Tag Archives: Fiction

Comprehension Questions – When You Trap a Tiger

When You Trap a Tiger

by Tae Keller

Contains a subtle non-graphic LGBTQ+ theme at the end of the story.

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts. 8.0

When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now they want it back. And when one of the tigers approaches Lily with a deal--return what her grandmother stole in exchange for Halmoni's health--Lily is tempted to agree. But deals with tigers are never what they seem! With the help of her sister and her new friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice...and the courage to face a tiger. The plot contains a lesbian element.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does this sorry begin? Lily, Sam and their mom are driving from California to Washington state to live with their grandma (halmoni); their father has passed away; Sam and their mom fight a lot and Sam didn’t want to leave California; it’s raining; Lily feels invisible p.1

Chapter 2

  1. What’s a good memory Lily has of her halmoni? Listening to her stories p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Why is Sam difficult? She doesn’t seem to like anything; she’s angry and critical; she rocks the boat in their family; she’s selfish p.18

Chapter 4

  1. Explain what kosa is? A Korean tradition; lay food out for the ones who’ve gone before p.30
  2. Why does Halmoni hiss when Lily tells her about the tiger? She believes the tiger is coming to get her because she stole something from them p.33

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize the story in this chapter. Two little girls lived with their halmoni; the halmoni went to the village and bought rice cakes but a tiger came, ate her and pretended to be the halmoni; the girls opened the door to the tiger and the tiger chased them; the sky god made one the sun and the other the moon; the younger sister was first the moon but didn’t like being stared at, so the older sister who was the sun traded her p.36

Chapter 6

  1. Why was the main character confused? Her halmoni told her the basement had been flooded, but she found it wasn’t true; she found her halmoni throwing up p.43

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Lily feel like a bad granddaughter? She didn’t jump in to help Halmoni when she was throwing up p.46

Chapter 8

  1. What did Halmoni steal? The stars; the bad stories p.50

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Lily anger at her mom? She doesn’t know the real Lily p.58

Chapter 10

  1. Describe Jensen. A girl around Sam's age; works at the library; optimistic and friendly; accepting and tries to be helpful p.63

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Lily run into at the library? Describe him. A boy named Ricky who’s friendly and being tutored by Jensen p.70

Chapter 12

  1. How does Sam feel about Halmoni? She loves her but thinks she’s crazy p.82
  2. What advice does Halmoni give Ricky’s dad? During hard times family should come together p.88

Chapter 13

  1. What does Lily mean, when she thinks, “it’s ok, I’ll be the moon”? Lily wants her sister to comfort and help her like the older sister did in the story in chapter 5 p.92

Chapter 14

  1. Do you think Lily should have made the deal with the tiger? Listen to your child’s answer p.98

Chapter 15

  1. What illness does Halmoni have? Brain cancer p.103
  2. Why is Lily hopeful that Halmoni can be cured? She thinks the tiger can cure her p.105

Chapter 16

  1. What do Ricky and Lily agree to in this chapter? To build a tiger cage/trap p.115
  2. Why is Sam mad? Lily ran out when they were talking p.116

Chapter 17

  1. What does it mean when the author describes someone as “sticky“? People are attracted to them; they’re likable and make friends easily p.117
  2. What does Lily struggle with? Her self-esteem p.117

Chapter 18

  1. What is significance of the jars? Halmoni put the star stories into them p.130

Chapter 19

  1. What makes Ricky worried that Lily thinks he’s stupid? She got frustrated at him when he brought up his comic book stories p.132
  2. What will Lily use as bait? The jars p.137

Chapter 20

  1. Using two examples, list how Sam and Lily remember the story differently. Sam- sees it from the eyes of the protective older sister, Lily- sees it through the eyes of the younger sister and that they're going through the trial together; Sam- the older sister is supposed to protect her younger sister and instead puts her in danger of the tiger; Sam- the older sister opened the window, Lily- the younger sister opening the door; Sam- a sad story, Lily- a happy story; Sam- the sisters are alone and can only wave to each other across the sky, Lily- the sisters are safe and escape the tiger forever p.141

Chapter 21

  1. What bargain did Lily accept from the tiger? The tiger will heal Lily’s halmoni if she returns the stories and listens to them p.147
  2. Do you think this will heal Halmoni? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 22

  1. What does it mean when the tiger said, “there are consequences to telling the truth”? Telling the truth is good, but bad things can come along with p.155

Chapter 23

  1. What’s Alzheimer’s disease? A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
  2. Why did the server think Halmoni has Alzheimer’s? Halmoni forgot where she was and what they were doing p.164

Chapter 24

  1. Describe the drive home from the restaurant. Sad; mom explained the doctor doesn’t know how long Halmoni will live, so they want to make the best of what they have p.169

Chapter 25

  1. Describe Lily’s experience at Ricky’s house. Her mom knows his dad; he lives in a mansion; she and Ricky make their own rendition of rice cakes p.173

Chapter 26

  1. What are the sisters doing in this chapter? They both have something separate they’re doing but promise not to tell on each other; Lily is going down the stairs to the tiger and Sam is going down the rope outside p.182

Chapter 27

  1. What happened in the story and what was Lily’s reaction? It was a continuation of the first story; the granddaughter was still cursed being half human, half tiger; she turned into a tiger and ran away; the halmoni looked everywhere for her and filled jars with love; she released a jar into the ocean each full moon; she feels a connection to the granddaughter p.186

Chapter 28

  1. How does Lily’s mom try to comfort her? She hugs her; they share a late-night snack; tells her she wishes she could protect her p.193

Chapter 29

  1. List two similarities between the story and what’s going on at Lily’s home? The pendant, the white streak, Halmoni thinking her granddaughter’s a tiger p.199

Chapter 30

  1. Why does Lily feel betrayed by Ricky? He didn’t defend her Halmoni and told his friends about her sickness p.209

Chapter 31

  1. What did the tiger mean when she said, “it seems you have a tiger side after all”? She’s got a wild side, tricking Ricky p.214

