Tag Archives: Fiction

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Yellow Yacht

The Yellow Yacht

by Ron Roy

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

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose love visiting their friend Sammi, the prince of Costra. They swim, soak in the sun, and admire the bright yellow yacht that is moored just offshore. But the owners of the yacht are acting a little suspicious. And there's suddenly been a robbery on the island. Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose find out a connection between the robbery and the mysterious yellow yacht?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who were the kids going to visit and
    why? Their friend Sammi in Costra; it’s his birthday p.1
  2. How long did it take to fly to Costra?
    15 hours p.3
  3. After Sammi greeted them on the
    plane, what type of transportation did they take to his castle? Helicopter
    p.6

Chapter 2

  1. What were people doing on the yellow
    yacht? Scuba diving p.14
  2. What structure is Sammi’s father building?
    An aquarium p.16
  3. What’s a marine biologist? A person
    who studies marine life p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Who did the kids recognize on the
    deck of the yacht? Dr. Skor the marine biologist p.21
  2. What’s missing from the bank? Sammi’s
    father’s gold p.24

Chapter 4

  1. How did the crooks get into the
    vault? Through a tunnel from the aquarium pit p.26
  2. How did the police know the boulders
    were fake? They were light and easy to move p.28
  3. What did the kids find in the tunnel?
    A note from Lees Baz to Riko, telling him to dump the gold over the wall
    p.32

Chapter 5

  1. What did the kids find on the
    backhoe? Gold scrapings p.36
  2. Who’s the mysterious man Dink had
    seen? Yondo, a magician the king hired for Sammi’s birthday party p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What did Sammi, his friends and
    family do for his birthday? Ate dinner, opened presents and had a magic show
    p.43
  2. Who did Yondo make disappear? Ruth
    Rose p.47
  3. Why did Dink think Yondo was a
    suspect? The gold disappeared right after Yondo arrived into town p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Who did Sammi’s family and friends
    eat lunch with? Dr. Skor on his boat p.56
  2. What were the kids going to do with
    Hugo at 3 o’clock? Go snorkeling p.57
  3. What did the kids get to do onboard
    the Sundown before lunch? Explore p.58

Chapter 8

  1. Why do you think the green stripe was
    missing from the yacht? Listen to your child’s answers p.63
  2. What did the kids see while they were
    snorkeling? Different colored fish; the sunken boat, other water creatures
    p.65
  3. Why were there rocks in the sunken
    boat? To hold it down so it doesn’t float away; it attracts fish p.67

Chapter 9

  1. Why is the green stripe missing from
    the yacht? the boat is heavy with the gold, so the stripe is now under water
    p.70
  2. What did Hugo see when he snorkeled
    under the Sundown? The king’s gold p.73

Chapter 10

  1. How did the king react when Sammi and
    the kids told him about what they learned? He told the police to meet him,
    then ran to the dock p.75
  2. How did Hugo and the kids catch Dr.
    Skor? Hugo threw an anchor at Dr. Skor’s dingy and it tore a hole p.79
  3. How did Sammi’s family and friends
    celebrate? They ate ice cream and cake p.84

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Lucky Lottery

The Lucky Lottery

by Ron Roy

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

Lucky O'Leary has never been very lucky - until his grandfather sends him a lottery ticket that turns out to be a million-dollar winner! But before Lucky can cash it in, someone sneaks into his house and steals it. Now it's up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to track down the thief and return the ticket - before Lucky loses out!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story and
    what are the main characters doing? In Ruth Rose’s yard having a snowball
    fight during Christmas break p.1
  2. Why did Lucky want to talk to Dink,
    Josh and Ruth Rose? Someone stole the lottery tickets his grandfather had
    sent them for Christmas p.7
  3. Why was it so important for Lucky to
    find the lottery tickets? His grandfather enjoys having his grandkids open
    the card with the tickets each Christmas morning; his grandfather called and
    said his lottery ticket won and it’s worth $7 million p.10

Chapter 2

  1. What did the kids find as they
    followed the footprints behind Lucky’s home? A small piece of tinfoil
    twisted into a bow p.14
  2. Where did the kids go to think about
    the unsolved mystery? Ellie’s p.16
  3. What was Dink going to do with his
    quarter? Use a pay phone to call Lucky p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Why did the kids go to the
    elderly-housing building? To talk to Lucky’s grandfather p.19
  2. What’s an atrium? a building that
    feels like a tropical rain forest: warm, moist, plants all over with birds p.21
  3. Who had Lucky’s grandfather told
    about the tickets? Everyone in the assisted living home p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Why did the kids disagree that Zelda
    could have been the thief? She would have a hard time tromping out in the
    snow behind Lucky’s house p.28
  2. Where did the kids decide to
    investigate and why? The supermarket; that’s where Hector bought the tickets
    p.29
  3. Describe Dorothy. She was the
    cashier that sold the tickets to Hector; people call her Dot; she chewed gum
    and blew bubbles; she was helpful and remembered the man who looked suspicious
    behind Hector p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What did Josh do as Dot described
    Joe? He drew a picture of him p.38
  2. Who did the kids go see after talking
    to Dot? Officer Fallen p.41
  3. Why did the kids want to find proof
    for Officer Fallen? So the thief couldn’t cash in the lottery ticket p.44

