Tag Archives: grades 5-9

Comprehension Questions – Restart

Restart

by Gordon Korman

Grades 5-9; Genre - Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

Chase Ambrose forgets everything after falling off a roof and losing consciousness. He forgets his name & his parents. He forgets what he was doing on that roof. And he forgets he's the biggest bully at Hiawassee Middle School. Book has violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the introduction to this story. Chase Ambrose wakes up in a hospital not remembering anything about himself, his family or his past; his mom takes him home and he wonders who he is as he looks at the picture of himself and his two friends on his phone p.1
  2. Using the text, what are two clues to help you know what kind of person Chase is? Little kids fear him; his mom makes up an excuse about why the beam is cracked in their house; he’s holding a bat with a pumpkin on the end of it in the picture p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Whose point of view are we reading in this chapter? Describe her relationship with Chase. Shoshanna Weber; twin to Joel whom Chase incessantly bullied; Shosh hates Chase because his actions have hurt her brother physically and emotionally; her parents had to send her brother away to a music school to keep him safe p.13

Chapter 3

  1. Why is the school principal encouraging Chase to see the amnesia as a rare opportunity, a blank canvas? Because Chase previously made decisions that hurt other people in the past, the amnesia presents an opportunity to change and become a better person. He can choose to be kind and a good friend instead of a bully p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Why was this encounter Brendon had with Chase important and telling to who Chase is right now? Brendon saw Chase as a polite, respectful, grateful, and humble person. It was hard to believe, but he had proof captured on his camera p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Chase is in a circumstance where he doesn’t know what to believe or who to trust. Have you ever been in a situation like this? Explain. What did you do about it?
  2. If you were Chase, what would you do? Who would you talk to? Listen to your child’s answer p.43

Chapter 6

  1. Give two reasons why Chase was drawn to Brendon? He feels comfortable around him; Brendon is honest with him; Brendon doesn’t seem to judge Chase or act strange around him p.44

Chapter 7

  1. On page 59, Shoshanna says, “Amnesia can wipe out the details of your past, but it can’t change the kind of person you are.” Do you agree with her? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. What did Chase remember during the game? He ripped the head off Helene’s teddy bear p.66
  2. Is this a big deal? Do you think Helene forgot about it? Is this something Chase should take more seriously? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Compare Chase’s behavior to Bear and Aaron’s while doing community service. Chase is polite, respectful, taking the initiative to see how he can help and serve the residents of the senior citizen center; his friends are rude, eating the snacks, don’t care about the residents, ignoring them and saying rude things to them p.72

Chapter 10

  1. What significant event happened in this chapter? Chase stood up to Joel and the football team for Brendon with the consequences being making his old friends his enemies p.82

Chapter 11

  1. What did you find out in this chapter about Aaron and his relationship with Chase? He’s upset that Chase isn’t acting like his old self; Chase has something valuable that must have been stolen or retrieved illegally, but he doesn’t know he has it and Aaron doesn’t want to bring it up since Chase could turn them in to the police; Aaron feels betrayed that Chase is hanging out with the video club p.87

Chapter 12

  1. How is Chase’s relationship with Mr. Solway helping them both? Chase can open up and talk to him; Mr.Solway is honest and says things that may be hard to hear, but that are important; Mr. Solway has a friend and visitor in Chase where he can share his past; they are good friends to each other p.95

Chapter 13

  1. What do you think will soften Shoshanna and help her realize Chase isn’t pretending? Listen to your child’s answer p.107

Chapter 14

  1. Do you agree with Chase’s conclusion… that Bear and Aaron might have stolen the medal? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.120

Chapter 15

  1. Describe why Brendon likes Kimberly more at the end of the chapter than at the beginning. Her reaction to Brendon’s stunt is endearing p.127

Chapter 16

  1. What hard conversation did Shoshanna have with her parents? That Chase has changed and that he is her friend; Joel can come home since Chase has changed p.134

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Joel comes home and attends his old school; he’s surprised that Chase doesn’t recognize him; in video club Chase apologizes to him; he realizes Chase has changed, but he still hates him p.137
  2. Chase has apologized to Joel. Is it ok that Joel still harbors hard feelings towards him? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 18

  1. Explain why Chase got emotional at the end of the chapter. Shoshanna invited him into her house for the first time; her mom and brother paused for a moment but went back to what they were doing. They didn’t kick him out of their home. They are beginning to accept him p.154

Chapter 19

  1. Bear acts like he and Aaron are being picked on for doing community service. Do you agree that Bear and Aaron are victims in this story? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.157

Chapter 20

  1. Do you think that Chase was part of the stunt in the music room? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.165

Chapter 21

  1. What does Chase want? To be a part of the video club; to not be his old self p.178
  2. Is it too late? What can Chase do to stop being pulled into his old life? Tell the truth

Chapter 22

  1. Is it evidence or just assumption that makes Brendon think that Chase is not in on the prank? Assumption p.180
  2. Give two examples of why Brendon might feel that way. He stood up for him to the football players before; his overall behavior is inconsistent with the old Chase until that incident
  3. Why is everyone cheering Joel on page 183? He is standing up for himself and showing courage

