Tag Archives: grades 3-7

Comprehension Questions – Little House on the Prairie #3 Little House on the Prairie

Little House on the Prairie

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grades 3-7; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 8.0

Laura and her family journey by covered wagon into Indian territory, and start a farm. The plot contains racial prejudice within historical context.

Comprehension Questions

Going West

  1. Why does Pa want to go to Indian country? He doesn’t like how populated the Big Woods has gotten p.1
  2. How would you feel to ride in a wagon day after day with only the world to look at and no electronics to help pass the time? Listen to your child’s answer

Crossing the Creek

  1. What unfortunate incident happened while crossing the river? Jack died p.25
  2. To lose a dog is always difficult, but on the prairie, the family will miss having a good dog watch out for them. What other ways is it beneficial to have a good dog around on the prairie? Alerts their owners when an animal or person comes around; fights for their owners when they’re in danger; helps hunt for food; good friend and companion; etc. p. 27

Camp on the High Prairie

  1. What amazing thing happened in this chapter? Jack is alive and caught up to the Ingalls family p.34
  2. Why was everyone scared to see the eyes in the dark? Pa thought it was a wolf or other dangerous animal p.34
  3. Just imagine… there are no street lamps, flashlights, cell phone lights, headlights of cars driving by. It’s just the prairie and the sky. What would that feel like to you?
  4. Have you ever lost and found a pet? Share your story and how you felt

Prairie Day

  1. How do you know Laura and her family are happy with being on the prairie? Mary and Laura had fun playing in the grass; Pa was happy to find so many animals to hunt and fish in the creek p.43

The House on the Prairie

  1. Describe Mr. Edwards and explain if you think he will be a good neighbor or not. From Tennessee; fast worker; not married; lean and tall; could spit tobacco far; danced and sang p.63

Moving In

  1. How did Pa decide to keep his family safe from the wolves? He covered the house with the wagon cover for a roof, and they moved everything into the house so they could have four solid walls around them. There is still much to do to complete the home, but at least now their family is all inside p.71

The Wolf-Pack

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pa went to explore and found a good number of other settlers; as he was heading back home, a wolf pack of 50 surrounded him and Patty; they didn’t hurt him, just walked alongside him; the wolves headed to the river and Pa and Patty took off running home to make sure the family was safe; they were; at home, Jack and Pet had been uneasy, so Ma watched out carefully; that night, Laura woke up to the wolves circling the little house and howling, sniffing and breathing so close to the house that Laura could hear them p.84
  2. Use a word to describe how you would feel if you were in this situation.

Two Stout Doors

  1. What did Pa and Laura accomplish in this chapter? They made doors for the house and stable p.100
  2. Have you ever made something that gave you the feeling of accomplishment? Listen to your child’s answer

A Fire in the Hearth

  1. Pa worked hard every day providing for his family. How did he show love to his wife in this chapter? He built her a fireplace so she wouldn’t need to cook outside in the weather; instead of relaxing and taking a break, he wanted to keep working so she could use the fireplace sooner p.116

A Roof and a Floor

  1. Laura’s family is finally getting settled into their new home. What has impressed you about what her family has done since leaving their home in the Big Woods. Listen to your child’s answer

Indians in the House

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter and how you would have felt, had you been in Laura’s shoes. Pa left to go hunting and chained up Jack; two Indians came to the house and demanded food and took Pa’s tobacco; Laura and Mary bravely went into the house to make sure Ma and Carrie were ok; the Indians smelled like skunk due to the skunk furs they wore; the Indians ate and left peacefully; Pa came back and told the girls to always do as they are told; listen to your child’s answer
  2. What would the ramifications been if the girls had let Jack loose when the Indians were in the house? He would have hurt the Indians, and the Indians would have retaliated, hurting their family, they even would have killed them and Jack p.145

Fresh Water to Drink

  1. How are Pa and Mr. Scott good neighbors to each other? They are kind, work together, friends, help each other, serve and protect each other.
  2. Who are your neighbors? What kind of relationship do you have with them? What can you do to be a better neighbor? Listen to your child’s answers p.150
  3. Do you agree or disagree that Pa should have gone into the well instead of going for help? Listen to your child’s answer
  4. Compare the process as to you get water in your house to how Pa provided water for his family. What are the risks to each situation? Listen to your child’s answer p.150

Texas Longhorns

  1. How did Pa acquire the cow, her baby and a slab of beef? He helped run the cattle through the river bottoms to keep them out of the ravines p.164
  2. Define the word sacrifice that is in context of this story. An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
  3. As this story is being told we see the sacrifices Laura’s family has made to move to the prairie. List three sacrifices they have made. Has it been worthwhile for them to move? Leaving family and friends; leaving the comforts of their home; leaving the livelihood they made for themselves, etc.; yes, Pa has worked hard to help them be comfortable and they are enjoying their new lives on the prairie with their new neighbors, opportunities and surroundings p.170

Indian Camp

  1. Pa gave a description of what happened at the Indian Camp using the tracks they saw. Using a paper and pencil, draw the camp Pa described.
  2. Mary and Laura collected beads from the camp. Was it selfish for Laura to want to keep the beads for herself? Listen to your child’s answer p.179