Chapter 32

  1. Why is Lily’s mom upset that she put mud in Ricky’s pudding cup? Ricky’s dad offered her a job; it wasn’t nice of her to do p.219

Chapter 33

  1. Why isn’t the tiger in the basement? Lily told her to leave her alone p.227

Chapter 34

  1. How does Ricky respond to Lily’s apology? He apologizes for saying mean things about Halmoni p.232

Chapter 35

  1. Why is it important for Halmoni to tell Lily her sad stories? People can’t bury the past, we need to know what happened to learn and be better p.241
  2. Why has Halmoni given up? She’s at peace with dying and knows it’s her time p.244

Chapter 36

  1. Summarize this chapter. Lily goes back to the attic, Sam comes in the window; Lily throws the jars against the wall and they shatter; she’s wondering if she’s imagined everything p.245

Chapter 37

  1. Describe the imagery the author uses to describe how Lily’s feeling when she smashed the blue jar. The explosion made a supernova of Lily’s emotions; anger, fear, lost hope p.249

Chapter 38

  1. Why does Sam think it’s her fault that Halmoni’s going to the hospital? She said she hoped Halmoni would die soon p.253
  2. What’s Sam been doing to show she still believes? Scattering rice outside p.253

Chapter 39

  1. Do you agree with Lily? Are stories meant to be told? Listen to your child’s answer p.257
  2. Predict what you think Lily’s idea is. Listen to your child’s answer p.258

Chapter 40

  1. Why did Lily break into the library? To find the tiger and ask for her magic p.262

Chapter 41

  1. Who is the tiger? Halmoni’s mom p.268

Chapter 42

  1. What has Halmoni been scared of her entire life? The tiger inside of her p.270
  2. How has this hurt her? She doesn’t see the love around her and doesn’t realize she can be both the tiger and the human p.270

Chapter 43

  1. How does the story Lily told reflect her relationship with Sam? It tells of the journey they’ve been on as sisters and that they’re not alone p.276

Chapter 44

  1. How did the stories save Halmoni? They reminded her that she could be anything and that she was everything to her family p.278

Chapter 45

  1. What connection does Halmoni have to the library? It was one of her projects; she painted it and added cheesy posters p.282

Chapter 46

  1. Describe how this story ends. The bake sale turned into a kosa for Halmoni; Joe forgives Lily; Sam and Jensen are a couple; Ricky passed his language arts test and will be in the same grade as Lily; Sam asks Lily to tell her a story p.283

Comprehension Questions – Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 5.0

He wasn't born with the name Maniac Magee. He came into this world named Jeffrey Lionel Magee, but when his parents died and his life changed, so did his name. And Maniac Magee became a legend. Even today kids talk about how fast he could run; about how he hit an inside-the-park "frog" homer; how no knot, no matter how snarled, would stay that way once he began to untie it. But the thing Maniac Magee is best known for is what he did for the kids from the East Side and those from the West Side.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does the introduction differ from the first chapter of the story? The introduction describes Maniac Magee, the legend, the first chapter describes who Jeffrey Lionel Magee really was p.1
  2. Why does Jeffrey scream during the performance and run? He’s angry that his aunt and uncle hate each other and that he’s had to live with their selfishness p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Jeffrey. Friendly, 12 years old; homeless; could run far and fast p.8
  2. What unusual behavior did Jeffrey show? He was friendly p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Amanda. Friendly, kind, African American; close to Jeffrey’s age; smart, liked books p.10

Chapter 4

  1. Why were the high school kids in awe? Jeffrey intercepted a football, ran down the field and punted it to the wide receiver all while holding a book in one hand p.14

Chapter 5

  1. How did Jeffrey go against the grain in this chapter? He carried a kid out of a mean neighbor’s backyard and then read his book on the front porch p.18

Chapter 6

  1. How did Jeffrey show bravery in this chapter? He joined a family for dinner without an invitation and he ran on the train rail p.21

Chapter 7

  1. What did the author compare McNab to in this chapter? A shark waiting for his victims to walk the gangplank p.23
  2. How did Jeffrey humble McNab? He hit every ball McNab threw at him; hit a home run with a frog McNab pitched to him p.24

Chapter 8

  1. How did Jeffrey receive the name, “Maniac”? Nobody knew his name, but in awe, they called him a maniac p.28
  2. Where did Jeffrey stay? In the shed at the Elmwood Park Zoo p.29

Chapter 9

  1. Why was it such a big deal for Maniac to cross the boundary from the West End to the East End? People knew that the kids that didn’t belong in one or the other would be treated badly; the people with white skin lived in one and the people with darker skin lived in the other p.32
  2. What didn’t McNab and his buddies realize about Maniac? He’d already been on the East End and was fine p.32

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Maniac got into a challenge with another kid; the kid took his book, Maniac grabbed it back but a page was torn out; a lady stopped the fight with her broom and separated the boys; the kid gave Maniac the page and left; the woman told Maniac she couldn’t always save him and to leave p.34

Chapter 11

  1. Who saved Maniac from Mars Bar and his friends? Amanda p.39

Chapter 12

  1. Describe Maniac’s evening with the Beale family? They played, ate, read stories and they gave Maniac a place to sleep p.42
  2. Why was it important for Maniac to have an address? He didn’t have a home and now someone shared their home with him p.44

Chapter 13

  1. List two ways Maniac was a good addition to the Beale household? He read stories and played with the kids, he helped around the house without being asked, walked (ran) the dog, able to untie knots; kept his room clean, bathed with the kids p.45

Chapter 14

  1. List three ways Maniac enjoyed his life at the Beale’s. His new sneakers; running with the dog; pancake batter hissing while cooking; going to church; Fourth of July block party; the color of the people in the neighborhood; playing with the kids in the neighborhood p.50

