Tag Archives: Grades 5-7

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #1 The Magician’s Nephew

The Magician's Nephew

by C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL T; AR pts. 6.0

Digory and Polly discover a secret passage that links their homes, and they are taken into the World of Charn, where they wake up the evil Queen Jadis. There, they witness the creation of the Land of Narnia as it is sung into being by the Great Lion, Aslan.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize this chapter. We learn about Digory and Polly and how they meet; they tried to explore their attics and wound up in Digory’s uncle’s study; Uncle Andrew invited Polly to a gold ring and when she touched it, she disappeared p.3

Chapter 2

  1. How does Digory feel about his uncle? Why? He’s beastly, uncaring, selfish, greedy; he learned he only cares for himself and his experiment and not for those that are trapped in it p.25

Chapter 3

  1. Explain how the rings work. The yellow rings draw to the world with the pools and the green rings draw away from the world with the pools p.42

Chapter 4

  1. Describe the world and room Polly and Digory found themselves in.  Abandoned; desolate courtyards; strange light; the room had many wax people dressed in magnificent clothing that looked new; there is a bell and a message p.44

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Jadis. Has been asleep and was awakened by the bell; Beautiful; enchanting; arrogant; killed her sister for the throne; greedy; magical; tall p.58

Chapter 6

  1. What is the title to this chapter? Explain why this is fitting. The Beginning of Uncle Andrew’s Troubles; the witch only noticed him and has started to order him around p.76

Chapter 7

  1. Describe what the witch did when she went out into London. She captured a buggy and horse and rode on top, making the horse and everyone around her mad

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Digory and Polly get the Witch off their world; Uncle Andrew, the horse and the cabby go with them since they were all touching; Digory and Polly try to go back home but everyone ends up in a new world; they hear singing and the world starts to be created; they see Aslan p.100

Chapter 9

  1. Who is Aslan a symbol of? Jesus Christ
  2. What’s created in this chapter? Grass, trees, bushes, animals p.112
  3. What did Aslan do to the chosen plants, beasts and water? Gave them walking, speech, and divinity p.126

Chapter 10

  1. Why is Uncle Andrew so afraid of the Talking Beasts? because of who he was; he didn’t understand them and thought they were growling at him and we’re going to eat him p.138

Chapter 11

  1. Why was Aslan so harsh to Digory? He made bad choices and brought the witch to the new world p.146
  2. Who’s the new king and queen of the world? The cabby and his wife p.150

Chapter 12

  1. How does the tree of protection from evil compare to the Garden of Eden in our creation? Adam and Eve had the Tree of Life protected by angels to prevent them from dying in their sin; Aslan sent Digory on a mission to collect an apple to plant that will grows into a tree, that will prevent Narnia from the evil Witch for many years p.154

Chapter 13

  1. On page 163, Fledge comments that Aslan likes to be asked for things. How does that compare to Jesus Christ? Jesus likes us to ask for what we need and waits for us to ask for what we need and want p.163
  2. Do you think the children Should be alarmed by what they saw that night? Listen to your child’s answer p.166

Chapter 13

  1. Did Digory make the correct decision when speaking with the witch? Why, or why not? Yes, she was trying to make him think of himself and his mother instead of what Aslan wanted p.179

Chapter 14

  1. Why is it different that Digory plucked an apple from the tree in Narnia from when he thought of taking an apple when it was within the walls? Aslan gave him permission when the tree has grown in Narnia p.191

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Digory’s mother retained her health; the tree Digory planted grew, but blew down later and a ward robe was made from the wood; his father received an inheritance that included a big home in the country; the witch is the witch in the Lion, the Witch and the Ward Robe p.195

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #7 The Last Battle

The Last Battle

by C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 7.0

Jill and Eustace join Prince Tirian as he tries to defeat the evil that has infested Narnia.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Shift. An ape; bosses Puzzle around; manipulative; gets what he wants; not a good friend; makes Puzzle feel guilty for telling him “no” p.3
  2. Why didn’t Puzzle want to wear the lion skin? He felt it would be wrong and disrespectful to Aslan p.9
  3. Why did Shift want Puzzle to wear the lion skin? To pretend to be Aslan so he could get what he wants p.14
  4. Do you think it’s a good idea? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 2

