Tag Archives: GRL N

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #25 Shadow of the Shark

Shadow of the Shark

by Mary Pope Osborne

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

When Teddy, a young sorcerer, offers to send Jack and Annie on a dream vacation, they can't wait to go. The brother-and-sister pair wish for a trip to a beach paradise, and the magic tree house whisks them off to the coast of Mexico. Everything starts out perfectly as they raft around a coral reef. But then a hungry shark attacks and their dream vacation turns into a nightmare!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What were the children up to when they found Teddy’s note? They had just finished snorkeling and were riding their bikes home p.5
  2. How do Merlin and Morgan want to thank Jack and Annie for their hard work? By sending them on holiday, a vacation p.10
  3. Where do Jack and Annie want to go on vacation and why? Cozumel; the snorkeling is great there p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Why didn’t Jack want Annie to record or take pictures of the beach? He didn’t know what he would say to his parents if they saw the video or pictures p.19
  2. Why was Jack hesitant to take the raft? He didn’t know who it belonged to p.20
  3. What did Jack read in the guidebook about coral? It’s made of animals, is very delicate and takes a long time to grow, so you shouldn’t touch it p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what Jack saw as he snorkeled in the water? Fish, turtles, crabs, jellyfish, a stingray p.27
  2. Why was it so difficult for Jack to control the raft? The current was pushing him around p.32
  3. What did Jack see that made him panic? A shark fin coming towards them p.33
  4. How did Jack and Annie escape the shark? They used a coin from the velvet bag and said they’d like to have fun escaping the shark, so the waves pushed them further out to sea p.35

Chapter 4

  1. What did the kids learn they were floating towards? Eastern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula p.40
  2. Why did the kids want to use a magical coin? To wish for money so they could pay for a hotel, dinner, ferry ride and the theme park they read about p.46
  3. Why did Annie want to check out the theme park before going to the hotel? She heard music and wanted to see if there was a performance going on p.48

Chapter 5

  1. How did Annie convince Jack to skip buying the tickets and slip through the opening of the wall? She told him the show would be over if they spent the time to buy the tickets p.54
  2. What did Jack notice the audience was wearing? Boy were wearing loincloths or feathered robes and the women and girls wore colorful dresses with big jewelry; many men wore headdresses p.55
  3. What happened when Annie spoke to the boys watching the dance? They were frightened and one told his mom; the dance stopped, the warriors came and got Jack and Annie and took them to the House of Columns p.58

Chapter 6

  1. What did Jack and Annie realize while waiting in the House of Columns? Teddy accidentally sent them to ancient Mayan times, not to Cozumel in their timep.64
  2. What happened to the velvet coin purse? Annie put it down to help put the raft on the beach and left it on the sand p.67
  3. Why does Heart-of-the-Wind’s father think Jack is to be the next ruler? He thinks the gods sent Jack p.75

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Annie call Heart-of-the-Wind brave? She loves to explore and swim in the dark by herself p.78
  2. How did Jack and Annie escape the House of Columns? Heart-of-the-Wind distracted the guards and the kids jumped out the window p.80
  3. Who are the Ones-Who-Tell-the-History-of-the-Forest and why? Howler monkeys; they howl at night as if they’re telling a story p.83
  4. How did the kids get passed the jaguar in the forest? Heart-of-the-Wind gave him peaceful thoughts p.86

Chapter 8

  1. What did Heart-of-the-Wind call the sinkhole? The Sacred Well p.90
  2. Describe the Underworld. A huge chamber with a hole in the top letting moonlight in, huge columns of white rock stretched down from the ceiling (stalactites), with animal statues guarding it, then to a narrow pitch-black cave p.91
  3. Why did Jack and Annie suggest Heart-of-the-Wind be the next leader of her people? She was a great leader, with courage and compassion p.98

Chapter 9

  1. What was Annie’s plan for convincing Heart-of-the-Wind’s father that she’d make a great leader? Use the cell phone to have Jack record a message to her father, to plant the idea that she could be the next leader p.104
  2. How did Heart-of-the-Wind respond to using the phone and watching the message? She was in awe p.106
  3. Why did Heart-of-the-Wind want to make the wish? She wanted to make a miracle for the kids, just like they had done for her p.111

Chapter 10

  1. How did Jack and Annie get back to Cozumel safely? A huge whale shark swam under them, lifted the raft onto its back and swam to the shore p.117
  2. Why did the whale behave that way? When Heart-of-the-Wind spoke the words for the coin, she asked that a shark help the kids have a fun and safe ride p.118
  3. What did Jack find when he looked up Heart-of-the-Wind on the computer? That she had become a ruler of the Mayan people, was the first female ruler, and became ruler under extremely unusual circumstances p.129

