Tag Archives: Fiction

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

Billy Coleman works and saves to buy two red-bone hunting hounds while his grandfather provides him with support and lessons in growing up. The plot contains mild profanity and gore.

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 did 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.
  3. Why did you like this story? Listen to your child's answer

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

Comprehension Questions – Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Grades 5-6; Genre - Fiction; GRL U; AR pts: 4.0

In 1943, during the German occupation of Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie learns how to be courageous when she helps shelter her Jewish friend from the Nazis. The story contains profanity, violence, slurs, and negative stereotypes.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? Copenhagen, Denmark during WWII p.1
  2. How long has Denmark been occupied by the Germans? 3 years p.3
  3. Why did the encounter with the soldiers scare Annemarie and Ellen? The soldiers had guns and spoke harshly p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Who are the king’s bodyguards? All of Denmark p.14
  2. Why didn’t King Christian want to fight the Nazis? He knew his army would have been crushed p.15
  3. Who is Peter and what’s his relation to Annemarie? Her sister’s fiancé before she passed away; he had been like a brother to her, but is always in a hurry now and only talks to her mama and papa p.17

Chapter 3

  1. Why were the girls puzzled when they saw the Hirsch’s button shop closed?  The store was usually open and they had seen Mrs. Hirsch recently p.20
  2. What did Peter bring the two girls? seashells p.23
  3. Why was Annemarie worried about Ellen’s family? The soldiers were threatening Jewish people p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Why are Kirsti’s new shoes made out of fish skin? With the Germans occupying their country, they can’t get leather p.28
  2. Why do the Rosens need to go into hiding? The Nazis were arresting all the Jews p.36
  3. How were the Johansen’s going to hide Ellen? They will pretend that Ellen is Annemarie’s sister p.37

Chapter 5

  1. What was Ellen wearing that would have given her away to the soldier? a Star of David necklace p.45
  2. Why did the officer suspect Ellen? She had dark hair and Annemarie and her sister had blond hair p.47
  3. How did Papa prove to the soldiers that Ellen was a part of their family? Lise had dark hair as a baby and he showed them her photograph p.47

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Mrs. Johansen want to take the girls to her brothers by herself? It would look suspicious if they left the apartment together p.51
  2. Why were Annemarie and her mother nervous when Kirsti spoke to the soldier on the train? They thought she would give them all away p.55
  3. How did the soldier try and trick them? He asked if they were celebrating the New Year p.55

Chapter 7

  1. Why didn’t Annemarie’s mom want the girls talking to anyone? It would be hard to explain who Ellen is p.63
  2. Why did Annemarie take Ellen to the ocean? Ellen had never seen it before p.63
  3. When listening to her mother and uncle, what did Annemarie notice was different? There was no laughter p.66

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Annemarie’s mom say her Uncle Henrik needed a wife? He needed someone to take care of him and clean his house p.70
  2. Who had died? Great-aunt Birte p.72
  3. Why was her death puzzling to Annemarie? She didn’t have a Great-aunt Birte p.72

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Annemarie’s mother and uncle lie to her? To help her be brave by not telling her everything p.76
  2. Why did Annemarie decide not to tell Ellen? So Ellen could be brave by not knowing everything p.78
  3. Who did Peter bring with him to Uncle Henrik’s for the funeral? Ellen’s parents p.81

Chapter 10

  1. Who came during the funeral? Soldiers p.83
  2. Why didn’t the soldiers want Mama to open the casket? Annemarie’s mama said their aunt died of Typhus p.85
  3. Where does the title of this book come from and what does it mean? The Book of Psalms; God numbers each of his children as the stars in the sky and knows them all p.87

Chapter 11

  1. What was inside the casket? Blankets and clothes p.88
  2. Why did the people need clothes and blankets? to keep warm while they traveled across the sea to Sweden p.89
  3. Why did Peter give the baby medicine? To make her sleepy to she wouldn’t cry p.90

Chapter 12

  1. How long did Annemarie think her mother would be gone? 1 hour p.97
  2. Why was Annemarie worried when she woke up? Her mother hadn’t returned and it was getting light outside p.98
  3. What did Annemarie see on the trail outside? Her mother in a heap p.100

