.’s version of Jingle Bells? The chorus was about her p.29
  3. What did Mr. Scary decide to do since there wasn’t time to send the girls to the principal’s office? Write a note to their parents p.31

Chapter 4

  1. Why does Junie B. dislike sitting in the last seat in the last row? She gets last picks since Mr. Scary begins in the front of the classroom p.37
  2. Why did Junie B. choose for Secret Santa? May p.39
  3. What could be a positive outcome for Junie B. choosing May? Listen to your child’s answer p.

Chapter 5

  1. What did Mr. Scary say to Junie B. to encourage her? Told her it was the season of goodwill and that she’ll feel good inside for giving to May p.42
  2. Why were the kids excited to go the Holiday Gift Shop? They could preview gifts they wanted to get for their families and Secret Santa p.43
  3. What did Roger continue to ask Ellen Elf about? The money her child stole from him p.44

Chapter 6

  1. List three things Junie B. wanted to buy at the Gift Shop? Crayons, Squeeze a Burp, tattoos, glow in the dark barrettes p.49
  2. Why did May tell Junie B. that she shouldn’t buy any gifts? The gifts should be for her family and Secret Santa p.50

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Junie B.’s grandpa laugh when she said, “Do the math”? he thought she was being cute and funny p.62
  2. Why did Junie B. ask her grandpa for money? So she could buy the Squeeze a Burp p.64
  3. Why was Junie B. sad when she realized she needed to get a gift for May? She didn’t have enough money p.68

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Junie B. stressed out at the beginning of this chapter? Her parents told her they wouldn’t give her more money p.70
  2. Why didn’t May give Junie B. money? Her father said to save the money for an emergency and to not let friends borrow money p.74
  3. How is Room One going to hand out their Secret Santa gifts? They decorated their own sacks, Mr. Scary will arrange them all on the back table, and after the gift shop the kids will put them in p.79
  4. What did Junie B. want to give May for the gift? Coal p.80

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Junie B. hide her money in her shoe? So it wouldn’t get stolen p.86
  2. Why was May so happy? She was excited for Secret Santa day and wasn’t going to let Junie B. ruin it p.89
  3. Why was Junie B. being so secretive when it was time to put the gifts in the bags? She didn’t want May to see her put her baggie of coal into her gift bag from her backpack p.95

Chapter 10

  1. Why was May so excited to do the Secret Santa? She felt like she had a best friend p.98
  2. Why was she excited about that? Because she didn’t have a best friend p.99
  3. What gift do you think Junie B. gave to May? Listen to your child’s answer p.103

Chapter 11

  1. How did May respond when she looked into her bag? She got teary and showed Mr. Scary p.108
  2. List two things May did to show Junie B. she was a friend. Let Junie B. use the Squeeze a Burp and called her Junie B. p115
  3. Why was Junie B. happy at the end of the book? She had been a good friend to May p.117

Comprehension Questions – Junie B., First Grader: BOO…and I MEAN IT!

Junie B., First Grader: BOO...and I MEAN IT!

by Barbara Park

Grade 1-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts.1

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What is Junie B. scared of? Halloween p.2
  2. Why is she scared of Halloween? Paulie Allen Puffer told her 5 secrets about Halloween and if she told someone those secrets or a witch will turn her head into a wart. p.3
  3. Why did Mr. Scary give May a note? To tell her parents she had tattled P.9

Chapter 2

  1. Who did Junie B. tell the secrets to? Philip Johnny Bob p.22
  2. Why did Junie B. suggest that her grandma stay inside on Halloween? Bats like fluffy hair p.19
  3. Why did Junie B. want to take a nap? So she wouldn’t have to go to the Halloween store p.21

Chapter 3

  1. What did Junie B. decide to be for Halloween? Squirty the Clown p.32
  2. Why did she decide to be Squirty the Clown? To scare the witch and other things she was scared of p.30
  3. How was Junie B. feeling about Halloween at the end of the chapter? She was feeling happy p.35

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Junie B. want to go in the store? She was scared p.37
  2. Did Junie B. find a Squirty costume? No p.42
  3. What costume was Junie B.’s mom going to choose for her? Little Bo Peep p.45

