Tag Archives: GRL O

Comprehension Questions – My Weird School Daze #1 Mrs. Dole is Out of Control!

Mrs. Dole is Out of Control!

by Dan Gutman

Grades 2-3; Genre - Comedy & Humor; GRL O; AR pts. 1.0

The out-of-control crazed PTA president is turning second-grade graduation into a bigger affair than a presidential inauguration. By the time the ceremony is over, it will be time to graduate from next year's class. 

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe A.J. His first name is Arlo; his friends are Ryan, Michael and Neil; he doesn’t like school or being called by his first name p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Why was Ryan embarrassed that his mom came into the class? She told everyone in the class about when he was a baby p.13

Chapter 3

  1. As the second graders were reminiscing about what happened that year, they listed the name of some of the books in the My Weird School series. Have you read one of those books? If so, give a quick summary of it p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Why does Ryan’s mom break out crying whenever she visits his class? He is growing up fast and moving on to the third-grade p.30
  2. Do your parents or guardians feel the same way? Discuss with your child

Chapter 5

  1. Do you agree that Andrea should be worried about Mrs. Daisy? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.41

Chapter 6

  1. Why was everyone celebrating during this chapter? It was the last day of school for the year p.49

Chapter 7

  1. What does it mean when someone goes overboard? Does too much and is extreme p.58
  2. How did Mrs. Dole go overboard? For graduation, she put together a big stage, had farm animals, eternal flame; President Bill Clinton spoke p.55

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The president spoke then a helicopter came and two men ran out and danced around; Mr. Hynde, the music teacher ran up to the stage p.63

Chapter 9

  1. How did Mrs. Dole go out of control in this chapter? She rented doves, fireworks, and a Blue Angels flyover for the graduation p.76

Chapter 10

  1. Why was Andrea’s mom upset with Mrs. Dole? She didn’t agree with the graduation and thinks Mrs. Dole went overboard. She’s mad that the fire started and animals got out. They weren’t necessary for the graduation p.89

Chapter 11

  1. Why was Mrs. Daisy getting fat, fainting and going to the doctor? She’s going to have a baby! P.97

Chapter 12

  1. What word should A.J. have used instead of antique when describing Hydrant? Unique p.100
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – (Fairly) True Tales Series Grump The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Grump

The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

by Liesl Shurtliff

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fables/Fairy Tales; GRL O; AR pts. 10.0

Ever since he was a dwarfling, Borlen (nicknamed "Grump") has dreamed of visiting The Surface, so when opportunity knocks, he leaves his cavern home behind.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Borlen and his background. A dwarf; born underground, but close to The Surface; ate common rocks and minerals instead of gems; named Borlen after the rocks surrounding the area he was born; fearful of going deeper underground and desires to go to The Surface, but his parents don’t want him to p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen’s mother took him to the nursery mines and asked other dwarflings to play with him; one crew did, but they bossed him around; Borlen found a baby bat and took care of it; they explored the caverns looking for a tunnel to the surface; Borlen’s parents signed him up for a crew because he kept trying to escape to The Surface p.10

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the ceremony Borlen and the other dwarflings went through in this chapter. They lined up, received an axe, used the axe to mine their Fate Stone and were given a crew to work with

Chapter 4

  1. How did Rudger treat Borlen and Gilpin? He was mean and teased them p.45

Chapter 5

  1. How is Gilpin a good friend to Borlen? He made him a bed, smiled at him p.56

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize how Borlen made it to The Surface? The crew found they were digging close to The Surface; Borlen suggested he continue digging there while the rest of them dug deeper; Borlen secretly dug upward until he broke through p.63

Chapter 7

  1. Describe how Borlen got in trouble in this chapter. He enjoyed being on The Surface and ran and fell, causing two human children to see him, they chased him, and he got away, the queen came in a carriage and was wearing a ruby on her forehead, Borlen followed the queen into the castle p.73

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen watches as the queen and her advisor talk about the kingdom and her plans; she finds out her advisor betrays her so she turns him into a weasel; she looks into her mirror and sees Borlen p.78

Chapter 9

  1. Using descriptive words, compare the queen in chapters 8 and 9. 8: mean, harsh, impatient.

9: kind, warm, friendly p.85

Chapter 10

  1. How did the queen convince Borlen to stay above ground? He’s not happy underground and he’s valued on The Surface p.102

Chapter 11

  1. How did the queen trick Borlen? She cried and acted sad until he offered to let her use his mirror p.109

Chapter 12

  1. Is the queen a good person? Why, or why not? No, she throws innocent girls into the dungeons and planted a poisonous apple tree; she’s manipulative p.115

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize what happened at the ball. Borlen sat next to the queen in Snow White’s seat; Borlen received rubies as gifts and ate them all feeling euphoric; he sang then started to tell the queen about humans who grab dwarves by the beard; he spies on Snow White; Borlen told the queen Snow White is the prettiest human he’d ever seen p.120

