Tag Archives: GRL W

Comprehension Questions – The Fort

The Fort

by Gordon Korman

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

The morning after Hurricane Leo rips through the town of Canaan, friends exploring the widespread destruction discover an underground bomb shelter. Text has violence, physical abuse, criminal activity, bullying & references to substance abuse. Themes include ableism.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Evan Donnelly. He has an older brother and they live with his grandparents because their parents went to drug rehab; his brother has a friend who is not a good influence; Evan’s in 8th grade and his town was just hit with a hurricane; he and his friends are checking to see if the fort made it through the storm p.1
  2. Who’s Ricky? Another boy who’s house was hit with a tree during the storm and is staying at Evan’s for the day while it gets fixed.

Chapter 2

  1. Who is telling the story in this chapter? Mitchell Worth p.9
  2. How do you know? the chapter is named after him p.9
  3. Predict what Ricky and Evan found. Listen to your child’s answer p.15

Chapter 3

  1. What is clever about the author’s writing style? Each chapter is told through a different character’s eyes p.16
  2. Were you correct in your prediction from Chapter 2? Listen to your child’s answer
  3. Why do the boys feel they can claim the bomb shelter as their own? The guy who built it is dead; no one else knows about it p.23

Chapter 4

  1. Why does C.J. purposely crash and hurt himself on his bike? He needed a stunt to cover up how he really got hurt, which was on his skateboard on a railing at the library and crashing after trying not to hit an older woman p.28

Chapter 5

  1. How is Jason different from the other boys he is friends with? He has a girlfriend p.32
  2. Why is everyone worried to eat the food at the fort? It’s 40 years old p.38
  3. Would you eat it? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6

  1. How was Ricky a good friend to Evan today? Evan’s brother Luke and his friend Jaeger wanted Evan to steal money from a business owner; as Evan got near the cash register, Ricky came in the door and gave Evan a reason to leave p.46
  2. Why is Evan worried about his brother? He makes bad choices when he’s around Jaeger and begins to act like their parents p.50

Chapter 7

  1. What does Ricky realize about his new friend group? They don’t need him to have fun or really care if he’s part of their group p.56

Chapter 8

  1. What did C.J. and Mitchell learn in this chapter? That the utensils from the fort are real silver p.63
  2. Why are the utensils black? As silver ages over time, it turns black p.63

Chapter 9

  1. How is Ricky proving himself to his new friends? He is quick to think, got them $85 for the fork at the pawn shop and helped Mitchell when he was in trouble; he is showing them that he is a good friend p.67

Chapter 10

  1. What heavy responsibility does Jason need to worry about that is too much for an eighth grader? His divorced parents put him in difficult situations where he has to explain his family situation to police p.74

Chapter 11

  1. Why doesn’t Marcus and C.J.’s mom want the police to be called? Marcus hurts C.J., that’s why C.J. is hurt all the time p.80

Chapter 12

  1. Do you agree with Ricky’s response to Luke and Jaeger’s question about the woods? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.89
  2. What should Ricky tell them about the Fort, the money and the snacks? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 13

  1. Explain why Evan covered for Jaeger when grandma asked about the broken ceramic doll? He didn’t know what Jaeger would do if Grandma called the police; he’s worried something bad will happen to her p.101

Chapter 14

  1. Describe what happened in this chapter. C.J. and his parents go to a hockey game. Marcus, his stepdad, gets angry and hurts his mom and C.J. They get in the car and Marcus is upset, ashamed and apologizes, promising to never do it again p.101
  2. Does C.J. believe Marcus’s promise? Why, or why not? No. Because this is a cycle that repeats itself because Marcus won’t get help p.108

Chapter 15

  1. How is Mitchell watering his ex-therapist’s herb garden and why? Peeing on it because he is angry at him. He can’t receive help because his mom lost their insurance when she was laid off p.117
  2. Do you agree that Mitchell should be doing this? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Why does C.J. feel stuck in his home situation? He can’t call the police because his mom will deny what Marcus is doing and she will defend him p.122
  2. Explain why this is unhealthy for her and C.J. to stay in this situation? It’s protecting a man who deserves to be in jail and shows her son that her abusing husband is more important than him and her p.122

Chapter 17

  1. Why does Luke think Jaeger is good for him to be around? Makes him tough and Luke thinks Jaeger has good ideas; he feels rejected by his grandma p.125
  2. How did Luke and Jaeger manipulate Mitchell and why? They told him they would tell the police how he peed on the therapist’s garden and that his mom would need to pay attorney fees to keep him out of juvenile detention; to get him to tell them where they are getting the money from p.129

Chapter 18

  1. Jason finds himself in real trouble with his girlfriend and possibly the police. Do you agree that he should talk? Listen to your child’s answer p.137

Chapter 19

  1. Name one characteristic C.J. showed in this chapter and explain. Courage for standing up to his mom; sadness because he misses her and he’s sad about the situation they’re in; determination to not put up with an unhealthy and abusive situation; irritation because Ricky is watching him very closely etc. p.138

Chapter 20

  1. What is Mitchell avoiding and why? His friends and the Fort; He doesn’t want to tell his friends that Luke and Jaeger are blackmailing him; he also doesn’t want the Luke and Jaeger to follow him to the Fort p.150

Chapter 21

  1. What is one of the perks to Janelle knowing about the Fort? She will help it get cleaned p.157

Chapter 22

  1. How did Ricky figure out what is happening with C.J.? He saw Marcus at Home Depot and how he behaved to an employee he supervised; he also connected the other details he’s observed about C.J.’s behavior p.160

Chapter 23

  1. How did the friends support C.J.? They believed Ricky when he told them his suspicions and they caught him staying at the Fort and didn’t let him be alone. They showed him know they were there for him p.173

Chapter 24

  1. Summarize this chapter. C.J.’s friends are helping him out and as he heads back to the Fort to sleep one night, he sees Luke and Jaeger; they follow him, but he loses them when he gets knocked down by a branch. He hears their car leave and he is able to go to the Fort p.175

Chapter 25

  1. How did Ricky help Mitchell feel better in this chapter? They helped him understand that Luke and Jaeger can’t black mail him because Jaeger won’t go to the police p.191

Chapter 26

  1. C.J.’s mom did a very courageous thing in this chapter. What is it and what could be the negative consequences of it. She packed her bag and decided to leave Marcus. Marcus could kill her and C.J. p.196

Chapter 27

  1. Explain Ricky’s status with the four friends and if he is being accepted by them. He’s able to hang around them since he found the Fort. It’s taken time, but he’s slowly gaining each person’s respect through his good ideas, his loyalty, and the initiative he’s shown p.203
  2. List one characteristic Ricky has shown to gain their respect. Ingenuity; courage; initiative; respectful; stands up for himself; confidence p.204