  1. Has Aslan shown himself in the land? No, it’s Puzzle in the lion skin p.17
  2. What tidings did Roonwit bring the king? There’s evil that hangs over Narnia p.19
  3. How did the king act rash in this chapter? He raced in with Jewel and killed the Calormenes instead of waiting for his army p.27

Chapter 3

  1. Why is everyone believing Puzzle is Aslan? That’s what Shift is telling them; They’ve never seen Aslan before; they don’t know what he looks like or what his nature is p.30
  2. What’s Shift doing in this chapter? Lying to the Talking Beasts to make them go along with his plan; being deceitful p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Compare Puzzle to the real Aslan? Stiff in stature; Shift speaks to the people for him; Aslan always shows himself and speaks for himself when he wants and he wouldn’t kill the trees or enslave the animals p.48
  2. What shoes Tirian do in this chapter? Calls out for help to Aslan and to the children/friends of Narnia p.50

Chapter 5

  1. Who’s sitting at the table Tirian saw? The Professor, Aunt Polly, Eustace, Jill, Peter, Lucy, Edmund p.57
  2. Where did Tirian take the children? The battlements p.60

Chapter 6

  1. Where had Jill gone and what did she find? To the stable; Puzzle in the lion skin p.74
  2. Why didn’t the group feel the need to whisper anymore? They had the false Aslan and could prove to everyone they had been tricked p.76

Chapter 7

  1. How did the dwarfs react when Tirian saved them and cheered for Aslan? They didn’t believe in Aslan and didn’t want a king anymore p.83
  2. Summarize the conversation Poggin overheard. The Cat and the Calormene Captain agreed to use the Ape to their advantage to make Narnia a Calormene province p.90

Chapter 8

  1. What news did the Eagle bring to Tirian and the others? Calormene ships attacked Cair Paravel and the dying Roonwit sent a message with Farsight that all worlds draw to an end p.103

Chapter 9

  1. How was the king’s plan ruined? Shift told the Beasts that a donkey had dressed up as Aslan, so now the Beasts want to kill Puzzle p.116

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. The Ape challenged Narnians to go into the stable; the Cat goes in and comes out unable to talk; a Calormene soldier goes in, but a different soldier comes out dead; the Ape threatens a Boar to go in and Tirian and his group come out with their weapons; Tirian invites the Narnians to stand at his side and fight the Calormenes p.117

Chapter 11

  1. Name something discouraging that happened in this chapter. The dwarfs shot and killed the Talking Horses; the Calormenes reinforced the enemy army; many Narnian Animals left and wouldn’t help fight; Narnians joined the enemy p.134

Chapter 12

  1. What did Tirian find inside the stable? Tash took Rishda away and 7 kings and queens stood before him, the same as in the dream he had when he called to them p.150

Chapter 13

  1. Why couldn’t the dwarfs be helped? They didn’t want to be p.169
  2. Who appeared in the stable? Aslan p.169

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter. The animals of the world all had to face Aslan; the world of Narnia ended; Emeth the Calormene was sitting against a tree p.174

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Emeth able to see Aslan? He believed in him p.188

Chapter 16

  1. What had happened to the children and their parents? There was a railway accident and they all died p.210

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #5 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

by C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin, Eustace, are magically transported onto the ship, "Dawn Treader", where King Caspian is searching for the seven friends of his father.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Eustace. Doesn't have friends; collects bugs; enjoys reading non-fiction books; doesn't like his cousins the Pevansies; is bossy and a bully p.3
  2. Explain the port side and starboard side of a ship. Port means the left side when looking at the front of the ship; starboard is the right-side p.6
  3. How do the children travel to Narnia in this book? When looking at a painting of a boat driving forward in the sea, it came alive and swept the three children into the ocean p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Where are the voyagers going? To find the lost counselors of the king p.20
  2. What helped Eustace feel better? Lucy’s cordial p.24
  3. What sparked the conflict between Reepicheep and Eustace? Eustace swung Reepicheep around by his tail p.33

