Tag Archives: GRL X

Comprehension Questions – Wings of Fire #1 The Dragonet Prophecy

The Dragonet Prophecy

by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts. 10.0

The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy, a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the introduction to the story. Clay is a dragonet learning to fight, but he doesn’t like it. Kestrel is his teacher and wants more out of him. Tsunami is another dragonet who stands up for Clay. She suggests they leave the caves earlier than two years when the prophecy is to take place p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. The five dragonets acted out the prophesy, but got in trouble when Kestrel found them; Tsunami shared her desire to escape with the other dragons, except for Sunny since she can’t keep a secret p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Describe how the Minders treat the dragonets and if you’d like to be under their tutelage. Why, or why not?  Angry, mean, bossy, condescending and say rude things to them; listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize Morrowseer’s visit? He wanted to see which of the dragonets were up to the task p.34

Chapter 5

  1. What disturbing information did Clay hear when he spied on the Minders? Morrowseer ordered them to kill Glory by noon the next day p.53

Chapter 6

  1. Describe the plan the dragonets put in place to save Glory? Clay would swim downriver until he was out of the cave; the dragonets in the cave would build a fire so Clay could see where the cave is from the outside; meanwhile Glory would use her dragon skills and camouflage herself to prevent the Minders from finding and killing her p.60

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Clay took to his journey in the river; he was still underground when he came to a stream and a waterfall; he decided to go up the stream, but something stung him and he blacked out p.66

Chapter 8

  1. Who helped Clay? Tsunami p. 74
  2. How did she break free of the chains? Sunny and Fireflight breathed fire on them together p.75

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Clay excited to see dirt? He’s a mud dragon; he’s much more comfortable in the dirt p.84

Chapter 10

  1. Who did the dragonets run into above the surface? Scarlet, the queen of the Sky Wings p.93
  2. Is that good or bad? Why? Bad; she will want to prevent the prophecy and destroy the dragonets p.93

Chapter 11

  1. Describe the interaction Tsunami and Clay had with Scarlet. She wanted to take them with her, but they knew they couldn’t go with her; Tsunami stabbed her tail with a claw and the dragonets flew off p.95

Chapter 12

  1. List a consequence the dragonets will have because they left the cave. Queen Scarlet knows where the secret hideout is; she knows about the 5 dragonets p.109

Chapter 13

  1. Why is Clay surprised Kestrel was willing to give herself up to save the dragonets? Kestrel isn’t loyal to any dragon except her own kind and she hated the dragonets p.114

Chapter 14

  1. Describe the prison cell Clay has. It’s outside, hundreds of feet above the ground; on a spire/column by himself with many other columns around him with dragons on them; high above the arena p.119

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the battle between Peril and Horizon. Peril burned Horizon with her touch, to end the fight, Horizon held onto Peril and died p.132
  2. Predict what will happen the next day. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Peril. She’s the queen’s champion; she’s a Sky Wing dragon; she burned her twin to death in their egg; her mother tried to drop her over a cliff but the queen saved her; she has too much fire, anyone that touches her is burned; needs a friend p.138

Chapter 17

  1. Why did the queen bring the three friends to her? To decide who she should put in the arena with an Ice Wing p.152
  2. Why did both Clay and Tsunami volunteer to fight in the arena? They wanted to protect each other and their friends p.153

Chapter 18

  1. Who do you think won the fight? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.161

Chapter 19

  1. Why does Clay think he’s going to make the prophecy fail? Because he thinks he’s weak p.163
  2. Who does Clay think Peril’s mother is? Kestrel p.172

Chapter 20

  1. What’s Kestrel and Peril’s story? Kestrel had the twins and fled, but the queen caught her and told her if she killed one of the dragonets she and the other dragonet could go free; Kestrel killed the one twin, but the queen lied and didn’t free her; Kestrel tried to escape, but was burned when she grabbed Peril; she dropped her and left her to the queen p.180

Chapter 21

  1. Why did Clay feel like they had to escape that night? Queen Burn was coming and she will be ruthless with the dragonets; he was worried one of them would have to fight Peril the next day; he knew he had to save Sunny before Burn took her home p.188

Chapter 22

  1. What’s stopping the dragonets from leaving Peril’s cave? A fire burning from black rocks p.197
  2. Who do you think sprayed Fjord with poison? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter23

  1. Describe Peril’s actions in this chapter. The dragonets thought she was helping them, instead she betrayed them p.209

Chapter 24

  1. How did Clay fulfill a prophecy? He came from a blood red egg and can walk through fire p.212

Chapter 25

  1. Describe the crowd’s attitude toward the fighting in the arena? They like the fight; they wanted death p.221
  2. Compare the relationship the five dragonets have to the rest of the dragons in this world. They care about each other; they are friends and help each other; the other dragons have no care for each other and don’t know how to be real friends p.221

Chapter 26

  1. How did the audience react when Tsunami and Starflight wouldn’t fight? They thought it was sweet p.224
  2. Who showed up at the end of the chapter? Morrowseer p.228

Chapter 27

  1. What did Morrowseer do in this chapter? He saved Starflight and flew away p.231

Chapter 28

  1. What word would you use to describe Clay in this chapter? Why? Noble; loyal; dedicated; listen to your child’s answer p.241

Chapter 29

  1. Do you agree that the dragonets should free Kestrel? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 30

  1. How did Peril grow in this chapter? She realized Clay would be her friend even if she helped free him and his friends p.259

Chapter 31

  1. Why is Glory mad at Clay? He made her feel like she wasn’t wanted p.266

Chapter 32

  1. Describe Clay’s experience as he walked into the Mud Wing domain? They weren’t friendly; no one paid him and Glory any attention; people seemed bothered by them; they were in military groups and only talked with each other p.280

Chapter 33

  1. Why was Clay disappointed after speaking with his mother? She wasn’t happy to see him; she didn’t care about him; he didn’t receive any answers from her about his father; she sold Clay’s egg to the Talons of Peace p.283

Chapter 34

  1. What did Clay find in this chapter? Explain. The answers he’d been looking for; his family; what life would have been like had he been born in the tribe p. 290
  2. Why couldn’t Clay stay with them? He has his own destiny; he didn’t want to tear his sibs apart; his sibs would feel like they had to choose between him and Reed who was their current bigwings p.293

Chapter 35

  1. What did Clay realize at the end of this story? That he was good enough to fulfill the prophecy just the way he was p.300
  2. Why is that important? Listen to your child’s answer

Epilogue
1. What did you learn from reading the epilogue? Morrowseer is evil and has made a deal with Blister; he wants her to be the next queen; Morrowseer gave instructions to Starflight to betray his friends; the dragonets are in danger; he killed Kestrel and are looking for Webs p.301

Comprehension Questions – The Girl Who Drank the Moon

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill

Grades 6-9; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts. 12.0

A witch, a swamp monster, and a perfectly tiny dragon raise a young girl named Luna, who must unlock the powerful magic buried deep inside her to save the people of the Protectorate.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1 

  1. Tell me what you know about the history of this village from this first chapter? There’s a witch in the woods; a child needs to be sacrificed so everyone else stays safe; an older brother was sacrificed p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the Sisters of the Star guards. Ruthless; well trained; long braids wrapped around their waists; all females; years of training in the Tower p.9
  2. Tell me about the society in this story and how you feel about it. The Elders are in charge and have created the witch and the need to sacrifice a baby to control the people in the village p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Xan. A true witch; kind; thoughtful; takes the babies to the Free Cities to be raised by a good family p.20
  2. Why was The Grand Elder confused to see six trees? Xan transformed herself into a tree p.21
  3. Why did she decide to keep Luna? She accidentally fed her moonlight and made her magic p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Who is speaking in this chapter? A mom who lost her baby to the Witch p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Glerk resistant to loving Luna? He didn’t want to get attached to her; he thought keeping her was a bad idea p.37

