Tag Archives: GRL N

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Runaway Racehorse

The Runaway Racehorse

by Ron Roy

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

And they're off! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are excited to see Uncle Warren's new racehorse, Whirlaway, in action. But the night before the big race, the horse disappears! He shows up just in time to lose the race. Why is Whirlaway suddenly so slow? Can the kids figure it out- or is Whirlaway out of the winner's circle for good?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where are Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose going? To Larchmont, New York to see a racehorse p.1
  2. How did they travel to get there? By train p.1
  3. What was missing when the kids went to see Whirlaway? Whirlaway p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Where does Forest think Whirlaway has disappeared to? Over to visit his mother p.13
  2. Why did Ruth Rose and Josh have so much fun in the back of the pickup? The road was bumpy p.15
  3. Was Whirlaway visiting his mom? No p.19

Chapter 3

  1. What did Whirlaway look like when he returned to the barn? Muddy p.26
  2. What did the kids find on Whirlaway when they were washing him? A mark like a stamp p.28

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Whirlaway refuse to go with Ruth Rose? He was spooked from being out in the storm and coming home to strangers p.31
  2. Who else was Whirlaway scared of? Sunny p.32
  3. What did Ruth Rose observe about Sunny after reading her book about horses? Sunny and she doesn’t have Whirlaway’s trust and scares him p.36

Chapter 5

  1. Where did the kids and adults travel to and why? Saratoga Springs; a horse race p.39
  2. Why does Sunny wear goggles during the race? The horses in front kick up mud, so it protects her eyes p.44
  3. How did Whirlaway react to Sunny when Ruth Rose wanted a picture? Scared; upset p.44

Chapter 6

  1. Where did the kids get to sit during the horse races? Forest’s private box p.45
  2. Who won the first horse race? Merry Mary p.49
  3. Why did Forest conclude that something was wrong with Whirlaway after the race? He had never run so badly before p.53

Chapter 7

  1. What did Sunny say about Whirlaway’s performance? She said he ran like a different horse p.55
  2. What can make a horse run slower? Their jockey p.56
  3. Who did Ruth Rose take a picture of? Josh, Dink and Dancer p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What did Josh find on his collar? A dark smudge p.62
  2. Why did Ruth Rose want to get her film developed so quickly? So she could see if the man in the cowboy hat was Mr. Bunks p.63
  3. If it is Mr. Bunks, what’s the problem? He said he wasn’t into racing horses anymore; he lied p.64

Chapter 9

  1. What was on Josh’s collar? Shoe polish p.69
  2. How did the shoe polish get there? From Dancer, the horse who nudged him from behind, it had shoe polish on its forehead covering up the white mark p.71
  3. How was Josh going to prove their horse wasn’t Whirlaway? Offer it a sugar cube, if the horse eats it, it’s not Whirlaway p.73

Chapter 10

  1. What was on Josh’s fingers after touching Dancer’s forehead? Shoe polish p.77
  2. Who’s responsible for trading the horses? Mr. Bunks p.78
  3. Why did it take Sunny so long to get home from the race? She stopped at the vet p.84

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Panda Puzzle

The Panda Puzzle

by Ron Roy

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

There's pandemonium in Green Lawn! The town is building a new park for a panda and her baby. But as soon as the pandas arrive, the baby is stolen! All the panda-nappers want in return is a million dollars...Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose collar the culprits before Green Lawn has to cough up the cash?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did the kids come to the petting zoo to see? A mama panda and her baby p.1
  2. What strange behavior did Ping show while the crowd was outside her cage? She ran into the fence p.6
  3. What’s missing from the panda cave? The baby panda, Winnie p.8