Chapter 6

  1. What information did the kids realize
    they may have to find Joe? The video camera at the supermarket may have a
    shot of his jacket with his bowling team name p.47
  2. Where did the tinfoil bowtie in Ruth
    Rose’s soup come from? Blue Boy put it in her hair at the Atrium p.49
  3. How were the kids going to get around
    town with all the snow? Cross-country skis p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Where did the kids go to see if they
    could find anyone who had seen or knew Joe? The fitness center/bowling alley
    p.53
  2. What did everyone say when Josh
    showed them the picture of Joe? That he looked familiar p.56
  3. Who does the picture look like? Josh,
    but with a mustache p.59

Chapter 8

  1. What did Pal find in the pile Eric was
    sweeping together at the supermarket? Tinfoil bowties just like the other
    ones the kids had found p.64
  2. What did the kids realize about Dot? She
    was the thief and made up the story about Joe to throw them off her trail p.65
  3. Why did the kids find a tinfoil
    bowtie at the Atrium? Dot had been there to ask where Hector’s grandkids
    lived p.65

Chapter 9

  1. What evidence did Dink realize they
    could gather if they caught Dot turning in the lottery ticket? Hector’s
    fingerprints to prove he bought the ticket p.72
  2. Why did the kids leave so early to
    the lottery headquarters? In case it was open, and Dot tried to turn the
    ticket in early p.72
  3. How did the kids get there? On
    their skis p.74

Chapter 10

  1. How did the kids know it was Dot’s
    car parked in front of the lottery headquarters? There were tinfoil gum
    wrappers twisted into a bowtie in it p.80
  2. What was Dot’s disguise? A man;
    she wore a wig, hat, mustache and big coat p.81
  3. What did Dot start to admit when the
    kids were accusing her of stealing the ticket? That she wore gloves to take
    the card, so her fingerprints won’t be on the mantle p.83

Comprehension Questions – #16 Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day

Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-2; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts 1.0

Afternoon kindergarten is having a field day, and Junie B. Jones is team captain! Only, here's the problem. Room Eight keeps on winning too many events. And so how will Room Nine ever become the kindergarten champions? As Captain Field Day, will Junie B. find a way to lead her team to victory? Or will it be up to someone else to save the day?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why is Junie B. so excited for Field Day? Her class gets to compete against room 8 (another kindergarten class) in races p.2
  2. Why did Junie B. call Grace? She wanted to make sure Grace was coming to Field Day; she was excited and wanted to talk to her p.4
  3. Find an idiom on page 6 that means bragging about yourself. Toot your own horn p.6

Chapter 2

  1. What were Junie B. and her friends doing to get ready for Field Day? Skipping around the room p.8
  2. How was a team captain chosen for Field Day? There were 16 blank slips of paper and one with captain written on it. The students all get to pick a paper and the one with the word captain written on it is the captain p.12
  3. Who gets to be the team captain? Junie B. p.15

Chapter 3

  1. How did Mrs. define what being a team captain was? She said that the captain supports the team and keeps them united p.18
  2. Why was Junie B. disappointed in Mrs.’ definition of a captain? She wanted to boss her team around and wear a superhero uniform p.17
  3. Why did Junie B.’s classmates groan when she told them to line up behind her since she was Captain Field Day? They didn’t want her bossing them around p.20

Chapter 4

  1. Define good sportsmanship? Good sportsmanship is when people who are playing or watching a sport treat each other with respect. This includes players, parents, coaches, and officials. p.25
  2. Why was it hard for Junie B. to show good sportsmanship and shake the other team captain’s hand? She didn’t like the other team captain p.25
  3. Who came to watch Junie B. for Field Day? Her parents and grandparents p.26

Chapter 5

  1. What did Grace whisper to Charlotte to persuade her to move from the front of the line? Please p.31
  2. Why didn’t William want to run? He doesn’t feel like he’s very fast p.33
  3. What did Junie B. lose during the race? Her shoe p.35

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Junie B.’s class upset with her? She made them lose the race by stopping and putting on her shoe p.38
  2. Why did Mrs. have to explain the purpose of Field Day to her class? They were all mad they lost the race p.39
  3. What was the next event Room 9 lost? The softball throw p.47

Chapter 7

  1. Why wasn’t Junie B. excited to do a cheer before the tug-of-war? Her team had lost all 3 events and she had lost her enthusiasm p.50
  2. Why did Room 9 want to give up? They had lost every event and were discouraged p.54
  3. Why was the class surprised when William stepped up to do the pull up competition? He was timid and all day he commented on not being able to compete very well p.57

Chapter 8

  1. How many pull ups did Frankie do and how many did William do? Frankie 7; William 11 p.59
  2. Why did Junie B. ask Mrs. to put her cape on William? He was their superhero p.63
  3. How was William able to do so many pull ups? He practiced at home everyday p.65

Comprehension Questions – #21 Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants

Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants

by Barbara Park

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

Junie B. Jones has all the answers when it comes to cheating. It's just plain wrong! But what about homework? That's not cheating, right? 'Cause homework isn't even a test! And speaking of tests, what if a friends shares an answer that you didn't even ask for? Sharing definitely isn't cheating...is it? Uh-oh. Maybe this cheating business is more complicated than Junie B. thought. Could she be a cheater pants and not even know it?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why didn’t Junie B. get her homework finished? She forgot to do it over the weekend and her dad wouldn’t let her stay up late to do it p.1
  2. Why did May go to the office? To take the attendance sheet p.5
  3. What did Junie B. do while May was gone? Copied May’s homework p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What was the assigned homework over the weekend? Each student had to write a fun thing they did over the weekend p.12
  2. What did Roger write about his weekend? He got a pizza with his dad, ate a whole anchovy and didn’t throw up until they were almost home p.17
  3. Why did Junie B. tuck her paper into her desk? She thought she didn’t need it since she could just tell what she did p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What was the problem with Junie B.’s turn when she said what she did over the weekend? She didn’t read it from her paper p.21
  2. Why did Mr. Scary want to see Junie B.’s paper? Because she was acting funny p.22
  3. What did Mr. Scary realize and what did he say to Junie B.? that she was cheating and that he was very disappointed in her p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize what Mr. Scary talked to Junie B. about during recess. That she cheated and it’s a very serious thing p.30
  2. Why does Junie B. think cheating is in her blood? Her dad cheated at Old Maid and her grandpa cheated on his diet p.35
  3. Why did Mr. Scary give Junie B. a note to give to her parents? To let them know she had cheated p.37