Chapter 28

  1. Have you been in a situation you didn’t want anyone to know about? Explain. Can you relate to Evan and C.J.? Listen to your child’s answer p.206

Chapter 29

  1. How does Janelle handle Luke and Jaeger? She threatens to call her dad who’s a policeman p.212
  2. Why does that stop the older boys? They don’t want to get any attention from a police officer because they are consistently breaking the law p.212

Chapter 30

  1. What is the consequence of C.J.’s mom not turning off the location finder on her phone? Marcus finds them in the bunker p.216
  2. Are you surprised that Marcus would lose his cool in front of C.J.’s friends? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 31

  1. Summarize this chapter. As Jason and Janelle get to the Fort the hatch is open; Luke and Jaeger pounce on them and go into the Fort with Jason; Janelle finds her phone and calls 9-1-1; Marcus grabs Jaeger by the throat and Jaeger pulls out his pocket knife and stabs Marcus; Marcus lets him go and drops to the ground but Jaeger won’t let anyone call an ambulance; the police arrive and arrest Jaeger and take Marcus to the hospital p.218

Chapter 32

  1. What does Mitchell come clean with in this chapter? That he peed on the herbs the spaghetti is made with p.231

Chapter 33

  1. Why is the white flower blooming in the cactus symbolic at the end of this story? It shows that hard things can be beautiful; these friends have struggled to accept each other, stand by each other and have grown together. What a beautiful way to end the story. As their friendship strengthens and blooms, so did this flower. It can also symbolize that times in life can be difficult, but by working together and supporting each other, they can be overcome  p.238
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Prydain #4 Taran Wanderer

Taran Wanderer

by Lloyd Alexander

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fantasy; Lexile Level 860L; AR pts. 9.0

Taran continues his quest to discover his lineage and solidify his identify. He embarks on a journey across Prydain, seeking answers from the Mirror of Llunet about his parentage, hoping to prove himself worthy of Princess Eilonwy. The book explores themes of self-discovery, the meaning of heroism, and the importance of human connection. 

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Explain why Taran wants to learn of his parentage? He wants to find out if he is noble; if he is noble he feels worthy to ask Eilonwy to marry him p.12

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Aeddan. Hard worker; older; strong; farmer; lost his son to a battle with raiders; very poor and needs to work his land with his hands since his animals both died; desires the tools and other things Arawn took from them p.35

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Taran’s experience at Gast’s hold. Welcomed and given the impression they’d have a huge meal, but Gast shared only small portions with he and Gurgi; they found Fflewdur p.53

Chapter 4

  1. Choose three words to describe King Smoit in this chapter. Explain why you chose those words. Hasty; prideful; stubborn; arrogant; angry; impatient; listen to your child’s answer p.61

Chapter 5

  1. Explain the gift King Smoit gave Taran and why he can’t accept it. To live in Cadiffor and be heir to the throne to become king after he is gone; he needs to find out where he is from and if he has noble blood in him p.84

Chapter 6

  1. Predict how Doli became to be a frog. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 7

  1. How is Taran showing courage in this chapter? Helping Doli; wanting to leave Doli and his friends behind while he goes to find Morda p.112

Chapter 8

  1. What did Taran learn in this chapter? Eilonwy’s mother died at Morda’s hand; for other answers, listen to your child’s answer p.117

Chapter 9

  1. Predict how Taran will break the bone to Morda’s life? Listen to your child’s answer p.125

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Taran feel he needed to give up the jewel? It originally belonged to the Fair Folk, so it wasn’t his to begin with p.140

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize this chapter. Taran and his friends run into a band of men on their travels; they’re fed and are given a proposition, having the men guide them to their destination for a small portion of treasure; Taran doesn’t want to travel with them; Dorath, the leader is waiting for Taran by the animals in the morning p.146

Chapter 12

  1. Why does Taran have a difficult time trusting Dorath? Dorath manipulates Taran and his companions to get gain p.157

Chapter 13

  1. Find the analogy Craddoc uses on page 174. 
  2. Who is the sheep that has been found and who is the lost lamb? Taran and Taran’s mother p.174

Chapter 14

  1. Define what a simile is. A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. (Example: brave as a lion or crazy like a fox)
  2. Find a simile on page 183. 
  3. In this chapter the author describes Taran’s feelings. Pick two opposite emotions Taran felt and explain why he is feeling them. Listen to your child’s answer p.177

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize this chapter. Craddoc fell down a cliff when he and Gurgi went out into the cold and wind to care for the sheep; Taran fell down the rocks to help him; Craddoc told him he wasn’t his father; Taran used the horn to call for help; The Fair Folk helped save them; Craddoc died p.188

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Llonio. Kind; lucky; resourceful with the things he finds; takes care of his family; is married and has six children; tall and thin p.211

Chapter 17

  1. How did Taran contribute to Llonio’s homestead? Built a wheat grinder for his family p.216

Chapter 18

  1. On page 224, what does Hevydd mean when he said, “life’s a forge “. Taran will be shaped throughout his life like a blade: he’ll be put in difficult situations, put into a fire and pounded, and he’ll come out of his trials as a strong and developed man p. 224

Chapter 19

  1. Why is Taran going by Wanderer instead of Taran of Caer Dallben? He is ashamed for his thought to let Craddoc die. He feels unworthy to have such thoughts
  2. What do the craftsmen Taran encountered have in common? The secrets and enchantments to their trade have been stolen by Annuvin; they all make Taran begin with the raw materials of the craft before letting him begin to create p.241
  3. Find the simile at the end of this chapter. Explain why Taran felt this way. Like a flawed vessel shattered; Taran’s dream of becoming a potter was shattered, he didn’t feel he had the gift to become a potter p.249

Chapter 20

  1. How did Taran serve those in this chapter? He helped Annlaw deliver his wares; he helped the people of Isav fend off the raiders p.250

Chapter 21

  1. Why was it beneficial that Dallben didn’t answer his questions about his parentage? Taran needed to learn who he was for himself
  2. What did he learn about himself and his parentage? Who he is; it’s ok he doesn’t know who his parents are and his lineage, manhood is not given, but earned p.271

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Prydain #3 The Castle of Llyr

The Castle of Llyr

by Lloyd Alexander

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 7.0

When Eilonwy is put under a deep spell, Taran and his companions set out on a dangerous quest to rescue her. Yet how can a lowly Assistant Pig-Keeper hope to stand against the most evil enchantress in all of Prydain?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Prince Rhun. Clumsy, kind, son of the king and queen Eilonwy is going to live with, blond hair, blue eyes, happy and carefree, naive p.1
  2. Why is Taran jealous of him? Eilonwy thinks he’s polite; he’s a prince and Taran is an assistant pig-keeper p.18

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Lord Gwydion pretending to be a cobbler in the palace? He’s undercover to protect Eilonwy and Taran p.29