Chapter 3

  1. What mishap occurred when the group went to the Lone Islands? They were captured and were going to be sold on the market as slaves p.41
  2. Who purchased Caspian? Lord Bern; one of the Lord’s Caspian’s uncle sent to sea p.46
  3. Why did Lord Bern believe that Caspian was the real King Caspian? His voice, Caspian remembered Lord Bern’s name, Caspian spoke the same as his father p.47

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Pug call Eustace Sulky? Sulky means to be morose, bad-tempered, and resentful, refusing to be cooperative or cheerful. Eustace is all these things p.63
  2. Why does Duke Bern want Caspian to stay? He foresees war from Calormen p.65

Chapter 5

  1. Define what a poop is in this context. The aftermost and highest deck of a ship, especially in a sailing ship where it typically forms the roof of a cabin in the stern p.68
  2. Why was it a bad idea for Eustace to wander away from the group? He got lost p.78
  3. Why did Eustace think the ship would leave him? He thought Caspian and Edmund were out to get rid of him p.81
  4. Is this true? No p.81

Chapter 6

  1. Why is it a bother for Eustace to disappear? Everyone needed to take the time to find him p.89
  2. What made Eustace realize Caspian and Edmund weren’t his enemies? Turning into a dragon made him miss them p.92
  3. How did everyone realize the dragon wasn’t going to hurt them? He tried to communicate with them p.96

Chapter 7

  1. Explain how Eustace became a human again? Aslan came and helped him shed his skin p.107
  2. How did Eustace’s character grow when he was a dragon? He learned how to be helpful and to have a better attitude towards those around him p.112

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The ship was attacked by a sea serpent then landed on an island; after getting water, a group decided to explore; they came upon a lake that turned things to gold; they started getting greedy, but they saw Aslan who helped them come to their senses; they came back to the ship with the realization it was a Narnian Lord who was lost at the bottom of the golden lake p.116

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the invisible people threaten to kill the group who came on land? To get Lucy to read a spell to make them visible again p.141
  2. Why did Lucy need to read the spell? Only the magician or a girl could make the spell work p.141

Chapter 10

  1. List two spells Lucy came across in the magic book. Beautification; how to hear what your friends say about you; how to make things visible; cures for warts, toothaches, cramps p.151
  2. What did Aslan mean when he said he’d been invisible this entire time? He has been there with her, but couldn’t show him to Lucy since she didn’t believe p.159

Chapter 11

  1. Did Lucy need to be afraid of the invisible people when they were made visible? No, they looked like dwarves with one foot p.166
  2. Did the Dufflepuds learn to appreciate who they were? Yes p.173
  3. Name two things the magician did for Caspian and his party? Fed them; gave them a place to rest; fixed the boat; created a map of where they had sailed; gave them treasures when they left p.173

Chapter 12

  1. What happened when Lucy prayed to Aslan for help? A beam of light shined on the ship, an albatross appeared and guided them to the sun; Aslan whispered courage to Lucy and breathed a delicious smell into her face p.186
  2. Was it purposeful to go into the darkness? Why? Yes; to find Lord Rhoop p.188

Chapter 13

  1. Why had the three Lords fallen asleep at the table? They began to fight over what they should do, and someone grabbed the dagger the White Witch used to kill Aslan p.200

Chapter 14

  1. How did Caspian persuade the sailors to sail to the end of the World? He made it sound like it was a privilege and that not everyone could go; by possibly taking away the opportunity they wanted it more and more p.215
  2. Predict what Caspian wanted to talk about with Ramandu’s daughter. Listen to your child’s answer p.217

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize this chapter. The ship sails and Lucy sees sea people; they can drink right from the ocean and can now handle looking at the sun; they don’t need to eat; the ship sailed without wind p228

Chapter 16

  1. Why do the shipmates travel without speaking? The closer they get to Aslan’s land its more sacred and reverent p.234
  2. Why aren’t Lucy and Edmund coming back to Narnia? They’re getting too old p.247