Why are Glerk and Xan worried about Luna’s magic growing? She’ll be out of control p.38

Chapter 6

Why are the Elders unhappy with Antain? He’s not arrogant and pompous enough p.49

Chapter 7

  1. How did Luna’s magic manifest? In thought and deed; she wanted a hat, so the dough turned into a hat p.54
  2. Why did Xan think she was missing something? She couldn’t remember very well p.56

Chapter 8

  1. Do you see commonalities between what the narrator has told you about the story and what this mom is telling her child? Explain. The Wizard saving the town; the dragon going into the volcano; the witch flying the dragon p.58

Chapter 9

  1. What was happening to Xan? Her magic was going into Luna, so she was getting weaker p.66
  2. How did Xan stop Luna from using her magic? Sure wrapped her in a cocoon p.68

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Xan have difficulty remembering her memories? She buried them p.72

Chapter 11

  1. What’s the spell Xan came up with? To keep Luna’s magic inside until she turns 13 years old p.78
  2. What will be a consequence of doing this? Xan will be drained of her magic and will die p.79
  3. Do you agree with Xan’s reasoning to hold in Luna’s magic? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Tells of the creation of the world starting with the bog and a beast p.82
  2. Who do you think the beast is? Glerk

Chapter 13

  1. What did Antain find when he visited the prisoner? Birds made out of paper covering the room and “she is here” written on a paper p.95
  2. Define day of reckoning. A time when the consequences of a course of mistakes or misdeeds are felt 
  3. Who did the prisoner threaten? Antain’s uncle the Grand Elder p.98
  4. What happened to Antain at the end of this chapter? He was attacked by the paper birds p.99

Chapter 14

  1. Describe how Luna felt when she woke. She felt different; expected magic things to happen but didn’t know why; couldn’t hear, see or comprehend magic p.100
  2. What did Xan tell herself to prevent feeling sorrow? Luna’s a regular girl now and she was never magic p.110

Chapter 15

  1. Why was the Tower significant to Antain? He lived there when he was younger and was scarred by the paper birds here p.121
  2. How has Antain changed since his last visit to the Tower? He’s a carpenter and lives alone lost in his work; becoming comfortable with lying p.121
  3. Why did Antain feel like his heart was flying at the end of this chapter? He was so elated to see and help Ethyne p.126

Chapter 16

  1. What animal does the author frequently use to foster imagery in this story? Birds p.127
  2. Summarize who this chapter is about and describe what happens at the end of this chapter. It’s about the mom who has her baby ripped away from her at the beginning of the story; the scars on Antain’s face are a map; the madwoman has paper, quills and ink appear magically and is always drawing a map or writing “she is here”; she doesn’t feel sorrow anymore, she feels hope p.131

Chapter 17

  1. How was Luna “off”? A pain in her head was getting worse through the day; she could see the nut full of magic in her forehead and felt it pulsing like a clock ticking; she knew it was bringing her closer to something p.138
  2. Which family was Luna thinking about and how did she tell a lie? Her mother and father; she told Fyrian she was thinking about her family, but didn’t clarify that she wasn’t thinking about him, Glerk and Grandmama p.139

Chapter 18

  1. Describe the interaction between Xan and Antain? Xan was trying to protect the baby, so she threw him aside and turned into a large hawk to take the baby to safety; Antain was just trying to talk to the Witch, but she misunderstood him p.149

Chapter 19

  1. What did Luna become aware of in this chapter? That her grandmother never spoke of memories; that they’re keeping secrets from each other p.164

Chapter 20

  1. Who us telling this story in this chapter? How do you know? Luna; The chapter title; these are all things about Luna p.166

Chapter 21

  1. How did Fyrian return to Luna? How? By crying out her name; the spell Xan gave him must have transferred to Luna p.177
  2. Why did the smell of the boots give Luna a headache? They were magical p.179
  3. What did she forget at the end of this chapter? To ask Glerk about the boots p.180

Chapter 22

  1. What is this person’s perception of the boots? They’re old and magical; they can travel the world covering great distances faster than normal boots; the Witch put them on and was able to find more magic p.182

Chapter 23

  1. What is the second map Luna drew? The village she came from; the place she was laid to be eaten by wolves and the Tower with the words, “she is here” p.195

Chapter 24

  1. How are each sacrificial baby chosen? It’s the youngest baby at the time of the sacrifice p.201
  2. What’s Antain’s plan? To give up his baby, go to the Witch’s home and kill her p.205

Chapter 25

  1. What word did Luna learn in this chapter? Magic p.211
  2. Why is that important? She hasn’t been able to read, see or hear magic for the last 8 years
  3. How old is Luna? 13 years old

Chapter 26

  1. Who overheard the Grand Elder and Sister Ignatia talking? How? The madwoman; she’d turned herself into a beetle and traveled on a shoe to her office p.215
  2. What could Sister Ignatia smell? The madwoman and her magic p.216
  3. What plan were they coming up with? To kill Antain p.218

Chapter 27

  1. Why is Xan careful she doesn’t feel sorrow? To protect her from the Sorrow Eater p.223
  2. Who do you think the Sorrow Eater is? Sister Ignatia p.223

Chapter 28

  1. Who is traveling in this book and where are they going? Xan, Luna, Glerk, Fyrian, Sister Ignatia, Antain, the madwoman; Antain and the madwoman are traveling to the Witch’s home, Sister Ignatia is going after Antain to kill him, Xan to pick up the baby being sacrificed, Luna’s going after Xan and Glerk and Fyrian are going after Luna p.225

Chapter 29

  1. What had happened to this history? It has been changed, twisted to fit what Sister Ignatia and the Elders want the people of Protectorate to believe p.242

Chapter 30

  1. Summarize this chapter. Luna becomes lost, then fell into darkness as rocks gave way p.243

Chapter 31

  1. What’s does the madwoman find at the treehouse? No one is home; pictures that Luna drew; her daughter’s name is Luna p.252

Chapter 32

  1. What helped Xan remember who she was and what she was doing? Glerk and Fyrian p.258
  2. Where do you think the paper birds came from? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 33

  1. Who is the Witch in the history that traveled the world in the Seven League Boots? The Head Sister; Sister Ignatia p.258
  2. Which two peoples were blocking the Head Sister’s view? Xan and Luna p.267

Chapter 34

  1. Why is Ethyne’s home happy and bright? She has hope p.275
  2. Why do you think Ethyne has power over the Grand Elder? She has a strength inside of her and is not intimidated by him p.276
  3. Who created the birds that are protecting Luna? Her mother, the madwoman p.284

Chapter 35

  1. Who did Glerk smell? Sister Ignatia 288
  2. Where is Sister Ignatia’s home? The same place Xan and Luna live p.291

Chapter 36

  1. Who do you think was blocking the scrying device in this chapter? Listen to your child’s answer; Xan p.299

Chapter 37

  1. What was Xan hearing for the first time? Why the babies were left in the ring of trees p.303

Chapter 38

  1. Who is possibly telling the history of the world to their child? The madwoman or Ethyne; So many families lost children to the evilness of the Grand Elder and Head Sister, it represents what all parents could have told their children p.248/307
  2. What characteristic does Ethyne have that helped her find the truth? She was curious and asked questions; she desired to know the truth p.309
  3. Do you think the Grand Elder should be nervous? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 39