Chapter 13

  1. What happened to Annemarie’s mother on the way back from the harbor? She broke her ankle p.102
  2. What had fallen out of Mr. Rosen’s pocket? The packet Peter had given him to give to Uncle Henrik p.104
  3. Why did Annemarie hide the packet under food in a basket? In case she ran into soldiers, and it would be
    hidden p.105

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Annemarie need to hurry to the harbor? She needed to get the packet to her uncle before he left p.106
  2. What story did Annemarie think of while she was running to the boat? Little Red Riding-Hood p.107
  3. What was in front of Annemarie at the end of this chapter? Four armed soldiers and two large dogs p.112

Chapter 15

  1. Who did Annemarie mimic when she was conversing with the soldiers? Kirsti p.113
  2. What was in the package? A handkerchief p.117
  3. Why did Henrik reassure Annemarie when she looked in the cabin of the boat? She couldn’t see any of the people that were trying to escape p.119

Chapter 16

  1. What’s Uncle Henrik’s definition of brave? Not thinking about the dangers, but what you must do p.123
  2. What’s the resistance? A group of people who are fighting against the Germans (in this situation) p.123
  3. Why was the handkerchief important? It made the dogs lose their sense of smell so they couldn’t find the people hiding on the boat p.125

Chapter 17

  1. Share what you learned about the WWII from the story? Listen to your child's answer
  2. How does the behavior of Annemarie’s family contrast with that of the Nazi soldiers? List two major differences. Example: Annemarie's family tried to protect and save others. They used stories, whispers and secret codes to communicate with each other. The soldiers were ordered to watch and relocate the Jews, They used harsh commands, shouting and fear to control others.
  3. What is a theme explored throughout this story? Explain. Example: loyalty and friendship; bravery and resistance; sacrifice and social responsibility
  4. Did you enjoy this story? Why or why not? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth

Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth

by David A. Adler

Grades 1-2; Genre - Fiction; GRL J; AR pts: 0.5

Annie has lost her tooth during art class, and she cannot find it anywhere. Cam Jansen says she has a memory like a camera. Will Cam have the picture she needs to find the missing tooth?

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who are Cam’s friends? Annie, Eric, and
    Robert. Pg.5.
  2. Why does Cam close her eyes and go “Click”? She
    has an amazing memory; remembers everything. Pg. 7.
  3. What is Cam’s real name and why is she called
    Cam? Jennifer and her name is short for Camera. Pg. 9.
  4. What happened when Annie bit the apple? She
    lost a tooth. Pg. 10.

Chapter 2

  1. What did Robert tell Annie happens when you lose
    a tooth? You get money under your pillow. Pg. 12.
  2. Why did Mr. Fay ring the bell? It was cleanup
    time. Pg. 13.
  3. What did Mr. Fay say about the Turkey-stick
    puppets? They looked almost real. Pg. 15.
  4. Why did they look in the bead box for Annie’s
    tooth? It looked like a white bead. Pg. 16.

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Annie not want to leave the art room? Because
    she didn’t have her tooth. Pg. 18.
  2. When Cam said “Click”, what did she have? A
    picture in her head. Pg. 20.
  3. What did she find in the pocket of her smock? Two
    beads and a feather. Pg. 21.

Chapter 4

  1. Did Robert believe Cam could remember everything
    in her mind? No. Pg. 22.
  2. Why did Cam have to whisper “Click”? The
    teacher was having quiet reading time. Pg. 23    .
  3. What did Eric think when Cam had her eyes
    closed? She was sleeping. Pg. 24.
  4. What did Eric say that made her remember where
    Annie’s tooth was? Lunch boxes. Pg. 25.

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Cam, Annie and Eric go back to the art
    room? To find the garbage cans. Pg. 28.
  2. Where did Cam find the tooth? In the apple in
    the garbage. Pg. 29.
  3. What made Cam think that the tooth was in the
    garbage? Lunch boxes -> eating -> apple. Pg. 30.
  4. Who made sure the bus didn’t leave? Robert.
    Pg. 31.