Chapter 15

  1. How did hanging out with the other kids influence how Maniac behaved? Give an example from this chapter. He started to behave like them; “trash talking” p.56
  2. What happened when he “trash talked” at home? Mrs. Beale slapped his mouth and he hugged her and told her he loved her p.56

Chapter 16

  1. What couldn’t Maniac see? That people didn’t like him due to the color of his skin p.57
  2. Why didn’t they like him? He was a white boy in a black neighborhood p.58

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Maniac feel like he needed to leave? Someone had written graffiti on their home, telling Maniac to leave; Maniac didn’t want Amanda’s family to get hurt p.63

Chapter 18

  1. Why did Maniac take on the attitude that he didn’t care? He felt rejected and sad p.65

Chapter 19

  1. Describe Amanda’s plan. Maniac should go untie the famous knot at the pizza restaurant and everyone will like him p.69

Chapter 20

  1. Was Maniac able to untie the knot? Explain. Yes, but it took him all day p.70

Chapter 21

  1. What made Maniac decide to leave town for good? Someone went into Amanda’s home and tore up her Encyclopedia A book p.75

Chapter 22

  1. Where was Maniac staying and who found him? In the buffalo pen at the zoo; Grayson the park attendant p.79

Chapter 23

  1. Predict the little worm feeling Grayson has.  Listen to your child’s answer p.86

Chapter 24

  1. Why couldn’t Maniac accept Grayson’s offer? He felt like he had bad luck with parents p.89

Chapter 25

  1. Describe Earl Grayson. Loved baseball; went to play in the minor league and was up for the major leagues when he played poorly while a scout was watching; he was 40 years old when he left baseball and started work at the park p.94

Chapter 26

  1. What school does Maniac go to? His own; he buys books from the library and studies them p.98
  2. What did Grayson ask Maniac to do? Teach him to read p.99

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize this chapter. Maniac taught Grayson how to read p.100

Chapter 28

  1. List two ways Maniac was good to Grayson. Taught him to read; baked for him; hugged him; loved him; invited him to sleep on his mat; praised him p.104

Chapter 29

  1. What holiday did Maniac and Grayson celebrate in this chapter? Thanksgiving p.106
  2. How did they celebrate? Went to a high school football game; ate a feast; danced; and Maniac wrote 101 on the building he lived in p.109

Chapter 30

  1. What does it mean to trim the tree? Decorate a Christmas tree p.111

Chapter 31

  1. What special gifts did Maniac and Grayson give to each other? A homemade book about Grayson’s experience and Grayson’s old baseball mitt p.114
  2. What happened at the end of this chapter? Grayson died p.114

Chapter 32

  1. Was Grayson’s funeral special? Explain. No, only Maniac, the funeral director and the grave diggers were there; everyone was smoking and disrespectful to Maniac and Grayson p.116

Chapter 33

  1. Why was Maniac waiting for death? He was giving up p.123

Chapter 34

  1. What gave Maniac purpose? Taking care of the two little boys that we’re running away p.126
  2. How did Maniac get them back to town? He convinced them with his free pizza coupon p.127
  3. Who came looking for the little boys? McNab p.128

Chapter 35

  1. Describe the McNab household. Dirty; cockroaches everywhere; windows covered with wood; fighting; rough housing; no furniture; Dad brought home hamburgers then left and came back drunk; boys pretending to shoot the people in the East End p.131

Chapter 36

  1. What kind of deals did Maniac make with the boys to keep them in school each week? He first gave them pizza, then he went into Finsterwald’s backyard and knocked on the door p.137

Chapter 37

  1. How did Maniac feel about the challenges the boys gave him? He loved them; he was glad to give the boys the glory; he was happy to do them to make sure the boys were in school p.142
  2. Why did the little boys think going into the East End was such a perilous challenge? They were white and were told that white people shouldn’t cross over into the black neighborhoods p.142

Chapter 38

  1. Why did Maniac regret how he ran the race? He showed off and finished backwards p.147

Chapter 39

  1. Why didn’t Maniac want to hang around McNab’s anymore? They were getting a bazooka ready to shoot the black people from the West End p.152 

Chapter 40

  1. Why did Maniac stay with the McNab’s? He cared about them and knew they needed him p.155
  2. Predict who Maniac’s going to invite to the party. Listen to your child’s answer p.157

Chapter 41

  1. Who did Maniac bring to the party? Why? Mars Bar Thompson; so, the different colored people could see they weren’t different from each other p.158
  2. Why did Maniac take him to the Pickwell’s first? So, Mars Bar could see good white people p.160

Chapter 42

  1. Did the party end up the way Maniac thought it would? Explain. No; the McNab’s and Mars Bar didn’t learn what Maniac was wanted them to p.166

Chapter 43

  1. Why did Maniac notice the homes and start sleeping in backyards or kitchen? He wanted a home p.168

Chapter 44

  1. How did Maniac respond to Piper’s pleas? He walked away p.173
  2. Predict how you think Russell was saved. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 45

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mars Bar comes to the zoo and finds Maniac; he tells him what happened to the McNab boys, he saved the one and took them home and his mom took care of them and they stayed all day and played games; Mars Bar’s mom wants to know why Maniac doesn’t go to his house; Maniac doesn’t answer but jumps into the buffalo fence p.174
  2. Why is Maniac struggling with going over to Mars Bar’s? He doesn’t want them to get hurt p.179

Chapter 46

  1. What did the author mean when Maniac said, “…at long last, someone was calling him home”? He was so happy to have someone tell him he was their family p.184
  2. List one theme the author tried to get across in this book? All people are the same no matter the color; everyone wants a place to call home; people are good no matter where they come from; love and kindness is key