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Missing Mummy

The Missing Mummy

By Ron Roy

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

It’s Mummy Monday at the museum, and Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are going to see a new Egyptian exhibit. It features a child mummy in an actual tomb! But then the mummy is stolen and the tomb robbed of its treasure. Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose unravel the mystery and return the mummy to its rightful resting place?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did the kids want to go to the museum? All week long they were having programs that looked fun p.2
  2. How did the kids earn money for the programs? They helped clean out Josh’s barn and his dad paid them p.3
  3. What’s the exhibit at the museum the kids went to? An Egyptian exhibit with mummies p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What’s an ancient Egyptian coffin called? A Sarcophagus p.11
  2. What’s each mummy wrapped in? strips of linen cloth p.13
  3. Where did Ruth Rose find the missing mummy? In the girl’s restroom p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what the kids thought the mummy snatcher might have done to get away? She might have disguised herself after taking the mummy in the restroom p.20
  2. Where did the kids go to look for the lady who took the mummy? Back into the tomb p.22
  3. Why are the kids trapped inside the tomb? While they were in there, the tomb entrance closed p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Describe what it was like for the kids when they were locked inside the tomb? Cold, creepy, quiet p.27
  2. What did the kids do to get more comfortable after sitting on the gravel/ground? Ruth Rose found carpet squares in a closet, so they spread them out in the closet and laid on them p.29
  3. What woke up the kids while they were sleeping in the closet? A huge blast that shook the closet p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Who appeared after the blast and what were they doing? two thieves; stealing the treasure p.33
  2. How did the thieves get into the tomb? They blew a hole into the building from outside p.35
  3. Who came by Dink’s house the next day and why? Officers Peters and Washington; to ask the kids questions about the thieves p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Why did the kids want to go back to the museum? It was Tyrannosaurus rex Tuesday p.43
  2. Why did the kids go sit at the back of the museum? They were early, it was hot, and they wanted to sit in the shade p.44
  3. What did Josh smell when the thieves broke into the museum? French fries p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Why did the kids decide to go check out Aunt Freda’s Fabulous Fries? Because Josh had smelled French fries during the theft, there might be a connection p.56
  2. Describe what the kids discovered at the restaurant? A woman with short hair works there; Ruth Rose realized she has short dark hair like the woman who came out of the restroom; Dink realized she walked like one of the thieves; Josh realized she smells like French fries p.62

Chapter 8

  1. How did the kids get the opportunity to go into the kitchen and look around? Ruth Rose told Aunt Freda that Dink wanted to know how to make her French fries p.63
  2. What evidence did the kids find in the kitchen? They saw a black gym bag and a black jacket that’s short enough to see a white line of an apron underneath; Josh found a pebble like the gravel in the tomb p.66

Chapter 9

  1. Explain Dink’s dream? He was trapped in the tomb alone and the mummies came toward him, he felt a cold hand on his shoulder and the mummy’s linen strips were wrapping around him p.69
  2. Where does Dink think the treasure is hidden? In the small sarcophagus p.73
  3. Why do the kids think Dr. Tweed was one of the thieves? Someone had to set the bomb inside the tomb and the treasure would have been too heavy to carry it far, so he hid it in the sarcophagus knowing he’d be able to get to it p.73

Chapter 10

  1. What did the kids and police officers find in the tomb? Dr. Tweed holding a gym bag p.78
  2. Where were Dr. Tweed and the woman from the restaurant flying to and why? Europe; to sell the treasures p.79
  3. Where did the officers take Dr. Tweed and the woman? To jail p.82

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The School Skeleton

The School Skeleton

By Ron Roy

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

It’s a bona fide mystery at Dink’s school. Some sneaky soul has stolen the skeleton from the nurse’s office! The principal promises free aquarium tickets to the savvy student sleuths who can track down poor Mr. Bones. Soon mysterious clues are showing up all over the school. It’s up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to follow the clues and put those old bones to rest.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Donald David Duncan go by Dink? When he first learned to talk, all he could say was Dink when he tried to say his name p.2
  2. Why did Dink need to go to the nurse’s office? He got a paper cut and needed a Band Aid p.3
  3. What did Dink notice was missing from the nurse’s office? Mr. Bones the skeleton p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What’s the reward for the class that finds Mr. Bones? Free tickets to the new aquarium in Hartford, CT p.13
  2. Why did Josh think Mr. Neater could be a suspect for the missing skeleton? He has keys to the doors in the school p.14
  3. What was the topic of the story Mrs. Eagle assigned the kids to write? The vanishing school skeleton p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the footprint Ruth Rose and Josh found in the corner where the skeleton usually hung?  It was in the dust and looked like it was made by a sneaker; it was the left foot and adult sized p.18
  2. What did the kids want to do with the footprint before Mr. Neater swept up the office? Draw and measure it p.21
  3. How did Dink know the nurse, office secretary, or principal didn’t take the skeleton? The bottom of their shoes didn’t match the print in the dust p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What size shoes does Dink think the skeleton snatcher is? A size 10 p.28
  2. How many teachers did the kids need to measure for their footprint? 8 p.29
  3. What did the kids plan to do the next day to figure out the footprint clue? They wrote a note to the 8 teachers to ask if they would talk with them, Mrs. Waters would put them in their boxes, then when they would meet the kids would measure the footprint against each of their shoes p.31