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Junie B. hide in her room after giving the note to her parents? She was scared she’d get in big trouble p.41
  2. Why did Junie B.’s mom and dad also need to talk to her about cheating? It’s their responsibility as parents to teach and correct their kids p.44
  3. Did you think Junie B.’s parents handled the situation appropriately? Explain. Listen to your child’s answers p.45

Chapter 6

  1. Explain why Junie B. thinks Herbert is good for her. Even though she made a bad choice, he still likes her and helps her know not to do it again p.49
  2. Using the rules on page 55, write your own Cinquain. Help your child if needed p.55
  3. What did the four friends decide their Cinquain would be about? Friends or Pallies p.60

Chapter 7

  1. Use a word to describe Lucille and explain why you chose it.  Listen to your child’s answers p.63
  2. What was wrong with May’s poem? It didn’t follow the rules of the Cinquain p.65

Chapter 8

  1. What grade did Junie B. and her friends get on their poem? A+ p.68
  2. Why was Junie B. upset after recess? Her class was taking a spelling test and she didn’t study p.69
  3. Who helped Junie B. during the spelling test and why did Junie B. think it was ok? Herbert; he was only sharing the word p.74

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Herbert sleep well the night of the test? He felt bad for cheating during the test p.80
  2. How does Junie B. know how Herbert feels? She’s also a cheater pants and feels bad too p.81
  3. What was Junie B.’s and Herbert’s consequence for cheating? They got zeros on their spelling tests and their parents were called; Junie B. got in trouble p.83
  4. Why does Mr. Scary trust Junie B. even though she cheated again? She told truth about it p.86

Comprehension Questions – The Great Treehouse War

The Great Treehouse War

by Lisa Graff

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; AR pts: 5.0

Winnie's last day of fourth grade ended with a pretty life-changing surprise. That was the day Winnie’s parents got divorced and decided that Winnie would live three days a week with each of them and spend Wednesdays by herself in a treehouse between their houses, to divide her time perfectly evenly. It was the day Winnie’s seed of frustration with her parents was planted, a seed that grew until it felt like it was as big as a tree itself.

By the end of fifth grade, Winnie decides that the only way to change things is to barricade herself in her treehouse until her parents come to their senses—and her friends decide to join. It’s kids vs. grown-ups, and no one wants to back down first. But with ten kids in one treehouse, all with their own demands, things get pretty complicated! Even if they are having the most epic slumber party ever.

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1

  1. Why was Winnie’s teacher, Mr. Benetto curious about Winnie? She comes to school happy and outgoing on Thursdays, but the rest of the week she’s quiet and reserved p.6
  2. What are Winnie’s parent’s names? Varun and Alexis p.17
  3. Why would Winnie think her parents were getting a divorce? They always fought p.14
  4. What are some other solutions Winnie’s parents might have come up with instead of having Winnie live in a tree house? listen to your child’s answers p.15

Chapter 2

  1. Why do you think Uncle Huck was so good to Winnie? She was his niece; he had a special connection with her p.30
  2. Why was Thanksgiving so important to Winnie’s family? That was the only holiday her family cared about and they had a huge feast p.34
  3. What was the first holiday Winnie’s mom decided to celebrate with her and why? Flag Day; to be better than Winnie’s father; to win Winnie’s favor p.35
  4. Can you answer Mr. Benetto’s inquiry about why Winnie comes to school so happy on Thursday now? Explain. Yes, because she’s in her tree house alone with no holidays or pressure from her parents p.38

Chapter 3

  1. How did Mr. B. start off his conversation with Winnie? He asked her if everything was all right at home p.49
  2. Why did Mr. B. talk to Winnie instead of her parents? Her parents were difficult and wouldn’t come to talk to Mr. B. if the other one was there p.52
  3. Why was Winnie failing 5th grade and what did she have to do to pass? She never had time to do her homework since her parents take all her time and celebrate holidays every day; she has to get an A or A- on a good local history report p.54

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Winnie want to tell her friends about her problems at first? Didn’t want to think about it and wanted to focus on happier things p.60
  2. Why did the friends wait to eat cupcakes at lunch? Squizzy wanted to wait for Winnie p.60
  3. Why was Squizzy grounded from reading books? She needed to get her grades up p.70
  4. Why would the next school year be so different than the previous ones? The kids are going to middle school p.74

Chapter 5

  1. Where was Winnie’s father planning on taking her for the summer? Kansas to study grouse feces p.90
  2. Why was Winnie upset about her mother’s idea of spending Wednesdays with her? That’s Winnie’s alone time and she loves it p.93
  3. Explain why Winnie’s parents aren’t doing the holiday celebrations for her, but for themselves. They don’t really care about Winnie’s feelings or grades and are more concerned about being the better, more fun parent p.94
  4. Predict what the letter stuck to the book said. Listen to your child’s answers p.96