Comprehension Questions – Tales from the Odyssey Book #5 Return to Ithaca

Return to Ithaca

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL P; AR pts. 1.0

With the help of the gray-eyed goddess, Athena, Odysseus and Telemachus must set out to regain control of Ithaca.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize how this story begins. Odysseus survived the storm and is sleeping on an island hoping to get home; Penelope is heart-broken that her son and husband are gone and in danger; Telemachus is trying to decide if he go search for his father or go home to help his mother; Athena is going to help them p.9

Chapter 2

  1. How is Athena helping Odysseus in this chapter? She sent the daughter of the king down to the beach where Odysseus is sleeping p.21

Chapter 3

  1. How did Odysseus make it to the palace without being noticed? Athena put a mist around him and made him invisible p.28

Chapter 4

  1. What did Odysseus do in this chapter to betray who he was? Wept openly twice p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Describe how the sailors treated Odysseus. They put a blanket over him to sleep and let him sleep the entire way home; they carried him onto his island and left him with the gifts p.47

Chapter 6

  1. What word describes Odysseus’s relationship with Athena? He has faith in her; loyal; trust; listen to your child’s answer
  2. How would you answer Odysseus if you were Athena? Why did you take away his son? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 7

  1. How do you know the swine herd is a good servant to Odysseus? He loves him; is respectful and protective when talking about him and his family; he longs for him to return home; he cares about his swine and went into the storm to watch them through the night p.63

Chapter 8

  1. What instructions did Athena give Telemachus? Set sail for home immediately; don’t sail close to the shore in the strait; send your men on the ship to the harbor, but Telemachus go to his father’s swine herd p.71
  2. Why did Athena direct Telemachus to go to the swine herd? That’s where his father is p.76

Chapter 9

  1. Explain what this phrase on page 86 means: “it is easy for the gods to cast a man down and then raise him up again”. Gods have power to humble and help men p.86

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Telemachus believe they would win against the suitors? They would have the gods, Zeus and Athena, helping them fight p.90
  2. What’s Odysseus’s plan? Telemachus will go to the palace; Odysseus will dress as a beggar and go to the palace later; when Athena gives the word, Telemachus is to take most of the weapons to an upstairs room p.92

Comprehension Questions – The Whipping Boy

The Whipping Boy

by Sid Fleischman

Grades 5-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts. 2.0

A bratty prince and his whipping boy have many adventures when they inadvertently trade places.

Phrases

  • Mad enough to spit ink p.1
  • Puts my spine a-shiver p.23
  • Catchpenny rogues p.25
  • It’s me that’s in the soup p.39
  • Knockin’ about outside the castle walls p.49
  • Sweat and stew p.49
  • As close as a cow’s tail p.75

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the purpose of a whipping boy? It is forbidden to whip a prince, so a boy is found on the streets and brought into the castle to be whipped when the prince is in trouble p.2

Chapter 2

  1. Why did the whipping boy learn to read, write and do sums when the prince learned nothing? Jemmy needed to be close by when the prince took his lessons p.6

Chapter 3

  1. Why was Jemmy worried to run away with the prince? He knew he’d be whipped when they were caught p.8

Chapter 4

  1. What’s happening at the end of this chapter? The boys were getting kidnapped p.11

Chapter 5

  1. Why didn’t Jemmy want the prince to tell the men who he was? They’d hold them for ransom p.13

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the kidnappers. Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy; Billy smelled of garlic, was big, thick, and loud with red hair; Cutwater was tall and thin p.18
  2. Why is Billy nicknamed, Hold-Your-Nose Billy? He smelled of garlic

Chapter 7

  1. What do you think Jemmy’s plan is? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. What was untrue in the letter Jemmy wrote? He signed it, “your obedient son”; the prince isn’t obedient p.26

Chapter 9

  1. Who’s the whipping boy now? The prince p.28
  2. How’s Jemmy going to free the prince? Sending the “whipping boy” to the castle with the note p.29

Chapter 10

  1. What decision did the prince make to fowl up Jemmy’s plan? He refused to go to the castle p.32

Chapter 11

  1. Who was to deliver the note since Prince Brat won’t? The horse p.38

Chapter 12

  1. Describe the prince. Selfish, not very clever or smart; won’t learn to read or write p.40

Chapter 13

  1. How did the boys escape? Jemmy ran with Cutwater chasing him; a bear distracted Cutwater so Jemmy could hide; the prince found Jemmy p.41 

Chapter 14

  1. Why didn’t the prince want to go back to the castle? His dad doesn’t notice him; he doesn’t want to get in trouble; he likes the freedom p.49

Chapter 15

  1. Who did the boys run into again? Hold-Your-Nose Billy and Cutwater p.54

Chapter 16

  1. Why didn’t Jemmy get satisfaction when the prince was whipped? The prince became his friend p.58

Chapter 17

  1. How is the prince’s character growing and developing? He took a whipping and didn’t cry out; he’s being called brave; he’s not being selfish; he didn’t turn in Jemmy p.61

Chapter 18

  1. What did the prince learn at the fair? That his subjects didn’t like him and dreaded the day he’d become king p.69
  2. What did Jemmy learn? The king blamed him for the prince’s disappearance and has a reward for whoever brings him in, dead or alive p.73

Chapter 19

  1. How has the relationship between the two boys changed from when they first ran away? At first, they didn’t care what happened to each other, now they are becoming friends and respect and trust each other p.77

Chapter 20

  1. How does this story end? Betsy and captain Nips get the reward, the prince promises to do his lessons, behave himself and blow out his night candle; Jemmy stays in the castle and gets acknowledged for helping the prince; Billy and Cutwater get put on a ship to go to an island for prisoners p.87

Comprehension Questions – Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff)

Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten

(and Other Thankful Stuff)

by Barbara Park

Grades Pre-K-2; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts. 2.0

To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, Mr. Scary's first-grade class prepares a Thankful List for the school contest, but Junie B. finds it hard to be grateful for squash or Tattletale May.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Mr. Scary’s class going to write what they were thankful for on the blackboard? There was a school thankful contest for Thanksgivingp.5
  2. What’s the price for winning? Pumpkin pie p.6
  3. How did the class feel about it? They didn’t like pumpkin pie p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What items comprised the thankful list is this chapter? Food and toilet paper p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Why do you think Roger was nervous to go first? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. What did Mr. Scary want the class to realize in this chapter? They shouldn’t dive for money; it’s important to be thankful for what we have and not focus on what we don’t have; we can be happy if we don’t have a lot of money p.39

Chapter 5

  1. Name three things you’re thankful for. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Mr. Scary smiling at the beginning of this chapter? Junie B. and May brought the same stuffed elephant from home; they have something in common p.57
  2. Why did Mr. Scary get angry at the end of the chapter? The two girls were running around with their elephants p.63

Chapter 7

  1. Do you think Mr. Scary cares if his class wins the contest? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Sheldon showed pictures of the turkeys they’ve eaten and shared family traditions p.76

Chapter 9

  1. Who won the prize for the Thankful Contest? Junie B.’s class p.96
  2. How did Lennie help everyone feel better in this chapter? He told them they could spit the pumpkin pie out of their mouths into the sink at the back of the room p.97

Chapter 10

  1. What did Junie B. mean when she said the sink was going to get a real workout? The kids would all be spitting pumpkin pie and stewed onions into the sink p.105
  2. Why were the children so excited in this chapter? Their families were coming to the school with food to share in a Thanksgiving feast p.106

Chapter 11

  1. Did the sink get used that day? Why, or why not? No, the children weren’t required to eat the different foods and when they tried the pumpkin pie, they thought it was delicious p.114

Chapter 12

  1. How does this book end? May and Junie B. realized they liked being different from each other and that they could be friends; everyone yelled “Happy Turkey Day” to each other p.130

Comprehension Questions – Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins

by Scott O'Dell

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts. 6.0

Left alone on a beautiful but isolated island off the coast of California, a young Indian girl spends eighteen years, not only merely surviving through her enormous courage and self-reliance, but also finding a measure of happiness in her solitary life.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does this story begin? We meet Karana, the Girl With the Long Black Hair and her little brother, Ramo; a ship with a Russian and Aleuts approach the people to hunt sea otters; a deal is reached so the people of the island get the same amount of sea otters as the people hunting them as payment p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Do you agree with the chief to keep the fish for his tribe, or should he have shared? Listen to your child’s answer p.12

Chapter 3

  1. What signs did the visitors show they were leaving the island soon? The Russian trimmed his beard; the Aleuts skinned the sea otters; the Aleut woman cleaned her skin aprons p.16

Chapter 4

  1. Why was there fighting between the Aleuts and Karana’s people? The Russian didn’t want to pay the people of the island p.21

Chapter 5

  1. List two troubles the tribe had after the battle. There were only 15 men left in the tribe; women helped hunt and gather food, and the men looked down on the women for this; the tribe was sorrowful p.24

Chapter 6

  1. What good news came in this chapter? Kimki made it to the land he was searching for and sent white men to bring back Karana’s people p.32

Chapter 7

  1. What was exciting, scary and frustrating in this chapter? Exciting: a boat came to take the tribe to a new land; Scary: Ramo ran back to get his fishing spear and the boat left him, Karana jumped out of the ship and swam back to shore; Frustrating: Karana’s skirt got ruined p.35

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the tragic event in this chapter. Ramo left in the morning to bring a canoe around to the cove but was killed by wild dogs p.43

Chapter 9

  1. How did Karana have courage in this chapter? She decided to sail for the land east of hers p. 58

Chapter 10

  1. What gave Karana hope as she paddled back to her island? The dolphins jumping ahead of her canoe p. 63

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Karana decide to never leave the island again? It was her home; she was grateful to be back p.65
  2. What factors did the main character take into account as she was deciding where to build a home? The wind, the noise of the sea elephants, the wild dogs/foxes, flow of the spring, if she can see the cove if the ship returns p.66

Chapter 12

  1. Describe one preparation Karana made in this chapter and why you chose it. Fence, home, weapons. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Was Karana successful in getting her bull? Explain. No, she adventures to the shore where the animals were sitting and the one she shot at got into a fight with another bull p.79

Chapter 14

  1. What happened to the old bull? He died in the fight with the other bull p.85

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the leader of the wild dogs and what happened to him? He’s an Aleut dog; Karana shot him, but nursed him back to health; he stayed with her and she named him Rontu p.89

Chapter 16

  1. Why was it beneficial for the main character to canoe around her entire island? She could see if her canoe leaked; she found a cave close to her house where she could hide her canoe; she found a large devilfish and was determined to make a special spear to catch him p.97

Chapter 17

  1. How much time does one sun equal? One day p.102
  2. Why was it important that the main character let Rontu fight the other dogs without interference? He had an advantage he might not have again p.105

Chapter 18

  1. What new friends did Karana make that spring? Explain. Two baby birds; she took them from their nest and put them in a cage; she trained them to stay close and eat from her hand p.109

Chapter 19

  1. What king of water creature is the devilfish? An octopus p.118
  2. Did Karana kill the giant devilfish she was hunting? Yes p.119

Chapter 20

  1. What threat was in this chapter? The Aleuts came back p.125
  2. How did the main character react? She made her house look like no one lived there and put food and water in her canoe p.125

Chapter 21

  1. How many days is equal to a moon? A month/30 days p.131
  2. Do you think the Aleut girl has good intentions and is friendly? Why, or why not? She was nice to Karana and brought a necklace to her p.131

Chapter 22

  1. Why was Karana happy to have Tutok to interact with? Tutok was a friend and kept her company p.138

Chapter 23

  1. List the friends Karana has made so far in this story. Rontu, the two birds, the otter Mon-a-nee p.144
  2. How did she make friends with these animals? She was nice to them and respected them; she fed them; if they were wounded, she looked after them 