Chapter 5

  1. How did Mrs. Eagle respond to the kids needing to leave class to talk to the other teachers? She said it was ok p.35
  2. What were the results from measuring the teacher’s feet that were on the list? None of them matched Josh’s footprint p.38
  3. What happened to Mr. Palmer that proved he didn’t steal the skeleton? He slipped on ice and got a cast on his foot the day before and was in the emergency room when the skeleton was stolen p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What did the kids see on the ground on their way back to class? A footprint on the ground in white powder p.45
  2. Why did Mrs. Eagle want the boys to open their lockers? The footprint was in front of their lockers and she wanted to see what was inside p.47
  3. What was in Josh’s locker? A twisted white paper with a skeleton on it and a shiny key hidden inside p.49

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Mrs. Eagle ask Josh, Dink, and Ruth Rose to tell the class what they’ve been up to? So the class could help and be involved p.50
  2. Where does Ruth Rose think the powder on the floor came from? Mrs. Waters said her powder was missing and someone could have taken it p.55
  3. What does Ruth Rose think the message with the key, skeleton and the 2 means? Key to skeleton p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What was strange about the key and how did it differ from Ruth Rose’s? it looked brand new and didn’t have any marks on it yet; Ruth Rose’s had tiny scratches from using it frequently p.61
  2. Why did the kids decide to go see Mr. Neater? Because he has keys to everything in the building and he could have put the key in Josh’s locker p.62
  3. Who else came to visit Mr. Neater and why? Cory from fifth grade and Jane and Susan from second grade; they also had found a footprint by their lockers and a paper with a skeleton wrinkled up with a key hidden in it p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What clues points to Mr. Dillon as the skeleton snatcher? There’s a small door from his office to Miss Shotsky’s and he had easy access to Mr. Waters powder p.71
  2. What’s Mrs. Waters missing now? Her key to the closet p.73
  3. Where was Mr. Bones? Hanging in Mrs. Waters’ coat closet p.74

Chapter 10

  1. What did the note read that was hanging from Mr. Bones? April Fools! P.77
  2. What day is it? April 1st; April Fools p.78
  3. Why did Mr. Dillon hide the skeleton and leave the clues? He loves April Fools Day and doing pranks. No one does pranks anymore, so he wanted to make it a memorable holiday p.82

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Vampire’s Vacation

The Vampire's Vacation

by Ron Roy

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

Grab your garlic, Green Lawn! There's a villainous vibe coming from the pale, dark-haired man Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose see in the supermarket. When they follow him into Ellie's Diner, the stranger vanishes! But there's a cut on Ellie's neck - or could it be a bite? Could there really be vampire in town? And could Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose be his next victims?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why were Josh, Dink and Ruth Rose at the supermarket? They had just hauled newspapers to the recycle bin and wanted a cold drink p.3
  2. Why did Josh think the man in line at the meat counter looked like a vampire? He had black hair, skinny lips, and pale skin p.6
  3. How did Dink feel when the man turned, looked, and nodded at them? he got goose bumps p.8

Chapter 2

  1. How did Ellie react when she saw the man out the window? She acted scared; she backed away and went behind the counter p.14
  2. What happens to the man when the kids continue to follow the him in the stores? He disappears and isn’t there p.15
  3. What did both Mr. Paskey and Ellie have on their necks? A small round Band Aid p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Is Dracula a vampire? No p.23
  2. How did Josh convince his friends to find the man he thinks is a vampire? He wanted to find out why he was disappearing, and he knew Dink wanted to find out what was going on with the Band Aids p.27
  3. What’s the man’s name and what do you know about him? Dr. A. Cula; he’s a doctor from New York City p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Who else had a Band Aid on their neck? Mr. Linkletter p.31
  2. What strange thing did Livvy notice when she took Dr. Cula up to his room? He laid on his bed and asked for the air conditioning to be turned up. He wrapped himself in a cape and feel asleep fast, like he was dead p.34
  3. What did Dink think Dr. Cula’s hobby could be since he disappears and wears a cape? Being a magician p.36

Chapter 5

  1. What did Josh gather from the vegetable garden and why? Garlic gloves; for protection, vampires don’t like garlic p.40
  2. What did Ruth Rose spell with the blocks after putting together Dr. A. Cula? Dracula p.41
  3. Who were the kids going to talk to at this end of this chapter? Police Officer Fallon p.43