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Winnie’s plan. Since the treehouse wasn’t a part of the U.S., Winnie didn’t have to follow the laws of the country or her parents and could do what she wanted. P.106
  2. Why did Winnie come up with this plan? To get her parents to stop being selfish and begin listening to her p.106
  3. Predict what Winnie’s parents will do when they read about her plan. Listen to your child’s answers p.108

Part II

Chapter 7

  1. Why do Winnie’s parents feel like everything has to be even? They don’t want the other parent to be better than them p.114
  2. What did Winnie demand since both of her parents wanted to talk to her? They both climb up the ladder and talk to her together p.116

Chapter 8

  1. Why wouldn’t Winnie want her friends to stay in the treehouse? She wanted to get her report finished p.125
  2. Who joined Winnie in the treehouse? The Tulip Street Ten p.126
  3. What did the kids in the treehouse write to their parents? Their demands; what it will take to get them to come down from the treehouse p.142

Chapter 9

  1. Why were there so many reporters and cameramen gathered around the treehouse? They were all curious and thought this story would make a great headline p.145
  2. What did Uncle Huck want when he came to visit? To check on Winnie and to show support p.149
  3. Do you feel Winnie’s demand for her parents is reasonable? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answers p.153
  4. How did other parents around the world feel about the treehouse war? They thought the kids were brats and that the parents should hold out and not give the kids what they want p.156

Chapter 10

  1. Describe what’s going on with the war at the beginning of this chapter? Parents aren’t giving in to the demands and the kids are confused p.163
  2. Create your own strategy of how the parents could get the kids to give up and come down. Listen to your child’s thoughts p.164
  3. Explain why the sleepover wasn’t as fun as when it first started? The kids are all tired and grumpy p.178
  4. Why couldn’t the kids just leave and go home when they wanted to? They wouldn’t have their demands met and they knew they’d lose the war p.178

Chapter 11

  1. Do you agree with Lyle or Squizzy? Explain. Listen to your child’s answers p.190
  2. Why couldn’t Winnie pick a side? She agreed with both of their opinions and didn’t want to hurt either of their feelings p.191
  3. What was the new war created in the treehouse? Squizzy supporters were against Lyle’s supporters and all were against Winnie since she wouldn’t choose a side p.194

Chapter 12

  1. Why was it important for Winnie to escape to Uncle Huck’s? she needed to finish her report and got to talk to Uncle Huck about everything p.203

Part III

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Winnie think she couldn’t communicate very well? No one listened to her p.209
  2. Why did Winnie need to fix everything quickly? Someone was hired to find a loophole in the law and stop the war p.212

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. Winnie took her uncle’s advice, looked at her friends with her Artist Vision and realized what was really going on with her friends p.218

Chapter 15

  1. Who did Winnie write letters to and why? Her friends’ families and others they respect. She wanted to communicate to them what her friends needed and were interested in so they could reach out to them and help them come home p.226

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Winnie happy to be alone? It’s quiet p.244
  2. Why weren’t Winnie’s friends made at her? They got what they needed, and the demands weren’t important anymore p.248
  3. What favor did Lyle do for Winnie? Wrote notes to her parents p.256

Chapter 17

  1. How was Winnie able to get through to her parents? She respectfully kept talking and trying to explain until they started to listen p.260

Chapter 18

  1. How have Winnie’s parents grown and changed? They don’t fight anymore, aren’t competitive or selfish, and they respect Winnie’s wishes p.271
  2. What were the kids going to do with the treehouse? Make it fun for all kids and allow them to come hang out on Wednesdays p.280

Comprehension Questions – #15 Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket

Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket

by Barbara Park

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

It's almost the end of the year, and Room Nine is taking a field trip to a farm! The whole class is very excited...except Junie B. Jones. 'Cause farms have scary ponies, that's why. And scary roosters, too. Will Junie B. find anything good at this place? Or will this turn out to be the "worstest" field trip ever?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Junie B. want the classroom number she was going to be in the next year? So her mom would know where to take her p.3
  2. Why did Junie B. feel sickish when her teacher told her she was going to be in first grade? She didn’t want to be with the other first graders since they’re bullies to her p.4
  3. Where were the children going on an end-of-the-year field trip? To a farm p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Why doesn’t Junie B. like farms? They’re dangerous because of the ponies p.10
  2. Why did Junie B.’s dad go to his room for a time-out? He was laughing at Junie B. instead of helping Junie B.’s mom explain that ponies don’t hurt people 11
  3. What was Junie B. more scared of than ponies? Roosters p.15

Chapter 3

  1. What animal did Lucille draw and was that a farm animal? A flamingo; no p.21
  2. What kind of farm was Paul hoping the class was going to? A catfish farm p.22
  3. What did Junie B. draw? A tree fallen on top of a rooster p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Junie B. want to buy clothes for the farm and learn how to use the camera her mom got her? She said she was going to get a fever the day of the field trip; she didn’t want to go on the field trip p.27
  2. Why did Junie B. still have to go to school when she said she had a fever? Her mom took her temperature and it was fine p.29
  3. According to Jim, why do farmers wear hats? To protect their heads from chickens pecking them and making them nubs p.34

Chapter 5

  1. What was Junie B. hoping would happen when she hid behind her backpack? That Mrs. wouldn’t see her, and she’d get to stay on the bus during the field trip p.38
  2. Who told Mrs. Junie B. was hiding on the bus? Jim p.40
  3. Why did Junie B. get shivers on her arms when she saw Farmer Flores wearing a hat? She knew he must be wearing the hat to protect his head from the roosters on his farm p.43