Chapter 24

  1. Why did the main character decide she didn’t want to kill the wild dogs, birds, otters and other animals? She appreciated the friendship of those animals that were her companions p.149

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Karana stop counting moons and seasons? She accepted being alone on the island and no longer hoped that the white men were coming back p.151
  2. Why is this chapter so sad? Rontu died p.152

Chapter 26

  1. How did Karana catch another dog? She made the dogs all go to sleep and took home the one that looked like Rontu p.156

Chapter 27

  1. What natural disasters hit the island in this chapter? Tsunami and earthquakes p.159
  2. What’s a tsunami? Giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea

Chapter 28

  1. How has the character changed in this story? She was lonely and ready to leave her island and go to where people lived p.167
  2. How do you think Karana felt to see the ship leave the island again? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. Why did the white men sew Karana a dress to wear? What she was wearing must not have been appropriate to wear to the new land p.172
  2. Why didn’t the ship come back for Karana? It sunk p.173

Comprehension Questions – Call it Courage

Call it Courage

by Armstrong Sperry

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL X; AR pts. 3.0

A legendary adventure story of how Mafatu, the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, a Polynesian race who worships courage, conquers his fear of the sea and proves he isn't a coward.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did the author begin this story? Giving the history and background of where this story came from p.1
  2. Do you think it was reasonable for Mafatu to be afraid of the sea? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.3
  3. How were Mafatu and Kivi similar? They were both rejected by their peers and family p.8
  4. Why did Mafatu feel like he needed to leave the island? His people had rejected him; he wanted to learn how to have courage; the boys his age were going out to hunt sharks and swordfish the next day and he was the only one not going p.14

Chapter 2

  1. List 2 similes or metaphors in this chapter. “A monster livid and hungry p.24; empty as a shell p.25; as hard as the cut edge of a stone p.28 
  2. Summarize this chapter. Mafatu was out at sea; a storm came and broke up his canoe and stole away his paddle and food; he saw land and reached it but his canoe broke into splinters; he and his dog drug themselves onto the beach to a fresh water p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What examples of personification does the author use in this chapter? The chuckle of the cascade p.36; coconuts and pandanus trooped in shining legions to the very edge of the sea p.38; it’s voice warm and soft and reassuring in his ear p.47; trees reached for him as he fled p.53
  2. How did Mafatu know he was not alone on the island? He saw that fruit has been cut from the trees recently; he saw a path only humans could make; he saw terraces built by men; p.48
  3. How did Mafatu know which island he was on? he saw bones that had recently been burned for sacrifice; he was on a eaters-of-men island p.50
  4. How did Mafatu show courage in this chapter? He took the spear from the altar and touched a bone p.54
  5. Why does Mafatu think about the things that would please his father? His father is ashamed of him; he’s thinking of ways he can show his father he has courage p.59

Chapter 4

  1. How did Mafatu prepare for this adventure before arriving on the island? His previous life was making the same tools he needs on this island p.64
  2. What motivated Mafatu to dive into the water and kill the hammerhead shark? His dog fell off the raft and the shark swam after him p.74
  3. Why was Mafatu so elated and proud of himself for killing a wild boar? He did it with a spear which takes a lot of courage; he had courage to face the boar; his grandfather had killed one and was respected; he wants to be respected too p.78
  4. Why was Mafatu feeling more comfortable in the ocean? He had lived near it and in it for weeks and grew confident in his ability p.85
  5. Why does Mafatu attribute his successes to Maui? Maui is his God, and he believes Maui is helping him p.93
  6. Why was Mafatu so excited to return home? He had found his courage and could now prove he wasn’t afraid any longer p.95

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mafatu was being chased by the eaters-of-men into the ocean, but after a long chase gave up; Mafatu grew discouraged when he sat on the ocean for days, but finally made it to his home island; his father was proud to call him his son p.97
  2. How did the author conclude this story? He restated the first few lines that are at the very beginning of the book p.116
  3. Explain if you agree with this style of writing. Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A Nest for Celeste

A Nest for Celeste

by Henry Cole

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 4.0

Celeste, a mouse longing for a real home, becomes a source of inspiration to teenaged Joseph, assistant to the artist and naturalist John James Audubon, at a nearby Louisiana plantation in 1821.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Celeste. She’s a mouse; lives in a house below the floorboards; she weaves baskets p.11

Chapter 2

  1. How did the rats treat Celeste? They’re mean and bully her; they boss her around and eat her food and take what they want from her home p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the family in the house. Wealthy, live on a plantation; mother, father, and daughter; daughter is named Eliza and is old enough to be courted and is going to learn to dance; the family has hired a dance instructor who has brought along his assistant p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. The rats came to the main floor impatient as they waited for Celeste; the rats went ahead to find the crumbs under the table and didn’t see the cat; the cat caught and killed one of the rats named Trixie p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What is preventing Celeste from going to her home? The cat; it knows where she lives now p.55

Chapter 6

  1. Why hadn’t Celeste realized the beautiful place she lived? She always stayed on the ground and near the dining room; now she has ventured on the stair railing and to the upper floor of the housep.58
  2. Where did Celeste sleep that night? In the boot of the assistant p.64

Chapter 7 

  1. Why did Celeste think the snoring was strange? It wasn’t there the night before; the guest was back from his hunting trip p.75

Chapter 8

  1. How did Joseph respond when he found Celeste in his boot? He was happy and kind; he put her in a tiny cage for company p.80

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Celeste confused with Joseph’s behavior toward her? She thinks he’s going to eat or hurt her, but he is kind and sees her as a friend p.87

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Celeste miss having a home? She couldn’t run, escape, and hide p.101

Chapter 11

  1. Is Joseph a good friend to Celeste? Why or why not? Yes, he’s gentle with her, feeds her, puts her in his pocket and includes her p.108