Comprehension Questions – The Original Adventures of Hank the CowDog #1

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

by John R. Erickson

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

Hank has been accused of murder! In a fit of despair, Hank resigns his position as Head of Ranch Security and decides to join the outlaw coyotes. There he's known as Hunk (that's Hank in coyote language). Hank meets Missy Coyote, sister to Scraunch — the meanest, roughest, toughest, most notorious coyote in the whole country. If Scraunch found Hank with his sister... Well, look out for trouble.

Vocabulary (by Steve)

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What was
    Hank’s job? Head of Ranch Security Pg. 1.
  2. Why did
    Loper shoot off the gun? Hank was barking at the coyotes. Pg. 3
  3. Who was
    Beulah? The neighbor’s collie that Hank liked. Pg. 4.
  4. What did
    Hank and Drover think killed the chicken? A coyote or a coon. Pg. 8.

Chapter 2

  1. Where
    did the porcupine stick Hank? In the face, nose, and paws. Pg. 12.
  2. What did
    Pete, the barn cat,  do to Hank? Flicked
    his tail on his nose. Pg. 14.
  3. How did
    Loper feel about Hank’s quills? It was Hanks fault for messing with a
    porcupine. Pg. 15.
  4. Why did
    Loper throw the pliers at Hank? He wet on his pants. Pg. 17.

Chapter 3

  1. What did
    Loper feel about Hank and the dead chicken? He barked all night and was expensive
    to feed. Pg. 19.
  2. Why did
    Hank tell Drover he was useless? He was playing with a frog. Pg. 22.
  3. What did
    Drover find in the night? A big monster with horns. Pg. 25.
  4. What did
    Hank actually attack? The milk cow. 
    Pg. 28.

Chapter 4

  1. Why was
    Slim nice to Hank? He wanted to wipe the dip stick on his ear. Pg. 31.
  2. How
    did Hank feel about Drover’s help the night before? He was not happy he
    didn’t give any . Pg. 33.
  3. Why was
    Drover not afraid to pee on the Boxer’s truck? He was chained up. Pg. 35.
  4. Why did
    Bruno get in trouble? The men thought the other dogs were asleep. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. What did
    Hank decide to do instead of guarding the chicken house? A steak-out. Pg.
    44.
  2. Why did
    Hank fall asleep? Because he dreamt he was awake. Pg. 45.
  3. Who
    found Hank with the dead chicken? Sally May. Pg. 48.
  4. What did
    Loper do to punish Hank? Made him wear the dead chicken head. Pg. 50.
  5. What did
    Hank decide to do because he was punished? Leave and become an Outlaw. Pg.
    53.

Chapter 6

  1. What
    did Hank think Loper and Sally Mae would feel about him being gone? They’d
    miss him. Do anything if he’d come home. 
    Pg. 57.
  2. How did
    Hank feel about the spring pool? A sewer is better. Pg. 58.
  3. What did
    Junior think about Hank? Thought he was d-d-d-dead. Pg. 59.
  4. What
    gave the signals that something was dead? The chicken head around hank’s
    neck. Pg. 62    .

Chapter 7

  1. Why did
    the dog look headless? A Hawaiian Punch can was stuck on its head. Pg. 67.
  2. Why
    couldn’t the coyote understand hank? It didn’t speak Doglish. Pg. 69.
  3. Did Hank
    like the coyote’s name? No. Girl-Who-Drink-Blood. Pg. 72.
  4. Who was
    the coyote’s brother? Scraunch. Pg. 73.

Chapter 8

  1. Who is
    Chief Gut? The coyote father of Missy and Scraunch. Pg. 75.
  2. What did
    the coyotes call cowboys and guns? Big-hat and boom-boom. Pg. 76.
  3. What did
    the coyotes call Hank that upset him? Chicken dog. Pg. 77.
  4. Why
    didn’t the coyotes attack Hank? They were going to make him part of the
    tribe. Pg. 84.