Chapter 6

  1. How did the farmer convince Junie B. to get off the bus? She became his helper and one of the jobs was to keep the other children in order p.45
  2. List three animals Junie B. saw at the farm? Have your child list two of the following: Cows, sheep, horses, ponies, pigs and goats p.49
  3. What did Junie B. throw away and why? Her camera since she was finished taking pictures and her mom said it was a throw away camera p.53

Chapter 7

  1. Where did Junie B. wait while the other children went into the henhouse? Outside the fence p.58
  2. What did Famer Flores give to Junie B.? a baby chick p.61
  3. What was Spike going to become? A rooster p.63

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Junie B. confused in this chapter? She liked Spike, but hated roosters and Spike was going to become a rooster p.64
  2. What convinced Junie B. that she didn’t need to be scared of roosters anymore? Farmer Flores took off his hat and she saw that his head wasn’t a nub p.65

Comprehension Questions – The Littles Have a Wedding

The Littles Have a Wedding

by John Peterson

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

Meet the Littles, a family like any other but with a few tiny differences! They live in the walls of the Bigg family house where they get everything they need. In return they make sure the Bigg house is always in good repair. When Dinky comes home from his latest adventure, he's not alone. Della came back with him and they're going to be married! But a tiny person wedding takes a huge amount of preparation. The Littles need to get everything ready and travel to a neighboring house by the next day. Will they be ready in time?

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What were the Littles pulling onto the roof? A pair of black binoculars.  Pg 6.
  2. Who were they looking for? Cousin Dinky. Pg. 8.
  3. What was the smoke from? The Fine’s house was on fire. Pg 11.
  4. What happened after the Fines were rescued? The glider caught on fire and crashed. Pg 14.

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Uncle Pete think Dinky didn’t have a girl friend? Too busy adventuring. Pg 17.
  2. What was the only thing wrong with the Fine’s apartment? Smelled of smoke. Pg21.
  3. How did Dinky tell the great news? By a song on his guitar. Pg. 23.
  4. Did Della want Dinky to stop flying? No, she loved adventure. Pg. 26.

Chapter 3

  1. What was Tom and Lucy looking for in the jewelry box? An old watch. Pg. 29.
  2. Why did they want the watch? There were 21 rubies inside for a ring. Pg. 30.
  3. What was good about the rubies? They are hard, last forever. Pg. 31.

Chapter 4

  1. What was Granny Little making for Della? Her wedding dress. Pg. 33.
  2. What were the 2 kinds of weddings that tiny people had? Church and house wedding. Pg. 34.
  3. Why were weddings important to tiny people? They met new people. Pg. 35.

Chapter 5

  1. What caused Dinky to crash when coming back to the Littles? Henry’s balloons. Pg. 39.
  2. Where did he crash? Into a lilac bush. Pg. 40.
  3. What was Dinky’s good news? He found a place for the wedding. Pg. 41.

Chapter 6

  1. What did Mrs. Bigg have for dinner? Chinese food. Pg. 42.
  2. What was the problem with the wedding? Too soon; they had to leave right away. Pg. 43.
  3. Why did Uncle Pete think the Fortune Cooky was a sign? It said don’t rush! Pg. 47.

Chapter 7

  1. Why were the men worried about Granny going to the wedding? Unable to walk. Pg. 49.
  2. What was Tom’s idea? Tie a chair to Henry’s balloon for Granny. Pg. 49.
  3. How did Granny fix Lucy’s dress? With a blue ribbon. Pg. 51.
  4. What did Uncle Pete give Della for a present? A stamp of George Washington. Pg. 52.

Chapter 8

  1. What did they use for weights in the baskets? Henry’s marbles. Pg. 53.
  2. What was Lucy’s weapon? A pepper shaker. Pg. 56.
  3. Why didn’t Granny carry a weapon? Just extra weight; never used one. Pg. 56.
  4. What made them sneeze? The pollen from the hollyhock. Pg. 57.

Chapter 9

  1. Where were the cats when they got to the Long’s house? In front of the secret door. Pg. 59.
  2. Why would the balloon not float away? It was tied to a bush. Pg. 61.
  3. What did they bop the cats with? Marbles. Pg. 65.
  4. What happened to the string? The string broke. Pg. 66.

Chapter 10

  1. What did Mr. Button do when his wife talked? He never let her finish. Pg. 70.
  2. What did the Buttons think of baby Betsy? She was adorable. Pg. 72.
  3. Who saved Tom and Dinky? Hildy, the cat. Pg. 74.

Chapter 11

  1. Where were Della and Dinky to stand? Close to the big people getting married. Pg. 76.
  2. Why were they supposed to be close? Custom and to hear the minister’s words. Pg. 77.

Chapter 12

  1. What was in the doors and windows of the clock-house? Wooden dolls. Pg. 81.
  2. How did Mr. Button know they wouldn’t be noticed in the clock? He had done it before. Pg. 82.
  3. What did the minister do to the clock? Touch the statues. Pg. 86.

Chapter 13

  1. What did Tom use to stick on the ruby? White glue. Pg. 88.

Chapter 14

  1. Where was Tom and Lucy when the wedding started? Fixing the ruby wedding ring. Pg. 92.
  2. What did the tiny people do when the big people got married?  The same things. Pg. 93.
  3. What happened as the minister finished the ceremony? The clock bells rang. Pg. 94.