Chapter 3

  1. How could Taran have communicated with Eilonwy better in this chapter? How? Listen to your child’s answer p.40

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. After the feast, Gurgi guards Eilonwy’s chamber and Taran leaves the castle to follow Magg to the harbor; Magg lights a torch and signals to a ship that’s holding Achren; Gwydion saves Taran from being spotted by Magg; Taran guards Eilonwy’s door; at breakfast, Taran couldn’t find Magg or Eilonwy p.42

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize what the King asks of Taran and why it is conflicting for Taran? To protect Prince Rhun; the prince is betrothed to Eilonwy; Taran loves Eilonwy p.59

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. Taran finds the prince slept in a small, abandoned hut; they learn that a very small person practiced growth spells on a small mountain lion; something large attacks Taran p.68

Chapter 7

  1. Describe Llyan. A mountain lion as large as a horse, sleek and muscular, strong and deadly p.79
  2. Predict how the companions will escape Llyan? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. Was your prediction correct? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. How did the companions escape? Llyan fell asleep p.90

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize how the companions were able to finish the raft? Kaw distracted Llyan p.97

Chapter 10

  1. Who did the companions find in this chapter? How? Glew; they fell into a pit and became trapped; they tied to find a way to the surface p.111

Chapter 11

  1. Describe Glew. The little man from the hut that turned himself to a giant; selfish and sought fame instead of accepting who he was; trapped in the caverns; he was small when he came into the caverns but drank a portion and grew; he’s too large now to escape; trapped the companions and wants their help p.112

Chapter 12

  1. Explain what helped Taran change his mind about Prince Rhun. The prince offered his life to save the rest of them p.132
  2. How did this change Taran’s mind? It was very noble of Print Rhun to sacrifice himself for them.

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. Prince Rhun climbed up the companion’s manmade ladder and escaped with the bauble; Glew opened the cavern, and the other three companions fought him; the prince came back and shined the bauble, defeating Glew p.134

Chapter 14

  1. What is the greatest secret Fflewder spoke of on page 151? The secret to thinking about others and not yourself.

Chapter 15 

  1. Why will it be difficult to free Eilonwy? She doesn’t recognize Taran and won’t want to go with him p.165

Chapter 16

  1. Explain how is Achren clever with the way she has imprisoned Eilonwy. Achren has cast an enchantment on Eilonwy to give her allegiance and forget who her friends are p.169

Chapter 17

  1. Choose a word to describe Gurgi in this chapter and explain why you chose that word. Humble; he forgave Eilonwy for hurting him p.178

Chapter 18

  1. Explain the effect the bauble has on Eilonwy. It brings back the memory of who she really is p.187

Chapter 19

  1. Why didn’t Gwydion want to kill Achren? She lost her power and is not a threat anymore; he didn’t want to kill just to get vengeance, he is merciful and kind p.197

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Eilonwy wakes up and remembers everyone and what happened to her; Taran knows he must say good-bye and go back to Caer Dallben; Eilonwy said she won’t marry Prince Rhun p.199

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #4 The Dark Secret

The Dark Secret

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 10.0

Starflight, a dragonet of destiny, is kidnapped by the NightWings and finds that the kingdom of his birth is a miserable place full of terrible secrets. With his fellow dragonets too far away to help, the fate of two kingdoms rests in his talons.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the dragonets in this chapter. NightWings, thin, coughing, jealous of Starflight being to the mainland and specially chosen, scared of Morrowseer p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight is taken before the NightWing queen; Deathbringer is also brought before the queen for being a traitor, but Vengeance is instead killed p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Predict how Morrowseer knows who Starflight’s father is. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Is your prediction correct? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Why is Starflight confused and feeling rejected? The dragonet he met said she is part of the project to end the war; he is supposed to be the one who ends of the war p.45

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Starflight’s father. His name is Mastermind; thin black dragon; very smart; talks like Starflight; scars on his face and bloodshot eyes; thrilled to meet his son p.47
  2. Why have the NightWings imprisoned RainWings? To experiment and do tests on them. How do you feel about that? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 6 

  1. What would you do if you were Starflight and knew the NightWings’ plan? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 7

  1. Why does Morrowseer want the second group of dragonets to kill Starflight? If they can’t then he is the correct dragonet for the prophecy p.75

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight escapes and Fatespeaker found him but didn’t want to kill him; Morrowseer told them all the Queen wants him to choose the NightWing dragonet and kill the others; the dragonets were placed in the same cave as when Starflight woke up; he fell asleep and Fatespeaker was excited to meet the other NightWings p.77

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize what the dragons found while exploring in this chapter. The tunnels and cave where the treasure used to be hidden; inside the room were two dragons who had died p.89
  2. What did Starflight find in this chapter? A dream visitor stone

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Starflight feel worse after seeing and hearing his friends in the dream state? He found out what they think of him; he’s too cowardly to do anything on his own and can’t make decisions p.109

Chapter 11

  1. Describe the test Morrowseer is giving the dragonets? They are to go into a SkyWing outpost to convince them they’re the Dragonets of Destiny p.120
  2. What could be the consequences? They could die p.121

Chapter 12

  1. Choose a word that defines Starflight in this chapter. Courageous, bold, etc. explain why you chose that word. Starflight has courage and spoke the truth to the SkyWings p.123

Chapter 13

  1. Why is Starflight upset with how Squid is treated? Squid is now alone and rejected; Starflight cares about him and doesn’t want him to get hurt p.138

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight and Fatespeaker follow Flame to the dungeon; they speak with Deathbringer and learn where the Queen is; they go in search of her; Starflight knows he should help Deathbringer but doesn’t know how p.142
  2. Why does Starflight feel like he should help Deathbringer? Deathbringer has helped him and his friends

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the queen’s room and what the dragonets found in it. Three different walls had holes to look through and a cauldron fill to the brim with lava p.162

Chapter 16

  1. Why are the dragonets feeling rejected at the end of this chapter? The Queen listens to them but told them to listen to Morrowseer p.170

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight uses the dream visitor and speaks with Glory; her tribe isn’t ready to go through the tunnels; Starflight asks Glory to protect Tsunami; Starflight is worried someone knows about the dream visitor p.171

Chapter 18

  1. Predict why Morrowseer has two sets of Dragonets of Prophecy. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 19

  1. Do you think Fatespeaker would fit in with Starflight’s friends? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Predict why Mastermind wants to speak with Starflight. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize the decision made in the Council and why it was made. The NightWings will attack the RainWings at midnight because they are worried about the RainWings getting stronger and the dragonets causing issues p.203

Chapter 21

  1. How are the dragonets going to get through to the tunnel to save the RainWings? Brought Flame with them and use the excuse to save Flame with special healing properties found in the rain forest p.214