Comprehension Questions – Call it Courage

Call it Courage

by Armstrong Sperry

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Comprehension Questions – 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 August out quickly. Auggie’s dad ran after her dropping and breaking the video camera and the farting nurse held Auggie’s mom down and tried to wake the doctor; the farting 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. Why is Auggie worried about going to school? Everyone will stare at him 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, nervous and uncomfortable p.17
  2. What did Mr. Tushman have the three students do? Give Auggie a tour of the school 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 asked Auggie liked Darth Sidious. Julian was making fun of Auggie’s face since Darth Sidious has a face that gets 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 summer 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 do her own thing 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 to have bad days and that 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, but she couldn’t be August’s friend too. Summer had to decide between August and Julian p.122
  3. What did Summer do to get out of the party and who did she choose? She went to the bathroom and called her mom to pick her up and she left; August p.123
  4. How did Summer keep her promise to August and still help Jack know why he was mad at him? She gave Jack the clue, Bleeding Scream; it’s what August dressed up as for Halloween when he overheard Jack talking to Julian about him p.132

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 Will find challenging as he went back to school after being hitting Julian? His friends wouldn’t talk to him and they all ditched 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 got divorced and hate each other. Olivia’s parents pay attention, talk and laugh to their children and to each other p.191
  2. What wish do you think Olivia wished for on the ladybug? Listen to your child’s answers p.195
  3. What did Justin do for Jack when he saw Miles, Henry and Julian in the subway station? He scrunched up his face, looked mean as he held his violin case threateningly and told them in a Clint Eastwood voice to leave Jack 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 loves notes 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 didn’t want August to go since the kids at her new school don’t know about 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 matter anymore 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; they spread what happened and the girls asked if he was all right and everyone really seemed to care about August p.274

Pages 276-310 (Home-The Walk Home)

  1. What surprise did Via and August’s dad bring home? A puppy p.280
  2. What was found in Eddie’s locker? Auggie’s hearing aid headband p.284
  3. What happened to Auggie’s astronaut helmet? His dad threw it out since he missed seeing Auggie’s face p.290
  4. Name one characteristic that August demonstrated that helped him earn the Henry Ward Beecher Award? Give an example of why you chose that characteristic. Have your child list one of the following characteristics and an example of how August showed it during the story: Courage, kindness, friendship, character p.304

Comprehension Questions – When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts: 6.0

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper: I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

Comprehension Questions

Chapters 1-3 pgs. 1-11

Ask your child to think about the names of the chapters and how they’re symbolic to the story. Tell them you’ll ask them at the end of the book to see if they’ve figured it out.

  1. What point of view is this story told in and who’s the main character? first person; Miranda p.1,5
  2. Why does Miranda’s mom need to win the game show? Because her mom’s hating work and if she wins, she doesn’t have to work anymore p.6
  3. What book is Miranda telling Belle about while waiting for her mom in the store? A Wrinkle in Time; If you child doesn’t know yet, don’t tell them, sections of this book come up through the rest of the story p.8
  4. What did Miranda and her mom hide in this chapter? A key to their apartment p.11

Chapters 4-6 pgs. 12-20

  1. How did Miranda meet Sal? She and her mom had just moved into the apartment and that same day they met Louisa holding Sal in the lobby. He was crying and stopped when he saw Miranda p.15
  2. Describe the crazy man on the corner? He showed up as school began and would do sudden kicks into the street, shake his fist at the sky, yell crazy stuff and throw his head back and laugh so everyone could see his mouth full of fillings. He sometimes slept with his head under the mailbox p.16
  3. Who is Miranda referring to when she says, “you”? listen to your children’s thoughts

Chapters 7-10 pgs. 21-31

  1. What’s the consequence of Sal getting punched? It ended Miranda’s and his friendship p.24
  2. How does Miranda deal with strangers that she comes across? She asks them if they have the time p.25
  3. How did Miranda deal with the bully who followed her and punched Sal? She turned around and asked him if he had the time; after their conversation realized she wasn’t scared of him p.30

Chapters 11-14 pgs. 32-53

  1. Why did Miranda ask Annemarie if she wanted to have lunch together? Miranda needed a friend and overheard Julia tell Annemarie that she wouldn’t eat lunch with her for the rest of the week p.35
  2. Why is it important that Louisa writes down notes from the game show? So Miranda’s mom can practice just how it will be when she gets on the show p.40
  3. Who was the last kid on the list Miranda picked up to the dentist and what did they have a debate about? Marcus, the boy who hit Sal; Miranda’s book p.47