Chapter 6

  1. What was Officer Fallen’s reaction when the kids told him what happened with Dr. Cula? He was surprised and wanted to talk with him p.49
  2. Why did Josh need to get back home? He told his mom he’d babysit the twins p.49
  3. How was Josh and Dink going to entertain the twins? Take them on a pony ride p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Explain what was strange about the Band Aids being all the same? People like to choose different shapes and colors of Band Aids if they need one p.54
  2. Who left a message on the answering machine and what did she say? Ruth Rose; she wanted the boys to meet her at the Shangri-la Hotel p.57
  3. What was strange about the Book Nook being closed as the boys were on their way to the hotel? Mr. Paskey never closes the store in the middle of the afternoon p.59

Chapter 8

  1. How was Mr. Linkletter acting strangely? He gave the boys Dr. Cula’s room number without looking, gave them permission to go up and see if he was there, and he acted nervous p.62
  2. Describe what the boys found when they went into room 202. No one was there, it was freezing cold, in the closet was a black suitcase and black cape, a note on the side table p.64
  3. Describe the note. It was written in purple crayon that smelled like jellybeans and had listed each of the names: Ellie, Mr. Paskey, Mr. Linkletter, Ruth Rose, Josh and Dink p.65

Chapter 9

  1. What does Dink think is going on? That Dr. Cula gave the Band Aids to everyone p.69
  2. Who opened the door when the boys were in the closet hiding? Ruth Rose p.71

Chapter 10

  1. Who’s Jimmy Jett? An actor from New York who’s going to play Dracula in a movie p.73
  2. Why did Ellie, Mr. Paskey and Mr. Linkletter have Band Aids on their necks? Jimmy Jett gave them to each of them to play a prank on the kids p.76
  3. Why did Mr. Linkletter give the boys the room number and permission to go to the room? All who were in on the prank were waiting for them to go to the room, then followed them up p.79

Chapter 11

  1. What did Jimmy Jett invite the kids to? To New York City to watch his movie p.81
  2. Who appeared in the movie box next to Josh? Jimmy Jett dressed as Dracula p.83

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Haunted Hotel

The Haunted Hotel

By Ron Roy

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

A ghost has checked into the Shangri-la Hotel! It’s almost Halloween, and reports of strange sounds and even stranger sights are coming from Green Lawn’s only hotel. Every day, more and more guests are being scared away. Everyone else is getting scared, too! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose must figure out what’s going on and catch the ghost – before Green Lawn turns into a ghost town!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? Dink’s living room on Sunday, in Green Lawn, CT p.1
  2. What did the newspaper claim was haunted? The Shangri-la Hotel in Green Lawn p.2
  3. Why is it the biggest week of the year for the hotel? Many tourists come to see the fall colors p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Where did Mr. Linkletter explain to the kids what’s going on? In his office p.11
  2. Who’s Livvy? The hotel maid p.15
  3. Why did the kids want to help Mr. Linkletter? He’s their friend p.16
  4. What did the kids think they saw when the elevator door opened? The ghost p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Who did the kids meet after they pushed the black button on the elevator and ended up on an unknown floor of the hotel? Mr. and Mrs. Spivets; Mr. Linkletter’s Aunt and Uncle who used to own the hotel p.21
  2. What’s the ghost telling Mr. and Mrs. Spivets? To go away and leave the hotel p.24
  3. Why are the Spivets selling the hotel? There’s a real estate company that’s been wanting to buy it and with the ghosts they don’t feel they have another choice p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did the kids resolve to do since no one they talked to had seen the ghost? Find someone who had seen it p.30
  2. Who did the kids talk to that saw the ghost? Mr. and Mrs. Jeffers p.32
  3. What did Mr. Spivets want the kids to do that night? Sleep in the hotel so they can solve the mystery and maybe see the ghost p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Who’s the Casper Nate referred to when saying he wanted to see a ghost? Casper is from a cartoon called Casper the Friendly Ghost p.38
  2. Why is Dink able to stay up later than usual? There’s no school the next day p.41
  3. What’s Rose Ruth’s plan to see the ghost? Hang out until midnight p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Where did the kids stake out to see the ghost? In the cleaning closet p.44
  2. What did the ghost call out as it passed each of their family’s rooms? It called each of the kid’s names and said to leave, its dangerous, or go before its too late and to leave now p.46
  3. What clue did Ruth Rose find on the doorframe? A human hair p.50

Chapter 7

  1. What was the yucky smell Josh noticed in the hall the night before? The smell of Halloween make-up p.53
  2. What did Livvy find under the Jeffers bed that she thought was a rat? A wig p.57
  3.  What’s a dumbwaiter? Small elevator shaft used to lift small things up and down from one room to another p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What did the kids and Livvy find while searching the Jeffers’ hotel room? The wig, a tape with spooky music, a sword, Halloween make-up p.63
  2. Where did the kids find the Jeffers? At Ellie’s eating breakfast p.66
  3. How did the Jeffers react when they read the note from Ruth Rose? They waved the kids over to them and admitted it p.69