Chapter 9

  1. Why did
    Hank’s secret work? Coyotes are superstitious. Pg. 85.
  2. What Did
    Hank’s mom say about coyotes? They were lazy, sneaky, undisciplined. Pg. 87.
  3. What did
    Rip and Snort want to do? Go carousing in the silage pit. Pg. 88.
  4. What is
    silage? Grass that ferments and turns into alcohol. Pg. 88.
  5. What did
    Drover think about Hank with the coyotes? He was a traitor. 95.

Chapter 10

  1. What did
    the coyote pups do to hank? Bit his tail. Pg. 99.
  2. How did
    Hank feel about coyote life? Told Missy too much noise. Pg. 102.
  3. What was
    the mutton feast? A piece of aged meat that was green with maggots on it.
    Pg. 103    .
  4. What did
    Missy’s mom think made Hank sick? Brackish water. Pg. 105.

Chapter 11

  1. What did
    the coyotes like to eat and why? Juicy chicken because they are easy. Pg.
    107.
  2. Who made
    the speech to the village? Scraunch and then led the raid. Pg.107.
  3. Where
    did Hank hope Drover was? Hiding in a corner of the shed. Pg. 109.
  4. What did
    Scraunch want Hank to do? Kill Drover, but he tried to save him. Pg. 114.
  5. When
    Hank “heard Saint Peter blow” what did he think? He was going to die. Pg.
    116.

Chapter 12

  1. What did
    Loper do and why to Hank? He smiled; glad he was back. Pg. 119.
  2. What did
    everyone think happened to Drover? He was dead. Pg. 120.
  3. What did
    Hank tell Drover he was doing with the coyotes? He was undercover. Pg. 122.
  4. What
    did the Badger tracks turn out to be? Skunk tracks. Pg. 125.
  5. What did
    Hank do to Sally May? Run in to her clean laundry with skunk smell. Pg. 127.

Comprehension Questions – Bud, Not Buddy

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL U; AR pts: 8.0

It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but he's on a mission. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: posters of Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression! Bud's got an idea that those posters will lead to his father. Once he decides to hit the road and find this mystery man, nothing can stop him.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting at the beginning of this story? In an orphanage during the depression in Flint, Michigan
  2. Describe Bud. 10 years old, living in an orphanage because his mom died, has lived in foster homes, but always comes back, can’t cry anymore, thinks his dad is a musician
  3. How was Bud a good friend to Jerry? He comforted him and helped him feel better about going to his foster home

Chapter 2

  1. What provoked Bud to punch Todd? Todd had woken him up in the night sticking a pencil up his nose
  2. Why is Todd’s mother calling Bud ungrateful and sending him back to the Home? It looked like he was picking on Todd
  3. What’s the name of the book Bud is writing? Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself

Chapter 3

  1. How did Bugs get his nickname? He’d gotten a bug stuck in his ear
  2. What was the “vampire bat” hanging on the ceiling of the shed? A hornet’s nest
  3. Why was Bud angry after he got out of the shed? He was angry at the Amos’s for treating him the way they had; and himself for believing Todd when he said there was a vampire bat in the shed; for being in a situation where there wasn’t anyone who cared what happened to him

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Bud want to use the gun as revenge? Guns are too dangerous
  2. Where did Bud put the gun? Out on the porch
  3. How did Bud get his revenge with Todd? Made him wet the bed

Chapter 5

  1. After seeing he couldn’t sleep in the library basement, where did Bud find shelter? Under the Christmas trees by the library
  2. Why did his mom name him Bud and not Buddy? Buddy is a dog’s name; Bud is a flower-to-be, a flower-in-waiting, waiting for just the right warmth and care to open it up
  3. Why is this special to Bud? It means his mom knew with love he can open up and be beautiful like a flower
  4. What does the phrase mean, “when one door closes in life, another door opens”? When one opportunity ends, another one is offered to you

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Bud late for breakfast? He slept in
  2. Why was Bud able to eat? A man pretended Bud was his son
  3. Why did Bud’s pretend mom and dad keep hitting him on the head? To help others think he really was their child; to keep him in line