Chapter 5

  1. What helped Junie B. look like Squirty the Clown? Clothes, make-up, red nose p.51
  2. Why was Junie B. sad she didn’t have a seltzer bottle? She wanted one to spray and scare off monsters p.53
  3. Why did Junie B. call herself Screamy? She could scream to scare people p.56

Chapter 6

  1. Why did the fisherman drop an apple down Junie B.’s pants? Because she said “trick or fruit” p.60
  2. What did Mrs. Morty give Ollie? Rice crispy treat p.62
  3. How can saying thank you be a fib? If you don’t like what you are receiving p.63

Chapter 7

  1. What did the Cinderella and Fairy Godmother tell Junie B.? that she wasn’t scary p.67
  2. Why did Junie B. hide behind a bush? She thought she wasn’t scary and a skeleton and witch came by p.69
  3. How do you know they weren’t scary? They were kids dressed up p.71

Chapter 8

  1. How did Junie B. feel once trick or treating was over? Relieved p.74
  2. How did she feed Philip the peanut? She taped the peanut to his trunk p.77
  3. Why didn’t Junie B. clean off her face before going to bed? She was too tired p.78

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Junie B.’s dad yell when he went into Junie B.’s room? She was wearing still wearing her clown make-up p.82
  2. What made Junie B.’s make-up smudgy? She tried to wipe it off with a tissue p.83
  3. How did Junie B. end up with 100% candy? Her parents ate the healthy snacks p.84

Comprehension Questions – Junie B., First Grader Shipwrecked

Junie B., First Grader Shipwrecked

by Barbara Park

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What happened in Junie B.’s class that morning? Someone threw up p.3
  2. What did the custodian use to clean it up? A powder named vomit absorbent p.7
  3. Why did Junie B. and her classmates hold their noses all morning? They didn’t want to breathe in the germs from the throw up p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Herb finally let go of his nose? He couldn’t taste his food p.14
  2. Why did Junie B. blow her nose air on May? To get rid of the germs in her nose p.14
  3. How did the children feel when they went out to recess? Happy they didn’t have to plug their noses p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Who came to Junie B.’s class and taught them about germs? Mrs. Weller the nurse p.19
  2. What are the four rules she taught the children? 1. Do not share straws, glasses, forks or spoons; 2. Do not share food or drinks; 3. Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes, and nose; 4. Wash your hands often with soap and water p.24
  3. What are the children going to do for Parents’ Night? Put on a play about Christopher Columbus p.29

Chapter 4

  1. What did Junie B.’s mom say that helped her realize the play could be fun? That Junie B. could be a star p.33
  2. Why was Junie B. so anxious to look up facts on Christopher Columbus? So she could choose the part she wanted in the play p.34
  3. How many facts did Junie B. find and write down? 18 p.36

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Mr. Scary frustrated at the beginning of the chapter? So many children were sick p.39
  2. Who had the most facts about Christopher Columbus? Junie B. & Jose p.46
  3. Who did Junie B. tell her secret to? Everyone in her class p.49

Chapter 6

  1. Who wanted to be Christopher Columbus? Jose p.51
  2. What part is Junie B. going to play? The Pinta p.51
  3. Why was May excited to play the Santa Maria? That’s the ship Christopher Columbus sailed in p.55

Chapter 7

  1. What did the children get to do in this chapter? Make their costumes for the play p.57
  2. What helped Lucille feel better about being the queen? She got to use glitter to make her crown p.61

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize what Junie B.’s class did in this chapter? Practiced the play p.65
  2. What names did the sailors have? Sinbad, Captain Hook, Popeye p.68
  3. Why did Mr. Scary tell Junie B. and May to sit down? They were fighting p.71

Chapter 9

  1. How did the three ships crash during the play? Junie B. accidentally hit May’s ship with hers when she noticed May getting in front of her. May then hit Junie B.’s and they hit Sheldon p.79
  2. Why was Sheldon in a rush to get out of the auditorium? Roger sneezed on him and he was worried about getting sick p.82
  3. Why was Junie B. upset that they crashed? Now Christopher Columbus wouldn’t get to America p.83

