Tag Archives: GRL N

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

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 – Mystery; 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 – Mystery; 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 - Mystery; 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 – Mystery; 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 – Mystery; 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