Fever ‘N’ Ague

  1. Define what a miracle is. An event or an experience that is attributed to divine power.
  2. What miracle happened in this chapter? When the entire family became sick and close to death, the doctor came over, Jack let the doctor in the house, Mrs. Scott came to take care of them p.185

Fire in the Chimney

  1. Laura’s family had some hardship in this chapter. How did they rely on each other to get through it? The chimney started on fire and Ma and Laura saw what needed to be done to put it out and keep Carrie and Mary safe p.201
  2. Share a recent experience where you have helped your family through a hard time. Listen to your child’s answer

Pa Goes to Town

  1. How did Pa help take care of his family while he was away? He made sure they had everything they needed; he had Mr. Edwards come check in on them every day p.209

The Tall Indian

  1. Was it right for the Indians to steal things from Laura’s house? Why or why not? No; listen to your child’s answer p.232

Mr. Edwards Meets Santa Claus

  1. Explain why it is so special that Mr. Edwards saw Santa Clause? Santa Claus is an American tradition, and every child is excited for Christmas morning to see what Santa brought them; It was special because the girls didn’t think Santa would make it to the prairie, but when Mr. Edwards delivered their parents for Santa, they were happy he found them p.243

A Scream in the Night

  1. Why was it so dangerous to have a panther on the loose? It could kill humans p.258

Indian Jamboree

  1. As you reading this historical novel that took place when settlers were spreading out over the United States, what are your thoughts of how the government handled moving the Indians further west? Listen to your child’s answer p.273

Prairie Fire

  1. Compare the difference of the land in the Big Woods to the prairie land Pa is tilling. There are stumps and rocks in the ground where they used to live. On the prairie the soil is rich and there are grass roots p.275
  2. Why is Jack cross all the time? He’s chained up and isn’t free to protect the family from the Indians p.276
  3. Why are there so many rabbits running and jumping in plain sight? They were trying to get away from the fire p.277
  4. What is a good characteristic Pa has and is demonstrated as he is talking to his neighbors in this chapter? He sees the good in people and gives them the benefit of the doubt; he didn’t think the Indians started the fire to get rid of the settlers p.283

Indian War-Cry

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. All the Indian tribes but one wanted to kill the white settlers, so the tribes fought with yelling and screaming through the night for many nights. Thankfully the Indians decided they didn’t want to fight the tribe that didn’t want to kill the settlers; the drums and yelling kept Laura’s family up all night each night in fear; it was a terrible nightmare that she couldn’t wake up from; one Indian saved them and their neighbors; he had a good heart p.286

Indians Ride Away

  1. Have you ever moved to a new home or new city? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. How would you feel if you were one of those Indians leaving their country? Listen to your child’s answer p.303

Soldiers

  1. Why is the family leaving their little house on the prairie? Soldiers are coming through and escorting the settlers off Indian Territory back to the border p.316

Going Out

  1. How is the ending of this book similar to its beginning? The family is living in the covered wagon, traveling to an unknown destination p.327
  2. Why was Pa upset with the family whose horses were stolen? They didn’t know how to survive in the wilderness. They didn’t tie up their horses properly, didn’t keep watch and didn’t have a watchdog dog p.328
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – The Swindle Series #1 Swindle

Swindle

by Gordon Korman

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mystery; GRL T; AR pts. 5.0

After unscrupulous collector S. Wendell Palomino cons sixth-grader Griffin Bing out of a valuable baseball card, Griffin puts together a band of misfits to break into Palomino's heavily guarded store and steal the card back.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize how this story begins? Two boys are in a condemned building sleeping over. They invited a whole crew of others and even gave them a plan of how to sneak out of their homes, but no one else showed. The boys talked about why no one else came and reviewed the stories they had heard of how the horse was haunted p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Griffin and how he found the baseball card. A man with a plan; curly hair; determined to not be taken advantage of; stands up for what he believes in even if it’s misguided; comes from a home where parents are trying to make ends meet. He found the card by exploring the haunted home. It was in a locked drawer on a desk p.10

Chapter 3

  1. List two things you learn about Griffin in this chapter. He and Ben are in sixth grade; Griffin always sticks to the plan p.17

Chapter 4

  1. How is Griffin going to fight fire with fire? By stealing the card back from the man at the pawn shop p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Ben and list a characteristic that Ben showed in this chapter. Griffin’s friend who follows him and always supports him; in the 6th grade; also stands up for what he believes in; he showed integrity in this chapter by standing up to Griffin and not wanting to rob the pawn shop p.41

Chapter 6

  1. What changed Ben’s mind about the heist? He saw that Griffin’s house was for sale and Griffin told him about his family’s financial situation p.56

Chapter 7

  1. What security fact did Griffin forget to put on his plan? The Doberman p.61

Chapter 8

  1. What two items of the plan were worked out in this chapter? Savannah is working to tame the Doberman, and Ben’s dad helped them figure out the alarm code p.69

Chapter 9

  1. What was Savannah’s reaction when the boys told her what they were up and what was the consequence? She was angry and yelled. The Doberman began to grovel and whimper at Savannah p.76