  1. What happens to Fyrian in this chapter? He begins to grow to an enormous size p.320
  2. Which Witch is Antain threatening to kill? Luna p.326

Chapter 40

  1. Predict how you think this story will conclude. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 41

  1. How does Luna, her mother and grandmother receive more and more strength? From the moon p.341

Chapter 42

  1. What color of magic does Xan shine? Licheny green p.341
  2. Who reached Luna just as she reached her grandmother and Antain? The madwoman/her mother p.342

Chapter 43

  1. What stopped Antain from attacking the Witch? The trauma of being attacked by the birds p.343
  2. What spell did Luna cast for the first time? Transformation; changed her grandmother back into a person p.348

Chapter 44

  1. What is happening to Xan in this chapter? She’s dying now that Luna’s magic is unlocked p.350

Chapter 45

  1. What made the Sorrow Eater’s magic disappear? Luna opened the woman’s heart and all the sorrow that was stored inside from her own memories spilled out; her magic came from sorrow p.366
  2. What does the phrase, “she is here, she is here, she is here” mean throughout this story? Luna is here; where Luna is on the map; Luna’s mother is here p.368

Chapter 46

  1. Why was Xan happy to hear the cries of joy when the Star Children returned? She had saved each one from death and was happy to hear them return to their original families p.379

Chapter 47

  1. What does Glerk do in this chapter? He takes Xan to the bog and leaves a poem for Luna p.383

Chapter 48

  1. How does this story end? Someone is telling what the village has become, who the Witch is and what will happen in the future p.385
  2. Did you enjoy reading this story? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answers

Comprehension Questions – Call it Courage

Call it Courage

by Armstrong Sperry

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL X; AR pts. 3.0

A legendary adventure story of how Mafatu, the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, a Polynesian race who worships courage, conquers his fear of the sea and proves he isn't a coward.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How did the author begin this story? Giving the history and background of where this story came from p.1
  2. Do you think it was reasonable for Mafatu to be afraid of the sea? Why? Listen to your child’s answer p.3
  3. How were Mafatu and Kivi similar? They were both rejected by their peers and family p.8
  4. Why did Mafatu feel like he needed to leave the island? His people had rejected him; he wanted to learn how to have courage; the boys his age were going out to hunt sharks and swordfish the next day and he was the only one not going p.14

Chapter 2

  1. List 2 similes or metaphors in this chapter. “A monster livid and hungry p.24; empty as a shell p.25; as hard as the cut edge of a stone p.28 
  2. Summarize this chapter. Mafatu was out at sea; a storm came and broke up his canoe and stole away his paddle and food; he saw land and reached it but his canoe broke into splinters; he and his dog drug themselves onto the beach to a fresh water p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What examples of personification does the author use in this chapter? The chuckle of the cascade p.36; coconuts and pandanus trooped in shining legions to the very edge of the sea p.38; it’s voice warm and soft and reassuring in his ear p.47; trees reached for him as he fled p.53
  2. How did Mafatu know he was not alone on the island? He saw that fruit has been cut from the trees recently; he saw a path only humans could make; he saw terraces built by men; p.48
  3. How did Mafatu know which island he was on? he saw bones that had recently been burned for sacrifice; he was on a eaters-of-men island p.50
  4. How did Mafatu show courage in this chapter? He took the spear from the altar and touched a bone p.54
  5. Why does Mafatu think about the things that would please his father? His father is ashamed of him; he’s thinking of ways he can show his father he has courage p.59

Chapter 4

  1. How did Mafatu prepare for this adventure before arriving on the island? His previous life was making the same tools he needs on this island p.64
  2. What motivated Mafatu to dive into the water and kill the hammerhead shark? His dog fell off the raft and the shark swam after him p.74
  3. Why was Mafatu so elated and proud of himself for killing a wild boar? He did it with a spear which takes a lot of courage; he had courage to face the boar; his grandfather had killed one and was respected; he wants to be respected too p.78
  4. Why was Mafatu feeling more comfortable in the ocean? He had lived near it and in it for weeks and grew confident in his ability p.85
  5. Why does Mafatu attribute his successes to Maui? Maui is his God, and he believes Maui is helping him p.93
  6. Why was Mafatu so excited to return home? He had found his courage and could now prove he wasn’t afraid any longer p.95

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mafatu was being chased by the eaters-of-men into the ocean, but after a long chase gave up; Mafatu grew discouraged when he sat on the ocean for days, but finally made it to his home island; his father was proud to call him his son p.97
  2. How did the author conclude this story? He restated the first few lines that are at the very beginning of the book p.116
  3. Explain if you agree with this style of writing. Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – Where the Red Fern Grows

Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

Grade 6; Genre - Fiction; GRL X; AR pts: 11.0

Vocabulary and Themes in the Story (by Steve)

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the dog fight. The pack was attacking an old redbone hound. Pg. 2.
  2. What did the old hound look like? He was starving. Pg. 3.
  3. What could you tell from the paws? He had come a long way. Pg. 3.
  4. What was his name? Buddie. Pg. 3.
  5. Why did he let the hound go? It would break his heart to stay; break his will to live. Pg. 5.

Chapter 2

  1. Where does Billy live? Ozark Mountains on Cherokee land. Pg. 9.
  2. What happened because of his dog-wanting? He lost weight and didn’t sleep. Pg. 11.
  3. What did Billy’s dad buy him for hunting? Three small steel traps. Pg. 12.
  4. What did Billy trap? Samie the Cat over and over until he left. Pg. 14.
  5.  What did Billy’s father allow him to do in the summer? Work in the fields. Pg. 18

Chapter 3

  1. What does Billy find in the Fishermen’s camp? A magazine selling dogs for $25. Pg. 20.
  2. What does Billy save his money in? An old K.C. Baking Powder Can. Pg. 22.
  3. How does Billy save the money? He saves the $50 by selling berries, hides, vegetables. Pg. 24.
  4. Why is his grandfather surprised about the money? Billy worked and saved for 2 years. Pg. 25.
  5. What does his grandfather do? Gives him candy and says don’t tell about the dogs. Pg. 26.

Chapter 4

  1. Where does Billie have to go for the dogs? Tahlequah. Pg. 28.
  2. How does Billie get to Tahlequah? He walks 20 miles. Pg. 31.
  3. What and why does he buy things for family? Overalls and cloth because he snuck out. Pg. 34.
  4. How do the kids treat Billie? They call him a hillbilly. Pg. 37.

Chapter 5

  1. Who was in charge at the depot? The stationmaster. Pg. 39.
  2. How did Billy carry the pups home? In the gunny sack with holes for their heads. Pg. 42.
  3. Why did Billy fight the freckle face boy? He pulled his pups ear and it cried. Pg. 44.
  4. What did the Marshall give Billy? Strawberry pop. Pg. 47.
  5. Why’d Billy think the lion wouldn’t hurt them? His father said it was afraid of fire. Pg. 51.

Chapter 6

  1. How did Billy pick the pups’ names? They were carved in the tree. Pg.54.
  2. How did Billy’s father know where he was? His grandpa told him. Pg. 56.
  3. What did Mama fix for the pups? Warm milk. Pg. 57.
  4. What was the cave called where Billy spent the night? Robber’s Cave. Pg. 57.
  5. What was the black pipe at the school in town? A fire escape. Pg. 60.