Chapter 9

  1. Why were the Jeffers wanting to scare the hotel guests away? They’re actors and had been hired by three men to scare them away p.72
  2. Why didn’t the Jeffers realize the hotel was closing? They were told the hotel was being used in a horror movie and that scaring guests away was huge for publicity, and the guests would get their money back and free tickets to the movie; the Jeffers would then have starring roles in the movie p.73
  3. Who hired the Jeffers’? the same men buying the hotel p.74

Chapter 10

  1. How did Eatch, Rail and Roock realize their plan had been found out? The Jeffers went up to them during the signing and asked about the movie. The reporter from the Green Lawn Gazette told them the entire town would learn about their plan to trick the Spivets and Mr. Linkletter p.80
  2. What did Mrs. the businessmen’s names become when Mrs. Spivets rearranged the letters? Cheat, Liar and Crook p.83
  3. What did the kids receive from the Spivets as a thank you for saving the hotel? Three airline tickets to Florida, three tickets to Disneyworld and three $50 bills p.86

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Jaguar’s Jewel

The Jaguar’s Jewel

By Ron Roy

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

When the kids visit Dink’s uncle in New York City, they’re dazzled by his museum’s latest treasure – a statue of a gold jaguar with a precious emerald between its paws. But when the jewel is swapped for a fake, the police name Dink’s uncle as a suspect! It’s up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to uncover the real crook. Who stole the jaguar’s jewel?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. New York City also called the Big Apple; very crowded, loud, and the feeling that everyone is rushing p.4
  2. What does Uncle Warren do for a living and what is he expecting? He owns a museum; A shipment from South America that is made of priceless gold p.8
  3. Who are Uncle Warren’s friends? Jean-Paul and his wife Yvonne p.10

Chapter 2

  1. What did Uncle Warren pull out of the crate? Several gold items; A golden drinking cup made by the Incas in the 1500’s and a golden jaguar with an emerald between its paws p.16
  2. Why did Uncle Warren put the golden items back in the crate and nail it closed? Dr. Pitts was going to be coming by the next day to check out the items and make sure they were in good order, so Uncle Warren wanted to keep everything safe and together p.18
  3. Who’s Roger? Uncle Warren’s apartment building doorman. He opens doors for tenants and whistles for taxis p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Where did Uncle Warren take the kids for dinner? A Chinese restaurant called the Panda Palace p.21
  2. Why did Uncle Warren and the kids throw money into a saxophone case? A man was playing the saxophone on the street and you throw money in if you like his playing p.23
  3. What was wrong with the jaguar? The emerald stone was a fake p.32

Chapter 4

  1. How did Dr. Pitts know the jewel was a fake? The light didn’t penetrate into the jewel it just bounced off of it p.35
  2. Why did Dr. Pitts look at the lock on the door and write something on a small pad of paper? He noticed something about the lock; that it hadn’t been forced open p.37
  3. Who are the suspects for the missing jewel? Jean-Paul, James Pride and Uncle Warren p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Uncle Warren remind Dink to remember his cookie? His fortune cookie said his eyes would play tricks on him p.42
  2. What did Yvonne make for the kids while Uncle Warren was at the police station? Hot chocolate p.43
  3. What strange things happened in this chapter? Yvonne slipped through a door that disappeared into the wall; Ms. Wu went back to Uncle Warren’s office and left again; Dink remembered what his uncle said and found the key to the office in his pocket p.44

Chapter 6

  1. What was strange about the wall in Dr. Price’s office? It didn’t have any pictures or anything against it, it was just bare; it had hidden seams on it p.53
  2. What did Dink think was hidden in the wall? A secret door p.54
  3. Were the kids able to make the door open or find anything else? No p.56

Chapter 7

  1. What did Ruth Rose find in the fish tank? A glowing jewel stone; the emerald that’s supposed to be with the jaguar p.59
  2. What was the buzzing noise the kids heard? A VCR hidden in a secret compartment of the bookshelves p.62
  3. What was the conclusion after watching the tape? That Uncle Warren was the thief p.67

Chapter 8

  1. What did Josh realize happened to the letter opener? Before the lights went out it was facing the window; after the lights came back on, it was facing the other direction; someone had moved it p.69
  2. Who came into the office while the kids were there? Dr. Pitts p.72
  3. Where did the kids hide? In James’ office p.72

Chapter 9

  1. Who saved the kids when Dr. Pitts was coming into James’ office and where did she take them? Yvonne; to her restaurant through the secret passage p.76
  2. What did Josh realize would be on the letter opener? Dr. Pitts’ fingerprints p.77
  3. What did Yvonne want to do when she realized Ruth Rose had the jewel? Call the police p.78

Chapter 10

  1. Who was the real crook? Dr. Pitts p.79
  2. Why is there a secret passage between the office and Yvonne’s restaurant? It used to be a home and the servants would use it as a back-stairway p.82
  3. Who all played a part in solving the mystery? The kids, James with the camera, Yvonne saving the kids, Uncle Warren for giving the key to Dink and reminding him to remember his fortune cookie p.83

Comprehension Questions – Ready, Freddy! Halloween Fraidy-Cat

Halloween Fraidy-Cat

By Abby Klein

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

Join Freddy and his friends for another 1st grade adventure! The eighth in the popular series by an elementary school teacher who's seen it all.