Chapter 2

  1. What did the kidnappers want in exchange for Winnie? A million dollars p.11
  2. What did Pal find the in the bamboo forest? a fishing knife p.13
  3. Why would the kidnapper have a knife? To cut down bamboo stalks to feed Winnie p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Why do the kids watch Ruth Rose’s video at the petting zoo? It might give them ideas who stole the panda p.19
  2. Who does Ruth Rose think suspects are? Irene Napper, Flip Frances, or Tom Steele; the people standing by the microphone p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Why did the three kids want to interview each of the three people that stood by the microphone? To try and get some answers p.23
  2. What was Irene doing when the kids found her in the park? Feeding the ducks p.24
  3. Who has a key to Ping’s gate? Only Irene p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Why does Josh think Irene kidnapped Winnie? She has large hands p.31
  2. Why does Josh think Tom Steele did it? He has a cut on his hand that could have been from Winnie and has a fishing pole p.37 & 38
  3. What was another clue Ruth Rose saw on Tom’s desk? There were newspapers all cut up; the ransom note was put together from newspaper clippings p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Where did the kids find Flip? At the fitness center p.40
  2. What made Josh think the kidnapper was Flip? He was great at doing flips; he would have easily been able to get over the fence of the panda enclosure p.45
  3. What’s another clue Flip could have kidnapped Winnie? He fishes p.46

Chapter 7

  1. What piece was missing when the twins were completing a puzzle together? The baby grizzly bear’s face p.50
  2. What did Ruth Rose realize they should be looking for? Winnie, not the person who took her p.51
  3. Why did the kids think the fitness center would be a good hiding place for Winnie? It’s smelly and loud p.53

Chapter 8

  1. What did the kids find when they slipped into the unmarked door? A wooden staircase p.60
  2. What explained the sounds of thunder they heard? The bowling alley was on the other side of the wall p.62
  3. What did the kids find under the mat they were sitting on? A trap door p.64

Chapter 9

  1. Who was in the room under the trap door? Winnie p.66
  2. How did the kids get locked in that room? Someone shut the door and locked it p.66
  3. What did the kids find that may help them get out of the coal room? A coal chute that leads to the outside p.71

Chapter 10

  1. How did the kids break the wood that blocked the chute? Dink found a shovel p.72
  2. Why did the boys choose Ruth Rose to go get the police? she was the smallest to fit in the chute p.76
  3. How did the boys find Winnie? She crawled up into Josh’s lap p.78

Chapter 11

  1. What is Flip’s consequence for kidnapping Winnie? Community service p.83
  2. What did the kids suggest could be Flip’s community service? Free gymnastics lessons for kids; do exercises with the old people in the senior center p.83
  3. How did Officer Fallon treat the kids for solving the mystery? He bought them ice cream cones p.85

Comprehension Questions – Calendar Mysteries January Joker

January Joker

by Ron Roy

Grades 2-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

In the first book of the Calendar Mysteries — an early chapter book mystery series featuring the younger siblings of the A to Z Mysteries detectives — Green Lawn has a problem! When Bradley Pinto wakes up in the night to strange lights in his backyard, he wonders if there are aliens in town. When he sees three-toed tracks in the snow, he's sure of it. His twin, Brian, and friends Lucy and Nate aren't so certain. But then Lucy's cousin Dink, the twins' brother Josh, and Nate's sister Ruth Rose all disappear. Are there "really "aliens in Green Lawn? And where could they be taking Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? In Brian and Bradley’s bedroom in the middle of the night p.1
  2. Who did the kids see outside by the barn? Two aliens p.4
  3. Why did the kids think Nate was playing a trick on them? Nate likes to do practical jokes on people; they knew it couldn’t be aliens p.6

Chapter 2

  1. Who was babysitting the four friends? Their older siblings and cousin; Dink, Ruth Rose & Josh p.9
  2. What did the kids have to do before they could ride Polly? Clean up breakfast p.10
  3. What did the kids see in the snow that was proof Bradley saw a spaceship? A big circle p.13

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Bradley think Josh, Ruth Rose and Dink had been taken by aliens? They couldn’t find them anywhere p.17
  2. What did the kids find on Josh’s printer? A newspaper article about aliens taking children and animals back to their planet; it described a circle and funny footprints p.19
  3. What does Bradley think happened to Polly? She was taken by the aliens p.20

Chapter 4

  1. What did Ruth Rose and Josh tell the kids when they talked to them on the phone? That aliens kidnapped them and they’re in a spaceship p.21
  2. Where do you think Pal was? Listen to your child’s answer p.24