Comprehension Questions – Wonder

Wonder

by R.J. Palacio

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts: 11.0

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial difference that prevented him from going to a main-stream school - until now. He's about to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid, you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

Comprehension Questions

Part 1 August

Pages 3-16 (Ordinary-Paging Mr. Tushman)

  1. Describe the main character. His name is August (Auggie), he’s ten years old, his face is different than everybody else, has a family with a mom, dad and sister named Via, is homeschooled, has had 27
    surgeries since his birth, has friends named Christopher, Alex and Zach p.3
  2. Describe the night Auggie was born. His mom and dad knew there were some problems with Auggie’s face before he was born, but when he was born the doctor fainted and the nice nurse carried Auggie out of the delivery room quickly. Auggie’s dad ran after her dropping and breaking the video camera and the nurse held Auggie’s mom down and tried to wake the doctor; the nurse was also a nice nurse and she stayed with his mom; the doctors didn’t think Auggie would make it through the night, but he did; when his mom first saw him she thought he had pretty eyes p.6
  3. Is Auggie correct in his assumption that the other kids will make fun of him at school? Listen to your child's answer p.10
  4. What did Auggie’s dad do that helped convince him to go to school? He made fun of the principal’s name p.12

Pages 17-34 (Nice Mrs. Garcia-The Performance Space)

  1. What did Mrs. Garcia’s shiny smile mean to Auggie? She was fake; it made him nervous and uncomfortable p.17
  2. Why did Mr. Tushman have the three students give Auggie a tour of the school? to help Auggie get to know some students and help them get to know him p.22
  3. How did Auggie’s mom act as he left with the kids for the tour? Nervous p.22
  4. How was Julian rude to Auggie? He asked him questions about his face; mocked him for being home schooled; cut in front of him and made him stumble backwards p.28

Pages 35-50 (The Deal-Choose King)

  1. Why was Auggie’s mom now saying he couldn’t go to school? She felt sad Julian was mean and didn’t want him to be exposed to other mean kids; she wanted to protect him from bullies p.35
  2. Why did Henry put his backpack on his desk like a wall? To separate himself from Auggie p.39
  3. How would you feel if someone did that to you? listen to your child’s answers p.39
  4. Explain what Julian meant when he said Auggie looked liked Darth Sidious. Julian was making fun of Auggie’s face since Darth Sidious has a face that's deformed and looks like it’s melting p.44

Pages 50-80 (Lunch-Names)

  1. How did Summer help Auggie feel accepted? She sat by him during lunch and talked to him about their names and who could sit at their table p.51
  2. Why did Auggie cry when his mom was reading The Hobbit to him? He was sad he was so ugly p.60
  3. Why does Auggie consider himself the old moldy cheese? No one will touch him and if they do, they hurry and wash their hands p.72
  4. What did Jack say to Julian on Halloween that upset Auggie? He made it sound like he couldn’t stand August and was forced to be his friend p.77

Part 2 Via

Pages 82-102 (A Tour of the Galaxy-Breakfast)

  1. Whose point of view are we hearing in the story now and describe them. Via’s or Olivia’s; August’s sister who’s in high school; she loves and defends August and never complains since his life is so
    much harder p.82
  2. Why does Via think Auggie needs to grow up? He’s 10 and shouldn’t be treated like a baby; he needs to learn to talk about things p.90
  3. Why was Via upset about her friends, Miranda and Ella? They were leaving her out p.94
  4. Why did Via want to ride the subway home instead of getting a ride? She wanted to be independent and act more grown up p.101

Pages 103-117 (Genetics 101-Time to Think)

  1. Who did Olivia begin to hang out with? Eleanor and her friends p.107
  2. Why didn’t August want to go trick or treating, or to the Halloween Parade? His mom would have made him go to school the next day since he was feeling better p.113
  3. How did Via help Auggie realize it was important to go to school and that everyone had bad days? She helped him understand that it was normal to hate school and that it is okay to have bad days. If he wanted to feel normal too, he needed to keep going and not give up p.115

Part 3 Summer

Pages 119-132 (Weird Kids-The Egyptian Tomb)

  1. What’s the Plague? Julian started it by saying if anyone touched Auggie they had to wash their hands within 30 seconds, or they would get the Plague p.120
  2. What did Savannah say to Summer at the party? She invited Summer to be in the popular group and that Julian liked her; however, she couldn’t be August’s friend too. Summer had to decide between August and Julian p.122
  3. Choose a word to describe Summer in this chapter. How do you feel about her actions? Courageous, strong, true, integrity. Listen to your child's answer p.123
  4. How is Summer a true friend? She doesn't care what others think and stands by Auggie and loves him for who he is

Part 4 Jack

Pages 134-157 (The Call-Detention)

  1. When did Jack first see August? On a bench in the street eating ice cream with his babysitter and little brother p.136
  2. Why did Jack agree to be August’s welcome buddy? He felt bad and knew August didn’t stand a chance at middle school p.141
  3. Why couldn’t Jack write about meeting Auggie for the English assignment? Jack was worried Mr. Browne would make them read them out loud or put them up on a bulletin board, and he didn’t want Auggie to see
    it p.148
  4. Why was Jack in detention? He hit Julian for saying mean things about August p.154

Pages 158-185 (Season’s Greetings-The Boyfriend)

  1. How did Jack get a hold of August and apologize to him? Facebook p.164
  2. What did Jack find challenging as he went back to school after being hitting Julian? His friends wouldn’t talk to him p.168
  3. Why is Julian’s mom trying to get August’s school application reviewed? She doesn’t want him in the school and is trying to get him kicked out p.171
  4. Describe the war going on between Jack and the other boys in fifth grade. Julian’s convinced the other boys that August is bringing down Jack and so they have stopped talking to him as well as hanging
    out with him. They’re hoping to wake him up and to get him to stop hanging out with August p.172