Since Freddy is in the first grade, he should be old enough to go to a Halloween party without his parents. When a ghostly howl terrifies Freddy and all of his friends at the party, can Freddy find the courage to save the day?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

What did Chloe invite everyone in the class to? A Halloween party p.9 

What does Freddy like to dress up as for Halloween? Different kinds of sharks p.14

How does Freddy feel about scary stuff? He doesn’t like it; he’s worried he’ll get nightmares for months if he sees something scary p.19

Chapter 2

What does it mean to be a “fraidy-cat”? someone who is easily scared p.22

Where does Freddy’s shark costume come from every year? His mom makes it p.29

How did Freddy behave so his family would support him going to the party? Pretended to not be scared p.30

Chapter 3

What did Suzie want to be for Halloween? Frankenstein’s bride p.34

What was on the wall that scared Freddy? Scary masks p.36

What did Freddy decide to be after going to the costume store? A shark p.40

Chapter 4

What type of figurative language is “scare the pants off you” and what does it really mean? Idiom; you frightened me very badly p.43

What game did Max love? Bobbing for apples p.46

Why did Max threaten Freddy? Freddy made a comment about Max’s mouth being big, so Max told Freddy he’d be sorry for saying that and to wait until the party p.48

Chapter 5

What always helped Freddy feel better? Rubbing his lucky shark tooth p.50

How was Suzie a good sister in this chapter? She helped Freddy find his lucky shark tooth p.52

How did Freddy whisper to himself when looking at himself in the mirror with the costume on? That he was a big, tough shark p.57

Chapter 6

What characteristic did Freddy have as he went to the party even though he was scared? Courage p.59

Who did he hold hands with and why? Jesse because she wasn’t scared of anything p.61

Describe the Halloween party. Dracula and Frankenstein were there; Dracula let the children into a room with skeletons and ghosts floating around; another room full of coffins with zombies coming out and screaming; a room full of jars the children had to put their hands in that felt that eyeballs, brains and worms; a room with bats flying around; games p.62

Chapter 7

What game did Max challenge Freddy at? Bobbing for apples p.70

What helped Freddy not be afraid during the contest? Max calling him a fraidy-cat; pretending he was a shark p.75

Who won the contest? Freddy p.76

Chapter 8

What noise did the children hear coming from the basement? An eerie noise p.80

Who went downstairs to check it out? Max and Freddy p.81

Summarize what happened when Max and Freddy went downstairs? Max was so scared he couldn’t move and Freddy went to go check out what the noise was and found a kitten p.84

What was Freddy’s response to Max being a fraidy-cat? Freddy was very kind and didn’t tell any of the other kids and in fact told them that Max and he saved the cat together p.86

Comprehension Questions – My Father’s Dragon

My Father’s Dragon

By Ruth Stiles Gannett

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

When Elmer Elevator hears about the plight of an overworked and under-appreciated flying baby dragon, he packs his knapsack with supplies and stows away on a ship headed for Wild Island. Nothing will stop Elmer from rescuing the dragon!

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What point of view is this story being told in? third person p.9
  2. Who is narrating and who is this story about? A son telling a story about his father, Elmer Elevator p.9
  3. How did Elmer’s mother feel about feeding the stray cat and why? She didn’t like it because if she fed it more stray cats would come around p.11
  4. Describe the alley cat. Old, female, can talk, traveler, good companionship for Elmer, kind p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What example of figurative language describes the cat speaking like a human? Alliteration p.15
  2. Why did the animals on the island want to catch the dragon? So they could use him as transportation instead of walking all the way around to the other side of the island p.17
  3. How did the animals treat the baby dragon if he complains? Beat him and twist his wing p.17

Chapter 3

  1. How did the author’s father get off the ship without getting caught? Hid inside a grain bag and used a rubber band to tie it on the inside p.22
  2. Why wasn’t the author’s father bothered when the fisherman shook with fear talking about Wild Island? He knew the dragon wasn’t scary p.24
  3. Why was it important for the author’s father to travel to the island at night? He was hopping over rocks and the animals on the island would have seen him in the day and he didn’t want them to see him p.25

Chapter 4

  1. How did the animals know something strange was on the island? Saw tangerine peels laying around, the “rock” had moved from its place p.32
  2. How was the main character able to stay hidden? Traveled at night and held onto his peels p.32