Chapter 7

  1. What did Billy think of his Grandpa’s trapping idea? He thought he was kidding. Pg. 65.
  2. What did Grandpa’s pet coon catch his hand in? The butter churn. Pg. 66.
  3. What did Mama think when Billy yelled about the coon? A snake bit him. Pg. 71.
  4. Why can’t you sell coon skins in summer? They have yellow hair. Pg. 74.
  5. What did Billy think about the pups when they had talks? They understood him. Pg. 77.

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Mama worried about Billy hunting? He hadn’t been in the woods all night. Pg. 81.
  2. What was the first trick the coon pulled on the hounds? Swam through water. Pg. 84.
  3. Which tree did the coon run up? “The big tree”. Pg. 89.
  4. Why did Billy tell Papa it was important to chop the tree down? To keep his bargain. Pg.92.

Chapter 9

  1. How did Grandpa keep the coon up the tree all night? With a scarecrow. Pg. 99.
  2. What traits did Grandpa say make a man? Determination and will power. Pg.101.
  3. What did Mama learn about coon? That they were smart. Pg. 103.
  4. Where did the dogs spend the night? They slept by the tree together. Pg. 106.
  5. Why did Billy think the wind blew the tree down? He prayed to God. Pg.108.
  6. Did Papa have another explanation? It blew the tree only because it was the tallest. Pg. 112.

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Billy go to the store on Saturdays? It was “Coon Hunter” day. Pg. 115.
  2. Why did the hunters make fun of Billy’s hounds? They were small. Pg. 116.
  3. Who did Mama use to catch the chickens? Little Ann; Old Dan was too rough. Pg. 118.
  4. Why did Billy think Old Dan had drowned? He was in a muskrat den in the slough. Pg. 122.
  5. How did Old Dan get up in the tree? He went through the hollow trunk. Pg. 125.

Chapter 11

  1. Why was it dangerous after the snow storm? It was slick and no moon. Pg. 128.
  2. What happened when the dogs jumped the river? Old Dan was strong and made it; Little Ann slipped and fell in. Pg. 132.
  3. What did Billy do when he couldn’t save Little Ann? He prayed for a miracle. Pg. 134.
  4. What did Billy learn from the lantern clanging? Use the handle for a hook. Pg. 135.
  5. Why didn’t Billy tell Mama? Because she’d worry and stop him from hunting. Pg. 139.

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Grandpa accept the bet with Rubin? He called him crooked and spat. Pg. 144.
  2. What and how much was the bet for? To catch the ghost coon for $2. Pg. 145
  3. What happened when the coon went up a tree? It disappeared. Pg. 155.

Chapter 13

  1. How did Little Ann know the coon was in the gate post? A breeze carried the scent. Pg. 159.
  2. Where was the ghost coon? In the hallow gate post. Pg. 160.
  3. How did Billy feel about the ghost coon? He wouldn’t kill him. Pg. 161.
  4. Why couldn’t Old Blue beat Old Dan? Little Ann helped fight him. Pg. 165.
  5. How did Rainie react to his brother’s death? He couldn’t get over the shock. Pg. 171.

Chapter 14

  1. What kind of dogs could enter in the coon hunt? Registered. Pg. 179
  2. Was Billy happy with his life? Luckiest boy in the world. Pg. 184.
  3. What did his little sister want from the hunt? The gold cup. Pg. 186.
  4. What was the only thing wrong with Little Ann? Gun-shy, Pg. 189.
  5. What did Grandpa keep secret from Grandma? The corn liquor. Pg. 191.

Chapter 15

  1. Why wouldn’t Old Dan eat his food? He was waiting for Little Ann. Pg. 194.
  2. What did Billy think 2 screech owls meant? Bad luck. Pg. 196.
  3. What kind of dogs were at the hunt? Redbones, blue ticks, walkers, and blood hounds. Pg. 200.
  4.  Why did Billy pick Little Ann for the beauty contest? Old Dan’s face was all scared. Pg. 201.

Chapter 16

  1. Where did the hounds run the coon? Back to the camp. Pg. 211.
  2. Why did Grandpa look funny drying by the fire? His long underwear was steaming. Pg. 212.
  3. Why was the judge worried with the coon in the river? He might drown the dogs. Pg. 221.
  4. What surprised the judge? The dogs cleaned each other’s cuts after the fight. Pg. 222.

Chapter 17

  1. Why did the judge want to quit? Because of the storm. Pg. 226.
  2. How did they get Little Ann to come to them? They fired the gun. Pg. 228.
  3. Who led them to Grandpa? Little Ann. Pg. 231.
  4. What happened when they cut down the tree? 3 coons came out. Pg. 234.

Chapter 18

  1. What did the hunter say happened to the hounds? Frozen solid. Pg. 240.
  2. Why did the dogs keep circling the tree? They’d freeze if they stopped. Pg. 242.
  3. What did Mr. Kyle call dog loyalty? The deepest kind of love. Pg. 243.
  4. What did Mama do that night? Took food to the dogs and prayed. Pg. 250.

Chapter 19

  1. How did Billy try to stop Old Dan’s bleeding? Mud caked onto the wounds. Pg. 260.
  2. How did Billy feel when his dogs died? He didn’t believe in prayer anymore Pg. 270.
  3. What was the miracle from the dogs? The money to move to the city. Pg. 272.

Chapter 20

  1. What did Billy see when he said good-bye to the dogs? The red fern Pg. 278.
  2. What did Papa think the red fern did? It was God’s way of helping Billy understand why his dogs died. Pg.279.

Comprehension Questions – The Dark is Rising Sequence #3 Greenwitch

Greenwitch

by Susan Cooper

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: 6.0

The Dark has stolen an object of great power — a golden grail that holds avital secret. Will embarks on a new quest to reclaim the grail, and to drive back the Dark once again. But first he will need the help of three former grail seekers: Jane, Simon, and Barney Drew. Learning to work together, they must take back the grail and retrieve the missing manuscript that unlocks its mystical secret. But the manuscript is located at the bottom of the sea, and their only hope of obtaining both grail and script is entangled in the mysterious ritual of the Greenwitch....

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who are the main characters and what’s the setting of this story?  Jane, Simon & Barnabas Drew; In a museum where the grail had been stored p.2
  2. To their surprise, who was in the museum? Great-Uncle Merry p.3
  3. Who is Great-Uncle Merry? Merriman Lyon p.6
  4. Where is Jane, Barney and Simon going on Easter vacation and with who? Back to Trewissick, where they found the grail; with Merriman and Will p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Where are the families staying in Trewissick? In two cottages connected that overlook the harbor p.13
  2. How do the Drew kids feel about Will? They’re unhappy that he's with them since Gumerry gave them a secret mission. They feel he’ll get in the way, so they’ll have to ditch him p.15
  3. How did Merriman reply when Barney said Will was going to be a nuisance? Merriman told him not to dismiss anyone’s value until he knew him p.19
  4. Why was Rufus kidnapped? To keep Captain Toms away from the Greenwitch p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Who invited Jane to the Greenwitch ceremony? Mrs. Penhallow p.26
  2. Who were the only people that could attend the ceremony? Local women p.26
  3. What was the figure made with and what did it look like? Different types of tree boughs; a woman’s head and body p.28
  4. Who pushed the Greenwitch off the ledge into the ocean? The men of the village p.33