Chapter 23

  1. Why did “hot tears of shame” stream down Chase’s face in this chapter? He realized he is the one who stole the Medal of Honor from Mr. Solway and he’s ashamed of himself; he’s upset he at himself for stealing the medal and at Bear and Aaron because they won’t let him return it to Mr. Solway p.189

Chapter 24

  1. What convinced Brendon that his assumption about Chase was right? He watched the footage from the camera and saw Chase’s reactions and behavior p.196

Chapter 25

  1. How did the little girl in the painting help Chase in this chapter? She was the only thing he remembered from before his accident; she helped him find the Medal of Honor and helped him remember how and why he fell from the roof p.201
  2. Do you agree with Chase that he needed to visit Mr. Solway and not meet his friends? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.206

Chapter 26

  1. Using the text for evidence, find and read the paragraph out loud that shows that Shoshanna understands that Chase is innocent. “Shosh’s cheeks are bright read as she digests the truth. My sister…” p.213

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize how Chase got past Bear and Aaron. He dropped the Medal of Honor and let the vacuum suck it up, then he ran at the two boys and bowled them over with the vacuum and ran past them p.217

Chapter 28

  1. How did the video club prove to Chase they were his friends? They stood up for him and helped him when Bear and Aaron attacked him p.221
  2. Choose a word to describe Chase’s behavior in this chapter. Explain. Listen to your child’s answer; Example: Courageous-for being honest even when there would be strong consequences p.223

Chapter 29

  1. On page 235, Chase states, “And in that instance, I understand that being true to myself is more important than fooling the judge with the power to send me to juvie.” What does this mean? Living in a way that aligns with your own personal core beliefs instead of conforming to please others.
  2. Have you ever experienced this? Explain. How did it make you feel? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 30

  1. What is a theme found throughout this book? Example: Friendship & Forgiveness; redemption and personal growth
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Prydain #5 The High King

The High King

by Lloyd Alexander

Grades 5-9; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts. 11.0

Taran and his companions face their ultimate battle against Arawn, the Lord of Death, whose forces threaten to engulf Prydain with the powerful sword Dyrnwyn, now in his possession.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this book. Kaw finds Taran and Gurgi and tells them Eilonwy is home; they hurry home and have a wonderful reunion; Fllewder barges in the door with Gwydion over his shoulder; Arawn tricked them and attacked them; Achren and Glew are living with Dallben; Achren tells everyone Arawn’s secret and how to defeat him p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Name one thing that was upsetting to Taran in this chapter. HenWen was afraid to prophesy; the stick shattered when Hen went to read it; Achren took a horse and headed to Annuvin p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Why might the companions not take Glew with them to Annuvin? He is greedy and will do something to spoil their plans or hurt them to get what he wants p.53

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Taran, Gwydion and Coll are captured by Magg at King Smoit’s castle; they fear Fllewder and his companions will be captured as well p.54

Chapter 5

  1. How could Gwystyl’s treasures help the companions? Listen to your child’s answer p.78

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Gwystyl shared the rest of his magic items and helped the friends get into the castle walls; they were seen and ambushed p.82

Chapter 7

  1. Describe the battle. Eilonwy frees the captives; they realize they do not have enough reinforcements; King Rhun rides out pretending to call the reinforcements and scares Magg’s men; Prince Rhun is shot and dies p.93

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Medwyn. Animals trust him and take refuge in his valley; he takes care of them and can speak to them; he helped Taran and his companions in a previous book; lives in a hidden valley; he is good and wants to fight against evil p.109

Chapter 9

  1. Explain why Taran carried around a broken piece of pottery? It reminds him of the people he has lost and the weight of his responsibility as a war leader p.131

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. The companions reach Caer Dathyl; King Math speaks to Taran; they meet Taliesin, the Chief Bard of Prydain who gave Fllewdur his harp; he offers Fllewdur another harp, but Fllewdur keeps his; Lord Pryderi asks for King Math’s surrender instead of joining him p.132

Chapter 11

  1. On the bottom of page 151, the author shows Taran’s vulnerability. How has Taran’s character developed from the beginning of the series to now? Because of his inexperience, he felt he knew much and that he was strong and brave; now, after his experiences, he realizes he doesn’t feel ready to stand among men p.151
  2. Explain Pryderi’s battle strategy? Stall the battle until the Cauldron-Born came and King Math’s armies were weakened p.157

Chapter 12

  1. Choose a word to describe Coll in this chapter? Explain why. Courageous; brave; humble; listen to your child’s answer p.q161

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize why Taran and his soldiers became frustrated in this chapter. Glew causes a cave in, and everyone needs to turn around; overtaking the Cauldron Born will be very difficult p.196

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize what happened to Eilonwy and Gurgi. They were kidnapped by Dorath; wolves from Medwyn’s valley saved them and led them until they saw Taran and his band; Eilonwy saw that the Huntsmen were going to trap Taran’s group without either of them knowing so Eilonwy made her bauble shine as bright as the sun p.199