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Joseph took Celeste outside to sketch; hunters came and killed a large number of birds with guns p.118
  2. Why was Joseph upset by this? the hunters killed so many birds it didn’t feel like hunting, it felt like a slaughter p.119

Chapter 13

  1. How did Celeste’s life differ now than from the beginning of this story? She had someone who cared about her; she left the house and went on adventures; she didn’t need to worry about food; she saw things that made her sad p.124

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Mr. Audubon shooting birds? He uses them as a model p.131
  2. What terrified Celeste in this chapter? Joseph got shot in the head and she thought he was dead p.138

Chapter 15

  1. Do you agree with Audubon’s or Joseph’s philosophy? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.144

Chapter 16

  1. Share Celeste‘s history. She lived in a field with her family; she left the nest and a tractor came and killed her family and ruined her home; a groundhog helped her p.159

Chapter 17

  1. Why was there so much chaos when Celeste went outside? A storm was coming p.170

Chapter 18

  1. Why was the storm so scary for Celeste? She was so small; raindrops were as large as her ears; the wind blew her into what felt like a raging river p.178

Chapter 19

  1. How did Celeste feel in this chapter? Exhausted; sore and stiff; tired p.186

Chapter 20

  1. Describe Lafayette. He’s an osprey; kind; helpful; talkative; wants to help Celeste p.191

Chapter 21

  1. What’s a gondola? A small, long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, propelled with a single oar, especially in Venice. A hanging platform or car for transporting people or cargo.
  2. Which definition matches what Celeste is making? A hanging car for transporting people p.200

Chapter 22

  1. How did Lafayette react when he saw the gondola? He was impressed and thought it was clever p.206

Chapter 23

  1. Describe Celeste’s experience flying with Lafayette. It was a wonderful adventure; she loved it; she soared high above the trees and saw gators and rivers p.213

Chapter 24

  1. What was Celeste’s plan for the thrush in this chapter? She has asked him to stand on the dogwood and sing for Joseph; she knew Joseph would be in inspired by the bird’s song p.224

Chapter 25

  1. What’s the definition of instinct? an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli 
  2. What was Cornelius’s instinct telling him? To fly south p.238

Chapter 26

  1. Describe Celeste’s predicament in this chapter? The cat found her, so she ran and escaped p.241

Chapter 27

  1. What’s Celeste’s plan to help Lafayette? To pose and look more alive p.263

Chapter 28

  1. Describe the outcome of Celeste’s plan? Audubon was happy; he never got frustrated p.272

Chapter 29

  1. In what two ways did Celeste help Lafayette? She saved his life and she freed him from the leather cord p.275

Chapter 30

  1. What did Celeste find and who do you think it belonged to? A dollhouse; Eliza p.282

Chapter 31

  1. What emotions did Celeste feel in this chapter? Why? Happy to have a new home; sad because she was alone p.291

Chapter 32

  1. How do you think Celeste felt to see Trixie in her new home? Sad; Trixie wasn’t a good friend p.299

Chapter 33

  1. Why didn’t Celeste feel like she could ask Lafayette to give Trixie a ride in the gondola? She didn’t know if he’d want to take her p.305

Chapter 34

  1. How has Trixie stolen Celeste’s home? she’s eaten her food and makes herself at home p.309

Chapter 35

  1. Whose fault is it that Trixie isn’t coming back? Her own; she shouldn’t have yanked the cord so hard as to break it p.314

Chapter 36

  1. Do you think Celeste should have gone back to her little house while Joseph was gone to dinner? Listen to your child’s answer; she was followed by the cat and couldn’t get back to Joseph p.322
  2. Predict what you think will happen. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 37

  1. What helped Celeste’s nest feel like a home? Friends p.336

Comprehension Questions – The Hardy Boys #6 The Shore Road Mystery

The Shore Road Mystery

by Franklin W. Dixon

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 5.0

Frank and Joe Hardy encounter a perplexing set of mysteries when they agree to help their friend Jack Dodd and his father locate a family treasure.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What mysterious happenings went on in this chapter? Someone was stealing cars; Jack’s boat hit something in the water that caused a hole; Jack said he had a 300 year old mystery his family wanted help with; their friend’s car was also stolen p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Define what a pun is. The usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound p.13
  2. What was the emergency at Jack’s farm? Jack and his dad were being accused of stealing the cars p.18
  3. What evidence did the police have? The car was on their property, they police received a “tip-off” that they were the ashore Road thieves; Jack’s fishing pole was in the trunk of the car p.18

Chapter 3

  1. How did the Dodd’s get out of prison? Mr. Hardy helped them post bail p.21
  2. Summarize the other mystery the Dodd’s need helped with. The Pilgrim mystery; their ancestor left the Plymouth Colony with his family in a boat in search of a horseshoe-shaped inlet ((Barmet Bay); there was a storm and a bottle with a message; they want to find out what happened to their ancestor, if he made it to the inlet and/or if he perished in the storm; there’s a treasure chest of gems and journals p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why do the boys think that the Dodd’s might have been kidnapped? They were planning on being at the trial the next day; the boys were going to go over to the farm and discuss the Pilgrim mystery p.29
  2. Why wouldn’t the boys allow the New York businessman to talk? They didn’t want to be pulled into a scam; they didn’t believe him p.35
  3. Describe what happened at the boat house. The boys were attacked p.37

Chapter 5

  1. How does the beginning of this chapter remind you of what Mr. Hardy is working on? The boys were gassed, and their father is also studying gasses p.39
  2. What are the three mysteries the boys are solving and why do they think they’re all connected? The Dodd’s missing, the stolen cars, the Pilgrim mystery; the thieves could have kidnapped the Dodd’s because of the Pilgrim treasure p.44
  3. What’s happens in this chapter to conclude that things are getting dangerous? The boys receive letters from people complaining they’re support for the Dodd’s and a grenade was thrown into their clubhouse window p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What do you think the brown flecks of paint are? The paint from the car p.53
  2. Why do you think there is a crash? Listen to your child’s answer p.53