Chapter 10

  1. What could derail the heist at this point? Ben falling asleep and missing the next step p.87

Chapter 11

  1. Why do you think the safe and dog aren’t at the store? Listen to your child’s answer p.92

Chapter 12

  1. Find a simile on page 95. “Yet, deep down, it was like trying to enjoy great food while suffering from a gut-blaster stomachache.”
  2. What is Ben expressing in the last two sentences of page 95. Even though Griffin’s family is taking them to fun places, it’s hard to enjoy being there when you know Griffin is moving and there won’t be fun times anymore. Ben is thinking about the times they’ve spent together in the past, knowing there won’t be times together in the future p.95
  3. How did the boys find where the card is? They found the Doberman and realized the card and safe were taken to Swindle’s house p.98

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. The boys went to Swindle’s house and found Luther and found he uses a high-tech security system. They also met Swindle’s neighbor and learned he is always outside observing the activities in the neighborhood. Their teacher helped them figure out where to go to see Swindle’s floor plan to get into his house p.100

Chapter 14

  1. Predict how the boys will get into the house via the bathroom skylight? Listen to your child’s answer p.116

Chapter 15

  1. Were you correct in your previous prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Griffin thinks the heist will be easy once each person’s job is broken down. What do you think might go wrong? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Why didn’t Griffin want Darren on the team? He’s a talker and might tell on them; they don’t trust him p.132

Chapter 17

  1. If you were a part of this heist, what responsibility would you want to have? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.133

Chapter 18

  1. Does Griffin have a right to be nervous about the heist? What could go wrong? Listen to your child’s answer p.144
  2. Why do you think the card is cold? Listen to your child’s answer p.147

Chapter 19

  1. How was the heist going so far? Really well. The only hiccup they’ve had so far is Melissa intercepted an email to Palomino and the auction wanted to pick up the card early, but Griffin responded to them with the wrong address p.150

Chapter 20

  1. Choose a word to describe the team and how they worked together in this chapter. Explain. Flexible-Ben knew he couldn’t climb to the roof because of his narcolepsy and Melissa was happy to swap responsibilities. Encouraging-when Darren slipped on the roof, no one made fun of him, Pitch encouraged him and gave him clear instructions p.159

Chapter 21

  1. What went wrong with the heist? The vent pipe and Pitch fell into the house spraining her ankle; now the crew can’t exit the house that way
  2. What do you think Luther is trying to tell Savannah? Listen to your child’s answer p.171

Chapter 22

  1. What problems did the crew solve in this chapter? Melissa figured out the security system so they can get out of the house without triggering the alarm; Savannah found out why Luther was agitated, there’s a mean German shepherd in the basement. She shut the dog into the room, but it’s hitting the door trying to break it down p.172

Chapter 23

  1. What complicated the plan even further in this chapter? The man finally arrived to pick up the card; Ben fell asleep so he didn’t warn everyone; the card wasn’t in the safe p.180

Chapter 24

  1. Predict what Griffin is going to do to get the card out of the tree. Listen to your child’s answer p.193

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Griffin and his friends respect Griffin’s dad more in this chapter? They used his invention to get the card out of the tree and saw that it was a great invention p.199

Chapter 26

  1. Ben missed everything that happened inside the house. Pretend you are talking to him and tell him what happened from the time you climbed the roof to when he ran over to see what was going on. Listen to your child’s answer p.208
  2. Yikes! A police car is in front of Griffin’s house when he gets there. Why do you think they are there and predict what Griffin will do. Listen to your child’s answer p.208

Chapter 27

  1. Describe the sight Palomino probably saw when he arrived to his home. A broken window with glass all over the floor; dogs laying down in the kitchen; turkey skeleton on the floor of the kitchen; an empty plastic baggie that held the card p.214

Chapter 28

  1. What the heist crew did was a serious crime. Predict what will happen when the police arrive? Listen to your child’s answer p.223
  2. Use a word to describe how Griffin is feeling right now? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. What consequence is Griffin feeling now that he hadn’t predicted? How this would affect his parents p.231

Chapter 30

  1. Find a metaphor on page 237 and explain what the author means by using it. Ex. “It was a glowing coal on an icy night, a tiny measure of justice.” Griffin was feeling satisfied that Palamino didn’t have many customers amidst the possibility of getting arrested p.237

Chapter 31

  1. Why did Officer Vizzini finally arrest Griffin? He had the card and now there was evidence to arrest him p.242
  2. Why is the officer going to release Griffin? Palomino isn’t pressing charges and the card is being sent to the last surviving member of the Rockford family p.245
  3. Why isn’t Griffin’s family moving anymore? The publicity from the card has generated interest from investors for the SmartPick p.247

Chapter 32

  1. What’s ironic with who ended up with the baseball card? It went to Darren, who tried to steal the card during the heist p.250
  2. What did the money go towards and why? The Cedarville Museum where the Rockford house used to be. Darren’s parents didn’t want to reward him for stealing the card p.250
  3. What did you enjoy about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #4 The Dark Secret