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Lucy want to write down the clues they’ve found? To organize her thoughts and help figure out the mystery p.26
  2. What peered at the kids through the window? A green face with big teeth and a yellow face with big eyes staring at them p.28
  3. Where did the kids hide? Under the stairs in a closet p.30

Chapter 6

  1. What did the kids do to secure the house and make sure aliens wouldn’t come in? lock the doors and close the shades p.33
  2. What funny prints did Lucy find in the alien book? The same ones they saw outside p.34
  3. How was Lucy planning to capture the aliens? Make them lunch; give them food p.36

Chapter 7

  1. What food did Lucy use as bait? Grapes p.40
  2. Where were the kids hoping to catch the aliens? In the closet under the stairs p.40

Chapter 8

  1. Who was in the closet and why? Brian; he said the aliens put him there p.44
  2. Why did Bradley pinch Brian? To show him he wasn’t dreaming p.46
  3. Why did Bradley write a note to his friends instead of just talking to them? he thought the aliens were listening to them p.48

Chapter 9

  1. What makes Bradley think the aliens are hiding in the attic? They found Pal’s rubber toy on the bed and they think it must have dropped from the heat vent in the attic p.49
  2. Why haven’t the kids turned on the TV to see what was going on with the aliens? They’ve been busy; haven’t thought of it p.53

Chapter 10

  1. How did the kids get the note up to the attic? They stuck it to the mop stick and put it through the heat vent p.55
  2. What did the aliens do that made Lucy mad? They tore up her note and dropped the pieces back through the vent p.58

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Officer Fallon come to the house? Bradley called him p.60
  2. Why did the police tell the kids to keep the door to the attic locked? To keep whoever was hiding there wouldn’t escape; to keep the kids safe p.60
  3. Why was the twins’ mom upset? Policemen and firemen had come to the house p.65

Chapter 12

  1. What did the police find in the attic? Two stuffed aliens and Dink, Ruth Rose and Josh p.68
  2. Why did the older kids pull this prank on the first graders? Because Nate had played a practical joke on them and they wanted to get him back p.70
  3. Why did the older kids plan the joke for that day? They knew the parents would be out at breakfast together p.72

Chapter 13

  1. Who got to decide the punishment for the older kids? The younger kids p.73
  2. What punishment did the younger kids agree on? The older kids had to sit in Ellie’s diner dressed up as aliens, and they couldn’t talk p.74
  3. When Officer Fallon asked for an autograph what was Josh’s response? He wanted ice cream, so if Officer Fallon bought it for him, then he’d sign anything p.77

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #27 Night of the Ninth Dragon

Night of the Ninth Dragon

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades ; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

The magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie through space and time to find that the castle of Camelot has been attacked and King Arthur has been gravely wounded. To save the kingdom—and the king—Jack and Annie have only one day to solve a riddle that will help them find a missing dragon!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Jack and Annie go into the Frog Creek woods? Oki ran in, so they chased after him p.5
  2. Where did they find Oki? At the bottom of a tree looking at the magic tree house p.6
  3. What’s going to be the setting of this book? Camelot p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Who sent the tree house for Jack and Annie? Queen Guinevere p.16
  2. Why did the guard aim a crossbow at Jack and Annie as they approached Camelot? They’re under attack and didn’t know if the kids were friends or enemies p.20
  3. Where did the queen lead Jack and Annie? Morgan le Fay’s secret garden p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What were the statues of in the garden? Dragons p.25
  2. What’s been stolen out of the garden? The gold dragon; the ninth dragon p.32
  3. Why do the kids need to help find the ninth dragon? To get Merlin, Morgan, Teddy and Kathleen back from Avalon and to send King Arthur there to heal from his wound p.33

Chapter 4

  1. Why were the Jack, Annie, the king and queen going to Cafelle’s? She can prophesy and tell them where the ninth dragon is p.37
  2. Why were they traveling in a hay cart? No one will suspect the king riding in a hay cart p.39
  3. Why was Jack nervous when he found out the knights weren’t coming with them? he knew they could be attacked by invaders and they wouldn’t have the protection of the knights p.45