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Borlen horrified at the end of this chapter? The queen grabbed him by the beard and now he’s bound to do everything she commands p.135

Chapter 15

  1. Why is Borlen nervous Snow White is in the tunnel?  A human inside the dwarf caverns will make the other dwarves unhappy and scared p.146

Chapter 16

  1. Summarize this chapter. Snow White wanders to the dwarves sleeping quarters and Borlen follows; he looks in the mirror and sees the huntsman giving the queen the boar heart; Snow White and Borlen fall asleep p.147

Chapter 17

  1. How did the dwarves find themselves on The Surface? Snow hit the ceiling of the cave with the axe and it was starting to collapse, so they escaped to The Surface p.159

Chapter 18

  1. Why did the dwarves decide to let Snow and Borlen stay with them? They had compassion on Snow; didn’t know how to get back into the caverns and now Snow knew where the caverns were p.169

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the evening with Snow White. She was bossy regarding the cottage and food; she didn’t like food that was prepared so Borlen went to find her some; she still didn’t like the food; she took their beds, and they slept on the floor p.173

Chapter 20

  1. Why didn’t Borlen want the ruby Snow White offered him? The queen had used rubies to get him to do what she wanted, and he didn’t want to be manipulated again p.196

Chapter 21

  1. Describe how Snow White is a good friend. She’s kind; likes Borlen for who he is; a good listener; ready to give her life for Borlen; is humble p.202

Chapter 22

  1. Was it wise for Borlen to not tell the prince or Snow White about each other? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.211
  2. Predict what you think will happen now that the queen sees Borlen in the mirror. Listen to your child’s answer p.219

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen’s stone showed the queen where Snow was; Snow was sick and Borlen tried to help her feel better; they played a game and the queen disguised as an old woman arrived at the cottage p.30

Chapter 24

  1. Explain why Borlen’s heart was “in the deepest depths of despair“. He felt at fault for killing Snow White p.232
  2. Do you agree with him? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 25

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen lived in a cavern by himself during the winter; taking care of Leaf kept Borlen alive; someone left gems for Borlen; the trolls escaped the queen and found him, bringing him his fate stone p.234

Chapter 26

  1. Predict Borlen’s plan. Listen to your child’s answer; ask about the queen and what new beginnings might happen for Borlen p.249

Chapter 27

  1. How did Borlen find the prince and convince him to help him? A young maiden grabbed him by the beard and commanded her take a message to Florian; people then told him where to find him; Borlen told Florian someone brave and strong needed to help Snow White and that she spoke highly of him p.256

Chapter 28

  1. Describe Florian. He’s a prince, is a good friend to Snow White, wants to be brave and courageous, but is afraid; his father banished him from home since he’s not very brave; is a worrier
  2. Do you think Snow will wake up now that Florian kissed her? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 29

  1. Why is Florian surprised when Snow woke up? She was grumpy and hungry; she didn’t seem pleased at all p.272

Chapter 30

  1. How did Borlen save Snow White? The ruby he threw at the apple is what kept her alive when she bit into the apple; it was his idea to make the queen turn herself into a rat p.284

Epilogue

  1. What did you like about this story. Explain.  Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries Super Edition #4 Sleepy Hollow Sleepover

Sleepy Hollow Sleepover

By Ron Roy

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

Third graders Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are spending Halloween in spooky Sleepy Hollow, New York, home of the Headless Horseman. They're going to sleep in an old cabin, take a haunted hayride, and tour the old Dutch church where people claim to have seen the legendary headless horseman. But strange things start happening that don’t seem to be part of the planned Halloween fun. Is there a real Headless Horseman haunting Sleepy Hollow?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What activity were the kids going to
    be doing that night? A haunted hayride and going to a party p.2
  2. Who’s the Headless Horseman? A fictional
    character from the story, “the Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” by Washington Irving;
    the story is about a teacher, Ichabod Crane. He liked a woman named Katrina. Brom
    Bones liked Katrina as well and didn’t want Ichabod to get her, so dressed up
    as the headless horseman to drive him out of town. He told people it was a
    ghost of a soldier who’d lost his head and looked for it at night p.4
  3. Who did Dink step on after watching
    the mechanical headless horseman? One man wearing cowboy boots with silver
    toes; his name was Ace p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Where were the kids sleeping? In a
    cabin Dink’s father rented called the Haunted House p.11
  2. What popped out of the chest when
    Dink opened it to get a game? A skeleton p.13
  3. Who did the kids see out the window? The
    Headless Horseman p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What was suspicious about the driver
    of the wagon? He had a hat, wouldn’t look at the kids, deep voice, he doesn’t
    talk to the kids, he smacked a tree to make the bats fly out and around the
    kids p.23
  2. What came out of the grave as the
    kids passed the cemetery? A zombie p.31
  3. Who did the zombie and wagon driver
    end up being? Police officers Klevor and Reilly p.34