Chapter 22

  1. Do you agree with Glory’s plan at the end of the chapter? Listen to your child’s answer p.227

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize Sunny’s idea and explain if you think it will work or not. Have the RainWings use sleeping darts on the NightWings to make them all go to sleep; yes, because the RainWings are comfortable using them and have used them on other dragons as they patrol, or used them on each other as a prank p.234

Chapter 24

  1. Summarize this chapter. Starflight tells Sunny he loves her; the RainWings go into the tunnel and successfully knock out the guards; they free Orchid and the other prisoners; they talk to the Queen of the NightWings p.237

Chapter 25

  1. Describe Starflight in this chapter. Brave, courageous, bold, didn’t worry what others thought, spoke his mind p.251
  2. In the last two chapters, share two examples Starflight has been bold and courageous when speaking with another character. Telling Sunny he loved her; telling Queen Battlewinner she will die in the volcano and that the queen he should be speaking to is Greatness

Chapter 26

  1. Predict what will happen. Will the RainWings let the NightWings live in the rain forest or will the NightWings all die? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 27

  1. What did you learn about the prophecy in this chapter? Morrowseer made it up and feels like he can do whatever he wants p.280

Chapter 28

  1. Summarize the conclusion to the story. Morrowseer died from the volcano eruption; Clay saved Starflight with his fireproof scales; Starflight is confused about Sunny and Fatespeaker; he’s confused about the prophecy being fake; he was put to sleep so he could heal from his burns p.281

Epilogue

  1. Why do the queens want to destroy the dragonets? They are getting in the way of their plans

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #3 The Hidden Kingdom

The Hidden Kingdom

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 10.0

The five dragonets of the prophecy are hoping to hide in safety in the RainWing kingdom, but when tribe members start disappearing and the old queen does nothing, it is up to Glory and her friends to uncover the lurking evil. Text has violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction. The friends traveled with Webs toward the RainWing kingdom; two MudWing guards passed the group, were attacked and died p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Glory’s expectations in meeting her family? She wants it to be better than life on the mountain and hopes her parents won’t be like Clay’s parents p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the RainWings they meet in this chapter. They were different beautiful colors; didn’t recognize Glory; use poisonous darts to capture and question dragons

Chapter 4

  1. What is something Glory learned about herself in this chapter? The sun recharges RainWing scales and makes them happier, prettier, smarter, and better at camouflage p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Glory unimpressed when she found out she’s related to Jambu? He never cared about her before so she figured he wouldn’t now p.44

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. The friends wake up and demand to see the queen to get help for Webs; there’s a line and as they wait, they learn a number of RainWings are missing from the tribe p.47

Chapter 7

  1. What response did Glory get from the queen when she said she was stolen? The Queen thought whoever took her was rude but didn’t really care p.67

Chapter 8

  1. Predict what Glory and her friends do. Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Choose a word that defines Glory in this chapter. Explain. Impulsive, reasonable, brave; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize what Clay and Glory do. Were you correct in your prediction? They hide in the trees and watch the area to see if anything goes in and out of the doorway/hole p.82

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize the journey into the tunnel and what Glory found. The tunnel seemed to be made from magic and led to the desert, and the Sand Kingdom p.89

Chapter 11

  1. Explain why Mangrove rushed through the tunnel unannounced. He wants to find Orchid and knew if he said something, he would be stopped p.102

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. The dragons fly toward the Ice Kingdom; waking early, Glory flies around and finds a NightWing near where she and her friends slept p.105

Chapter 13

  1. Describe Deathbringer. A young learned NightWing; he’s on a mission, waiting for someone; flirtatious with Glory; expects other dragons to be in awe of him p.113

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Glory decide they needed to go into the fortress appearing as IceWings? There wasn’t a way to sneak in and she didn’t want Jambu to freeze; Mangrove wouldn’t have given up trying to get in p.126

Chapter 15

  1. What choice did Glory make when determining what to do to Blaze. She gave a version of the truth p.133

Chapter 16

  1. Predict what you think will happen. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 17

  1. How is Glory and Tsunami’s friendship growing? They are individually maturing and don’t fight and argue like they used to p.154
  2. Do you agree with Mangrove that his search for Orchid in the fortress was useless? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 18

  1. What does Glory mean when she wants to be the bait? She’s willing to be in danger to find out more about the monster p.168

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory was alone and was captured; She was taken into a cave and heard dragons talking; Deathbringer knows them and is giving them instruction p.169

Chapter 20

  1. Describe the home of the NightWings. Cave with molten lava and smells of eggs; full of NightWings p.181

Chapter 21

  1. Describe Kinkajou. A dragonet no more than three years; talks a lot; is very brave; the RainWing that was out training and was kidnapped

Chapter 22

  1. Do you think Glory will be able to trust Deathbringer? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 23

  1. Why didn’t Kinkajou want to use her acid? She didn’t want to hurt another dragon p.203

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Glory challenge Queen Magnificent for the throne? Because the Queen didn’t care what happened to her tribe and Glory did; if Glory is queen, she can control what the tribe does p.217

Chapter 25

  1. Summarize Glory’s reason for wanting to be queen? To save the missing RainWings p.227

Chapter 26

  1. Describe Sunny in this chapter. Hopeful dragons can change; encouraging; positive p.231

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory trained for the challenge the next day; her friends made her sleep; she woke up looking at Queen Scarlet p.237

Chapter 28

  1. Describe how Queen Scarlet found Glory. A magical dreamvisitor stone an animus dragon created to see and talk to people while they sleep p.244

Chapter 29

  1. Predict the challenge the Queen will have Glory and her team do? Listen to your child’s answer p.257

Chapter 30

  1. What had the sloths done during the tree gliding race? Cheated for the queen; threw out a vine to slow Jambu down p.267

Chapter 31

  1. Summarize the camouflage contest and who won. The queen went first; Glory found her by watching the audience’s reactions; the Queen found Glory by scaring her sloth and chasing it when it ran to Glory; the queen won p.276

Chapter 32

  1. Summarize this chapter. Glory and the Queen were tied two to two; during the venom contest, Kinkajou saw a sloth wander in front of the board and was burned when saving it as Grandeur spit and hit her p.280

Chapter 33

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Glory is rightfully queen due to being Grandeur’s descendent; the tribe celebrates; Clay comes to warn Glory that Starflight is gone and possibly went to warn the NightWings p.287

Epilogue

Who is the unconscious dragonet? What do you think happened? Starflight, he was kidnapped p.296

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #2 The Lost Heir

The Lost Heir

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 10.0

Tsunami and the other dragonets of destiny aren't any closer to ending the war for Pyrrhia, and someone in the SeaWing kingdom wants them gone before they can even try. Text contains violence and disturbing imagery.