Part 5 Justin

Pages 187-204 (Olivia’s Brother-The Universe)

  1. Compare Justin’s parents to Olivia’s parents. Justin’s parents don’t pay attention or talk to him, they are divorced and hate each other. Olivia’s parents pay attention, talk and laugh to their children and to each other p.191
  2. What do you think Olivia wished for on the ladybug? Listen to your child’s answer p.195
  3. What did Justin do for Jack when he saw Miles, Henry and Julian in the subway station? He stood up for Jack and told the other boys to leave him alone p.199
  4. What metaphor does Justin use to describe Olivia on page 203? He compares her to a bird: how her feathers get ruffled when she’s mad, and when she’s fragile she’s a little lost bird looking for its nest. So he'll provide her a wing to hide under p.203

Part 6 August

Pages 206-219 (North Pole-My Cave)

  1. How did Jack and August respond to the notes Julian left in their lockers? They wrote love notes to him from a pretend girl named Beulah and left them in Julian’s locker p.208
  2. Why didn’t August want to wear hearing aids? He was already nervous about his ears and felt self-conscious p.211
  3. Why didn’t Olivia want to invite her family to her play? She was embarrassed to have Auggie go since the kids at her new school don't know him p.218

Pages 220-234 (Goodbye-The Ending)

  1. What happened to Daisy? She was sick and died p.220
  2. What did August wonder about heaven? What it would be like to not have his face be different p.227
  3. How did August feel about the play as it began? He liked it since it made him feel grown up p.230
  4. Why was it good that Olivia’s family came to see her? She ended up being the lead since Miranda got sick p.230

Part 7 Miranda

Pages 236-248 (Camp Lies-After the Show)

  1. Describe what Miranda did at camp that made her self-conscious to call Olivia? She smoked, snuck up to the boys' camps and hung out with them; she’d lied to everyone about having a little brother (August) who was deformed; her parents being in Europe, living in a huge townhouse and having a dog named Daisy; she changed her hair and makeup and changed her t-shirts into halter tops p.237
  2. Why did the drama teacher switch from doing the play Elephant Man to doing Our Town? Miranda lied to him, telling him that her little brother was deformed, and that Elephant Man would hit too close to home p.240
  3. Why did Miranda lie to the drama teacher about being sick and not being able to go on stage? She realized no one was at the play to see her and saw Olivia’s family in the audience and knew Olivia should perform p.244

Part 8 August

Pages 250-275 (The Fifth-Grade Nature Retreat-Aftermath)

  1. What made August feel comfortable about leaving Baboo home when he went to the retreat? He knew Daisy was with him wherever he went p.256
  2. Name 3 things August and his classmates did during the retreat? They went on a two-hour guided nature tour in the woods, hung out in the rec room playing ping-pong and arcade games, had a campfire cookout, rode horses, rappelled up trees, went to an outdoor movie night p.257
  3. Who came to help Jack and August, during the movie night, when they went into the woods for a bathroom break? Amos, Miles and Henry p.267
  4. What did Amos, Henry, Miles and Jack become after that incident? August’s emperor guard p.272
  5. What positive consequence resulted from Eddie and his friends bullying August and Jack in the woods? August showed courage; Amos, Henry and Miles hadn’t been nice to August all year and came to defend him and became his friends; everyone really seemed to care about August p.274

Pages 276-310 (Home-The Walk Home)

  1. What happened to Auggie’s astronaut helmet? His dad threw it out since he missed seeing Auggie’s face and didn't want him to hide from the world any longer p.290
  2. Name one characteristic that August demonstrated that helped him earn the Henry Ward Beecher Award? Give an example of why you chose that characteristic. Courage, kindness, friendship, character; Listen to your child's answer p.304
  3. Compare Auggie from the beginning of the story to who he is now. Auggie started out self-conscience, insecure and fearful of what other people thought. He hid from the world and was dependent on his family; at the end of the story, he had grown in confidence, become independent, and didn't want to hide any longer
  4. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – #20 Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder

Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

One of Junie B. Jones's top front teeth is loose! Only Junie B. is not that thrilled about this development. Because what if she looks like toothless Uncle Lou? And even worse...what's all this tooth fairy business? Like, who is this woman, really? And what does she do with all those used teeth? So many questions, so little time.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why doesn’t Junie B. want to write in her journal? She has a loose tooth and it’s driving her crazy p.2
  2. Why does Mr. Scary think losing a top tooth is better than losing a bottom tooth? Having a missing top tooth makes a cute smile and when your tooth grows in you’ll look like a big kid p.6
  3. What did Mr. Scary give Junie B. for being the first one in the class to lose a top tooth? He drew a star on shiny silver paper, cut it out and pinned it on her shirt p.10

Chapter 2

  1. What did Junie B.’s classmates want to see at recess? Her loose tooth p.14
  2. Why was Junie B. upset on the bus ride home from school? Sheldon told her about his uncle who lost all his teeth but one from not brushing or flossing, and that really bothered her p.16
  3. How did Junie B. react when Herb mentioned the tooth fairy? She got chills and butterflies in her stomach p.18