Chapter 4

  1. Why did the Drew children go out to look for Gumerry? They hadn’t seen him since the Greenwitch ceremony p.38
  2. What did Barney put together about Merriman and the man who stole Rufus along with his painting? The man is from the Dark and Merriman saved them from him p.42
  3. What secret did the Greenwitch show Jane? A small bright shining thing; something the Greenwitch guarded p.45
  4. How does Jane feel about the Greenwitch? She feels sorry for it p.46

Chapter 5

  1. Where did Rufus take Simon and Barney? Where the man from the Dark kept him prisoner; Pentreath Farm p.49
  2. Who had the boys seen come out of the gypsy caravan and why did they come out of the trees? The man from the Dark; he commanded them to come out p.50
  3. What was in the box with Barney’s picture? The grail p.53
  4. What did the painter of the Dark want Barney to do? Look in the chalice and see what he sees with water and oil p.56

Chapter 6

  1. Why are the boys so hungry? It’s past time for breakfast and they’d been gone a long time p.61
  2. Who took over Barney when he looked into the oil and water? Something from the Dark p.63
  3. Where did Will and Merriman go after hearing what Simon told them? jumped off the cliff into the ocean p.66
  4. What did Captain Toms do to the children after Will and Merriman left and why? Made them forget, so they wouldn’t realize Will and Merriman’s power; so they wouldn’t continue to be upset p.67

Chapter 7

  1. Describe Tethys. The Lady of the Sea, lived deep in the ocean, older than the land, Old Ones, and all men, she ruled her kingdom of waves alone, as she had since the world began p.69
  2. What gift did Merriman give to Tethys? Barney’s picture p.70
  3. What did Merriman and Will want from Tethys? To get the item from the Greenwitch p.71
  4. What are the stipulations for Will and Merriman to retrieve the item? They can go to the Greenwitch and try to get it from her, but if the Greenwitch crosses into Tethys territory, and they haven’t gotten it yet, they cannot enter Tethys’ territory again to get it p.72

Chapter 8

  1. Who did the children see on the quay and what was he doing? The painter; painting a picture p.76
  2. Why were the children upset the painting man was still painting after it got dark outside? He wouldn’t have been able to see what he was doing, so they knew he was up to something p.80
  3. What’s a beacon fire? A warning fire to those far away p.82
  4. What came out of the sea when the painter held the canvas over his head and cried out in a strange language? The Greenwitch p.85

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the painter summon the Greenwitch? To ask her for the ancient Thing of Power she is guarding p.87
  2. Why won’t she give it to him? It is her treasure and secret p.87
  3. What did the Greenwitch do to the painter when he tried to use his Dark power to command her? She overtook him and caused him to go unconscious p.89
  4. What did Captain Toms convince Bill Stanton to do with the painter? Take him to a hospital p.90

Chapter 10

  1. What did Gumerry bring to Jane and what did he promise her? Hot cocoa; they would all be safe p.94
  2. Why didn’t Jane throw open the window and shout out a warning to Merriman? She had known him for too long and knew he wasn’t like other men, he was of the Light p.96
  3. What did Jane realize was the reason why Merriman wanted them to go to sleep? So they wouldn’t see the nightmares that were occurring out their windows p.100
  4. What did Jane finally manage to do after hiding in her covers? Go to sleep p.100

Chapter 11

  1. What is the item the Greenwitch is guarding? The parchment needed to read the grail p.102
  2. How did Greenwitch get possession of it? Just after the kids had found the grail, the Dark ones came chasing them. Barney threw it and it fell into the ocean p.102
  3. What had captured the painter and taken him away for good? The Wild Magic p.107
  4. Why did the Greenwitch give the secret to Jane? Jane had made a wish for the Greenwitch and not for herself p.108

Chapter 12

  1. What does Merriman need to read the writing on the scroll? The grail p.112
  2. What was gone when the group drove out to the farm to get the grail? The caravan p.115
  3. What did the boys see in the barn? An old worn caravan just like the painter’s caravan, but older p.119
  4. How did the boys find the grail? Will told them to tell him exactly what the painter said when they found the grail the first time in the caravan p.121

Chapter 13

  1. What did Merriman check before destroying the parchment? If Will and Captain Toms had the poem in their memories p.124
  2. Why didn’t Will want Jane to give her bracelet to the Greenwitch? It would become black and dirty looking in the water p.127
  3. What did Will make for Jane to give to the Greenwitch? A strip of gold with a poem inside the case that held the manuscript.127
  4. What was in Jane’s room the night she received the secret? Remnants of the Greenwitch p.129

Comprehension Questions – The Dark is Rising Sequence #2 The Dark is Rising

The Dark is Rising

by Susan Cooper

Grades 6-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: 13.0

On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift — that he is destined to seek the six magical Signs of Light. He is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. And for the twelve days of Christmas, while the Dark is rising, life for Will is full of wonder, terror, and delight.

Comprehension Questions

Part One

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the Walker. A hunched over little old man that Will saw scuttle behind a tree p.8
  2. What birthday present did Mr. Dawson give Will and what were his instructions? An iron ring quartered with a cross; to always have it with him and to put it on his belt loop; to keep it safe and not talk about it; he’ll want to have it after the snow comes p.9
  3. What happened to the radio when Will went close to it? It would go crazy with static and erupt into high pitched screeches p.14
  4. What had Will found amongst the snow piled in his room? A rook feather p.23

Chapter 2

  1. What did Will hear and see when he first awoke on his birthday? Music; the country around his home had turned to a forest p.24
  2. Describe the man Will saw getting his horse shod. his horse was black as midnight, he had red brownish hair, bright blue eyes with a different accent than Will’s, tall, wore a long black cloak, he knew Will’s name and that it was his 11th birthday, p.29
  3. Why didn’t Will ride the white mare? He felt like he needed to find the Walker alone p.33
  4. Why was Will in danger and what saved him? He had left the road through Hunter’s Comb and the Rider was going to attack him; the white stallion p.37

Chapter 3

  1. What was inside the two huge wooden doors? A castle with a woman and man inside waiting for Will p.40
  2. What’s the gift Will possesses? The power of the Old Ones; magic p.45
  3. What’s Will’s quest? To find and guard the 6 great signs of Light made by the Old Ones p.51
  4. When would Will see Merriman again? After Will has gotten the sign from the Walker p.66

Chapter 4

  1. What happens to the iron attached to Will’s belt when there’s evil close by? It turns so cold it burns p.70
  2. How many children are in Will’s family? 9 p.72
  3. What did Maggie want from Will? The sign he’d just gotten from the Walker p.79
  4. Who saved Will and stopped Maggie from taking the signs? Merriman Lyon p.81

Part 2

Chapter 5

  1. What did Old George give to Will’s family and why? A bunch of holly with berries; he told Will to put it over a window or door and it will protect him from the Dark p.93
  2. Why didn’t Farmer Dawson carve a “W” for Will? Names are a power the Dark could use against him, so he carved a circle with the cross instead p.97
  3. Who was acting as Miss Greythorne’s butler? Merriman p.103
  4. Where did Merriman take Will after the others in the room were caught in time? To the hillside with the big wooden doors p.107

Chapter 6

  1. Why do the Old Ones use Rowan for the wood of the third sign? The Dark doesn’t like it p.114
  2. When can Will receive the third sign? After he’s finished with his Learning p.115
  3. What’s Hawkin’s and Merriman’s relationship? Merriman took Hawkin in as a boy when his parents died and made him his foster son and liege; Merriman is his lord and trusts him greatly p.119
  4. What language is the Book of Gramarye written in and what language do Will and Merriman converse in? the Old Speech p.123