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Cafelle. She’s an old woman who’s blind, but could describe Jack and Annie perfectly, she’s kind and has a dog that cannot hear p.51
  2. What is Cafelle’s special ability? The leaves and wind speak to her and tell her what she desires to know p.56

Chapter 6

  1. When did the ninth dragon need to be returned to the garden? Dawn the next day p.59
  2. What did the seer give to both Jack and Annie? Red stones from the mountains of fire before time p.61
  3. Why was Jack frustrated about the stones? He didn’t know how to use them p.66

Chapter 7

  1. How did Annie help get rid of the invaders that questioned them? she put yellow spots on her face with a highlighter and said she had yellow fever p.72
  2. Why was Jack freezing as they traveled in the rain? He’d given his cloak to the king p.78
  3. What did Guinevere tell the kids about as they traveled? The Isle of Avalon p.78

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the kids send the oxen back to Camelot? The rope that connected the oxen to the cart had torn and they weren’t of use anymore p.83
  2. How did Jack, Annie and Guinevere get the cart to Munith Mor without the oxen? They pushed and pulled p.85
  3. What represented the curtain in the riddle? A waterfall p.88

Chapter 9

  1. What did Jack and Annie find in the cave behind the waterfall? The dragon statue p.96
  2. Why was the queen giving up? The healing water was gone, Arthur was dying, they heard the robbers coming on horses p.98
  3. What happened when Jack and Annie used their stones? A giant red dragon rose out of the erupting mountain above them p.101

Chapter 10

  1. Where did the portal take Jack, Annie, Guinevere and Arthur? To Avalon p.103
  2. How did Merlin, Morgan, Teddy and Kathleen respond when they first saw Jack and Annie in Avalon? Bewildered, amazed, surprised, astonished p.106
  3. Why did Jack and Annie need to return the dragon statue to Camelot before dawn? If it’s not returned by dawn, it’s power will be lost forever and those in Avalon will never return p.109

Chapter 11

  1. Where did Jack and Annie leave their magic stones? By the dragon statue in the garden p.115
  2. What message did Jack and Annie give the knights? That the kind and queen are healing in Avalon and will be back to restore order to the kingdom p.118

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Yellow Yacht

The Yellow Yacht

by Ron Roy

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Lucky Lottery

The Lucky Lottery

by Ron Roy

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #26 Balto of the Blue Dawn

Balto of the Blue Dawn

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie always go on important missions, but this time they must save an entire town! The town is Nome, Alaska, and the year is 1925. Many children and grown-ups are sick and dying. The medicine that will save them is coming from Anchorage, a thousand miles away. Its being carried by a relay of dogsleds and dogs, but a huge blizzard is coming through. It's up to Jack and Annie to find a lost team led by the famous sled dog, Balto.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Annie see above the woods? A bright flash of light p.4
  2. Where are Jack and Annie needed in this adventure? A seaside town below the Arctic; Alaska p.6
  3. What will the enchanted gold dust help Jack and Annie do and how long does it last? Receive a skill that will only help them when they are saving the lives of others; 12 hours p.7
  4. Why did Teddy give the kids stardust? It will make people forget; Merlin didn’t want Jack and Annie to be remembered by anyone on their mission p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Where did Jack and Annie travel to? Nome, Alaska p.17
  2. What does “quarantine” mean? To be isolated if you’re sick with a deadly illness, so you won’t spread it p.21
  3. What’s the sickness that’s going around the town that requires medicine? Diphtheria p.22
  4. Why did the Board of Health order Gunnar Kaasen to stay in Solomon and not continue to Nome? A huge blizzard was expected to come through the area, and they didn’t want to lose the medicine p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What was the only form of transportation to and from Nome during the winter? Dogsled p.29
  2. What was Oki going to do? Go by dogsled himself to get the medicine from Gunnar Kaasen p.29
  3. What was the radio bulletin Jack and Annie heard while waiting for Oki to talk to his uncle? That 5 people had died in Nome, Alaska from the outbreak of Diphtheria, and the best mushers and dogs were trying to get the medicine to Nome before anyone else dies, but there’s a big blizzard coming from the Arctic and the mushers may not be able to continue to Nome p.34
  4. Why is getting the medicine a race against death? If the medicine doesn’t arrive in time, Oki’s mom, sister and others will die p.38

