Tag Archives: Fiction

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.

Comprehension Questions – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

by Barbara Robinson

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 2.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does the author describe the Herdmans? the worst kids in the history of the world p.2
  2. How did the Herdmans burn down the toolshed? Leroy Herdman stole a chemistry set and they were trying it out p.3
  3. Why did Imogene write down everyone’s weight? So she could blackmail them p.14
  4. Why is Gladys the meanest Herdman? Each Herdman child taught the one younger than them everything they knew and Gladys was the youngest p.19

Chapter 2

  1. How does the author’s family feel about the Christmas Pageant? They don’t like it; it’s the same every year p.20
  2. Why did the author’s mother get put in charge of the Christmas Pageant? The woman who usually did it, Mrs. Armstrong, broke her leg p.23
  3. What did Charlie say that made the Herdmans want to attend Sunday School? That he can get all the dessert he wants there p.29
  4. How did Imogene act when told the pageant was about Jesus Christ? Uninterested p.33

Chapter 3

  1. Who volunteered to act in all the important roles of the pageant? All the Herdman kids p.41
  2. How was everyone feeling about the Herdmans taking over the pageant? They didn’t like it p.47
  3. Who motivated Mother to make this the best Christmas Pageant ever? Mrs. Armstrong p.51
  4. What did the minister say to those who complained to him? That Jesus said “suffer the little children to come unto me” and Jesus meant all the little children including the Herdmans p.51

Chapter 4

  1. Why hadn’t the Herdmans heard of the Christmas story before? They hadn’t ever been to church and their parents hadn’t taught them p.55
  2. How did the Herdmans react when Mother was telling them the story? They were interested and shocked p.57
  3. How did the kids feel about King Herod? They were really interested in him p.66

Chapter 5

  1. How did the Herdmans learn about King Herod? They went to the library p.71
  2. Name two things the Herdmans have done that have made Alice upset? Drank the communion wine, stole crayons from the Sunday School cupboards, stole pennies out of the Happy Birthday bank, and smoked cigars in the bathroom p.74
  3. Why was it difficult to get a baby for the pageant? No one wanted Imogene, who was playing Mary, to touch their babies p.79

Chapter 6

  1. Who pierced Imogene’s ears? Gladys p.85
  2. Why was the fire department called? Someone saw smoke in the bathroom when Imogene was smoking p.89
  3. Why was Reverend Hopkins worried no one would come see the pageant? Because of the Herdmans were in it and they always caused trouble p.93

Chapter 7

  1. What did the Herdmans bring for their gift to the baby Jesus? Their ham p.100
  2. Why did Imogene cry during the song Silent Night? She felt the spirit of birth of the Savior p.104
  3. What made this pageant the best one? The Herdmans p.104
  4. Why didn’t the Herdmans take back the ham? It was their true sacrifice to the baby Jesus p.106

Comprehension Questions – Secret Agent Jack Stalwart #5 The Secret of the Sacred Temple: Cambodia

The Secret of the Sacred Temple: Cambodia

by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

Grades K-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL P; AR pts: 2.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who was visiting Jack and his family? His cousin Lily p.1
  2. How does Jack feel about her? Thinks she’s annoying p.2

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Ronald Barter start the GPF? He was tired of crooks trying to destroy the things that mattered in the world p.6
  2. When did Jack join the GPF? When his older brother disappeared p.6

Chapter 3

  1. What country is Jack traveling to in this book? Cambodia p.12
  2. What was the code word for this mission? Temple p.12

Chapter 4

  1. What did Jack do when his parachute didn’t come out of his bag? He used The Dome, a disc made of elastic material that expanded and slowed his fall p.18
  2. Where did Jack land when the elastic material burst? In some water by a monument p.19
  3. Who was waiting for Jack? Kate p.21

Chapter 5

  1. Who is Kate’s mum? One of the chief archeologists watching over the ancient temple of Angkor Wat p.26
  2. Why did Kate call the GPF? Her mum was kidnapped p.26

Chapter 6

  1. What condition was Kate’s house in when Jack saw it? A mess; pictures ripped from the walls, furniture overturned, curtains shredded to bits p.28
  2. What did Jack find under the sofa? A voice recorder p.31
  3. Summarize what Jack and Kate heard on the voice recorder. Kate’s mom mentioned the map and her daughter, then a man appeared demanding the map, she wouldn’t give it to him, so they took her away to the Temple of the Trees to try and get her to talk p.33