The Dark Secret

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 10.0

Starflight, a dragonet of destiny, is kidnapped by the NightWings and finds that the kingdom of his birth is a miserable place full of terrible secrets. With his fellow dragonets too far away to help, the fate of two kingdoms rests in his talons.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the dragonets in this chapter. NightWings, thin, coughing, jealous of Starflight being to the mainland and specially chosen, scared of Morrowseer p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight is taken before the NightWing queen; Deathbringer is also brought before the queen for being a traitor, but Vengeance is instead killed p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Predict how Morrowseer knows who Starflight’s father is. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Is your prediction correct? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Why is Starflight confused and feeling rejected? The dragonet he met said she is part of the project to end the war; he is supposed to be the one who ends of the war p.45

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Starflight’s father. His name is Mastermind; thin black dragon; very smart; talks like Starflight; scars on his face and bloodshot eyes; thrilled to meet his son p.47
  2. Why have the NightWings imprisoned RainWings? To experiment and do tests on them. How do you feel about that? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6 

  1. What would you do if you were Starflight and knew the NightWings’ plan? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 7

  1. Why does Morrowseer want the second group of dragonets to kill Starflight? If they can’t then he is the correct dragonet for the prophecy p.75

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight escapes and Fatespeaker found him but didn’t want to kill him; Morrowseer told them all the Queen wants him to choose the NightWing dragonet and kill the others; the dragonets were placed in the same cave as when Starflight woke up; he fell asleep and Fatespeaker was excited to meet the other NightWings p.77

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize what the dragons found while exploring in this chapter. The tunnels and cave where the treasure used to be hidden; inside the room were two dragons who had died p.89
  2. What did Starflight find in this chapter? A dream visitor stone

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Starflight feel worse after seeing and hearing his friends in the dream state? He found out what they think of him; he’s too cowardly to do anything on his own and can’t make decisions p.109

Chapter 11

  1. Describe the test Morrowseer is giving the dragonets? They are to go into a SkyWing outpost to convince them they’re the Dragonets of Destiny p.120
  2. What could be the consequences? They could die p.121

Chapter 12

  1. Choose a word that defines Starflight in this chapter. Courageous, bold, etc. explain why you chose that word. Starflight has courage and spoke the truth to the SkyWings p.123

Chapter 13

  1. Why is Starflight upset with how Squid is treated? Squid is now alone and rejected; Starflight cares about him and doesn’t want him to get hurt p.138

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight and Fatespeaker follow Flame to the dungeon; they speak with Deathbringer and learn where the Queen is; they go in search of her; Starflight knows he should help Deathbringer but doesn’t know how p.142
  2. Why does Starflight feel like he should help Deathbringer? Deathbringer has helped him and his friends

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the queen’s room and what the dragonets found in it. Three different walls had holes to look through and a cauldron fill to the brim with lava p.162

Chapter 16

  1. Why are the dragonets feeling rejected at the end of this chapter? The Queen listens to them but told them to listen to Morrowseer p.170

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight uses the dream visitor and speaks with Glory; her tribe isn’t ready to go through the tunnels; Starflight asks Glory to protect Tsunami; Starflight is worried someone knows about the dream visitor p.171

Chapter 18

  1. Predict why Morrowseer has two sets of Dragonets of Prophecy. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 19

  1. Do you think Fatespeaker would fit in with Starflight’s friends? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Predict why Mastermind wants to speak with Starflight. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize the decision made in the Council and why it was made. The NightWings will attack the RainWings at midnight because they are worried about the RainWings getting stronger and the dragonets causing issues p.203

Chapter 21

  1. How are the dragonets going to get through to the tunnel to save the RainWings? Brought Flame with them and use the excuse to save Flame with special healing properties found in the rain forest p.214

Chapter 22

  1. Do you agree with Glory’s plan at the end of the chapter? Listen to your child’s answer p.227

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize Sunny’s idea and explain if you think it will work or not. Have the RainWings use sleeping darts on the NightWings to make them all go to sleep; yes, because the RainWings are comfortable using them and have used them on other dragons as they patrol, or used them on each other as a prank p.234

Chapter 24

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight tells Sunny he loves her; the RainWings go into the tunnel and successfully knock out the guards; they free Orchid and the other prisoners; they talk to the Queen of the NightWings p.237

Chapter 25

  1. Describe Starflight in this chapter. Brave, courageous, bold, didn’t worry what others thought, spoke his mind p.251
  2. In the last two chapters, share two examples Starflight has been bold and courageous when speaking with another character. Telling Sunny he loved her; telling Queen Battlewinner she will die in the volcano and that the queen he should be speaking to is Greatness

Chapter 26

  1. Predict what will happen. Will the RainWings let the NightWings live in the rain forest or will the NightWings all die? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 27

  1. What did you learn about the prophecy in this chapter? Morrowseer made it up and feels like he can do whatever he wants p.280

Chapter 28

  1. Summarize the conclusion to the story. Morrowseer died from the volcano eruption; Clay saved Starflight with his fireproof scales; Starflight is confused about Sunny and Fatespeaker; he’s confused about the prophecy being fake; he was put to sleep so he could heal from his burns p.281