Chapter 5

  1. Why couldn’t the main character continue to follow the river and instead ventured further into the jungle? The river was so muddy he got stuck in the ooze and decided to travel in the jungle next to the river using his compass, but the river had a bend he didn’t know about that took him away from it p.35
  2. How many tigers crept up on Elmer? 7 p.37
  3. What knowledge did the cat give to the main character that helped him stop the tigers from eating him? The tigers love chewing gum p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Who was the main character careful to hide from at the beginning of this chapter? Two wild boars p.44
  2. Explain why the rhinoceros was weeping as well as how Elmer helped him. His tusk used to be white, but with age has turned yellow-gray and Elmer brushed his tusk with a toothbrush and toothpaste p.48

Chapter 7

  1. Why was the lion so upset? He had blackberry twigs stuck in his mane and was worried for his mom see him such a mess that she would stop his allowance p.52
  2. What did Elder do to help the lion? Give him a comb, brush and ribbons and showed him how to make his mane pretty p.54

Chapter 8

  1. What animal threatened to twist the main character’s arms like he does the dragon’s wings? A gorilla p.60
  2. What did Elmer give the monkeys to help them get the fleas off the gorilla and how did that help? Magnifying glasses so they could see the tiny fleas p.62
  3. Explain how the main character was freed from the gorilla. More monkeys came out of the trees and surrounded the gorilla as they were wanting to try the magnifying glasses p.64

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t the main character pull on the rope to have the dragon fly over to him? Elmer was worried about the gorilla twisting the dragon’s wings and stopping him from freeing him p.65
  2. Why was Elmer not interested in swimming in the river with the crocodiles? He knew he’d be eaten p.66
  3. What did Elmer do to get to the other side of the river? Used lollipops to make the crocodiles line up so he could walk across them. He put the first lollipop in the sand on the beach, then walked across the crocodile and used a robber band to tie a lollipop onto his tail for the next crocodile and so on p.68

Chapter 10

  1. Explain how the crocodiles helped Elmer have the time he needed to free the dragon? The first crocodile finished his sucker and began floating down the river with all the other crocodiles following as they wanted to finish their suckers. The animals had been crossing the river and were stuck on the crocodiles p.76
  2. Who called to the main character and the dragon from the island as they were heading to Tangerine island? The mouse p.76

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #29 A Big Day for Baseball

A Big Day for Baseball

by Mary Pope Osborne

Comprehension Questions; Vocabulary; Writing Prompts

Grades 3-5; Genre – Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

Chapter 1

Why didn’t Jack and Annie want to go to baseball tryouts? They felt they were terrible at baseball p.4

Where were jack and Annie traveling too this time? Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York p.7

Why were Jack and Annie excited to go there and play baseball? They would have magical gray baseball caps to help them be good at baseball p.8

Chapter 2

What’s a bat boy? Someone who helps a baseball team during a game p.11

Who helped Jack and Annie get to Ebbets Field? Some twins named Olive and Otis p.16

Why was there a huge crowd outside the baseball stadium? There was a baseball game that afternoon p.19

Chapter 3

How do the twins usually watch baseball games since they can’t pay to get into the stadium? Lay on the sidewalk and peek under the gate p.22

Give two differences from a baseball game at Frog Creek in 2017 from what Jack and Annie saw in Ebbets Field in 1947? What people wore to the game and half of the stadium was filled with white people the other half had black people p.24

Who do you think was the baseball player Jack and Annie saw signing autographs? Jackie Robinson p.24

Chapter 4

 Why didn’t the Braves team ignore Jack and Annie? Bat boys never bother the players or get in their way p.28

Name three tasks Jack and Annie needed to do as they acted as bat boys? Hung uniforms in lockers; wiped off equipment and lined up the shoes on the benches; pushed the trunk of bats out to the dugout; unloaded bats and placed them on shelves; took the first aid kit, catcher’s gear, and chewing gum to the dugout; filled jugs with water; took towels and baseball to the dugout p.30

What’s the national anthem? A song we sing in the United States to show respect and appreciation for our country; The Star-Spangled Banner p.32

Chapter 5

What were Jack’s and Annie’s responsibilities while the Braves were up to bat? Jack’s: Retrieve foul balls, gave new baseballs to the umpire always making sure he had three, had to count the baseballs; Annie’s: picked up bats that the players dropped and put them on the rack p.36

Why were the people in the stands heckling the black player? Because he was a different skin color p.41

What happened to Jack’s cap? It blew off in the wind and some kid jumped who had from the stands and grabbed it p.42

Chapter 6

What did Jack and Annie do to confuse the security guard and manager? They took turns wearing the hat to try to prove they were bat boys p.47

Why was Jack worried about people seeing him as they walked out of the stadium? He was embarrassed and humiliated p.48

Give a descriptive word to describe the manager and security guard. Intolerant; angry; impatient p.48

Chapter 7

Who helped Jack and Annie after they got kicked out of the stadium? Olive and Otis p.51

How did the Dodger’s team get their name? Fans need to dodge streetcars to get to the ballpark p.53