Chapter 7

  1. Name three things Will learned as he read the Book of Gramarye? He learned of the sky, water and wind; spells for all of those; the history of the Old Ones p.125
  2. How did Will feel after learning from the book? Weighed down and melancholy p.130
  3. Why was Hawkin going to be betray Merriman and the Old Ones? Maggie told him that Merriman doesn’t love him, that Merriman used Hawkin and put him in danger, and would have let him die p.137
  4. How did Will protect Merriman, Paul, and himself from the Rider and Maggie? He threw up a wall of resistance around them and yelled their names out loud p.146

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Stephen send Will’s present to him for his birthday and Christmas present combined? An old man who named himself as an Old One told him to p.156
  2. Who came to visit unexpectedly on Christmas morning? The Black Rider p.160
  3. How did Will defeat the dark after the Christmas service in the church? He held up the three signs p.176
  4. What ceremony did Merriman take Will to see? The Lady coming back to life p.190

Part 3

Chapter 9

  1. Why was the town gathering at the Manor? Supplies were going to be dropped on the Manor property and it looked like the storm was going to get worse that night, so everyone gathered for safety, comfort and food p.200
  2. Why didn’t Will’s father want to go to the Manor when Merriman first mentioned it? He thought they were safe as they were in their own home; he didn’t want to crowd the Manor and take their supplies p.203
  3. Who did Will see when he stared at the fire and what did she tell him? The Lady; that he needed to break the power of the cold with the Sign of Fire p.211
  4. Who’s the Walker? Hawkin, Merriman’s liege p.221

Chapter 10

  1. Did Hawkin turn from the Dark and turn to the Light? no p.224
  2. Why is the Dark able to come into the Manor? The Walker had invited it in p.226
  3. How was Will able to get the Sign of Fire? The Doctor gave the Walker a sedative and made him sleep which stopped the Dark’s way into the home. The Old Ones grabbed the candles lit by the Walker with the power of the Dark and put them into the candle holder in the great hall with the Lady. The blue fire of the Dark turned vermillion red and Will’s fire from his candle then turned into a flower in the shape of the quartered sign p.230
  4. How had the Dark injured Will’s mother? The large clap of thunder they all heard startled his mom at the top of the stairs and made her fall down, falling unconscious p.235

Chapter 11

  1. How did Will get separated from Paul when they were looking for Mary? The rooks flew close around them and drove them away from each other p.237
  2. What were Merriman and Farmer Dawson doing at the Manor while Old George and Will were out in the storm? keeping everyone busy at the Manor so Will and George could work p.243
  3. How did Will travel in the storm to his place of testing? The white horse p.247
  4. How did Will save Mary from the Dark forever? He didn’t give the signs that he had obtained to the Black Rider and then retrieved the 6th sign, so he had all of the signs p.261

Chapter 12

  1. Where did the white mare take Merriman and Will and why? The Great Park; the horse was needed for the Hunt p.266
  2. How did the ship come out of the ground that held the dead king and made the head of the Hunter? The stag head that Will got from his brother for his birthday and Christmas p.268
  3. Who did Herne call when he sounded like a hunting horn? A pack of ghostly white hounds with red eyes and ears p.271
  4. What did Herne hunt? The Dark p.274

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Will anxious to go home? He thought of his family dealing with the floods p.280
  2. Who did the little procession of boys carry to the smithy on a bier? The Lady p.283
  3. What did the Lady put around Will’s neck? The necklace made with all the signs p.285
  4. What gifts did Miss Greythorne give to Will and Paul? A small hunting horn and the old flute p.292

Comprehension Questions – The Dark is Rising Sequence #1 Over Sea, Under Stone

Over Sea, Under Stone

By Susan Cooper

Grades 6-8; Genre – Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: 12.0

Barney, Simon and Jane find themselves beset by deadly dangers as they embark on a great quest. Having found a crumbling parchment map, they begin their search for ancient treasure linked to King Arthur. More precious than life itself, the treasure, found by the right people, would help keep at bay the ancient forces of evil that were once again powerful in the world. They turn for help to their Great-Uncle Merry, who draws on his vast knowledge of ancient lore to protect them.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. List the characters and describe the setting of this story. Barney, Jane, Mother, Father, Great-Uncle Merry, Simon, Rufus the dog; setting: train station, then a city called Cornwall p.1
  2. Describe Great-Uncle Merry. Not really their mother’s uncle, but an old friend her father’s, tall and straight, thick wild white hair; deep set eyes, brown nose curved like a bow, no one knew how old he was, there was something ancient about him p.3
  3. List Barney’s passion and Simon’s passion. King Arthur; boats p.4;5
  4. What is so mysterious about the yacht? Great-Uncle Merry seemed upset by it; Young Bill wouldn’t talk about the supplies he had gathered for it and was really upset after running into Jane; the old fisherman called Young Bill evil; the yacht appeared and disappeared silently and strangely p.6

Chapter 2

  1. What did the children do for entertainment while stuck inside during the rain? Pretended they were explorers and explored the house p.14
  2. Describe the adventure the children pretended they went on. They were explorers in a jungle and made sure to take food for a picnic. They worked their way through each area of the house, then pretended they heard the natives coming after them.
  3. What did they find that was curious while on their adventure? A door behind the wardrobe p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Sketch a picture of the scroll Barney found when searching for his thrown apple core. Brownish parchment springy as steel, cracks through it, another sheet stuck down in it that was darker and older, covered with small writing in strange squashed-looking dark brown letters. Below the writing was singed p.23
  2. Why did Jane and Barney expect Simon to understand the manuscript? They thought it was written in Latin and Simon has been taking Latin at school. 25
  3. Who did Barney think the scroll was written about? King Arthur and his King Mark p.26
  4. Why didn’t the children want to tell their parents about the manuscript? They feared their parents would make them put it back where they found it p.26
  5. Who came to visit the Drew’s during their supper and why? People from the yacht at sea; they invited to spend the day on the yacht out at sea p.29

Chapter 4

  1. On page 36, the author used a word to describe how Jane felt about the Withers. What is it and what does it mean? Sinister- evil or productive of evil p.36
  2. What did Jane find when coming down the stairs for lunch? A small book in the treasure chest p.38
  3. What was her discovery of the book? It had the name King Mark Head which was similar to the name on the map on the manuscript p.39
  4. Describe what a vicarage is and what this one looked like. Home of the vicar or clergy of a village; Scruffy house with neglected overgrown plants; grass as high as hay; weeds in the gravel of the drive; inside was not taken care of and worn p.41

Chapter 5

  1. What did Simon find the morning after Jane visited the vicar? Their house had been broken into and books from all of the main floor had been gone through and thrown on the floor p.48
  2. What do the children think the burglars were after? The manuscript with the map p.53
  3. Who do you think broke into the house? the Withers or Mr. Hastings the vicar p.54
  4. Who do the children feel they can tell about the manuscript? Great-Uncle Merry p.55

Chapter 6

  1. What was Great-Uncle Merry’s response after seeing the manuscript? Happy and Relieved p.58
  2. Explain the battle the children put themselves in the middle of by finding the manuscript. Between King Arthur and the evil ones from the world long ago; people who are trying to remember the world at the time of King Arthur; good and evil that still lives on and is seeking the grail p.60
  3. What do you think over sea and under stone mean?  Listen to your child’s ideas p.62
  4. What was Great-Uncle Merry doing while the children were in the house finding the manuscript? Leading the enemies on a detour and distracting them p.65
  5. Why can’t the children or their great-uncle go tell the police about the Withers? They wouldn’t believe them p.69