Epilogue

  1. Why do the queens want to destroy the dragonets? They are getting in the way of their plans

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #3 The Hidden Kingdom

The Hidden Kingdom

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 10.0

The five dragonets of the prophecy are hoping to hide in safety in the RainWing kingdom, but when tribe members start disappearing and the old queen does nothing, it is up to Glory and her friends to uncover the lurking evil. Text has violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction. The friends traveled with Webs toward the RainWing kingdom; two MudWing guards passed the group, were attacked and died p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Glory’s expectations in meeting her family? She wants it to be better than life on the mountain and hopes her parents won’t be like Clay’s parents p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the RainWings they meet in this chapter. They were different beautiful colors; didn’t recognize Glory; use poisonous darts to capture and question dragons

Chapter 4

  1. What is something Glory learned about herself in this chapter? The sun recharges RainWing scales and makes them happier, prettier, smarter, and better at camouflage p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Glory unimpressed when she found out she’s related to Jambu? He never cared about her before so she figured he wouldn’t now p.44

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. The friends wake up and demand to see the queen to get help for Webs; there’s a line and as they wait, they learn a number of RainWings are missing from the tribe p.47

Chapter 7

  1. What response did Glory get from the queen when she said she was stolen? The Queen thought whoever took her was rude but didn’t really care p.67

Chapter 8

  1. Predict what Glory and her friends do. Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Choose a word that defines Glory in this chapter. Explain. Impulsive, reasonable, brave; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize what Clay and Glory do. Were you correct in your prediction? They hide in the trees and watch the area to see if anything goes in and out of the doorway/hole p.82

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize the journey into the tunnel and what Glory found. The tunnel seemed to be made from magic and led to the desert, and the Sand Kingdom p.89

Chapter 11

  1. Explain why Mangrove rushed through the tunnel unannounced. He wants to find Orchid and knew if he said something, he would be stopped p.102

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. The dragons fly toward the Ice Kingdom; waking early, Glory flies around and finds a NightWing near where she and her friends slept p.105

Chapter 13

  1. Describe Deathbringer. A young learned NightWing; he’s on a mission, waiting for someone; flirtatious with Glory; expects other dragons to be in awe of him p.113

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Glory decide they needed to go into the fortress appearing as IceWings? There wasn’t a way to sneak in and she didn’t want Jambu to freeze; Mangrove wouldn’t have given up trying to get in p.126

Chapter 15

  1. What choice did Glory make when determining what to do to Blaze. She gave a version of the truth p.133

Chapter 16

  1. Predict what you think will happen. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 17

  1. How is Glory and Tsunami’s friendship growing? They are individually maturing and don’t fight and argue like they used to p.154
  2. Do you agree with Mangrove that his search for Orchid in the fortress was useless? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 18

  1. What does Glory mean when she wants to be the bait? She’s willing to be in danger to find out more about the monster p.168

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory was alone and was captured; She was taken into a cave and heard dragons talking; Deathbringer knows them and is giving them instruction p.169

Chapter 20

  1. Describe the home of the NightWings. Cave with molten lava and smells of eggs; full of NightWings p.181

Chapter 21

  1. Describe Kinkajou. A dragonet no more than three years; talks a lot; is very brave; the RainWing that was out training and was kidnapped

Chapter 22

  1. Do you think Glory will be able to trust Deathbringer? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 23

  1. Why didn’t Kinkajou want to use her acid? She didn’t want to hurt another dragon p.203

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Glory challenge Queen Magnificent for the throne? Because the Queen didn’t care what happened to her tribe and Glory did; if Glory is queen, she can control what the tribe does p.217

Chapter 25

  1. Summarize Glory’s reason for wanting to be queen? To save the missing RainWings p.227

Chapter 26

  1. Describe Sunny in this chapter. Hopeful dragons can change; encouraging; positive p.231

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory trained for the challenge the next day; her friends made her sleep; she woke up looking at Queen Scarlet p.237

Chapter 28

  1. Describe how Queen Scarlet found Glory. A magical dreamvisitor stone an animus dragon created to see and talk to people while they sleep p.244

Chapter 29

  1. Predict the challenge the Queen will have Glory and her team do? Listen to your child’s answer p.257

Chapter 30

  1. What had the sloths done during the tree gliding race? Cheated for the queen; threw out a vine to slow Jambu down p.267

Chapter 31

  1. Summarize the camouflage contest and who won. The queen went first; Glory found her by watching the audience’s reactions; the Queen found Glory by scaring her sloth and chasing it when it ran to Glory; the queen won p.276

Chapter 32

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory and the Queen were tied two to two; during the venom contest, Kinkajou saw a sloth wander in front of the board and was burned when saving it as Grandeur spit and hit her p.280

Chapter 33

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Glory is rightfully queen due to being Grandeur’s descendent; the tribe celebrates; Clay comes to warn Glory that Starflight is gone and possibly went to warn the NightWings p.287

Epilogue

Who is the unconscious dragonet? What do you think happened? Starflight, he was kidnapped p.296