Chapter 10

  1. How did Jose save the show? He swam to America p.85
  2. What did Junie B. write to the other kids in Room One? An apology for ruining the play p.86

Comprehension Questions – Junie B., First Grader Dumb Bunny

Junie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-5; Genre- Fiction; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What name does Junie B. call May? dumb bunny p.1
  2. What does Mr. Scary want May to do when she wants to tattle tale? Count to 20, count to 20 again, go home for the day then come back and cover her mouth p.5
  3. Why did Mr. Scary take Lucille out of the room? To talk to her about calling everyone in the class dumb clucks p.13

Chapter 2

  1. What’s Lucille’s dad going to hide? A golden egg with the grand prize p.19
  2. What’s the grand prize from the egg hunt going to be? Swimming with Lucille in her indoor pool p.19
  3. Why is Sheldon playing with Lucille? To get on her good side so she tells him where the egg is hidden p.24
  4. What does May frequently compare herself to? Birds p.25

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Junie B. choose her lavender overalls to the party? She can fit a lot of eggs in her pockets, they’re pretty, and she can run and tackle people in them p.29
  2. How did Lucille’s nanna react when she realized who Junie B. was? She got nervous p.35
  3. Why did Junie B. think she was so funny to think up the possibility that May was carried away by a North American barn owl? Because May compared herself to one p.38

Chapter 4

  1. Why couldn’t Lucille tell Sheldon where the golden egg was hidden? Her dad hid it and didn’t tell her p.42
  2. What was Sheldon lucky charm? Some egg that spilled on his shirt p.43
  3. What did Junie B. and her friends do to annoy Lucille’s dad? Kept repeating what he said while shouting p.48

Chapter 5

  1. What did Lucille’s parents and nanna do to decide who would sit next to Junie B.? a coin toss p.54
  2. Why isn’t the Easter bunny going to be at the party? Lucille’s nanna paid him in advanced and he didn’t come back p.57
  3. Describe the jellybean game Junie B. played at the party? There was a jar of jellybeans with only one purple jellybean. Everyone got to pick a jellybean out without looking and whoever got the purple one got a prize p.62

Chapter 6

  1. What did Junie B. receive as her prize for getting the purple jellybean? A bunny suit p.69
  2. Why did she get a bunny suit? She was to be the party’s Easter bunny p.69
  3. What did Lucille tell Junie B. that helped her want to dress up in the bunny suit? That there was a seat for her to sit on in the garden and the photographer would take pictures of her with the other children p.72

Chapter 7

  1. What happened to Junie B. when she ran in the bunny suit? She tripped and fell p.76
  2. Define what scolding means? To be angry and get after someone p.83
  3. Tell me two of the rules for the egg hunt. No running, no pushing, pulling or grabbing; no trampling the flowers and plants; do not go anywhere that is roped off; no tripping p.83

Chapter 8

  1. What did Lucille’s nanna threaten the children with to make them follow the rules? She was going to call the police p.91
  2. How did Junie B. try to help Sheldon in this chapter? She told him to stop shouting when he sees an egg and covered his mouth to try to stop him p.96
  3. Why did Junie B. feel like a rotten egg at the end of the chapter? She couldn’t move very well in the bunny suit to get any eggs during the hunt p.99

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Sheldon decide to quit the egg hunt? Because May was taking every egg he had found p.100
  2. Why was Lucille upset at Sheldon for quitting the hunt? Because she wanted him to find the golden egg p.105
  3. How did Sheldon get the golden egg? Junie B. tripped and saw it, she shouted it out, then Sheldon, May, and Junie B. pounced on it.  Junie B. had her paw on it, but she got mad at May and moved her paw, so Sheldon’s hand was on it instead p.112

Chapter 10

  1. How does Junie B. feel after giving the egg to Sheldon? Happy because his face made her smile inside and sad because she wanted to swim in Lucille’s pool p.116
  2. Why doesn’t Junie B. want to call May a dumb bunny anymore? Because she realizes that bunnies aren’t dumb p.117
  3. What’s Junie B.’s new name for May? Bird girl p.118

Comprehension Questions – #2 The Further Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

The Further Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

by John R. Erickson

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; 750L; AR pts: 3.0

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What was the silver monster bird a cross between? A bird and a reptile. Pg. 1.
  2. What kind of noise do they make? A LOUD roar. Pg. 2.
  3. What did Hank say he saw the monster pick up and eat? A whole steer. Pg. 6.
  4. How did Hank fight back the monster? He tore off its leg. Pg. 9.