Chapter 4

  1. If Oki stays in Nome, how are Jack and Annie going to know where to go? Uncle Joe’s sled dogs know the way p.43
  2. What was Oki’s resolve when Jack and Annie told him he had to stay in Nome? He accepted it, but was disappointed p.46
  3. How do Jack and Annie always treat dogs? By being firm, fair and giving kindness and respect p.27
  4. What did Oki give Jack and Annie for food to give to the dogs? Dried fish p.49

Chapter 5

  1. What was Jack an expert of as they travelled through the night? a musher; knowing what a musher does and giving commands to the dogs p.51
  2. Why did the huskies come to a halt and start barking? Jack tumbled off the sled from a sharp curve p.56
  3. Why did Jack fall behind Annie when he was running with the sled? As they were running on ice he broke through and got stuck in the ice p.58
  4. Why did Jack need to get out of his wet boots? It was so cold he could get severe frost bite p.59

Chapter 6

  1. How did Ed help Jack and Annie? He gave them shelter and a warm place to be. He knew what to do for Jack’s feet; he fed them; he also unhitched the dogs so they wouldn’t freeze out in the cold and let them come inside p.62
  2. What did Ed and Annie do to help the dogs feel better? Gave them water and massaged each foot p.64
  3. How did Ed react when Jack and Annie told him they needed to go back into the storm? he thought they were crazy p.69
  4. What did Ed do to stop Jack and Annie from going back into the blizzard? Fed them and was firm on not letting them p.71

Chapter 7

  1. Who is Balto? Gunnar Kaasen’s dog; he’s one of the best lead dogs in Alaska; loves to run a trail; great strength and courage; big shaggy black dog p.74
  2. Why are Alaskans grateful for the animals that live there? The people couldn’t live without them; they get their clothing, food and other necessities from them p.75
  3. What happened when Annie used the stardust in Ed’s home? It made everything look like they were never there p.80
  4. What did the jingling bells mean? Another dogsled was near p.84

Chapter 8

  1. Who did Jack and Annie find? Gunnar Kaasen and his dogsled p.86
  2. What fell off the sled into the snow? The medicine p.88
  3. Why did Annie unhook Balto? So he could help them find the medicine p.88
  4. What influence did Balto have on the other huskies? They were livelier and stronger than before p.94

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Oki excited the newspaper reporters were in town? He wanted the whole world to hear their story and that Jack and Annie saved the day p.98
  2. Why did Jack and Annie throw the stardust into the air? So everyone who saw them on their mission would forget them p.99
  3. Who did Mr. Kaasen say he owed the success of his part of the relay? His dog, Balto p.101
  4. Who bounded after Jack and Annie as they headed for the tree house? Balto p.102

Chapter 10

  1. What did Annie think was the best part of their mission? The dogs p.108
  2. What did Annie find in the greenery? A puppy p.110
  3. Why would the puppy be a gift to Jack and Annie? For always being willing to serve and help Merlin and Morgan p.111
  4. What did they name the puppy? Oki p.114

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Mystery Writer Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Mystery Writer Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades K-2; Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