Chapter 7

  1. Why would the white yacht, named the Lady Mary, be following the children’s dad and uncle out to sea? The Withers were on it and they were following Great-Uncle Merry to see if he’s lead them to something about the manuscript p.72
  2. Who did the children see as they were sitting on the grass halfway up the Kemare Head? Mrs. Withers and Bill p.74
  3. Where was the clue the children were looking for as the sun was setting? On a large rock on the opposite headland on Kemare Head p.79
  4. Who was the man Bill saw and spoke to while trying to find Simon? Mr. Hastings p.84
  5. How did Simon get away from Bill and the man? Great-Uncle Merry came driving up, Simon got in the car and drove away p.86

Chapter 8

  1. What type of figurative language did the author use on page 89 in the phrase, “He would have given his ears to be the hero of the chase.”? An idiom p.89
  2. What did Jane realize the blodge mark was on the map? The moon p.92
  3. When the children’s parents left for the night, what did that mean the children could do? To go wander out at night to see if the clue worked with the moon p.95
  4. What did Simon and Jane find using the moon as a guide? That the rocks on the end of the headland is where the grail is buried p.100
  5. What was the threat on the hill that night? There were people there trying to get to Jane and Simon p.103

Chapter 9

  1. What is your conclusion about Mrs. Palk sneaking around Barney’s room? That she was looking for the map p.107
  2. Why didn’t Barney want to talk about the grail or map around Mrs. Palk? He was suspicious of her being a part of the evil p.108
  3. Where did Mrs. Palk tell Gumerry where the children went? To St. Austell    Why? To get rid of Gumerry so the evil ones could get to the children p.112

Chapter 10

  1. Why were the rocks at the end of the headland called the Gravestones? The children figured the Knight Bedwin was buried there as well as the grail p.115
  2. What did Rufus find? An area to dig in the ground next to a rock; the children found a large hole in the ground under that area p.119
  3. What could Jane hear in the gaping hole? The sea p.122
  4. What was Simon’s conclusion as he realized the Withers hadn’t seen a cave while scoping out the area? The cave might be under water p.124

Chapter 11

  1. Explain the connection between Bill and Mrs. Palk. She is Bill’s auntie p.130
  2. How had the children missed seeing Barney as he came down the hill? The procession was in the way and the other children were on a stone wall at the corner of the front quay instead of being in inner quay p.131

Chapter 12

  1. What happened to Barney when he couldn’t find Simon and Jane? He was kidnapped p.136
  2. Who had kidnapped Barney and where did they take him? The Withers; to a big deserted looking house p.138
  3. Describe the interaction between Barney and Mr. Hastings. Mr. Hastings asked Barney where the grail was hiding and Barney said he didn’t know what he was talking about. Mr. Hastings was shocked when Barney asked for another sandwich and excused Mr. Withers.  Mr. Hastings tried to convince Barney that he wasn’t bad, but that Gumerry was bad instead and hoping to get information about the grail p.142
  4. What did Barney say in his conversation with Mr. Hastings? He questioned him and said that Gumerry was doing it in the name of King Arthur and the old world before the dark came p.147

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Barney relax and heed his new master, Mr. Hastings? Mr. Hastings hypnotized him p.150
  2. What snapped him out of his trance? Rufus’ howl p.151
  3. How did the children get away from the men chasing them? They hid in a field p.154
  4. Why were the children nervous when they heard the owl hooting? Jane realized it was the enemy and not an owl and they feared the enemy had seen them p.160
  5. What did the children do to take extra precautions at the cave? Tie fishing line around Barney; had matches to light; figured out signals to communicate to each other p.165

Chapter 14

  1. Choose a word that describes Barney as he’s finding his way through the cave. Brave, courageous, determined, P.168
  2. What did Barney find in the cavern with the natural cupboard? The grail p.173
  3. Sketch the grail and describe it. P.173
  4. Summarize what Jane experienced while waiting outside for her brothers while they were in the cave. She felt a significant amount of responsibility holding the manuscript; anxious and worried as she let the string out; worried about the enemies; worried about the tide p.176
  5. What did the boys find with the grail? Another manuscript p. 178
  6. Summarize the battle in the last chapter. The children were starting to head back to the beach and saw the yacht. As they hurried, they saw another dinghy at the shore blocking them off. They were intercepted by the two enemy groups. Mr. Hastings and Mr. Withers were on the rocks with the children and Barney threatened to throw both artifacts into the water. Gumerry came to their rescue in a speed boat with Mr. Penhallow driving. Simon grabbed the artifacts and tried to throw them to Gumerry. Gumerry caught the Grail, but an oar intercepted the telescope case and broke it, sending its contents into the sea. The children all got into the boat and the enemies retreated and left the bay p.179

Epilogue

  1. Who do the children think Great-Uncle Merry is? Merlin p.193

Comprehension Questions – Peter Pan

Peter Pan

J.M. Barrie (Penguin Classics)

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: not listed

A classic and original story of "the boy who would not grow up".

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. When describing Wendy’s mother, it talks about a kiss that Wendy will never get. What does the author mean by this?  It’s a foreshadow of the interchange that Wendy and Peter will have about a thimble and a kiss. Pg. 5
  2. What was Mr. Darling’s career? Traded stocks and shares  pg 6
  3. How did Mrs. Darling “tidy up her children’s minds?” Listen to them while they slept and tried to talk to them  8 & 10
  4. Why was Mrs. Darling so concerned about the leaves in the nursery? She didn’t know how they got there, they weren’t from England pg. 11
  5. Who was the first person to see Peter Pan in the Darling family? Darling  pg. 12

Chapter 2

  1. What does “mea culpa, mea culpa” mean? It’s my fault, it’s my fault p. 15, 228 (explanatory notes)
  2. What is a word you would use to describe Mr. Darling’s behavior after Wendy fetched his medicine, when he said he would take his medicine to show Michael how “to be a man”? Childish, immature, cowardly  19
  3. Why was Mrs. Darling nervous to have Nana outside while they were away at their party? She barking her DANGER bark and was worried about the boy p. 21
  4. Why were Mr. and Mrs. Darling upset and recalling the memories of “the Friday night”? their children were gone and they didn’t know if they’d see them again. P.21

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Peter come into the nursery the night the Darlings left for the party? Did retrieve his shadow p. 23
  2. After Wendy sewed on Peter’s shadow why did she go hide under her covers? Peter took the credit for Wendy’s cleverness of sewing on his shadow  26
  3. Why did Peter give Wendy an acorn, when he “kissed” her after her offer to kiss him? He thought a kiss was giving something small away to someone because Wendy gave him a thimble instead of a kiss p.26
  4. How did the Lost Boys come to be? As babies, they fell out of their perambulators (baby carriages) p. 29
  5. Why did Peter want Wendy, John and Michael to go to Neverland with him? So Wendy could tell stories to the Lost Boys and himself p. 30

Chapter 4

  1. When the children were flying with Peter to Neverland, how did he feed them? Take food away from birds that had food suitable for humans in their mouths  37
  2. Why did Wendy urge her brothers to be nice to Peter as they flew to Neverland? She didn’t want Peter to leave them, she didn’t know the way home, they couldn’t pick up food as well, they bumped into things and Peter helped them out  38
  3. On page 40, how is the sun a good example of personification? The sun was wanting them to reach Neverland before leaving them for the night; protecting; guiding with it’s rays; being a friend p.40
  4. When they were on their tip toes in the air and looking down into Neverland, why were they familiar with the things they were seeing? They had pretended all of those things p.40
  5. When Peter Pan spoke of Captain Hook, why were the children so afraid? Hook was Blackbeard’s first officer and he was the only man Long John Silver (Barbecue) in Treasure Island was scared of  43 & 228