Chapter 4

  1. What police officer was in charge of
    the pumpkin bowling? Officer Reilly p.41
  2. What did Dink see as he ran after his
    pumpkin? Two men wearing masks by the wagons and horses p.44
  3. What happened in the woods where the
    wagons were parked? A huge fire was started p.48

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Andy think the fire started? Another
    prank by the police p.52
  2. How did Officer Klevor know the fire
    was intentional? There were match books on the ground p.54
  3. What happened to the policeman’s car
    tires? They were flattened p.58

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Dink flustered? He was
    still bothered about the two men and the flashing shoes he saw just before the
    fire at the wagons was started p.61
  2. How many police cruisers came to
    rescue the kids? 4 p.64
  3. Who was out in the field with the
    burned wagons as Dink and his friends drove away? The police officer dressed
    up as a spaceman p.66

Chapter 7

  1. What was suspicious about the cabin
    when the kids were dropped off by Officer Sneke? Dink’s dad said he would
    wait up until the kids got there, but he wasn’t there. Ice cubes were in the lemonade,
    Dink’s dad’s book was left opened on the chair p.69
  2. Where was Dink’s dad? Hiding in the
    closet dressed as a ghost p.72
  3. What did Dink realize the other man could
    have been who was by the wagons before they were set on fire? It could have
    been Officer Klevor p.75

Chapter 8

  1. Where did the kids find Officer
    Klevor? At the bank p.81
  2. What happened to Bonnie at the bank? Two
    men came to her house, told her to get her coat and took her to the bank to
    open the vault.     She couldn’t open it and the men took money from the
    teller drawers p.81
  3. What was inside the mechanical horse’s
    belly? The money that was stolen from the bank p.87

Chapter 9

  1. Who did Ruth Rose call when they got
    stuck in the back of the truck with the mechanical horse? The police; 911
    p.91
  2. Why did Dink want to let money out of
    the bags while they were driving? People might see it and call the police;
    the driver may stop, and they could get away p.92
  3. What did the kids feel in the dark of
    the barn hole? A body tied up p.100

Chapter 10

  1. Who did the children free while in
    the hole? The man who was originally supposed to go pick up the mechanical
    horse p.102
  2. Why did Dink think his dad would call
    the police and come find them? When the bad guys found the kids in the back
    of the truck, Dink had pushed the green button to the cell phone which would
    automatically call his dad. Then his dad would have heard the conversation and
    know the kids were in danger p.104
  3. Why did the kids think Bonnie was in
    on the bank job? She led the police to think the robbers left at midnight
    and had an 8 hour lead and she could get the money out after the vault opened
    at 8 am p.107

Chapter 11

  1. How did Dink reach up and lift the slat
    that covers the hole? He stood on Hank’s shoulders p.112
  2. Why did Dink want a tin can? To prop
    open the piece of wood p.116
  3. Why did Dink want Ruth Rose’s knife? To
    make the tire flat p.116

Chapter 12

  1. How did Josh, Ruth Rose and Hank get
    out of the hole? Dink had seen a rope when he was on Hank’s shoulders and
    tied it to the bumper of the truck. Hank climbed out, then he pulled the kids
    out one by one p.120
  2. Who came to the rescue and helped
    Dink out of the hole? The police; Officer Klevor p.123
  3. Who ended up being the Headless Horseman the night the kids went to the
    party? They don’t know; it’s a mystery p.128

Comprehension Questions – The Sword in the Tree

The Sword in the Tree

by Clyde Robert Bulla

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL O; AR pts: 2.0

In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, long lost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and happiness. It was then than Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, took on the duties of a knight and hid the sword in the hollow of the giant oak. The days that followed were filled with adventures that tried the courage of the young boy.

Comprehension Questions (by Sylvia)

Chapter 1

  1. When Lady Marion is afraid Shan tells her not to be afraid for what two reasons? King Arthur has beaten all their enemies and that they have the strongest castle in England. P.2
  2. Who is the wounded knight? Shan’s uncle, Uncle Lionel. P.7

Chapter 2

  1. When Uncle Lionel wakes up, what rude name does he call Shan?  A young dog p.9
  2. Uncle Lionel does not apologize to Shan, but tells Shan it was only a what?  A joke p. 9

Chapter 3

  1. When Lionel sees Nappus in the garden what does he want to do to him?  Throw a rock at him. P. 17
  2. Why does Lionel get angry at Shan?  Because Shan will not jerk the reins of his horse around as Lionel is telling him to do. P. 22

Chapter 4

  1. What responsibility does Shan ask his father for?  To take care of his father’s sword. P.25
  2. How does Lionel say his brother died?  Lionel says that Lord Weldon road his horse into quicksand. P. 28