Chapter 2

  1. Where does Hank like to bath? In the green water of the septic tank. Pg. 12.
  2. Why did Sally May throw out the egg? She busted the yoke. Pg. 13.
  3. Why didn’t Sally May give hank the egg? He fought with the cat and smelled. Pg. 16.
  4. Why was Loper mad at Hank’s barking? He woke the baby. Pg. 20.

Chapter 3

  1. Why could Hank hear every sound when asleep? He had sensitive ears. Pg. 23.
  2. What natural beauty of cowdogs attracted women? Their noses. Pg. 24.
  3. How did Hank try to fix his eyes? A mud pack. Pg. 27.
  4. Why did Hank not tell off Plato? He had the wrong pickup truck. Pg. 32.

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Beulah’s hair so coarse? Hank was talking to a bale of hay. Pg. 35.
  2. Who was Rufus? The Doberman pinscher who’s top dog at Beulah’s ranch. Pg. 38.
  3. Why did Hank fight Rufus? He forced Beulah to kiss him. Pg. 40.

Chapter 5

  1. What warning did Hank issue about the fight? Don’t let children know about it. Pg. 44.
  2. How does Hank say Dobermans got their name? They can pinch with their teeth. Pg. 46.
  3. Where did Drover bite Rufus? On the rump. Pg. 49.

Chapter 6

  1. Who was Hank waiting for by the fence? Drover. Pg. 53.
  2. Who was Hank waiting for in front of the shed? The cowboys. Pg.55.
  3. What did Loper say Hank should do if he can’t win the fight? Avoid the fight. Pg. 57.
  4. What did Drover do to Hank? Stuck out his tongue, threw dirt, paraded. Pg. 61.

Chapter 7

  1. What bothered Hank in the morning? Big green flies and ants. Pg. 64.
  2. What did Loper give Hank to feel better? Eggs and milk. Pg. 65.
  3. Who came to take his grub? Pete the Barncat. Pg. 66.
  4. What mess happened when Hank followed Pete? He got lost in the woods. Pg. 71.

Chapter 8

  1. What animal was hank afraid of in the woods? Snakes. Pg. 73.
  2. What did Rip and Snort ask Hank? Why are you alone? Pg. 76.
  3. What did Hank make them promise? To believe what he told them. Pg. 78.
  4. What did they think would happen? The moon would come down to be eaten. Pg. 79.

Chapter 9

  1. Who were the 2 voices that Hank recognized up in the tree?  Wallace and Junior. Pg. 82.
  2. What happened when Wallace flew down? He got hung upside down in vines. Pg. 85.
  3. Who did Junior say could fix Hank’s eyes? Madame Moonshine. Pg. 88.
  4. What worried Hank about the cave? Snakes. Pg. 90.

Chapter 10

  1. Who did Madame Moonshine say she didn’t believe in? Dogs. Pg. 92.
  2. Why did Madame Moonshine doubt that Hank controlled everything? Because he didn’t control fish, sunrise, ants. Pg. 93.
  3. Who was the rattle snake? Timothy. Pg. 96.
  4. Madame Moonshine would not let Hank leave until what? He solved riddles. Pg. 100.

Chapter 11

  1. What did Hank think Madame Moonshine was better than? Loper’s Black Draught. Pg. 103.
  2. Who was hiding in the post pile? Plato. Pg. 104.
  3. Why did Hank want Plato to Distract Rufus? So he could blind side him. Pg. 106.
  4. Who helped Hank and Plato? Beulah joined the fight. Pg. 111.
  5. How did Billy feel about Rufus getting beat up? Discussed; wanted to sell him. Pg. 113.