Comprehension Questions

Prologue

  1. Summarize the prologue. Crocodile helps Webs escape after reporting to the Talons that the dragonets had been captured; Webs is going to try and go home 

Chapter 1

  1. Where are the dragonets seeking safety? In the SeaWing kingdom p.5
  2. Why is Starflight so worried? Was he right to be so? He didn’t want the SkyWings to find them; yes, they were patrolling in the area p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Did Tsunami do the right thing attacking the soldier? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Do you think it was right to not kill the dragon soldier? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Tsunami dove into the water to try and find her kingdom; she found another SeaWing and followed him; he interacted with another dragon that came out of hiding; she tried to talk to him, but he attacked and chased her p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Tsunami feel foolish in this chapter? She didn’t know there was a special language for SeaWings to communicate under water; she doesn’t know any of the SeaWing customs p.33

Chapter 5

  1. How did Riptide convince the other SeaWings that Tsunami is the missing princess? She knew about Webs and had special patterns on her wings p.52

Chapter 6

  1. Describe what the dragons needed to do to get into the Summer Palace? Dive into the water and swim through a long tunnel, coming up for air where there were small breathing pockets in the caverns along the way p.56

Chapter 7

  1. Why is it concerning Queen Blister was talked about so frequently? They’re worried she is an ally p.74
  2. Why is it a problem that Tsunami has a sister? Listen to your child’s answer; the Queen may not care about Tsunami anymore p.75

Chapter 8

  1. How did Coral receive Tsunami? She was excited to see her and gave her a warm and loving welcome p.77
  2. Predict what will happen in the SeaWing palace. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. What did the dragons use to swim faster? The current p.94
  2. Who is the dragon found dead? Kestrel p.97

Chapter 10

  1. Why is it dangerous for Tsunami to tell her mother she knew who the dead dragon is? Her mother might have thought the dragonets killed her and that they were a threat to the kingdom p.98
  2. Compare Anenome and Tsunami. How are they the same? They both think their lives are hard; they both have been raised in restrictive environments; they are both daughters to the queen p.102

Chapter 11

  1. What is hard for Tsunami in this chapter? Being humiliated in front of The Council; learning that the dragon she fought and killed in the SkyWing kingdom was her father p.121

Chapter 12

  1. Are the dragnets safe in the SeaWing kingdom? Why, or why not? No, Shark will kill them when the queen orders it; Blister is coming to see them all; Tsunami was attacked at the end of this chapter p.132

Chapter 13

  1. What is tragic in this chapter? a hatchling was killed p.145

Chapter 14

  1. What is a mystery to Tsunami in this chapter? There is only one entrance into the Royal Hatchery and someone entered and killed the hatchling p.147
  2. What will happen if Tsunami lets something happen to the egg? She could be killed by her mother p.152

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize the task ahead of Tsunami. She is to guard the egg with her life; she needs to get back to the Summer Palace safely by herself with the egg; she needs to check in with her friends p.156

Chapter 16

  1. How did Tsunami make it to the Summer Palace? Riptide came to her aid when she signaled for him p.164

Chapter 17

  1. How did Tsunami convince the guards to give her the key? She talked to them about the prophecy, was honest, and said she’d remember them p.176

Chapter 18

  1. Do you agree with the friends that Coral is the murderer? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What resolution did the friends come to in this chapter? To stick together; everyone stay at the SeaWing palace and watch over the egg p.185
  3. Do you agree that’s what they should do? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 19

  1. How did Tsunami hope to protect the guards that gave her the key to unlock her friends? By putting her on the spot and acting like she wouldn’t do such a thing p.195

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize what Anenome and Tsunami talked about. Anenome has special powers but doesn’t want to use her power, she loses a little off herself each time and could become evil; Tsunami told her to make mistakes, so their mother thinks she needs more training p.208

Chapter 21

  1. Why did the dragonets save Webs from falling to his death? They had compassion on him p.216

Chapter 22

  1. Why is Coral angry with Webs? Do you agree with her? Why, or why not? He abandoned her during the war and stole her egg; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize this chapter. Tsunami was with the egg in the hatchery; the statue attacked her; she pinned the statue with the spear; the egg hatched; Tsunami assumed it was Orca who put the curse on the statue p.233

Chapter 24

  1. What prevented Coral from finding out Tsunami killed her husband? Starflight said Blister killed Kestrel p.251

Chapter 25

  1. Why do you think Whirlpool tried to kill Tsunami? Listen to your child’s answer p.263

Chapter 26

  1. How were the dragonets freed from prison? Anenome hit Whirlpool with the spear and he fell into the water; the eels shocked him so they weren’t a threat for a few moments; Tsunamis jumped through the water and pulled on the chain, stopping the waterfall p.267

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize how the SkyWings found the SeaWings palace. Crocodile followed Webs to the Summer Palace p.279

Chapter 28a

  1. Give an example in this chapter how Tsunami’s character has grown and developed. She’s trying to be more like her friends; she knows she’ll need to make choices that are her own; she wants to lead her friends to keep them safe, not just to be bossy p.286

Epilogue 

  1. What’s the alternative plan to the prophecy? Replace the dragonets with false ones and kill Tsunami and Glory p.295

Comprehension Questions – (Fairly) True Tales Series Red The (Fairly) True Tale of Red Riding Hood

Red

The (Fairly) True Tale of Red Riding Hood

by Liesl Shurtliff

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fable/Fairy Tales; GRL W; AR pts. 8.0

Followed by a wolf, a huntsman, and a porridge-sampling nuisance called Goldie, Red embarks on a quest to find a magical cure for her ailing grandmother.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Red’s background. She has a grandma who’s a witch; her granny tried to teach her magic, but Red permanently hurt her granny so she never wanted to do magic again p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Red went to her granny’s house, and on the way, she saw a wolf; a huntsman shot at the wolf and scared him away; when Red arrived at her granny’s, the wolf was there dressed up as her p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Why is granny dressed up as a wolf? To scare people away from the cottage p.16
  2. Why is Red concerned at the end of this chapter? Her granny is sick and that is unusual p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why is Red hesitant to make the Curious Cure-All recipe? She doesn’t want to gather the ingredients; Pixie venom, tree-nymph wings, wolf hairs p.24
  2. Explain how Red came upon her red cloak? Her Granny gave it to her; she wore it when she was a young girl p.26

Chapter 5

  1. How many ingredients did Red find in this chapter? One, Pixie venom p.31

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Goldie. She’s nosy and gets into other people’s business; has golden hair; the same age as Red; new to The Mountain p.35
  2. What fairytale is she from? The three bears 

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Red tried to get rid of Goldie, but couldn’t; Red looked for a gnome to send a message to her parents; Goldie thought she found a gnome, but it was a dwarf p.46