Chapter 7

  1. How is Chet’s study of plants coming in handy in this chapter? Hopefully Chet can identify the leaf in the Pilgrim mystery p.57
  2. Explain what getting “a birds-eye view” means. Flying in an airplane and seeing the ground as a bird sees it p.61
  3. Why did the boys think the last car in chapter 7 could be “a bite”? The car was racing wildly p.65

Chapter 8

  1. Why is George Birnham suspicious? He blocked the boys two different times from being able to chase a car; he said he didn’t have a phone, but is in the phone book; his car was the first one stolen; his land was given to him by a member of the Dodd family p.70
  2. Why is it a good thing that the boys checked out the fire before reporting it? Scratch was knocked unconscious in the middle of the fire and would have died if they had called the police first p.73

Chapter 9

  1. What happened in this chapter? The boys took some friends swimming in a cove; one of the girls dove under the water and someone underwater threw a net around her; Frank saved her; that night two boys watched the intersection while two others went onto the Birnham farm; Slagel came and talked to the farmer and left; the farmer climbed into his big tractor and drive it at the boys camping in the field p.77

Chapter 10

  1. Name two strange things that happened in this chapter. Slagel threatened the boys with a blade on the bottom of his cane; the boys found a note Slagel had telegraphed; the boys saw the spider human climbing a net; there was a fine steel-wire net string across the road the boys ran into p.89

Chapter 11

  1. What’s a concussion? A brain injury caused by a blow to the head p.94
  2. Did the boys find anything strange as they took their boat out on the water? They found rope netting; Tony saw a spider-man on the same cliff as the boys; heard a strange scraping noise under their boat; saw Carlton Melliman looking at them through binoculars p.99

Chapter 12

  1. Who did the boys meet in the chapter? Martin Dobb, Jack’s uncle p.106
  2. Why was he sneaking around and why did he keep himself disguised? So, he could go unnoticed while he figured out the Pilgrim’s clue p.107

Chapter 13

  1. What was Chet’s job in this chapter and what did he find? To reconnaissance Birnham’s produce truck; he found tire tracks in the back of the truck and heard that Slagel was going to finish off the Hardy boys p.115

Chapter 14

  1. Why do you think the boys got sleepy? Listen to your child’s answer p.125

Chapter 15

  1. What decoy were the boys going to use to trick Slagel? They were going to buy a car p.130
  2. What happened to the boys in this chapter? They followed the barge in their boat; Frank jumped out and swam to the barge; when he got there, someone hit him over the head, and he fell back into the water; Joe was there and got him back to their boat; someone in a diving suit came aboard their boat and knocked Chet out; Joe was ready to fight him at the end of the chapter p.132

Chapter 16

  1. Why were the boys relieved when Tony swam back up to the surface after looking at the Dodd’s boat? They were worried the Dodd’s had been in the boat when it sank, but they weren’t p.137
  2. Why are the boys leaving to Harpertown? Slagel threatened them and told them to leave town for 5 days; they’re going to purchase a car p.138

Chapter 17

  1. How many tries did it take to get Slagel to steal the car? Why? Two; the first time the car wouldn’t start p.147

Chapter 18

  1. Did the Trojan horse plan work? How? Yes; it got the boys to the hide out; they found the Dodd’s and figured out the operation p.156

Chapter 19

  1. Did Chet come to the rescue with the police? Why, or why not? No, he was captured before he could get them p.165

Chapter 20

  1. Did the car mystery have any correlation to the Pilgrim mystery? No p.174
  2. How did solving the car mystery help them solve the Pilgrim mystery? After solving the car mystery, they were in the right place to find the mysterious leaf and the treasure chest full of jewels and journals p.175

Comprehension Questions – #22 Junie B., First Grader: One-Man Band

Junie B., First Grader: One-Man Band

by Barbara Park

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

Junie B. has hurt her big piggy toe and can't play in the kickball tournament. So, now what? Maybe she could be in Sheldon's halftime show. Then all eyes would be on her. And she would be the star. What could possibly go wrong?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Junie B. practicing her kick? To prepare for the kickball tournament p.3
  2. How does wearing sandals help Junie B.’s toe? It doesn’t swish her toes like shoes do p.8

Chapter 2

  1. What remedy helps sore toes? Applying ice p.14
  2. How did the nurse misunderstand Junie B. when she “kicked a cow”? The nurse thought she really kicked a cow not realizing the cow was painted on the watering can p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Have you ever had a bruised toenail? Tell me about it. Listen to your child’s answer p.23
  2. What did Junie B.’s mother do to help protect her toe? Cut a hole in her old sneakers above the toe p.26

Chapter 4

  1. How did Junie B. feel about participating in the kickball half time show? She wasn’t happy p.39

Chapter 5

  1. What does the phrase, “when life hands you lemons, you have to learn to make lemonade,” mean? When disappointments happen to us, we need to look at the bright side and find the positives p.44
  2. What did Junie B. decide to do during the kickball game? Juggle lemons for the half time show p.48

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Junie B. frustrated at the beginning of this chapter? She was having a difficult time leaning to juggle p.50
  2. Do you agree that Junie B. should have told the truth? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answers p.54

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. Mr. Scary helped Junie B. and Sheldon practice for the half time show p.56

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Sheldon’s face look the color of paste? He was nervous to do the half time show p.73
  2. Describe what happened when Junie B. started tapping the wood block and marched onto the field? Sheldon dropped his cymbals and ran away p.76

Chapter 9

  1. What helped Junie B. try to juggle? Students had thrown food at her, and she was going to throw it back at them, but decided to try and juggle p.82
  2. Have you ever had people laugh at you when you were trying to perform? Listen to your child’s answer p.80
  3. What sound did Junie B. enjoy hearing? Clapping p.83