Chapter 7

  1. Find an example at the beginning of this chapter that tells you Bud loves the library. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to smell the unique library smell
  2. What bad news did the librarian tell Bud? Miss Hill got married and moved away
  3. Why couldn’t Bud go back to the Home? It was getting crowded

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Bud’s experience in Hooverville. He got fed, kissed a girl and had a place to sleep with hope of
    going west
  2. Explain what happened when Bud and the others tried to catch the train. The police were there trying to stop them, but Bud and the others ran. Bugs made it on, but Bud slowed down to catch his blue flyer and missed the train. Bugs threw his suitcase off
  3. What did Bud and the others find when they went back to Hooverville? The police had gone in and were breaking it up by burning the buildings and ruining the pots and pans

Chapter 9

  1. What was the special something the librarian had for Bud? A large history book about the Civil War
  2. What does the main character compare the idea of his dad to? A seed growing into a maple tree
  3. Why did Bud think the things in his suitcase were his momma’s treasures? Why else would she keep them

Chapter 10

  1. Why was the man nervous when talking to Bud on the side of the road? The city they were outside of wasn’t very kind to people with darker skin
  2. What convinced Bud to go with the man? He had food and he would take him to Grand Rapids
  3. Why did Bud think the man was a vampire? Bud saw a box with the label, “Urgent, contains human blood”

Chapter 11

  1. How did Bud end up back in Flint? Mr. Lewis drove him there to drop off the blood
  2. Name three words that describe the Sleet family. Kind, generous, fun, warm, loving, accepting, giving, sharing
  3. Why did Bud have a hard time eating and talking with the Sleet’s during the breakfast? At the Home he had to be silent during meals and wasn't used to talking and responding to questions

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Bud worried when the policeman pulled them over? he thought the police were after him
  2. How is Lefty involved with the labor organizers? He’s helping deliver fliers to the railroad workers in Grand Rapids
  3. Why didn’t Bud want Lefty to go into the Log Cabin with him? Herman Calloway didn’t know who Bud was and Lefty would have found out the truth

Chapter 13

  1. What deal did Mr. Jimmy make to get Bud to tell him the truth? He promised him dinner at a restaurant
  2. Choose a word to describe Thug and explain why? Mean, untrustworthy; giving him advice that would get him in trouble
  3. Why did Bud like Steady Eddie? He watched out for him; was good to him

Chapter 14

  1. What did Bud compare Miss Thomas’s humming to?  Walking on a railway and feeling the train getting closer and closer under your feet
  2. Why did Bud start crying after dinner? He was so happy and felt like he was home
  3. Find a word that describes Miss Thomas. Kind, warm, friendly, loving, accepting

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Mr. Calloway lock the closets in the room Bud was sleeping in? to keep Bud from stealing anything and getting into it
  2. What helped Bud go to sleep? A blanket around his head, imaging his mom telling him stories
  3. Have you ever had a difficult time falling asleep? Explain. What did you do to help you fall asleep? Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 16

  1. What was Miss Thomas’ plan for Bud? If they got permission from the people in Flint, they were going to keep him
  2. Why did Steady Eddie give Bud a saxophone case? to carry his mother’s things in; his suitcase is too old and ratty to travel with the band
  3. What was Bud’s new name and how did he feel about it? Sleepy LaBone; he loved it

Chapter 17

  1. What was Bud pretending his mop and bucket were? Captain Nemo and the sea
  2. What did Miss Thomas’s singing and Steady Eddie’s saxophone sound like together? Like a conversation they were having with one another

Chapter 18

  1. How long has Bud been with the band at this point in the book? 7 days
  2. What was in Herman’s glovebox? Rocks with writing on them, just like Bud’s
  3. When Bud told Herman his mother’s name, why did Herman run into the house? Because it was his daughter’s name and he was surprised that Bud was his grandson

Chapter 19

  1. How did Buddy prove his mother was Herman’s daughter? He had a picture from when she was a young girl
  2. Why did Bud’s mother run away from home? Her father was really hard on her and wanted her to become a teacher, but she didn’t want to
  3. Why was Herman so upset? He had just found out his daughter died
  4. What gift did the band give Bud? An alto saxophone