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Kate trust Jack? Because her mother knew his brother and he was a good agent p.36
  2. Why was Jack eager to find Kate’s mum? To save her, but also to find out more information on his brother’s disappearance p.39

Chapter 8

  1. What did Jack give Kate before they left on the bikes? A Transponder, in case she got lost p.40
  2. What did the gadgets in Jack’s shoes warn him of? Landmines p.44

Chapter 9

  1. What time of day did Jack and Kate enter the temple looking for her mom? Night p.48
  2. Where was the map located? On Kate’s necklace p.51
  3. What did the man do to Jack? Threw a powder at him that blinded him, made him sick, and made him go to sleep p.54

Chapter 10

  1. How did Jack recover from the powder? He put some Electrolyte Dust on his tongue p.56
  2. Where had the crooks taken Kate and her mum? Back to the Temple of Angkor Wat p.59

Chapter 11

  1. Where did Jack find Kate? In the central well of the temple p.65
  2. Why did the crooks send Kate into the well? The well was too narrow for an adult p.69
  3. Where did Jack and Kate think the crooks went? To the airport p.70

Chapter 12

  1. How did Jack get a ticket to get passed the official? He had a Trick Ticket device that created a ticket and a Voice-Recognition Passport that he had programmed as well p.74
  2. What showed up in Jack’s backpack as it went through security? Gum, books and a gaming device p.77

Chapter 13

  1. How did Jack trick the man with the gold teeth? He said he got an important piece of the treasure from Kate, and the man released her mum p.81
  2. How did Jack get the treasure? He threw the object he was using to trick the man, the man tried to catch it and dropped the box of treasure, and Jack grabbed the box with an expandable hook p.84
  3. What did Jack use to capture the bad guy? The anti-bullet Net Tosser p.85

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Jack want to talk to Kate’s mum? To see if she knew anything about his brother’s disappearance p.92

Chapter 15

  1. Where did Max disappear from? Egypt p.93
  2. What was the object of Max’s mission when he disappeared? A mummy p.94
  3. How did Jack get back home? Went into Kate’s mum’s room, threw a pellet on the floor which released a smoke, and said, “off to England!”

Comprehension Questions – Secret Agent Jack Stalwart #5 The Search for the Sunken Treasure: Australia

The Search for the Sunken Treasure: Australia

by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

Grades K-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL P; AR pts: 2.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What was Alfie’s mission as he swam to the wreckage? He was to remove any sand covering the bow of the ship, bring up any relics he found, and hand them over to the State Maritime Museum p.4
  2. What happened to Alfie after he saw the sand removed from the bow? Someone came up and shot him in the leg with a spear p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What was Jack up to at the beginning of this chapter? He was at a swim meet getting ready to swim the breaststroke p.7
  2. How did Jack’s rivalry respond when Jack won the race? He wouldn’t shake hands with him p.12
  3. Why was Jack so worried to get home? He didn’t want to be late for his 7:30 appointment with Whizzy p.14

Chapter 3

  1. How did Jack feel after his race? Tired p.15
  2. Where was Jack going on his mission? Australia p.17

Chapter 4

  1. What did Jack take to stop from being sick on the boat? Anti-puke pills p.20
  2. What did Harry need Jack to do? Find Alfie and figure out what happened at the wreckage p.24

Chapter 5

  1. What did Jack use instead of the diving equipment Harry brought out for him? His own breathing apparatus and a morph wet suit complete with slippers p.26

Chapter 6

  1. How does the Time Capture device work? It tracked the heat left behind from objects that had previously been there p.31
  2. What did they see happened to Alfie? He was taken away by another human p.33

Chapter 7

  1. What’s a cay? A tiny island of sand p.35
  2. What was near the cay? A pirate ship p.37
  3. Why did Harry need to stay with the boat? In case Alfie escapes and comes back to the boat p.40

Chapter 8

  1. What gadget did Jack have that formed into a mini-submarine? A plastic toy boat p.42
  2. What’s it called? The Egg p.42

Chapter 9

  1. When were the pirates going to kill Alfie? At nightfall p.46
  2. How did Jack find out where Alfie was? He used his x-ray glasses to see into the boat p.47