Chapter 12

  1. What did Pete and Drover decide to do? To make a play making fun of hank. Pg. 116.
  2. What happened when Hank chased Pete into the feed barn? He got his head stuck. Pg. 121.
  3. What did Hank do when Drover hid? Tore up the Feed barn. Pg. 123.
  4. How did Loper know Hank tore up the barn? Red paint on his paws. Pg. 127.

Comprehension Questions – The Littles Give a Party

The Littles Give a Party

By John Peterson

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

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

Chapter 1

  1. Why wasn’t Granny paying attention? She was sad. Pg 5.
  2. What did Tom think would cheer Granny up?  Some rice pudding with raisins. Pg. 9.
  3. What did Tom get distracted by? Peanut butter. Pg. 12.

Chapter 2

  1. What was Tom worried would happen in the jar? He’d suffocate. Pg. 13.
  2. Why was Tom able to get out by the spoon unseen? Henry was sneaking a bite. Pg. 14.
  3. Did Granny eat the desert? No, she said she wasn’t hungry. Pg. 19.

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Mrs. Little say Granny was depressed? It was her 80th birthday. Pg. 22.
  2. How did they decide to make Granny happy? A surprise birthday on July 4th. Pg. 25.

Chapter 4

  1. What is twelve noon for the little people?  Mirror Message Time. Pg. 27.
  2. How did Tom learn Morse code? Henry Bigg’s Boy Scout Manual. Pg. 28.

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Tom and Lucy want the cereal box? For the cut-out costumes. Pg. 32.
  2. What play were they going to perform? Little Red Riding Hood.  Pg.  34.

Chapter 6

  1. What was the bad news about the party? The old people did not want to travel. Pg. 35.
  2. How did they solve the problem? Cousin Dinky would fly them. Pg. 37.
  3. What did Granny think of Dinky? He was super. Pg. 38.

Chapter 7

  1. What were they going to use for a pool? The rain gutter. Pg. 42.
  2. What scared away the bumblebee? Dinky’s glider. Pg. 45.
  3. What did Dinky name his new glider? The Nick of Time. Pg. 46.

Chapter 8

  1. What did Baby Betsy say for food? Goo goo. Pg. 49.
  2. What is the problem with a glider? The wind dies down. Pg. 51.
  3. What was a solution to the glider problems? Henry’s model plane. Pg. 52.

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t the Biggs finish the cereal? They ate eggs instead. Pg. 55.
  2. How did Tom and Lucy plan to make them eat cereal? They would hide the eggs. Pg. 60.

Chapter 10

  1. Why was Mr. Bigg going to get traps? There was some egg-stealing animal. Pg. 63.
  2. What did Henry think the buried eggs meant? The chickens were not dumb. Pg. 64.

Chapter 11

  1. What repair work did the Littles do? The pipes and electric wires in the walls. Pg. 67.
  2. What did Mr. Little make from a piece of screen and cap? A grill. Pg. 69.
  3. What did Dinky and Della make to lift the plane? A block and tackle. Pg. 70.

Chapter 12

  1. What did one jerk on the string mean? At the window. Pg. 71.
  2. What did two jerks on the string mean? Pull it up. Pg. 71.
  3. Why was the plane so light? There wasn’t any; Henry had moved it Pg. 74.

Chapter 13

  1. What did they place under the wheels to hold the plane? Two dominoes. Pg. 76.
  2. How did they avoid Henry hearing the plane? Tom put a cotton ball in his ear. Pg.77.
  3. What happened so Dinky could fly the plane out? Henry went to the bathroom. Pg. 78.

Chapter 14

  1. Where was the party? On the porch roof under the Catalpa tree. Pg. 82.
  2. What got Granny to the roof? Dinky promised a ride in his glider. Pg. 83.
  3. When was Dinky going to stop doing adventurous thing? He wasn’t Pg. 84.

Chapter 15

  1. Who came to Granny’s party? Her friends and relatives. Pg. 87.
  2. How did Zelda come to the party? Granny flew with Dinky to get her. Pg. 89.

Chapter 16

  1. What were the tablecloths made from? Henry’s bandanas. Pg. 91
  2. What did Mr. Bigg think when the pool water landed on him? It was raining. Pg. 95.
  3. How did the party end? A song from Dinky. Pg. 96.