Chapter 3

  1. What did Junie B. do to try to calm Ollie? Hold him, pat his back, hum softly in his ear and put him the closet p.22
  2. What’s Junie B. going to do so she doesn’t lose her tooth? Stop wiggling it p.23
  3. What happened after Grandpa Miller wiggled Junie B.’s tooth? She snapped her mouth closed on his finger and It fell out p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What color was the water Junie B. spit out when her grandpa told her to rinse and spit and why? Pink; because there was a little bit of blood in her spit p.28
  2. How did Junie B. feel about herself when Grandpa Miller lifted her up to the mirror the first time? She hated herself p.30
  3. How did Junie B. feel when she looked in the mirror again? She thought she looked fascinating and looked in the mirror until her mother came home p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What did Junie B. want to take for show and tell at school? Her tooth; the spit cup p.35
  2. Who did Junie B. think the Tooth Fairy was? Teensy little tooth witch p.41
  3. What did Junie B.’s mom do after Junie B. told her about the tooth witch? She ran out of the bathroom p.43

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Junie B. think the tooth witch makes more sense than the tooth fairy? The tooth witch chomps the teeth, but the tooth fairy doesn’t do anything with them p.45
  2. What did her mom suggest that was disgusting? The tooth fairy makes jewelry with the teeth p.48
  3. Why didn’t Junie B. put her tooth under her pillow? The tooth fairy didn’t make sense to her p.49

Chapter 7

  1. What did Herb say when Junie B. showed him her mouth and smile? Wow p.51
  2. Why didn’t Junie B. want to answer Herb when he asked her how much money she got from the tooth fairy? She hasn’t put her tooth under her pillow and she doesn’t want to p.53
  3. What did Junie B. ask that stumped Herb? What does the tooth fairy do with all the teeth? p.56

Chapter 8

  1. How did Room One treat Junie B. when they saw her new smile? They clapped, cheered, gave her a high five; they were happy for her p.58
  2. What was May’s answer when Junie B. asked what the tooth fairy does with the teeth? Nothing; she got up to get a drink p.63
  3. What finally made sense to Junie B.? that the tooth fairy could collect all the teeth p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What did Junie B. get under her pillow that night? Cash p.72
  2. Why was Ollie so happy that morning? He finally got his first tooth p.75
  3. What does Junie B. think the tooth fairy did with her tooth? she recycled it and gave it to Ollie p.77

Comprehension Questions – #11 Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy

Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy

by Barbara Park

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

What's the bestest job ever? A beauty shop guy, that's what! And Junie B. Jones is going to be one when she grows up. But first she needs a little practice. And a few volunteers. Like her bunny slippers and her dog. And maybe ever...herself? Is Junie B. on her way to a great new career? Or is she about to have the worst hair day ever?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s Junie B.’s new name? Pinkie Gladys Gutzman p.2
  2. How did Junie B. decide on that name? pinkie is her favorite color and Gladys Gutzman is the snack lady at school and she loves her p.3
  3. Where was Junie B. going with her dad? To the barber shop p.6

Chapter 2

  1. What’s one difference between a barber shop and a beauty shop? A barber shop only cuts men’s hair and a beauty shop does both men’s and women’s hair; a beauty shop also focuses on nails and skin p.9
  2. How did Junie B. get to be Maxine’s helper? She had a name tag p.12
  3. What did Junie B. do to help her? She held the towel and swept the floor p.14

Chapter 3

  1. How long does it take to work in a beauty shop? Years and years and years p.19
  2. Why was Junie B.’s mom suspicious of her when she wanted to take a nap? Junie B. hates naps p.21
  3. What did Junie B. want to do while she was “napping”? practice cutting hair p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What did Junie B. first practice cutting hair on? Her bunny slippers p.25
  2. What did the slippers look like when Junie B. was finished? Bald p.26
  3. How did Junie B. feel at this end of chapter and after having her first experience cutting hair? Deflated or discouraged; She realized it would take more practice than she thought p.28

Chapter 5

  1. What does Grace get to help with in her Aunt’s beauty shop? Shampooing client’s hair p.30
  2. Why did Junie B. feel like she wasn’t a good shampoo girl after trying to shampoo her teddy bear? The teddy bear didn’t look very good and was all soggy p.34
  3. Why did Junie B. feel confident in trimming her dog’s fur? It would grow back and it was all matted and tangled p.36

Chapter 6

  1. What did Junie B. do to hide Tickle’s hair cut? Put a sweater and hat on him p.38
  2. What was Junie B.’s punishment for cutting his hair? Her scissors were taken away and after dinner she had to bath and go right to bed p.41
  3. At the end of this chapter, Junie B. thinks she’s made progress. How? She thinks she’s getting better at cutting hair p.42

Chapter 7

  1. How did Junie B. get another pair of scissors? She kept an extra pair in her desk drawer p.44
  2. What made Junie B. frustrated while she cut her hair? No matter how much she trimmed it continued to be uneven p.45
  3. Why did Junie B. cry after she cut her hair? She had sprigs of hair sticking out all over p.46

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Junie B. decide to wear three hats to school? If someone on the playground pulled off one and two, she would still have one on underneath p.50
  2. What did Junie B. lie about to her grandpa? That it was crazy hat day and her teacher said she could wear as many hats she wanted p.53
  3. How did Mrs. respond when Junie B. told her “The Story of the Hats”? she had compassion and gave her some tissues p.58

Chapter 9

  1. What did Mrs. tell the class to help Junie B. out? That Junie B. had the sniffles, that she was giving her permission to wear her one hat and no one was to touch it p.59
  2. Where did Junie B.’s dad take her after school? To the beauty shop p.63
  3. What was the lesson Junie B. learned in this story? Not to practice cutting hair until she was older p.67