Chapter 10

  1. What did Alfie tell Jack when he removed the tape off of his mouth? There were cameras in the cell and the pirates probably saw Jack and will kill him p.52
  2. Who was the Komodo Klan’s secret boss? The beautiful woman with giant lizard tattoos on her arms p.53
  3. What did the woman do to Jack? Shot him with a spear gun with poison goo p.55

Chapter 11

  1. What were the pirates going to do with Jack? Feed him to their Komodo dragon, Woody p.58
  2. Why couldn’t the pirates open Jack’s bag? They needed his fingerprint p.59
  3. Who did Jack think of when he was trapped? His brother, Max p.61

Chapter 12

  1. What did Jack do to free himself? Rubbed some ink from a pen in his watch onto the metal bar and watched it melt the iron bar p.63
  2. Where did he get the idea from? His brother Max had told him how he freed himself when trapped in a storage locker p.62
  3. Why was Jack sad to use the Disappearing Milk? This would be the only dose he would get his entire lifetime p.65

Chapter 13

  1. How did Jack free Alfie? Jack sprayed Dozing Spray into the guard’s face and the guard fell asleep. Jack then used the rest of the Disappearing Milk on Alfie, woke him up, then they ran for it p.67
  2. How did Jack and Alfie confuse the pirates? they ran zig zag on the sand p.70
  3. How did Jack and Alfie travel back to Alfie’s boat? They took the pirates boat p.73

Chapter 14

  1. Who captured Jack and Alfie? The leader of the Komodo Klan p.76

Chapter 15

  1. What happened to Alfie? The pirates threw him into the Komodo dragon’s cage, and he was bit p.80
  2. What did the pirates do with Jack? Pushed him overboard into the ocean with the jellyfish p.82

Chapter 16

  1. How did Jack survive the jellyfish stings? He dove passed the jellyfish deep in the water and pulled out his Oxygen Exchanger p.86
  2. What was Jack threatened by instead? Two sharks p.88

Chapter 17

  1. How did Jack free himself from the sharks? He shot a canister of blood out of his spray gun away from him and then called The Egg to come to him p.89

Chapter 18

  1. What did Jack give Alfie to help him recover from the lizard’s bite? An antibiotic serum p.93
  2. Predict how Jack is going to teach the boss lady a lesson on page 95. Listen to your child’s answers

Chapter 19

  1. How did Jack defeat the boss lady and Jake once and for all? He shot them both with tranquilizers using his spray gun then handcuffed them p.98

Chapter 20

  1. What was in the box marked Pandora? Treasure p.105

Comprehension Questions – Secret Agent Jack Stalwart #1 The Escape of the Deadly Dinosaur:USA

The Escape of the Deadly Dinosaur; USA

by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

Grades K-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL P; AR pts: 1.0-2.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Jack receive in the mail? A book about the allosaurus p.3

Chapter 2

  1. What did Whizzy cough up? A puzzle piece in the shape of a country that goes to the map on Jack’s wall p.6
  2. What country was it and where is he going? USA; New York City p.7
  3. How did Jack travel to the United States? His map swallowed him up p.8

Chapter 3

  1. Where did Jack arrive? In the Museum of Natural History in New York City p.12
  2. What was missing from the dinosaur? A toe, the hallux p.14

Chapter 4

  1. What was Jack hoping to look at to find a clue to the missing bone? Security tapes from the day before p.20

Chapter 5

  1. How did the student steal the bone? He used a thin hook and yanked the bone off p.24
  2. What school was the student from? East Side Grammar School p.27

Chapter 6

  1. Who did Jack contact to find out who the student was? The principal p.29
  2. What did she tell Jack about the student? That he was one of the finest science students at the school and had great science fair projects p.32

Chapter 7

  1. Where did Jack find Thomas? At home p.38
  2. How did Thomas’ mom feel about him stealing the bone? Upset p.44
  3. What was Thomas’ science project? Bringing to life a real live allosaurus p.48

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Jack and the Eberly’s hide from the dinosaur? Under the kitchen table p.49
  2. Why didn’t the dinosaur smell them? Jack sprayed his neutralizing spray on them p.50