There's a book fair at school. Cam Jansen and her friends are excited because the famous mystery writer Jim E. Winter will be there to sign books. When Danny's parents discover their car is missing during the signing, Jim E. Winter thinks he can solve the mystery. But will Cam-with her famous photographic memory-solve it first? Click! See if you can spot the clues.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Cam and her mom driving to the school that night? To go to the book fair and see Cam’s favorite author p.1
  2. Describe what a book fair is? It’s a fair that comes into the school a couple of times a year and exhibits and sells lots of books p.7
  3. What did Cam think about Jim E. Winter when she saw him in person? She was surprised he looked much older than his picture, but she wanted to meet him anyway p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What did Danny want to do while they waited in line to see Jim E. Winter? Tell jokes from his new joke books p.12
  2. What does Barry Blake do each time after he solves a mystery? Goes home and helps his mom make dinner p.15
  3. What went missing at the end of this chapter? Danny’s dad’s car p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Jim E. Winter think he was qualified to help solve the mystery of the missing car? He was once a police detective p.18
  2. Why did Jim E. Winter think Mr. Pace didn’t remember what parking space he parked the car in? because he couldn’t remember his license plate number, so how could he remember what number he’d parked in p.21
  3. How would clicking the remote button help Jim E. Winter find the car? When you push the button the lights flash and there’s a horn or beeping sound, so they could easily find the car in the parking lot p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What happened when Jim E. Winter push the remote button? Nothing, they couldn’t see the car p.25
  2. Where did Jim E. Winter go when he couldn’t find the car? Back to signing books p.27
  3. Did Jim E. Winter solve the mystery? No p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Cam have to stay in the gym? The principal and her mother asked her to p.29
  2. Which police officer has been at the school before to help solve other mysteries? Officer Oppen p.30
  3. Who else’s car was stolen? Eric’s dad’s car p.32

Chapter 6

  1. What did Mrs. Jansen say when Cam asked her to help with the mysteries? Yes, but she wanted to come along to make sure she was safe and dry p.34
  2. How did Cam know the thief took the keys out of Mr. Pace’s pocket then returned them again? Mr. Pace is right-handed and puts his keys in his right pocket, but they were in his left pocket p.37
  3. What was missing on his keychain? The key to his car p.39

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Jim E. Winter writing down Cam’s explanation of how the thief stole the cars? He wanted to use it in a book p.41
  2. Why would the thief have parked the first car he stole close to the school? So he could get back to the school quickly and steal another car p.42
  3. Who does Cam think the thief is? The man they saw walking across the street as she and her mom drove up to the school p.44

Chapter 8

  1. Where were the cars being hidden? In a garage p.53
  2. What did the police officer ask Cam to do that made her mother nervous? Identify the man that walked across the street earlier p.54
  3. Why was Jim E. Winter going to put Cam Jansen’s name in a book? Because she helped him solve the mystery p.57

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Wedding Cake Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Wedding Cake Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades ; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

Cam and her friends are having fun performing in a talent show at the senior center and enjoying cookies from Ken's Bake Shop. But when a wedding cake goes missing from Ken's truck, it's up to Cam to solve the tasty case. Click! along with Came and follow the clues to catch the cake thief!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where was Mr. Jansen taking Cam and her friends? To the senior center p.1
  2. Why were they going to the senior center? To help with the talent show p.2
  3. Why was Lucy Lane taking a picture of Bob? So Bob can send the picture with a card to his friends and family for the holidays p.3

Chapter 2

  1. What did Danny do for the talent show? Tell funny jokes p.10
  2. What did Cam do for the talent show? She did memory magic where she took a mental picture of people, then faced the wall and gave the details what she remembered p.12
  3. Where did Lucy Lane and Ken need to go? to a wedding p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Why couldn’t Lucy and Ken go to the wedding? Ken couldn’t find the keys to his truck p.16
  2. Where were Ken’s keys? In the back door of his truck p.19
  3. What’s missing now? The cookies, cake and pastries that were in the back of the truck p.20

Chapter 4

  1. How did the seniors at the center feel about the mystery? They were excited p.22
  2. What clue did Bob find on the ground near the truck? A shopping list with broken cookie and cookie crumbs p.25
  3. What police officers came to help solve the mystery? The same ones that came to school and helped solve the case of the missing computers: Officers Oppen & Davis p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Danny think the thief was across the street? The house across the street has a large window the thief could have looked out and saw the opportunity to steal the desserts p.29
  2. Who lived in the house with the large window and what did they see? An elderly woman; she didn’t see anyone by the truck, but did say there were two trucks p.33
  3. Predict what clue Cam is missing. Listen to your child’s answers p.35