Chapters 15-19 pgs. 54-66

  1. Where did Miranda, Annemarie and Colin get jobs and what was the pay? Jimmy’s; a soda and cheese sandwich p.55
  2. What was missing and what did Miranda find in her library book? The apartment key; a note that freaked Miranda and her mom out p.60
  3. Why was Miranda nervous to bring Annemarie home? They had to walk by the group of boys and the laughing man on the corner p.64

Chapters 20-25 pgs. 67-83

  1. What was in Jimmy’s bank in the back of the restaurant? Lots of $2 bills p.69
  2. How does Miranda feel about Colin? She has a crush on him p.74
  3. What did Jimmy do to Julia at the sandwich shop? He kicked her out p.83

Chapters 26-30 pgs. 84-99

  1. What had been stolen from Miranda’s apartment? Richard’s work shoes p.87
  2. Why shouldn’t Annemarie eat bread and drink soda? She has epilepsy and that type of food makes her seizures worse p.92
  3. What did Miranda learn from the third note? That whoever was writing the notes was watching her p.99

Chapters 31-34 pgs. 100-117

  1. Why did Marcus hit Sal? To see what would happen p.105
  2. Why had Miranda’s bread count at Jimmy’s come up short? Colin had taken two of the rolls and stuffed them in his knapsack p.109
  3. How did Miranda’s mom react when she found out Miranda gave the laughing man a sandwich? She was upset and thought Miranda put herself in danger p.115

Chapters 35-39 pgs. 118-136

  1. Why didn’t Jimmy let the kids into the restaurant? Someone had stolen his bank and he assumed it was one of them p.124
  2. Why does Jimmy think Julia stole the bank? She’s black p.130
  3. If you haven’t figured it out yet, what’s the book Miranda is always carrying and debating with Marcus? A Wrinkle in Time p.135

Chapters 40-43 pgs. 137-153

  1. Why did Miranda’s mom get scared when Miranda wasn’t home and she didn’t know where she was? She thought something happened to her; Miranda left and said she was going to bring back a bagel for her and never came back p.141
  2. What caused Miranda’s change of heart? She saw Julia’s face as she looked at Annemarie and realized she had the same face when she looked at Sal p.144
  3. Who was at the door when Miranda heard the strange knock and what did they want? Colin; he kissed Miranda p.153

Chapters 44-47 pgs. 154-170

  1. Why did Sal run away from Marcus into the road? Sal was scared of him because he had punched him p.158
  2. Who wrote the notes to Miranda and saved Sal’s life? The laughing man p.162
  3. Why did Sal want to take a break from being friends with Miranda? He wanted to have other friends because he didn’t have any p.169

Chapters 48-55 pgs. 171-197

  1. Explain what happened with Marcus’ brother and Marcus’ explanation of why he hit Sal. Anthony, Marcus’ brother got beat up and Marcus stood and watched. Anthony was upset that Marcus didn’t help him and told him he’d have to hit and be hit someday to understand. The next day Marcus hit Sal and instead of hitting Marcus back, Sal bent over and cried. When Anthony found out what Marcus did, he was mad at him for hitting a short kid p.177
  2. Who’s the laughing man? Marcus from the future p.189
  3. What did Miranda find under the mailbox and who’s the drawing of? Her missing apartment key and a drawing of Julia p.194
  4. Summarize this story. Miranda received three notes explaining she needed to write a letter telling the story of what happened between Sal and Marcus. The notes were from Marcus (the laughing man) from the future. Young Marcus needed the letter to know how to protect Sal.