Comprehension Questions – Where the Red Fern Grows

Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

Grade 6; Genre - Fiction; GRL X; AR pts: 11.0

Vocabulary and Themes in the Story (by Steve)

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the dog fight. The pack was attacking an old redbone hound. Pg. 2.
  2. What did the old hound look like? He was starving. Pg. 3.
  3. What could you tell from the paws? He had come a long way. Pg. 3.
  4. What was his name? Buddie. Pg. 3.
  5. Why did he let the hound go? It would break his heart to stay; break his will to live. Pg. 5.

Chapter 2

  1. Where does Billy live? Ozark Mountains on Cherokee land. Pg. 9.
  2. What happened because of his dog-wanting? He lost weight and didn’t sleep. Pg. 11.
  3. What did Billy’s dad buy him for hunting? Three small steel traps. Pg. 12.
  4. What did Billy trap? Samie the Cat over and over until he left. Pg. 14.
  5.  What did Billy’s father allow him to do in the summer? Work in the fields. Pg. 18

Chapter 3

  1. What does Billy find in the Fishermen’s camp? A magazine selling dogs for $25. Pg. 20.
  2. What does Billy save his money in? An old K.C. Baking Powder Can. Pg. 22.
  3. How does Billy save the money? He saves the $50 by selling berries, hides, vegetables. Pg. 24.
  4. Why is his grandfather surprised about the money? Billy worked and saved for 2 years. Pg. 25.
  5. What does his grandfather do? Gives him candy and says don’t tell about the dogs. Pg. 26.

Chapter 4

  1. Where does Billie have to go for the dogs? Tahlequah. Pg. 28.
  2. How does Billie get to Tahlequah? He walks 20 miles. Pg. 31.
  3. What and why does he buy things for family? Overalls and cloth because he snuck out. Pg. 34.
  4. How do the kids treat Billie? They call him a hillbilly. Pg. 37.

Chapter 5

  1. Who was in charge at the depot? The stationmaster. Pg. 39.
  2. How did Billy carry the pups home? In the gunny sack with holes for their heads. Pg. 42.
  3. Why did Billy fight the freckle face boy? He pulled his pups ear and it cried. Pg. 44.
  4. What did the Marshall give Billy? Strawberry pop. Pg. 47.
  5. Why’d Billy think the lion wouldn’t hurt them? His father said it was afraid of fire. Pg. 51.

Chapter 6

  1. How did Billy pick the pups’ names? They were carved in the tree. Pg.54.
  2. How did Billy’s father know where he was? His grandpa told him. Pg. 56.
  3. What did Mama fix for the pups? Warm milk. Pg. 57.
  4. What was the cave called where Billy spent the night? Robber’s Cave. Pg. 57.
  5. What was the black pipe at the school in town? A fire escape. Pg. 60.

Chapter 7

  1. What did Billy think of his Grandpa’s trapping idea? He thought he was kidding. Pg. 65.
  2. What did Grandpa’s pet coon catch his hand in? The butter churn. Pg. 66.
  3. What did Mama think when Billy yelled about the coon? A snake bit him. Pg. 71.
  4. Why can’t you sell coon skins in summer? They have yellow hair. Pg. 74.
  5. What did Billy think about the pups when they had talks? They understood him. Pg. 77.

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Mama worried about Billy hunting? He hadn’t been in the woods all night. Pg. 81.
  2. What was the first trick the coon pulled on the hounds? Swam through water. Pg. 84.
  3. Which tree did the coon run up? “The big tree”. Pg. 89.
  4. Why did Billy tell Papa it was important to chop the tree down? To keep his bargain. Pg.92.

Chapter 9

  1. How did Grandpa keep the coon up the tree all night? With a scarecrow. Pg. 99.
  2. What traits did Grandpa say make a man? Determination and will power. Pg.101.
  3. What did Mama learn about coon? That they were smart. Pg. 103.
  4. Where did the dogs spend the night? They slept by the tree together. Pg. 106.
  5. Why did Billy think the wind blew the tree down? He prayed to God. Pg.108.
  6. Did Papa have another explanation? It blew the tree only because it was the tallest. Pg. 112.