Chapter 6

  1. How did the young man in the bathrobe feel when he opened the door and saw the police officer? Worried that he was in trouble p.37
  2. What was the clue Cam, Eric and her dad were looking for on the ground near the truck? Cookie crumbs p.40
  3. Where did Cam find the cookie crumbs and where did they go? On the ground at the back of the truck; passed her car, passed the next car and on further down the road p.42

Chapter 7

  1. Who does Cam think stole the cake and other desserts? Mr. Fancy p.43
  2. Why does Cam think it was Mr. Fancy? He had a vehicle big enough to put a tall cake p.46
  3. What information did Cam remember from Mr. Fancy’s truck that will help the police find him? The name of his company, his phone number and email address p.49

Chapter 8

  1. What did everyone do while they waited for the police to find Mr. Fancy and call them? continue the talent show p.51
  2. What did Ken give to Cam as a reward for finding his cake and desserts? Lots of delicious muffins, cookies and breads at his bakery p.55
  3. How did Ken and the cake get to the wedding? He took it in Mr. Fancy’s truck and had a police escort p.57

Comprehension Questions – Ready, Freddy! Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

by Abby Klein

Grades PreK-3; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

Freddy's Thresher's first-grade class is doing a Thanksgiving play, and Freddy wants to have a really cool part. Will he get to be an Indian, or will Thanksgiving end up being nothing but big trouble onstage?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? It’s the Pilgrims first harvest in the New World in October 1621
  2. What are three things you’re thankful for? Encourage and listen to your child
  3. What was the class going to get to perform for the parents and how will they get their parts? A play; the parts will go in a hat and each person will choose p.18

Chapter 2

  1. What made Freddy so excited that he danced around the dinner table? His grandparents were coming for Thanksgiving p.20
  2. What’s the worst part Freddy could get in the play? the Thanksgiving turkey p.26
  3. What part in the play does Freddy hope to get? An Indian p.27

Chapter 3

  1. How did Freddy feel about Jessie when she stood up to Max? He thought she was brave and wanted to be like her p.32
  2. What was Max’s consequence for teasing Chloe? He was to go to time-out and have last pick for his part p.34
  3. What part in the play did Freddy get? The turkey p.38

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Freddy lucky to get to be the turkey for the play? It’s the symbol of Thanksgiving and is a very important part of the play p.40
  2. What part did Jessie get and how did she feel about it? The Indian princess; she was happy because the princess was brave p.42
  3. How was Jessie a friend to Freddy on the bus home from school? Max was making fun of Freddy for being the turkey and she told him to stop and that she knew karate p.44

Chapter 5

  1. How did Freddy’s mom know that something was wrong after school? He usually goes to the kitchen after school for a snack, but instead he went to his room and hid under his covers p.50
  2. What did Freddy decide to do so he wouldn’t have to be in the play? Run away from home until after Thanksgiving p.51
  3. How did Freddy’s mom find his packed suitcase? She tripped on the handle p.56

Chapter 6

  1. How would Suzie have felt if Freddy ran away? Really sad p.63
  2. What did Freddy give Suzie to keep his secret of taking a family picture off his mom’s dresser? his golden-dollar coin p.65

Chapter 7

  1. What advice did Papa Dave give Freddy about running away? Running away doesn’t solve anyone’s problems, people have to face them head on p.68
  2. What was Papa Dave’s reason for the turkey being the best part of the play? The turkey will be the most remembered because its different and being different is good p.70
  3. What advice did Freddy receive from his grandpa about Max bullying him? Show Max that he’s proud to be turkey and to wobble, flap his wings and gobble until Max runs away p.70

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Freddy’s mom find his hood for the play? In the bathroom laundry hamper p.74
  2. What made Freddy run out of the room and hide in the supply closet? The kids in the class were laughing at him as he put on his costume p.77
  3. How did the principal help Freddy feel better about being the turkey? He told Freddy about his part in a play in first grade. He was a piece of trash and stole the show by dancing and by being the best piece of trash anybody had ever seen p.83