Chapter 9

  1. How did Thomas make the allosaurus? He used some DNA from the toe bone, mixed it with a quickening solution, then gave it to his dog Freddie p.53
  2. What did Thomas create to help change Freddie back into a dog? A reversal serum p.54
  3. Why did Jack let Thomas come with him to hunt down the dinosaur? He knew New York City, he knew a lot about the allosaurus, and he had a relationship with his dog p.56

Chapter 10

  1. How did Jack distract the dinosaur from eating the man? He projected a camptosaurus on the wall near the dinosaur p.62
  2. Who was the dinosaur’s target at the end of this chapter? Jack p.64

Chapter 11

  1. How did Jack prevent the dinosaur from eating him? He put the expandable goo in its mouth p.67
  2. What advice did Jack remember from his brother? A secret agent always clears his mind first, and then thinks of a plan p.70

Chapter 12

  1. How did Jack save the people in line at the Empire State Building? He put dog biscuit powder into his spray gun and shot it in the air, the people ran into another building p.74

Chapter 13

  1. What did the boys use to catch up with the dinosaur as it raced to Times Square? The Flyboard p.77
  2. What did Jack shoot into the air with his Warning Gun? The letters: Danger Get Indoors p.79
  3. Why did Freddie head for Central Park? There were animals in the zoo p.82

Chapter 14

  1. Why couldn’t Jack use the Flyboard anymore? It was almost out of hydrogen p.86
  2. How did Jack convince the taxi driver to take them to the allosaurus? Jack told him he’d be a hero p.87

Chapter 15

  1. What was Jack’s dilemma in this chapter? He couldn’t see the dinosaur and knew that he would fail if it wasn’t coming to the zoo p.91

Chapter 16

  1. How did Jack get the serum into the dinosaur’s mouth? He used a canister to wedge it’s mouth open, and used a sling to catapult the vial into his mouth p.94
  2. Describe Freddie’s transformation back into a dog? A violent wind came and swirled around the allosaurus and turned it to dust, then another wind came and carried the dust away p.95

Chapter 17

  1. What did Thomas confess to Lewis? That he was sorry and shouldn’t have taken the bone p.100
  2. What does it mean to make amends? To try and set something right p.101
  3. Why did Lewis smile when Thomas said he was scared of heights? Thomas would have a consequence that would put him out of his comfort zone p.101

Chapter 18

  1. What did Jack wear to bed that night? Dinosaur pajamas p.104

Comprehension Questions – Young Cam Jansen and the Ice Skating Mystery

Young Cam Jansen and the Ice Skating Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades K-2; Genre - Fiction; GRL J; AR pts: 0.5

Cam Jansen and her friend Eric are going ice skating! They put their shoes in a locker, and Eric puts the key in a pocket. "I won't lose it", he tells his father. But he does. Can Cam use her amazing memory to find the lost locker key?

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What did Cam tell Eric about skates? They should be snug. Pg. 5.
  2. What did they do with their shoes? Put them in their locker. Pg. 6.
  3. What did Cam remember when she came in? The sign to rent a locker for 25 cents. Pg. 7.
  4. Where did Eric put the key? In his jacket pocket. Pg. 10.

Chapter 2

  1. How did Eric want to skate? Faster. Pg. 11.
  2. What was in Eric’s way? A large group of skaters. Pg. 12.
  3. Why did Eric fall? He skated into the rail. Pg. 13.
  4. What was the announcement from the loudspeaker? Three minutes left. Pg. 16.

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Cam think the key wasn’t in Eric’s pocket? It had a hole. Pg.17.
  2. How did Cam know where Eric fell? At the letters M L on the rail. Pg. 18.
  3. Who told them to leave? The man in the green jacket. Pg. 19.

Chapter 4

  1. What did Eric and Cam find? A red mitten and blue scarf. Pg 21.
  2. Where were items returned? To the office. Pg. 22.
  3. What did Mr. Shelton want to do? Go home for pizza. Pg. 23.
  4. How did Eric try to delay leaving? He asked for hot chocolate. Pg. 24.

Chapter 5

  1. What did Cam make Eric do? Sit next to her and look for the key in his pocket. Pg. 26
  2. Where did Eric really put the key? In Cam’s pocket. Pg. 28.
  3. Did Mr. Shelton know Eric lost the key? No. Pg. 30.
  4. What did Eric say he proved? He wasn’t a baby. Pg. 31.

Vocabulary

Rink (15, 16, 21) – a closed area for skating

Announcement (20, 21) - a public statement