Chapter 8

  1. What advice did Goldie give Red and how did she respond to it? She needed to practice her magic to get better at it; Red was angry p.63

Chapter 9

  1. Do you think the wolf will be a friend or foe to Red? Why? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. What did Red learn about Goldie in this chapter? Her mom doesn’t love her anymore since there’s no gold in The Mountain p.78

Chapter 11

  1. Describe how Red and Goldie are becoming friends? They help each other; laugh together; have fun together; protect each other p.80
  2. Name a friend you have and describe your friendship. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. Why didn’t Red want Goldie to drink the wine? She’d lose her memories p.93

Chapter 13

  1. Explain what it means to get a dose of your own medicine? To receive treatment for how you treated someone p.98
  2. How was Red a good friend to Goldie? Goldie lost her memories and Red stayed with her, trying to help her p.98

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Red so worried that Goldie let a Sprite take her hand? She would be dragged to the bottom of the river and die p.110

Chapter 15

  1. What was strange about Horst’s behavior? He pushed a tall tree over to cross the river p.119

Chapter 16

  1. How did Red hide Wolf from the huntsman? Put clothes on him and said he was her Granny p.121

Chapter 17

  1. Describe Borlen. Dwarf; Grumpy; loves rubies; Main character in the book, Grump p.132

List two magical properties the cloak has. Completely protects from the elements, protects from feeling things fall on her, protects from the sprites 

Chapter 18

  1. List what happens in this chapter that reminds you of The Three Bears story. Goldie tries all the food and eats the one she likes best, she sits in all the chairs and lays in all the beds to find the one she likes best p.144

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize this chapter. Borlen took Red, Goldie and Wolf to the castle with the roses, Red found the red roses and picked one; the gargoyles came to life and attacked; a beast captured Red and Goldie p.152

Chapter 20

  1. Describe the castle. Magical, does everything and provides everything the Beast needs p.169

Chapter 21

  1. How is the castle pranking the girls? It made completing the tasks the beast wanted difficult p.177

Chapter 22

  1. Why is Red bothered in this chapter? Her granny is the enchantress that turned the princess into the beast p.192

Chapter 23

  1. What has Red been running away from and finally learned in this chapter? Red can’t stop Granny from dying; she needs to stop fearing p.198

Chapter 23

  1. Why is Horst trying to kill the girls at the end of this chapter? Red wouldn’t let him have Wolf p.212

Chapter 24

  1. Read the last sentence in this chapter out loud. What does it mean? Horst sought a heart to give him life, but Red was filled with magic which protected her and destroyed him p.222

Chapter 25

  1. What did Red learn in this chapter? She can do magic correctly; she created her own path in the forest; fear made her path dim, fear is what interferes with magic p.232

Epilogue 

  1. What did you enjoy about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – #6 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

by J.K. Rowling

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 29.0

As classes continue for sixth-year students at Hogwarts, Harry Potter searches for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort, thereby finding what may be his only vulnerability. The plot contains mild profanity and violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction. Fudge visit England’s Prime Minister bringing him up to speed on the events that have been happening; we learn about Fudge’s perspective over the last several years; Fudge has been replaced and the new Minister of Magic introduced himself to the Prime Minister and revealed his secretary is a wizard and his Junior Minister is admitted to St. Mungo’s hospital due to being cursed p.2

Chapter 2

  1. What task do you think the Dark Lord asking Draco to perform? Kill Harry p.36
  2. What do you think about Snape? Whose side is he really on? Listen to your child’s answer p.37

Chapter 3

  1. What business did Dumbledore speak to the Dursley’s and Harry about? Harry inherited Sirius’s home, personal things and Kreacher; he told the Dursley’s they didn’t do as he asked and requested that Harry be allowed to come to their home one last time before he’s 17 years old and the protection placed on the home will stay until then p.52

Chapter 4

  1. Why isn’t Harry’s scar hurting? Voldemort is using Occlumency against Harry; he’s blocking his thoughts and feelings from him p.59
  2. Why did Dumbledore come pick up Harry? To help recruit Slughorn; take Harry to the Weasley’s; tell him he would give him private lessons p.74

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Harry disappointed at the end of this chapter? He didn’t pass his potions OWLS with the grade he needed to become an Auror p.104

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. The Weasley’s took Harry and friends to Diagon Alley to purchase school supplies; Harry and his friends saw Draco and his mom in a shop, they almost got into a fight; they went to Fred and George’s shop and saw Draco hurrying down the street and followed him in the Invisibility Cloak; he’d gone into a dark arts store and they listened to his conversation p.105
  2. What do you think Draco was doing in the store? Listen to your child’s answer; it might be about the special mission Voldemort has given him p.124

Chapter 7

  1. What proof does Harry have that Malfoy’s a Death Eater? He thinks Malfoy has the Dark Mark, that’s why he jerked away from Madam Milkin when she tried to roll up his sleeve p.130
  2. Summarize what happened to Harry after lunch with Slughorn? Harry snuck into Draco’s compartment with his invisibility cloak; Draco saw him and after everyone else had left the compartment, he cast a paralysis spell on Harry, broke his nose and covered him with his cloak so no one would find him p.153

Chapter 8

  1. Did Harry make it back to London? Explain. No, Tonk’s came looking for him and they jumped off the train just as it was leaving Hogsmeade p.158
  2. What shocking news did Dumbledore give the students after dinner? Slughorn is teaching potions and Snape is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts p.166

Chapter 9

  1. How did Harry win the Felix Felicis potion? He followed the instructions in the textbook given him, and the extra notes in the book helped him make the best Draught of Living Death p.188
  2. Who does the book belonged to? The Half-Blood Prince p.193

Chapter 10

  1. Why do you think it’s important to know and understand Voldemort’s past? Understanding who he is will help Harry defeat him p.215

Chapter 11

  1. How did Hermione help Ron make the Quidditch team? She cast a spell to make his competition mess up p.232

Chapter 12

  1. Why is Harry convinced Malfoy is the one responsible for the cursed necklace? He thinks he’s a Death Eater p.255

Chapter 13

  1. What memory did Dumbledore and Harry see in this chapter? Dumbledore meeting Tom Riddle and inviting him to come to Hogwarts p.270
  2. What training is Dumbledore giving Harry? Learning who Lord Voldemort is and how he came to be p.277

Chapter 14

  1. Why are Ron and Hermione so angry with each other in this chapter? They like each other, but haven’t admitted it p.282

Chapter 15

  1. What’s the unbreakable vow Snape promised Draco’s mother? He would protect Draco or die p.323

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Scrimgeour want to talk to Harry outside? How did it go? To see if Harry would be a mascot for the Ministry; not well, Harry doesn’t want to be used by the Ministry when he doesn’t agree with what they’re doing p.346