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Billy go to the store on Saturdays? It was “Coon Hunter” day. Pg. 115.
  2. Why did the hunters make fun of Billy’s hounds? They were small. Pg. 116.
  3. Who did Mama use to catch the chickens? Little Ann; Old Dan was too rough. Pg. 118.
  4. Why did Billy think Old Dan had drowned? He was in a muskrat den in the slough. Pg. 122.
  5. How did Old Dan get up in the tree? He went through the hollow trunk. Pg. 125.

Chapter 11

  1. Why was it dangerous after the snow storm? It was slick and no moon. Pg. 128.
  2. What happened when the dogs jumped the river? Old Dan was strong and made it; Little Ann slipped and fell in. Pg. 132.
  3. What did Billy do when he couldn’t save Little Ann? He prayed for a miracle. Pg. 134.
  4. What did Billy learn from the lantern clanging? Use the handle for a hook. Pg. 135.
  5. Why didn’t Billy tell Mama? Because she’d worry and stop him from hunting. Pg. 139.

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Grandpa accept the bet with Rubin? He called him crooked and spat. Pg. 144.
  2. What and how much was the bet for? To catch the ghost coon for $2. Pg. 145
  3. What happened when the coon went up a tree? It disappeared. Pg. 155.

Chapter 13

  1. How did Little Ann know the coon was in the gate post? A breeze carried the scent. Pg. 159.
  2. Where was the ghost coon? In the hallow gate post. Pg. 160.
  3. How did Billy feel about the ghost coon? He wouldn’t kill him. Pg. 161.
  4. Why couldn’t Old Blue beat Old Dan? Little Ann helped fight him. Pg. 165.
  5. How did Rainie react to his brother’s death? He couldn’t get over the shock. Pg. 171.

Chapter 14

  1. What kind of dogs could enter in the coon hunt? Registered. Pg. 179
  2. Was Billy happy with his life? Luckiest boy in the world. Pg. 184.
  3. What did his little sister want from the hunt? The gold cup. Pg. 186.
  4. What was the only thing wrong with Little Ann? Gun-shy, Pg. 189.
  5. What did Grandpa keep secret from Grandma? The corn liquor. Pg. 191.

Chapter 15

  1. Why wouldn’t Old Dan eat his food? He was waiting for Little Ann. Pg. 194.
  2. What did Billy think 2 screech owls meant? Bad luck. Pg. 196.
  3. What kind of dogs were at the hunt? Redbones, blue ticks, walkers, and blood hounds. Pg. 200.
  4.  Why did Billy pick Little Ann for the beauty contest? Old Dan’s face was all scared. Pg. 201.

Chapter 16

  1. Where did the hounds run the coon? Back to the camp. Pg. 211.
  2. Why did Grandpa look funny drying by the fire? His long underwear was steaming. Pg. 212.
  3. Why was the judge worried with the coon in the river? He might drown the dogs. Pg. 221.
  4. What surprised the judge? The dogs cleaned each other’s cuts after the fight. Pg. 222.

Chapter 17

  1. Why did the judge want to quit? Because of the storm. Pg. 226.
  2. How did they get Little Ann to come to them? They fired the gun. Pg. 228.
  3. Who led them to Grandpa? Little Ann. Pg. 231.
  4. What happened when they cut down the tree? 3 coons came out. Pg. 234.

Chapter 18

  1. What did the hunter say happened to the hounds? Frozen solid. Pg. 240.
  2. Why did the dogs keep circling the tree? They’d freeze if they stopped. Pg. 242.
  3. What did Mr. Kyle call dog loyalty? The deepest kind of love. Pg. 243.
  4. What did Mama do that night? Took food to the dogs and prayed. Pg. 250.

Chapter 19

  1. How did Billy try to stop Old Dan’s bleeding? Mud caked onto the wounds. Pg. 260.
  2. How did Billy feel when his dogs died? He didn’t believe in prayer anymore Pg. 270.
  3. What was the miracle from the dogs? The money to move to the city. Pg. 272.

Chapter 20

  1. What did Billy see when he said good-bye to the dogs? The red fern Pg. 278.
  2. What did Papa think the red fern did? It was God’s way of helping Billy understand why his dogs died. Pg.279.