Comprehension Questions – Charlie Bone #2 Charlie Bone and the Time Twister

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister

by Jenny Nimmo

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 9.0

Back at Bloor's Academy after Christmas vacation, Charlie finds himself confronted with a new problem when young Henry Yewbeam, who vanished during a game of marbles in 1916, suddenly appears and needs help to find his family.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Henry and James are brothers; Henry made his cousin Zeke angry, and Zeke caused Henry to travel forward in time leaving his younger brother; three cats came to James and made him warm and safe; they led him to where Henry disappeared; James learned his brother is gone but has the cats to protect him p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Charlie. Descendent of James; can hear voices from photographs; goes to Bloor’s Academy; his family has powers; lives with his mom, both grandmas and uncle; his friend is Benjamin p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Predict what was happening at the end of this chapter. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Explain what made Henry sad at the end of this chapter? Why? He didn’t think he could go back home; the elements that existed when he time travelled were gone, and without the circumstances being the same, he couldn’t go back in time p.70

Chapter 5

  1. Describe what Olivia did to give Charlie 5 minutes. She spilled a tray of food right in front of the door so Asa and Manfred couldn’t leave the cafeteria p.86

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Charlie found Henry in the kitchen and they thought if Henry went into the freezer, the temperature would be just right to send Henry back; Charlie tried to open the door to the freezer and couldn’t; Cook found him and got Henry out; the Flames brought Henry back and Charlie knew Cook was more than what he initially thought; Blessed, the dog, came in the kitchen and Cook sent Charlie to bed; Cook told Blessed he better not tell anyone about the room or Henry or she wouldn’t take care of him anymore p.92

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Charlie take Gabriel to Cook’s special room? Charlie thought Cook could help Gabriel p.135

Chapter 8

  1. Predict how Charlie is going to get to Tancred? Listen to your child answer

Chapter 9

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Describe what happened when Charlie and his friends went to the Thunder House? Tancred locked himself in his room and his father wouldn’t let the boys in p.177

Chapter 10

  1. Describe the Yewbeam sisters. Mean, manipulative, selfish; Charlie’s grandma and aunts p.184

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize Uncle Paton’s experiment. During the day, Charlie and Benjamin walked with his uncle while he was reading a book, to take his mind off of bursting light bulbs; when they got to the pet cafe, Asa showed up outside the window, but Uncle Paton continued to concentrate; the only mishap was when Paton stopped reading because he was disappointed p.218

Chapter 12

  1. Describe the journey Henry had after he was taken from his cousin Zeke. He was led to the old castle and into the courtyard, down a passage that led downward; it was heavy with must and came out onto grass; Zelda opened a pit and Henry was pushed in p.240

Chapter 13

  1. Why can’t Billy trust Blessed anymore? Blessed didn’t tell him where Henry was p.267

Chapter 14

  1. Describe Emma. Endowed; goes to the same school as Charlie; has a special power with birds and can turn into them; lives with her aunt p.282

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize this chapter. Olivia sneaks out and finds Henry; she’s attacked by Zelda and Beth, but Emma, as the Tollroc, saves her; they tell Charlie and Fidelio what happened and Charlie goes to visit Skarpo in the painting p.288
  2. Predict what will happen when Charlie visits Skarpo. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Summarize what happened in the painting. Charlie went in and spoke with Skarpo; Skarpo wanted to help Charlie hurt someone, but Charlie wanted help rescuing Henry; Charlie saw the wand and took it, Skarpo tried to stop him, and Lysander’s ancestor’s spirits helped Charlie; Charlie came out of the painting p.307

Chapter 17

  1. Describe the plan to free Henry? Go to the Pets Cafe, take a tunnel to the ruin, bring Henry back to the Pets Cafe, Uncle Paton and Charlie will take Henry someplace safe that only Uncle Paton knows p.336

Chapter 18

Summarize this chapter. Charlie and Fidelio get Henry out of the dungeon, but Henry had to stay in the tunnel due to Dr. Bloor and Charlie’s aunts and grandma watching him; Tancred created a storm; Charlie and Uncle Paton will try and get Henry around 10:00pm p.338

Chapter 19

  1. Why do you think will Henry be safe from his enemies? They think he went with Mrs. Bloor back in time p.372

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize the life Henry will have by the sea? He’ll live with his brother and go to school p.391

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize the ending to this story. Charlie hopes his dad will come home; there was a celebration for Paton’s birthday; all of Charlie’s friends and their parents came to celebrate p.395

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #8 Medusa the Mean

Medusa the Mean

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

As one of the few mortals at MOA, it's hard not to get jealous when you're surrounded by beautiful, powerful classmates, and it isn't easy making friends either, especially when you have snakes for hair. The coauthor is Suzanne Williams.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Medusa. Likes the color green; skin and hair are green; was bullied and made fun of in elementary school; likes to make up stories of how she gets back at her bullies; is a mortal while her sisters are immortal; can turn mortals to stone; has snakes instead of hair p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Is Medusa making a wise choice to buy the necklace that will make her immortal? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.29

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Medusa gets her sisters to give her money, but it isn’t going to work; as she leaves the store, her snakes shoplift p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Was it wise for Medusa to sign the contract? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize Medusa’s trip home. She went home but her parents weren’t thrilled to see her; her room has been packed up; she took her scrolls from 1st grade and read them; she’s happy she doesn’t live there anymore and is grateful she goes to MOA p.76

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Medusa write and draw her Queen of Mean comic strip? She feels rejected and inadequate because she is mortal, it helps her feel better p.105