Chapter 17

  1. List the two memories Dumbledore showed Harry in this chapter. Tom murdered his father and grandparents with his uncle’s wand, gave him the memory of doing it, so he confessed; Tom asking Professor Slughorn about Horcruxes p.363
  2. What homework did Dumbledore give Harry? To find out Slughorn’s true memory p.372

Chapter 18

  1. Summarize what happened to Ron and how did Harry handle it. It’s Ron’s birthday and accidentally ate chocolates with a love potion meant for Harry; Harry took him to Slughorn for help and Slughorn gave him an antidote; while drinking to celebrate Ron’s birthday, Ron was poisoned; Harry cured him p.398

Chapter 19

  1. How did Harry wind up in the hospital wing? He was injured during a Quidditch match p.416
  2. Who did Harry call in the hospital wing and why? Kreacher; to follow Malfoy to find out what he’s doing p.422

Chapter 20

  1. Why is the locket important to Voldemort? Why would he kill for it? It was his mother’s p.437
  2. Why is it so important for Harry to retrieve Slughorn’s memory? They need it to find out Voldemort’s intentions p.446

Chapter 21

  1. What did Harry spend a lot of his time doing in this chapter? Was he successful? Trying to get in the Room of Requirement; no p.452
  2. What should Harry have spent his time doing? Trying to persuade Slughorn for the memory about the Horcrux p.456

Chapter 22

  1. Summarize this chapter. Harry and his friends were asked by Hagrid to come to a funeral for a large spider; Harry was still trying to get the memory but had failed; Harry took the lucky potion he’d won and felt like he needed to go to the funeral; on the way, he saw Slughorn and told him about it; Slughorn wanted to go to retrieve venom from the spider; after the funeral, Hagrid and Slughorn started drinking and Harry waited until Hagrid fell asleep; he persuaded Slughorn to share the memory p.469

Chapter 23

  1. Describe how Harry and Dumbledore will defeat Voldemort? They need to find and destroy four Horcruxes, then Harry can defeat Voldemort p.500

Chapter 24

  1. How did the Half-Blood Prince’s book get Harry in trouble? He used a spell from the book that almost killed Draco, giving him detention and missing out on the championship Quidditch match p.522

Chapter 25

  1. What made Harry upset in this chapter? Learning it was Snape who told Voldemort about the prophecy p.548
  2. Why did Harry give Hermione the Marauders Map? To see what Draco and Snape were up to while Dumbledore and he were gone p.534

Chapter 26

  1. Describe what was hard for Harry in this chapter. Why? Dumbledore had asked him to continue giving him the water from the basin until it was gone; Harry didn’t want to hurt Dumbledore p.569

Chapter 27

  1. Describe Malfoy’s mission and what he was doing in the Room of Requirement. He was trying to fix the Vanishing Cabinet to let in the Death Eaters through the store’s Vanishing Cabinet to kill Dumbledore p.585

Chapter 28

  1. Who’s the Half-Blood Prince? Severus Snape p.604
  2. Whose side do you think Snape’s on? Listen to your child’s answer p.604

Chapter 29

  1. Describe what happened to Bill and what are the possible effects? He was attacked by the werewolf, Grayback; he may have wolfish features, he won’t look the same with the scars p.612
  2. Do you think they should close the school down? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 30

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this book. Dumbledore’s funeral takes place; Harry breaks up with Ginny, Harry’s determined to find the other Horcruxes; Hermione and Ron are determined to go with Harry p.633

Comprehension Questions – Tuck Everlasting

Tuck Everlasting

by Natalie Babbitt

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 4.0

Winnie Foster is faced with difficult decisions after she is kidnapped by the Tuck family, who have discovered a spring that gives eternal life. Text contains mild violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. A cottage and forest owned by the Fosters; takes place in August p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What did you learn in this chapter? Mae and Tuck’s sons are coming home after 10 years and their appearances haven’t changed in 87 years, they needed to be careful and not let anyone see them p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what you know about Winnie. Her name is Winifred; she’s an only child; wants to run away because her family’s demanding p.14

Chapter 4

  1. Predict what the man in the yellow suit wants with the family. Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What’s the music coming from? The music box p.20

Chapter 5

  1. Do you think Jesse was serious when he said he was 104 years old? Listen to your child’s answer p.28
  2. Why do you think Jesse didn’t want Winnie to drink from the spring? Listen to your child’s answer p.29

Chapter 6

  1. Describe what you know about the Tuck Family. Mother and father, two sons, Jesse and Miles; Miles is the oldest; Jesse is 17 years old; nice family p.31

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize the Tuck’s story and why they kidnapped Winnie. 100 years ago, they were wandering to find land and came upon the spring, they and their horse drank from it; nothing could hurt them and they never grew older; the cat who never drank the water died 10 years before; they knew no one else could ever find the spring p.37

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the Tuck’s want to take Winnie home with them? To make sure she understood how serious their secret was p.43
  2. Why do you think the man in the yellow suit was happy after overhearing the Tuck’s story? He was looking for the spring p.45

Chapter 9

  1. How did Tuck respond to Winnie and why? He was happy she knew about their secret and that she was at their home; he was happy to see and interact with a child p.48

Chapter 10

  1. What did Winnie think about the Tuck’s home? Messy but comfortable p.52
  2. Describe how the Tuck’s live their lives? The parents live in the home all the time and make things to sell, going to the different towns around them so they don’t bring attention to themselves; the boys stay away finding jobs to work for a while, but don’t stay in any one place too long; they come home when they want and every ten years p.53

Chapter 11

  1. Why was Tuck adamant to take Winnie for a ride in the row boat? So he could convince her to keep their secret p.58

Chapter 12

  1. What did Tuck compare their lives to in this chapter? A boat that is stuck and can never flow in the current of life; a rock on the side of the road p.63

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. The man in the yellow suit has stolen the Tuck’s horse and tied it to the Foster’s fence; he knocked on the door and told them he knew where Winnie was p.66

Chapter 14

  1. What proposal did Jesse give to Winnie? She should drink the spring water when she turns 17 years old, they would get married, and travel the world and do what they want p.71

Chapter 15

  1. What deal did the man in the yellow suit offer the Fosters? He’d show the constable where Winnie is and in return they’d sell him the woods p.74

Chapter 16

  1. Predict what the man in the yellow suit’s plan is. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 17

  1. What resolve did Winnie come to in this chapter? She would keep the Tuck’s secret p.86

Chapter 18

  1. Why did Winnie feel like the Tuck’s belonged to her? They were kind and treated her like family; she’d grown fond of them p.91

Chapter 19

  1. What did the man in the yellow suit intend to do with the woods? Sell the spring water p.97

Chapter 20

  1. Why don’t the Tuck’s want the man in the yellow suit to die? If he does, Mae will be hung p.104

Chapter 21

  1. What’s the conflict Winnie faces in this chapter? How is it resolved? Mae hung at the gallows if the man in the yellow suit dies; the contract is void if he dies p.108
  2. Predict what Winnie plans to do. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 22