Chapter 5

  1. What happens to Neverland when Peter is away? It goes to sleep, things are quiet p.47
  2. What are the four main groups that inhabit Neverland? Pirates, redskins, beasts, Lost Boys p. 47
  3. Name three of the Lost Boys and one characteristic of each. Tootles-kind, melancholy, humblest of them all; Nibs-happy debonair; Slightly-whistles and most conceited; Curly-he’s a pickle and always in trouble; Twins-apologetic, vague and hard to describe since Peter didn’t know what twins were  48
  4. Describe Mr. Smee. Genial, stabbed without offence, nonconformist p.49
  5. Who is the leader of the redskins or Piccaninny tribe? Princess Tiger Lilly p.50,52
  6. How does Hook know when the crocodile he fears is near? It swallowed a clock and it makes a ticking sound  54
  7. How did the pirates discover the home of the Lost Boys? They sat on the hidden chimney and felt heat p.54
  8. How did the Lost Boys defeat the pack of wolves running toward them? Looked between their legs and flatulated  55

Chapter 6

  1. What saved Wendy when Tootles his her with the arrow? The button on the chain she put around her neck p.59
  2. Why did Slightly leave and pretend to come back as a doctor when Peter told him to fetch a doctor? Peter believed make believe was true and if they broke down in their make believe he would rap them on their knuckles p. 61
  3. When Peter wanted to build Wendy a house and she was lying on the ground with her eyes closed, how do you know she wasn’t still injured? She answered Peter in song, the kind of house she would like  62
  4. How did Wendy feel about being the Lost Boys mother? Delighted  How do you know? She was shining when they asked p.65

Chapter 7

  1. Describe 3 things about the tree house Wendy and her brothers stayed in with Peter and the Lost Boys. It had one large room; the colorful mushrooms used as stools; the Never tree grew every morning in the middle of the floor: they’d put a door on top to make a table and sawed it off after tea time to make room to play; bed tilted by the wall in the day and let down at 6:30: all of the boys slept in it except Michael and was tight they had to give a signal to turn over; enormous fireplace; had a private apartment for Tinker Bell  P.68
  2. What did Wendy do to make sure her brothers wouldn’t forget their mother and father back home when they were living in Neverland?  Give them tests/examinations about them  p. 70

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the mermaids treat Peter differently than Wendy and the boys?  They liked him p.73
  2. After Hook swam aboard in the Mermaid’s Lagoon, why was he melancholy?  He found out Peter and the boys have a mother (Wendy) p.77
  3. When Hook was trying to guess who the voice was, what game did he play with it to figure it out?  20 questions p.80
  4. Why did Hook withdraw in the fight with Peter on the rock?  The crocodile was after him p.82
  5. What made Peter become resolute in surviving his wounds and not drowning on the rock? He realized that dying would be an adventure in itself and he was ready to face that adventure  p.84

Chapter 9

  1. Who tried to save Peter when he was wounded and trapped on the rock? The Never bird p.86
  2. When they couldn’t understand each other’s language, how did Peter and the Never bird treat each other?  With insults, calling names, bad manners  p.84
  3. After Peter was in the nest, why was the Never bird watching him closely? To see what Peter would do with her eggs p.86
  4. What did Peter do with the Never bird’s eggs? Put them in Starkey’s hat and used it for a boat to float upon the water p.87

Chapter 10

  1. Why did the redskins call Peter the Great White Father?  He saved Tiger Lilly from the pirates p.88
  2. How did Tiger Lilly, Wendy and Tinkerbell feel about Peter? They loved him p.94
  3. Give me two examples in which the author prepares the reader for the terrible events that are coming up in the story?  The author called the evening the Night of Nights; Wendy snapping, but wouldn’t have if she knew what was to happen before the night was out; none of them knew, perhaps it best not to know; their ignorance gave them one more glad hour; it was to be their last hour on the island; Peter stayed and sat on the stool and listened to the story;  p.89;93
  4. Why does this author give us hints that something terrible is going to happen in the story?  To help us anticipate it; to build our excitement for the story  p.89;93

Chapter 11

  1. What was Wendy’s story about in this chapter?  Wendy, Peter and John going to Neverland p.96
  2. What made Peter upset about his own mother? He thought she would always leave the window open for him, but when he finally went home, it was barred and another little boy was sleeping in his bed p.98
  3. How did the Lost Boys react when Wendy, John and Michael said they wanted to go home?  Advanced upon her threateningly, wanted to keep her prisoner p.99
  4. How did Tinkerbell feel about Wendy going back home?  Happy, but she didn’t want to take her p. 99

Chapter 12

  1. What time of day did Hook attack the redskins?  Just before dawn; when the sky was grey p.104
  2. What strategy did Captain Hook use to win the battle?  He used the element of surprise  p.105
  3. Who did Hook want to destroy? Peter Pan  p.105
  4. Why did Hook have such a hatred for Peter?  Peter’s cockiness  p.106

Chapter 13

  1. What was Slightly’s secret Hook discovered that betrayed Peter? No boy so big could use a tree wherein an average man could fit, so there was a hide out in a tree under the ground  p.109
  2. What made Hook decide to stay and capture Peter, his enemy? Peter’s impertinent appearance as he slept; Peter’s personification of cockiness p.111
  3. Who drank the poison Hook put in Peter’s medicine cup? Tink p.113
  4. Why did Tink drink the poison? To save Peter; she loved him  p.113

Chapter 14

  1. Hook was haunted by the action of “good form” from his school days. What was it? behaving properly p.117&231
  2. Where on Hook’s ship were the children kept prisoner? In the hold   p.119
  3. When Wendy was brought on deck from the hold and Hook spoke “as if he spoke in syrup”, how would his voice have sounded? Heavy, smooth, sweet  p.120
  4. What stopped Hook immediately, when he was ready to make Wendy watch the boys walk the plank?  The tick-tock of the crocodile  p. 122
  5. Who was really making the ticking sound?  Peter  p.122

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Slightly counting during this chapter?  He was counting the number of people that died after Peter came aboard the ship and went through the process of saving the children p.126
  2. Who is the “doodle-doo” on the ship killing people?  Peter  p.127
  3. Who did Hook send in to fight the doodle-doo?  The children p.127
  4. How did Peter at last defeat Hook?  Pushed him off the ship to the crocodile p.132

Chapter 16

  1. What was the setting of the beginning of this chapter?  The children were aboard the pirate ship, wearing pirate clothes, acting like sailors  p.134
  2. Where was the ship sailing? to the mainland; take the children home p.134
  3. Why did Peter and Tink fly into the room while Mrs. Darling was playing the piano and Mr. Darling was falling asleep in the kennel?  To bar the window to prevent Wendy from returning home  p.139
  4. How did the children finally convince Mrs. Darling they were really back home again and not a  dream? They ran into her arms   p.141

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Mr. Darling treat the Lost Boys unfavorably when they wanted to come live with the Darlings? He felt they only asked for Mrs. Darling’s consent and not his  p.143
  2. How often did Mrs. Darling allow Wendy to go to Neverland? For a week every year and do his spring cleaning  p.145
  3. What happened to Peter’s spring cleaning when Wendy grew up?  Her daughter Jane would go and Jane’s daughter Margaret would go, etc.  p.153