Challenge Question

  1. What did the chapter titles represent in this story? Subjects on $20,000 Pyramid

Comprehension Questions- The Tiger Rising

The Tiger Rising

by Kate DiCamillo

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 3.0

Walking through the misty Florida woods one morning, twelve-year-old Rob Horton is stunned to encounter a tiger — a real-life, very large tiger — pacing back and forth in a cage. What's more, on the same extraordinary day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a girl who shows her feelings as readily as Rob hides his. As they learn to trust each other, and ultimately, to be friends, Rob and Sistine prove that some things — like memories, and heartaches, and tigers — can't be locked up forever.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Rob's dad rip his clothes?  slapping Rob to make him stop crying  p.3
  2. Name two of Rob's "not-thoughts".  his mom's death, rash, the Threemonger brothers) p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Billy and Norton.  boys who ride the bus with Rob; they were bullies to Rob; had bad breath;  p.5
  2. What does Mr. Nelson, the bus driver, do as Billy and Norton bully Rob?  nothing; whistles a tuneless song ignoring the situation p.6
  3. What gives Rob the strength to not-cry when the boys bully him on the bus? He had the extra power of the tiger with him  p.6

Chapter 3

  1. What did Rob think of Sistine?  she's strange p.8
  2. Where did the name "Sistine" come from? a chapel  p.9
  3. Describe Sistine.  wore pink lacy dress; gravelly, deep, clipped, sharp voice; sharp nose and chin; black black eyes; didn't seem bothered by the boys; confident  p.9

Chapter 4

  1. Why does Rob want to whittle the tiger? his mother taught him how to whittle and it makes stuff come alive  p.12
  2. What is Sistine's attitude toward Robert? hate's him p.12

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Mr. Phelmer, the principal, worried about Rob's legs?  parents of the other students think his rash might be contagious  p. 15
  2. Why is Rob's heart singing when the principal tells him he should stay home for a few days for the medicine to work?  he doesn't have to go to school; he can see the tiger; he can begin to whittle the tiger into wood  p.17

Chapter 6

  1. Why didn't Rob yell at Sistine to run when kids were throwing objects at her?  he knew if he did he would get bullied as well  p.19
  2. Why did Rob feel a thrill when the children were chasing him after he stopped them from ganging up on Sistine? he was saving Sistine p.21

Chapter 7

  1. What type of figurative language is this an example of? "He opened his mouth and the words fell out, one on top of the other, like gold coins."  simile  p.23
  2. Why did Sistine put her hand on Rob's leg, then rub her hand up and down her own legs?  so she would get the rash and not have to go to school  p.24

Chapter 8

  1. Will anyone catch Rob's sickness?  no p.26
  2. What will Rob do when he is out of school? work with his dad p.27
  3. How did Rob's dad feel about him missing school?  he was ok with it; thought a break from the bullies would do him good; thought it would be good to have Rob help him around the motel  p.27

Chapter 9

  1. Why does Rob not like sunshine? it reminds him of his mom's funeral p.33

Chapter 10

  1. What did Willie May say to Rob that would help him be cured of his rashes?  let the sadness from his mom's death rise up to his heart, not go down to his legs  p.37
  2. What certificate does Rob's principal not have? sense certificate  p.37

Chapter 11

  1. When Sistine had brought Rob his homework the first time, why were her clothes dirty and her knuckles bloody?  she'd been fighting at school  p.40
  2. When Rob told Sistine about the tiger, how did he know he told the right person? The only question she asked was, "where?"  p.41

Chapter 12

  1. Who was the sculptor that painted the Sistine Chapel?  Michelangelo  p.43
  2. How did Rob feel when Sistine called him an artist?  joyful and embarrassed p.43

Chapter 13

  1. How does Sistine get Rob to tell her about his mother? starts to leave and walks away from him p.48

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Sistine upset about the tiger being caged in Florida? it was not running free  p.50-51
  2. Why didn't Rob want to do what Sistine wanted to do and let the tiger free?  It wasn't his tiger to let go p.51
  3. What emotion did Rob feel when he grabbed Sistine's hand and ran away from the car approaching them and the tiger?  happiness  p.52
  4. Why had Rob started to feel happiness again?  he had a friend  p.52

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Rob scolding himself for leaving open his "suitcase"?  now his words, feelings and emotions were out   p.55

Chapter 16

  1. How did Sistine's parents meet?  they were both looking up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and ran into each other.  p.57
  2. Why doesn't Sistine listen to, or respect her mother? she feels like she's a liar  p.60