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize how the prophecy was fulfilled in this chapter. Taran’s group cut down trees and lighted them with fair folk fire; they turned ice into a river; and Eilonwy turned night into day with her bauble p.212

Chapter 16

  1. How was Pryderi betrayed? Arawn used him to try to kill Dallben since his Cauldron Born and Huntsmen couldn’t; he was being used by Arawn to get the Book of Three; he thought Arawn was serving him, but in the end, he was Arawn’s servant p.225

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. The companions found Achren injured by the gwythaints; they were caught in a snowstorm as they traveled back to the soldiers; they found an overhang and took shelter under it; thought they would die from hypothermia; Fllewder broke his harp and they burned it; it played melodies all night long and gave off a magical warmth p235
  2. Define resilience. Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, or significant sources of stress. It's not about avoiding difficult experiences, but rather about successfully navigating them and maintaining psychological well-being.
  3. Give one example of how the companions show resilience in this chapter. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 18

  1. Do you agree that Taran should trust Achren? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.252

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the companions’ reaction when they first heard the prophecy and their reaction now that it has been fulfilled. They were discouraged and unsure because of the unknown; the prophecy in the beginning sounded destitute; now that the prophecy has been fulfilled and they have defeated Arawn, it all makes sense to them p.275

Chapter 20

  1. Why did the three witches come to Taran? To say good-bye and give him the tapestry of his life; the tapestry on their loom, belonged to Taran and was being weaved as he lived his life p.285

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story and series. Taran and Eilonwy are wedded and become high king and queen; the rest of the companions depart to the Summer Country p.288
  2. Explain the development Taran’s character underwent throughout the series. From the first book to the last, he grew in wisdom, maturity and humility.
  3. What do you admire about Taran? Listen to your child’s answer
  4. What characteristic do you want to glean from him? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Prydain #1 The Book of Three

The Book of Three

by Lloyd Alexander

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 7.0

This the first of five in a series about Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his lively companions as they seek to save Prydain from evil.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Taran is a young man and pig keeper; he wants to learn to sword fight but is told it isn’t time yet; his mentor and protector, Dallben, told him about the Horned King, an evil man who has risen to power; bees came through the farm and spooked the animals; the oracular pig escaped and Taran went after her, even though he was told not to go into the forest p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Taran. Assistant pig-keeper; young man who is anxious to experience the world; wants to learn to sword fight but isn’t allowed; persistent; loyal p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Gurgi. A hairy humanoid creature that can talk p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Gurgi shows Taran and Gwydion where the Horned King is, and they learn his plans; Hen Wen isn’t to be found; they were attacked p.43

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Achren. A queen who has sided with Arawn; she’s evil but pretends to be nice to get what she wants; beautiful, pale and strong p.54

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Eilonwy. A girl two years younger than Taran and as tall as him; reddish gold hair to her waist; has a delicate and elfin face with high cheekbones; descends from the Sea King; is Achren’s niece; will help Taran to get back at her aunt for whipping her p.65

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Eilonwy came back to free Taran and started to lead him outside to meet Gwydion, but he fell into a chamber; Eilonwy joined him and will hopefully lead him out of the castle p.74

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the room Taran and Eilonwy found. A burial ground and treasury for the past king; it held jewels, weapons and bodies laid there from long ago p.87

Chapter 9

  1. Predict what Taran will do? Go after Hen Wen or warn the Sons of Don? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Why do the harp strings break? Fflewddur lies p.109

Chapter 11

  1. What helped Taran’s attitude toward Gurgi? Gurgi tried to give back his portion of food p.122

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. The companions were forced to revise the path they took to Caer Dathyl; Gurgi was hurt; Melygnar found his way through the pass; wolves were following them to get to Gurgi; they were above the horse and Gurgi and sprang at the end of this chapter p.124

Chapter 13

  1. Describe Medwyn. An old man who lives in a valley hidden from the world; animals are kind to each other in the valley; he’s possibly the man who built a boat during a flood and saved two of each animal p.136

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter and predict what will happen to Taran and his companions. The companions set out following Medwyn’s instructions, they decide to go down to the valet instead of go along the cliffs, they get sucked into the lake; listen to your child’s answer p.147

Chapter 15

  1. Describe King Eiddileg. Dwarven King; yellow beard; plump; wore a red and green robe and rings on his fingers; impatient; frustrated with Taran and his companions for coming to their land; doesn’t want to let them go; magical p.162

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Doli; dwarf who was asked to be their guide; grumpy; feels inadequate because he can’t turn invisible; very good guide; red eyes p.175

Chapter 17

  1. Why is Taran upset at the end of this chapter? Hen Wen is gone, and the companions are being hunted by Gwyn the Hunter p.192

Chapter 18

  1. How is Fllewder courageous in this chapter? He puts Taran and Eilonwy on the horse to send them to Caer Dathyl as he stands to fight p.198

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize the reunion between Taran and Gwydion. They thought each other was dead, but they learned what happened to each other; Taran wept when he saw him p.207

Chapter 20

  1. Name one way Taran developed as a character in this book. He shows humility and takes responsibility; he realizes his mistakes.