Chapter 7

  1. Why is it a problem that Medusa told the truth in this chapter? She hurt Andromeda’s feelings p.133

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the Gray Ladies. Live in an igloo; hair so long it completely covered them; all the of them shared one eye; could read minds and knew what Athena and Medusa needed to hear p.149

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize Medusa’s conversation with Zeus? He wanted to see her because he was upset she had her face on a shield; when he found out who had manipulated Medusa he was more understanding; Medusa suggested he take Athena to pick up the wedding supplies p.178

Chapter 10

  1. Give two examples of Medusa rejecting the friendship of those around her. Why is she doing that? When Athena waved at her she ignored her and when Dionysus looked up at her in the window and she ducked; she doesn’t believe they want to be her friends p.185

Chapter 11

  1. Where should Medusa be putting her focus instead of trying to become immortal and popular?  Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Hera and Zeus get married; Medusa’s locket turns into a Pegasus; Zeus is so happy about Pegasus he gives Medusa immortality for a day; she begins to accept other’s friendship and starts to crush on Dionysus p.219

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #7 Artemis the Loyal

Artemis the Loyal

by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

It is time for the annual Olympic Games, and the four goddess girls are not happy. The games are for boys only, and the girls at MOA are not pleased.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What event will be happening during this story and why is Artemis unhappy about it? The Olympics; only boys can compete and she is mad she is not able to p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the giants. Came to the Olympics to wrestle; curly, bright red hair; twins; grumpy; larger than Mr. Cyclops; polite; their clan sided with the Titans in the war; p.16
  2. Define the word loyal. Giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.
  3. Why did her loyalty get Artemis in trouble? She wanted to help her brother, but he didn’t want it

Chapter 3

  1. Predict what will happen. Will Artemis talk Zeus into letting girls compete in the games? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Why does Apollo want Artemis to stop helping him? She’s always there and never lets him fail; he wants to be able to spread his wings and do things on his own p.81

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Artemis and her friends brainstorm ideas for a name for the girls only Olympics and came up with Her-O-lympics p.83

Chapter 7 

  1. Why do you think Otus was being nice to Artemis? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. Do you agree with Artemis’s definition and thoughts about fairness? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Was gathering signatures for the petition successful? Yes, a significant number of girls signed it along with two boys p.134
  2. What word would you use to describe Actaeon and Otus for signing the petition. Why? Courageous; open minded; listen to your child’s answer p.139

Chapter 10

  1. Predict how Zeus found out about the petition. Why do you think that? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize this chapter. Artemis asks Hera to speak to Zeus and try to convince him to let the girls have their Her-O-lympics p.177

Chapter 12

  1. Why is Artemis upset at the end of this chapter? The snake hypnotized her and she gave away Apollo’s weakness p.204

Chapter 13

  1. How did Apollo react when Artemis told him she told the python his weakness? He was grateful p.211
  2. Why do you think he acted that way? Listen to your child’s 
  3. Describe how Heracles won the wrestling tournament? He held the giant’s shoulders on the mat for three seconds p.226

Chapter 14

  1. Describe how Ephialtes was distracted from the fight over the wreath? Artemis turned herself into a stag and he chased her p.232

Chapter 15

  1. What does Artemis learn about herself in this book? She needs to be supportive to her brother, and not bossy

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #11 Persephone the Daring

Persephone the Daring

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology/Folklore; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

Though it means breaking some very serious Underworld rules, Persephone pushes Hades to return Eurydice to the living world.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Define dependable. Trustworthy and reliable
  2. Why doesn’t Persephone like being labeled dependable? It’s boring; she doesn’t see that it’s a good trait to have p.12

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize how Hades showed good character in this chapter. He caught the boys spying on the girls and stopped them; he trusted Persephone and her friendship p.29

Chapter 3

  1. What’s the opposite of dependable? Unreliable; can’t be trusted
  2. How is Persephone undependable in this chapter? She changed her style p.42
  3. Is it a problem to change your style? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Persephone and her friends went to the concert, and she was pulled on stage and got Orpheus’ autograph on her arm p.51

Chapter 5

  1. From whose perspective is the author writing this chapter? Hades p.72
  2. How does he feel about being popular with the mortal girls? He doesn’t like it; he knows the truth and that he does a lot of boring things; he doesn’t want them to come to the Underworld p.72

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Eurydice. Orpheus’s backup singer and crush; unpredictable; free spirit; spontaneous; p.97

Chapter 7

  1. Choose a word to describe Eurydice. Explain. Irresponsible; thoughtless; selfish; inconsiderate; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. What do Persephone and Hades have in common? They are both rooming with the guests and hanging out with them p.104

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Hades get angry at Persephone? She told Eurydice sensitive information about him, and Eurydice put it into a song; it embarrassed Hades p.153

Chapter 10

  1. How is Eurydice a bad influence on Persephone? She encourages her to be more spontaneous and forgetful of her duties; she talks about personal things when she shouldn’t trust her p.159

Chapter 11

  1. How is Eurydice reckless and careless in this chapter? She went to the Underworld with Adonis and danced in the field with poisonous snakes; she expects to be let out without any consequences; she threw a fit when the Furies captured her and she fell towards the earth p.179