Where did Otis and Olive take Jack and Annie to hear the game? To their grannies’ house p.55

Chapter 8

Why were the grannies so fervent on Jackie hitting the ball? They were also people of color and wanted Jackie to be successful p.57

Why was this baseball game so important? Jackie Robinson was the first black player allowed to play with white players in major league baseball and he made history that game p.60

Why were the grannies so surprised to see Jack and Annie in their home? Jack and Annie were the first white people ever to come into their home p.61

Chapter 9

What was significant about the twin’s great-great-granny? She was 101 years old and born a slave p.64

What’s the advice Great-Great-Granny Beck gave to Jack and Annie? Always keep your eyes on the good and always keep your self-respect p.66

Why was it strange for Jack and Annie to be the first white people to go into the grannies’ home? During the history of the United States there had been a lot of racism against black people, but Jackie Robinson helped begin to change it p.69

Chapter 10

What made Jack decide he wanted to try out for baseball? After reading about Jackie Robinson, he realized he didn’t care so much what people thought of him p.75

What was the real reason Morgan sent Jack and Annie to Brooklyn? To help them learn to be brave and keep going p.75

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #24 Soccer on Sunday

Soccer on Sunday

by Mary Pope Osborne

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

Jack and Annie find themselves in the streets of Mexico where they must find the final secret of greatness for Merlin. There they meet a young soccer player who dreams of one day playing just like his hero, the great Brazilian soccer player, Pele.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did Annie know the Magic Tree House was back? She saw a streak of light in the night p.4
  2. What time of day do Jack and Annie go to the tree house? Early morning; dawn p.5
  3. Where was the World Cup going to be? Mexico p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Mexico City.  Hot; many cars honking and tires screeching; busy street; trees; tall buildings; a big city p.12
  2. How did Jack feel about being in Mexico and going to The World Cup? Excited p.15
  3. What’s the metro? Public transportation; like a subway p.18

Chapter 3

  1. When Jack and Annie were lost what did they do? Asked people for help p.25
  2. Why did it take so long for Jack and Annie to get on the train? There were a lot of people and the doors didn’t stay open very long p.27
  3. Why were Jack and Annie unsure which stop to get off the metro? Jack lost the paper with the directions p.29

Chapter 4

  1. Who helped Jack and Annie which stop to get off the train? A Mexican boy; Roberto p.33
  2. Why was Roberto going to the soccer game alone? His parents couldn’t afford it; they gave him the ticket for his birthday; he has 8 brothers and sisters p.35
  3. How did Roberto get to the stadium so quickly if he’d never been there before? He’d practiced it in his mind many times; his father told him what to do p.39

Chapter 5

  1. Where were Jack and Annie’s seats for the game? On the second row, right on the aisle p.44
  2. Where was Roberto’s seat? Up at the top of the stadium p.45
  3. In what way were Annie and Jack generous? They gave Roberto one of their tickets and decided to trade seats at halftime p.47

Chapter 6

  1. Why wasn’t Jack able to trade seats with Annie as they had planned? It took a long time to get down to the right section, but he couldn’t find them in time before half time was over and an official told him to go back to his seat p.55
  2. How was Jack feeling about not being able to find Annie at the end of the game? worried p.56
  3. Why do you think it was hard for Jack to sit so high in the stadium and come down and see Annie and Roberto have a wonderful time? Because he couldn’t see the game p.61

Chapter 7

  1. When the soccer team got on the bus, what was Annie’s solution for finding them? Go to the city and look for them p.65
  2. What did the kids playing soccer in the mud say that made Roberto sad? That they didn’t want him to play soccer with them p.70
  3. What was Annie’s solution to help them all play soccer better? Merlin’s magic mist p.72

Chapter 8

  1. Who made all of the goals on Miguel’s team? Roberto p.80
  2. After the game was over, and somebody asked what the score was, what did the referee say? Who cares? That was amazing! P.82
  3. Why did Jack and Annie think it was a good idea to leave the neighborhood while the magic was still working? They wouldn’t be so light footed and amazing as just their regular selves; it was better for them to run away from the kids chasing them while they still had the magic p.83

Chapter 9

  1. What made the ring explode with light? Roberto’s comment, “enthusiasm is everything” p.89
  2. What did Jack and Annie teach Roberto when he got sad about not being able to play soccer? To have humility, showing hard work, have meaning and purpose in your life & enthusiasm (the four things they’ve learned on Merlin Missions p.92
  3. Why did Jack and Annie think Roberto was such a great kid? He was polite, he was helpful, he was a good friend p.96

Chapter 10

  1. Why were so many people gathered when Jack and Annie got to Camelot? They were all grateful for Jack and Annie p.102
  2. Name three of the people gathered in Camelot? Merlin; Morgan; King Arthur; Teddy; Kathleen p.105
  3. Why did Jack and Annie want to invite their friends over? To play soccer p.111