  1. How did Winnie’s family treat her differently? They respected what she wanted to do instead of bossing her around and controlling her p.111
  2. How will Winnie make a difference? When Mae crawls out of the windows of the jail, Winnie will climb in and wrap herself in a blanket to look like Mae; this will give the Tuck’s time to escape p.114

Chapter 23

  1. Why did the day seem to last so long? Winnie was anxious for midnight to roll around so she could free Mae p.116

Chapter 24

  1. Describe Mae’s break out. Jesse met Winnie and they ran to the back of the jail and met Miles and Tuck; Miles poured oil over the nails so they wouldn’t squeak; lightning flashed and thunder crashed which covered up the noise; the constable only checked in on Mae once and they all ducked; with a clap of thunder Miles pulled out the bars; Mae squeezed through and after hugs and kisses, Winnie slid into the jail through the window p.121

Chapter 25

  1. What helped Winnie’s family understand and support her for what she had done? She told them she loved the Tuck’s and they were her friends p.130
  2. Why did Winnie use Jesse’s water on the toad? She wanted to keep it safe and if the spring was truly a magic spring she could drink straight from it p.132

Epilogue 

  1. What did Tuck find? How? Winnie didn’t drink the water and died two years previous; he saw her gravestone in the cemetery p.137

Comprehension Questions – The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by Elizabeth George Speare

Grades 6-9; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

Puritan neighbors regard Kit Tyler with suspicion, fear, and anger when she befriends an old woman accused of witchcraft.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where is Kit from originally and why is coming to America so strange for her? Barbados; people don’t swim; they don’t know who she is; people are critical and judge quickly and unfairly p.6
  2. In whom did Kit find a friend in this chapter? Nat at the beginning; the little girl whose doll she saved; John Holbrook p.10
  3. Define the word “heathen”. a person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim; an irreligious, uncultured, or uncivilized person p.11
  4. Why was John concerned for Kit at the end of the chapter? Kit is not accustomed to the culture she is entering to and he doesn’t want to see her get hurt or be judged wrongly 

Chapter 2

  1. List one character and Kit’s interactions with them on the ship. Nat couldn’t believe she jumped in the water and became angry when finding out she had slaves in Barbados; John was always surprised and seemed to have a warning voice when learning about her background; Goodwife Cruff didn’t like Kit and didn’t want her near her child; Prudence admired Kit p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Kit’s family. Aunt Rachel is old and thin; Uncle Matthew is old and serious; Judith is beautiful as her mother once was; Mercy has extraordinary eyes and uses a crutch p.32
  2. Summarize Kit’s history and how she came to live with her aunt and uncle. Her grandfather was sick and an overseer ran the plantation; the overseer finished the crop and then disappeared; when her grandfather died there were debts; Kit sold the land to settle the debts; she sold her own slave for passage to America p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Matthew’s reaction so shocking to Kit? She grew up with fine clothing and didn’t realize her aunt’s family felt beautiful clothing was wrong p.44
  2. Why did Kit cry on her pillow that night? She felt useless; it would have been better if she was a boy p.49

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Kit’s experience at church and why she was upset at the end of the chapter. People stare and talked about her; she was uncomfortable; she had to sit still for two hours and went numb; there was a second service in the afternoon they were going to p.53

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the altercation between the reverend and Kit’s uncle. The reverend is a loyalist and supports the king, but Uncle Matthew doesn’t p.61
  2. Why did the Reverend think that Mercy is weak and why does Kit disagree? Mercy is lame and can’t walk well, but she has an inner strength the entire family relies on p.64

Chapter 7

  1. What helped Kit enjoy Saturday evenings? William called on her each Saturday and he didn’t expect her to be useful; the prospect of marrying him p.74

Chapter 8

  1. What helped Kit better understand her uncle? Knowing that he was angry and sad all the time from losing two babies, both boys p.81

Chapter 9

  1. What was the answer Kit received from Hannah? That though she’s like the alien flower, she can grow where she’s planted; to talk to Mr. Kimberley about her mistake and the school p.97

Chapter 10

  1. How does Kit’s family feel about Hannah. She’s dangerous because she’s a Quaker p.99
  2. Who’s Hannah’s seafaring friend? Nathaniel from the ship p.106

Chapter 11

  1. What secret world did Kit pull Prudence into? Learning to read; meeting Hannah; meeting with Kit secretly p.118
  2. Do you agree Kit should have pulled Prudence into her world? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. What awkward situation did Nat put Kit in when he walked her home? She had to tell her uncle where she was; William was jealous seeing Kit with him p.132

Chapter 13

  1. What tragic event happened in this chapter? Judith thought John wanted to court her, when in reality he was asking Matthew for permission to court Mercy; now he is courting Judith because he didn’t want to hurt her feelings p.142

Chapter 14

  1. What did Nat mean when he said, “To think I worried about that little bird. I might have known it would gobble up a nice fat partridge in no time”? The bird is Kit and he’s mocking her; he was worried about her coming to Connecticut, but she’s done well for herself in finding a wealthy young man to marry and take care of her p.151

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Kit proud of her uncle? For taking a stand in what he believed in p.163

Chapter 16

  1. What danger is Prudence in? Prudence’s mom will punish her for learning to read and for meeting with Hannah and Kit p.173
  2. Why is Judith so upset? John’s enlisted in the militia as a doctor p.176

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mercy and many in the town are very sick; a crowd came wanting Matthew to help them kill Hannah, they think she’s cursing the town; Kit sneaks out, runs to Hannah and gets her away from her home; the people burn her home and look for her but can’t find her; Kit noticed the Dolphin sailing by; Nat brought Hannah and her cat to the ship; Kit returned home and Mercy’s fever broke p.177

Chapter 18

  1. Why is Kit locked up in a shed? She was accused of being a witch since she had gone to see Hannah p.200

Chapter 19

  1. What happened at the trial? Nat brought Prudence to prove that Kit wasn’t a witch p.218
  2. How did Prudence’s parents react when she told them she had been going to Hannah’s home and Kit had been teaching her to read? Her mom was angry, but her father was proud of her for learning to read

Chapter 20

  1. Describe Kit’s first winter. Harsh, cold, snowy, gray, dreary, depressing, dark p.234
  2. Who arrived at the end of the chapter and why was it so shocking? John Holbrook; he’d been taken captive by Indians; he looked gaunt and ragged; When coming in the house, he went straight to Mercy and not Judith p.238

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. The engagement announcement of Judith and William and Mercy and John was made; Kit realized she wanted to be with Nat; Nat bought his own ship; Nat walked with Kit to get her uncle approvals to marry her