Chapter 5

  1. How did Lionel take over the castle?  Lionel brought his friends and their servants to live in the castle and sent the old servants away. P 32
  2. Where does Shan hide his father’s sword?  In the garden, in the hollow of the oak. P. 34

Chapter 6

  1. What does Nappus tell Shan and Lady Marion? That Lionel killed Lord Weldon in a trap. P42
  2. Because Shan and his mother are in danger what do they do?    They leave the castle quickly. P 43

Chapter 7

  1. When Shan and Lady Marion run away what does Shan take with him? A small purse of money, a tinderbox to make a fire, and string to make a trap. P. 51
  2. What trouble do they run into?  They get robbed of their money and jewels. P. 51

Chapter 8

  1. What does the boy think Shan is doing with his goat?  He thinks Shan is going to steal it. P. 56
  2. With whom do Lady Marion and Shan find shelter?  Adam the herdsman and his wife Phebe. P. 59

Chapter 9

  1. What idea does a lost hunter give Shan?  To go to Camelot and ask King Arthur for help. P. 64
  2. Shan only gets permission to go to Camelot after what happens?  Adam says that Magnus can go with Shan. P. 66

Chapter 10

  1. While on Twigg’s raft what do the boys do?  They fish for dinner. P. 70
  2. What do Magnus and Shan find on the way to Camelot?  A little gray donkey. P. 72

Chapter 11

  1. While the boys wait in Camelot for 6 days what do they do?  Magnus and the donkey get a job carrying firewood and Shan gets a job with a shoemaker. P. 77
  2. To find out if Shan is telling the truth King Arthur send which of his knights to Weldon castle?  Sir Gareth. P 83

Chapter 12

  1. Sir Gareth tells Shan that if his story is true King Arthur might make him a knight.  How does Sir Gareth say that King Arthur turns boys into knights?  First, he finds them young, then he makes them pages and they work in the kitchens and at table, then they become squires to knights and finally, if they have learned their lessons well they become knights. P. 87
  2. What does Lionel say happened to Lady Marion and Shan?  That they went away into the woods and were killed by wolves. P. 89

Chapter 13

  1. How does Shan prove to Sir Gareth that his story is true?  He goes into the garden and retrieves his father’s hidden sword from the hollow of the tree. P. 94
  2. When Sir Gareth sees Shan’s proof, he challenges Lionel to battle. Who wins and who loses?  Sir Gareth wins and Lionel yields. P. 97

Chapter 14

  1. Where does Nappus take Shan?  To the dungeons. P. 99
  2. Who is in the dungeon?  Shan’s father, Lord Weldon. P. 101

Comprehension Questions- Adventures of the Bailey School Kids #23 Angels Don’t Know Karate

Angels Don’t Know Karate

By Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones

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

Angela Michaels is the new karate teacher in Bailey City.  She is very kind and there to help and save persons who are in need.  Melody is sure she is an angel, but Eddie thinks it is silly to think their karate teacher could be from heaven. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #8 Lights, Camera…Cats!

Lights, Camera…Cats!

By Carolyn Keene

Grades 2-4; Genre - Fiction; GRL O; AR pts: 1.0

The Clue Crew goes on vacation to Hollywood, California and gets to be on set with a famous feline.  The cat disappears and the Clue Crew is on the case trying to find out who kit-napped the movie star. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #33 The Pumpkin Patch Puzzle

The Pumpkin Patch Puzzle

By Carolyn Keene

Grades2-4; Genre - Fiction; GRL O; AR pts: 2.0

Nancy and her friends are excited about the Fall Festival and can't wait to enter the pumpkin decorating contest.   But right before the contest begins someone has created mischief in the pumpkin tent.  Nancy and the Clue Crew have to solve the mystery of who made the mess in the pumpkin tent before the end of the festival or there won't be a pumpkin decorating contest. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #5 The Case of the Sneaky Snowman

The Case of the Sneaky Snowman

By Carolyn Keene

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

Nancy and the Clue Crew build a snowman during their winter break, but strange things begin to happen when one of their friends from school begins to tell fortunes and they begin to come true.  The Clue Crew needs to solve how all of the fortunes are coming true before everything snowballs out of control. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- The Boxcar Children #22 The Animal Shelter Mystery

The Animal Shelter Mystery

By Gertrude Chandler Warner

Grades 3-4; Genre - Fiction; GRL O; AR pts: 3.0

The Alden children are helping out at the local animal shelter for the summer.  Some mean men have come into town and threatened an older woman out of her home.  The children hurry to beat the clock to protect the woman and her land. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions – The Boxcar Children #14 The Tree House Mystery

The Tree House Mystery

by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL O; AR pts 2.0

New neighbors move in next to the Aldens.  Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny help the new young boys build a tree house and work together as they solve the mystery about a hidden room in the big house. Continue reading →