Chapter 17

  1. What is Willie May's opinion on caged animals?  she wants to let them go p.64
  2. Tell me about the parakeet Willie May got for her birthday.  called him Cricket because he sang all the time; could feel his heart beating in her hand when she held him; let him go since she couldn't stand him being locked up; her dad beat her  p.62

Chapter 18

  1. What special job does Beauchamp want to give Rob?  taking care of the tiger  p.67
  2. What do you think the bloody meat in Beachamp's jeep is for?  to feed the tiger p.68

Chapter 19

  1. How did Beauchamp come into possession of the tiger? a fellow owed him some money and paid him with a tiger  p.70
  2. Why did Beauchamp give the entire set of keys to the tiger cage to Rob? Beauchamp trusted him not to open the door  p.71
  3. What does Rob have that will set the tiger free?  the keys p.73

Chapter 20

  1. When Sistine presses Rob into letting the tiger go, why does he resist? the tiger won't be safe  p.76
  2. Why does Sistine break down crying when Rob won't let the tiger go?  she wants to go live with her dad; she hates it in Florida; she wants to let the tiger go  p.77
  3. How does Rob comfort Sistine when she breaks down crying? put his hand on her neck like his mother used to do to him; told her to cry and that he had a good hold on her p.77

Chapter 21

  1. What does Willie May compare Sistine's anger to?  lightning that was snapping out of her  p.81
  2. What was the advice that Willie May gave to Sistine? no one was going to rescue her; she had to rescue herself  p.82

Chapter 22

  1. When Rob's dad found the rotten meat under his bed, what's a word that would describe how his dad felt? inadequate; frustrated; angry p.83
  2. Why did Rob's father stare at the gun and crack his knuckles after finding the meat?  he was thinking about using it on Beauchamp p.84
  3. What did Rob carve? Willie May's bird, Cricket  p.85

Chapter 23

  1. When Rob put the wooden carving into Willie May's hand, what was her response?  she didn't want to open her eyes for fear she would frighten the wooden bird away; she knew what it was with her eyes closed; soothed her heart  p.88
  2. Why doesn't Willie May have to dream of Cricket anymore?  now she had Rob's carving of her Cricket  p.88

Chapter 24

  1. Why does Rob like Sistine so much?  her voice changes when she sees something beautiful  p.92
  2. When Rob and Sistine first told Willie May about the tiger, what was her reaction?  surprised; shocked; wanted to see the tiger  p.93

Chapter 25

  1. What does Sistine always say when she gets sad, frustrated or doesn't get her way?  she can't wait until her father comes to get her and that he'll set the tiger free; puts the blame on other people by calling them liars  p.95
  2. After Willie May told Rob that she would like to see the tiger "rise on up out of his cage", Rob realized what he had to do.  What do you predict he'll do?  p.97

Chapter 26

  1. When Beauchamp drives up in his jeep toward Sistine and Rob, what does Sistine do that surprises Rob?  smile and sweetly say "Sissy" to Beauchamp  p.100
  2. What is the truth that Rob and Sistine learn about Beauchamp and the tiger?  Beauchamp is scared of the tiger  p.101

Chapter 27

  1. When Rob unlocks the tiger cage, why do they rock it?  so the tiger will leave  p.103
  2. What did the author compare the tiger running away from Rob and Sistine to? he looked like the sun, rising, setting again and again

Chapter 28

  1. What happens to the tiger after the kids let him go?  Rob's dad shoots it p.106
  2. What was a positive outcome to Rob's dad shooting the tiger?  Rob was able to finally tell his father how he feels about his mother being gone and they could talk and cry together  p.106
  3. Why do you think it was important to touch the tiger after Rob's dad had shot it?  helps you mourn, say good-bye and accept what has happened  p.109

Chapter 29

  1. What attended both Rob's mother's and the tiger's funeral?  the sun  p.111
  2. On the way back to the motel after the funeral, Rob felt lighter, as if he had put something heavy down and walked away from it.  Why?  he and his dad had talked; he was able to cry; he felt good about his decision to let the tiger go  p.112

Chapter 30

  1. Why does Rob feel all right about going to school now? Sistine is there p.114
  2. What will Rob carve for Sistine? a tiger  p.116