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Zeus stand by the Furies? It was a fair deal
  2. Do you agree with Eurydice’s punishment? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Does Eurydice understand that her recklessness isn’t good? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer; no, she continues to make irresponsible decisions p.226

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize the trick Eurydice and Orpheus played on everyone. Eurydice pretended to break up the band and took off with Viper; they planned to get back together on stage and sing the song about the Underworld p.233

Chapter 15

  1. How did Persephone feel about being dependable now? She valued it; she’s grateful she and her friends are dependable p.246

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #10 Pheme the Gossip

Pheme the Gossip

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology/Folklore; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

As the goddess girl of rumor and gossip, Pheme prides herself on being "in the know" and having the most up-to-date info on anyone and everyone at Mount Olympus Academy.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What part of speech is, “being caught red handed”? Idiom
  2. Use this phrase in your own sentence. “His mom caught him red handed, reaching into the cookie jar.”

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pheme couldn’t make the red go away and stuck her hands in her pockets; she bumped into Athena and her friends; she ran outside and met the boy who stowed away on Hermes cart p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Pheme. One of 13 kids; has red hair; is a goddess; has a gift of spreading rumors; when she speaks, the words puff out of her mouth and float above her head; works in the office of the school; is the floor monitor for her floor; is always looking for gossip to spread; snoops in rooms to find gossip; wants to be chosen to write in the Scrollazine magazine p.40

Chapter 4

  1. Would you trust Pheme to keep your secret? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Is Pheme being a good friend to Phaeton in this chapter? Why, or why not? No; she’s only helping him to help herself, selfish motives; he doesn’t want people to know who his father is and she’s telling everyone p.86

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Athena’s attitude toward Pheme for reading her diary. She forgives her and won’t tell her dad p.115

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pheme saw Phaeton using Artemis’s chariot and couldn’t tell her because of the no gossip spell Athena put on her p.120

Chapter 8

  1. How did Pheme manipulate the teacher to let her keep her notebook with her drawing? She lied and said it was part of her assignment; she incorporated it into her project p.153

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Pheme decide she needed to tell Zeus about Phaeton? She was worried about Earth getting destroyed; she stopped being concerned for herself p.180

Chapter 10

  1. How are Athena and Pheme showing signs of friendship? They are helping each other and watching out for each other p.193

Chapter 11

  1. What gave Pheme courage to help Phaeton? Athena’s gratitude from the time Pheme saved her p.209
  2. Do you have an experience you look back on that helps give you courage or strength? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 12

  1. Do you agree with Eros that gossip is necessary? Why, or why not? Good news is good, but gossip is not good; gossiping hurts people’s feelings and they don’t trust you anymore p.230

Chapter 13

  1. How did Pheme show courage in this chapter? She told Zeus everything p.234

Epilogue 

  1. Summarize this ending. Pheme was asked to be the writer for the gossip column p.251

Comprehension Questions – Goddess Girls #9 Pandora the Curious

Pandora the Curious

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology/Folklore; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

Pandora's curious nature makes it difficult for her to not take a peek in the mysterious and dangerous box brought to school by Epimetheus, which causes far more trouble than anyone could have imagined.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Pandora. A mortal who goes to MOA; she has bangs in the shape of question marks; she’s very curious p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why shouldn’t Pandora have opened the box? It wasn’t hers; she should have asked first p.14
  2. Describe Athena at the end of the chapter. She wasn’t herself; she didn’t care about science or the competition; she was painting her nails and reading a magazine; she didn’t know who a famous mortal scientist was anymore p.28

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Pandora’s classmates and principal think she was annoying? She asks a lot of questions all the time p.49

Chapter 4

  1. Define the word vain. having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth.
  2. Predict what has happened to Athena and Artemis. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Are you correct in your prediction? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize the science project Pandora and her partners are doing? “What effect will adding heroes to the game board have on Earth?” They’re making heroes and a dog to add to the game board and are going to ask mortals on Earth what they need p.88

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pandora and the Titans went to earth in a u-fire balloon; they found out the mortals needed fire and were blamed for not having any p.90

Chapter 7

  1. Why does Pandora think the Titans are using the box of bubbles like a Trojan horse? Zeus defeated them and sent them to the Underworld; the Titans could be trying to weaken Zeus and the Olympians p.117

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize how Pandora convinced Aphrodite that something was going on with her friends. She showed her evidence of how her friends were different p.30

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize what happened in the Titan’s room? Aphrodite was hit by a bubble and became rude, making songs with her armpit and by burping; Pandora became defensive; Prometheus was hit with a bubble and became a thief p.150

Chapter 10

  1. What’s the plan to get the bubble box back? Sneak into Zeus’s office and find it p.165

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Zeus punish Prometheus? He started the hero-ology room on fire p.190

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize how “hope” is solving the bubble problem. The hope bubble is touching the people affected by the trouble bubbles; the bubble says, “hope” and the trouble bubble materializes and goes into the box p.164

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. Pandora tricked the lazy bubble, and it finally came out of Zeus; she explained what happened to Zeus; Zeus gave the history of the box; Zeus took away Prometheus’ punishment and took the boys to see their dad p.222

Chapter 14

  1. What does Pandora mean when she’s realized Epimetheus “got” her? Understood and liked her for who she is p.246