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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 – The Chronicles of Prydain #2 The Black Cauldron

The Black Cauldron

by Lloyd Alexander

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fantasy; 760L; AR pts. 7.0

In Prydain, a young Assistant Pig-Keeper achieves honor in a quest to destroy the evil Black Cauldron.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize this introduction. Taran is reunited with his friends; a council is held in Caer Dallben; Prince Gwydion shares what is happening; Arawn is killing innocent people to put in the Black Cauldron to raise them from the dead and become His servants; Gwydion‘s plan is to destroy the cauldron p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Ellidyr. Prince from the Northern Lands who is the youngest of his brothers without much inheritance; arrogant; only has his name and sword; prideful; disdainful towards Taran and calls him a pig-boy p.21

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Adaon. He has knowledge and experience in many areas; trustworthy; humble; kind; has dreams during the night that are symbolic and can tell the future p.42

Chapter 4

  1. Why is it a problem the cauldron has been taken? It could have been placed into different evil hands p.52

Chapter 5

  1. Why didn’t Taran and his group want to kill the huntsman? If one dies, the rest get stronger p.58

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Wystyl. Of the Fair Folk; guard at the way station; sickly; tall for a dwarf and thin with droopy facial features; wrinkled forehead; ragged clothing; not wanting to help the band p.64

Chapter 7

  1. Do you agree with Taran’s decision at the end of this chapter? Why or why not? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Adaon ask Taran to be the charger of his horse, herbs and brooch if something happened to him? He knew he was going to die p.93

Chapter 9

  1. What gave Adaon his gift of knowledge and foresight? The brooch from his fiancé; it is magical p.105

Chapter 10

  1. Describe what the companions found when they arrived at the cottage. It was empty; broken pieces of crockery; rusted weapons; heaped up and disorderly p.118
  2. Predict who is talking to the companions at the end of the chapter. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 11

  1. Was your prediction correct? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What is one word you would use to describe the three women in this chapter? Witches; magical; etc. p.120

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. The women know Dallben and have the black cauldron; they won’t give it to the companions p.129

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize how the companions found the cauldron. Gurgi went into the hen house to get straw to sleep in for the night and found it under the straw p.144

Chapter 14

  1. Predict how the companions get the cauldron. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 15

  1. What does the word “sacrifice” mean? a loss or something you give up, usually for the sake of a better cause.
  2. Why were Taran’s friends willing to sacrifice their most precious items? So, he wouldn’t have to give up the brooch p.162

Chapter 16

  1. Describe how Taran is feeling trying to get the cauldron to Caer Dallben. Frustrated, tired, hopeless p.173

Chapter 17

  1. Explain why Ellidyr attacked Taran? He sees Taran as a threat and doesn’t believe he’ll keep his word p.193

Chapter 18

  1. Summarize this chapter. King Morgant finds Taran and his companions and takes them to his camp; they find Ellidyr tied and beat up; Morgant binds the companions; they are now his prisoners p.195

Chapter 19

  1. Describe King Morgant. Evil; pretended to heed Gwydion’s command to get the cauldron for his own doing p.207
  2. Summarize Taran and Ellidyr’s conversation at the end of this chapter. Ellidyr realizes the black beast over him and admits it to Taran; he apologizes and explains he wouldn’t have used the cauldron for evil; Taran believes him p.216

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Doli is invisible and unties the companions; Ellidyr runs to the cauldron and jumps in, sacrificing himself to destroy it; King Smoit rides in and kills the king; Gwydion also arrives; King Morgant, Ellidyr and King Smoit’s men are all buried and honored; Taran and his companions return to Caer Dallben p.217

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Prydain #1 The Book of Three

The Book of Three

by Lloyd Alexander

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 7.0

This the first of five in a series about Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his lively companions as they seek to save Prydain from evil.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Taran is a young man and pig keeper; he wants to learn to sword fight but is told it isn’t time yet; his mentor and protector, Dallben, told him about the Horned King, an evil man who has risen to power; bees came through the farm and spooked the animals; the oracular pig escaped and Taran went after her, even though he was told not to go into the forest p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Taran. Assistant pig-keeper; young man who is anxious to experience the world; wants to learn to sword fight but isn’t allowed; persistent; loyal p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Gurgi. A hairy humanoid creature that can talk p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Gurgi shows Taran and Gwydion where the Horned King is, and they learn his plans; Hen Wen isn’t to be found; they were attacked p.43

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Achren. A queen who has sided with Arawn; she’s evil but pretends to be nice to get what she wants; beautiful, pale and strong p.54

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Eilonwy. A girl two years younger than Taran and as tall as him; reddish gold hair to her waist; has a delicate and elfin face with high cheekbones; descends from the Sea King; is Achren’s niece; will help Taran to get back at her aunt for whipping her p.65

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Eilonwy came back to free Taran and started to lead him outside to meet Gwydion, but he fell into a chamber; Eilonwy joined him and will hopefully lead him out of the castle p.74

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the room Taran and Eilonwy found. A burial ground and treasury for the past king; it held jewels, weapons and bodies laid there from long ago p.87

Chapter 9

  1. Predict what Taran will do? Go after Hen Wen or warn the Sons of Don? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Why do the harp strings break? Fflewddur lies p.109

Chapter 11

  1. What helped Taran’s attitude toward Gurgi? Gurgi tried to give back his portion of food p.122

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. The companions were forced to revise the path they took to Caer Dathyl; Gurgi was hurt; Melygnar found his way through the pass; wolves were following them to get to Gurgi; they were above the horse and Gurgi and sprang at the end of this chapter p.124

Chapter 13

  1. Describe Medwyn. An old man who lives in a valley hidden from the world; animals are kind to each other in the valley; he’s possibly the man who built a boat during a flood and saved two of each animal p.136

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter and predict what will happen to Taran and his companions. The companions set out following Medwyn’s instructions, they decide to go down to the valet instead of go along the cliffs, they get sucked into the lake; listen to your child’s answer p.147

Chapter 15

  1. Describe King Eiddileg. Dwarven King; yellow beard; plump; wore a red and green robe and rings on his fingers; impatient; frustrated with Taran and his companions for coming to their land; doesn’t want to let them go; magical p.162

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Doli; dwarf who was asked to be their guide; grumpy; feels inadequate because he can’t turn invisible; very good guide; red eyes p.175

Chapter 17

  1. Why is Taran upset at the end of this chapter? Hen Wen is gone, and the companions are being hunted by Gwyn the Hunter p.192

Chapter 18

  1. How is Fllewder courageous in this chapter? He puts Taran and Eilonwy on the horse to send them to Caer Dathyl as he stands to fight p.198

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize the reunion between Taran and Gwydion. They thought each other was dead, but they learned what happened to each other; Taran wept when he saw him p.207

Chapter 20

  1. Name one way Taran developed as a character in this book. He shows humility and takes responsibility; he realizes his mistakes.

Comprehension Questions – The Giver

The Giver

by Lois Lowry

*Mature. Content may be deemed inappropriate for younger readers.

Grades 8-12; Genre - Dystopian; GRL Y; AR pts. 7.0

While training to be the Receiver of Memory, Jonas experiences joy and sadness for the first time. He becomes convinced his society has given up too much, and he can no longer accept the sameness.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the society in this story. Each family can only have two children, one male and one female; instead of saying 11 years old, they refer to them as Elevens; there’s a ritual each night to express the emotions felt that day; there’s The Ceremony of Twelve p.4
  2. What does it mean “to release”? To remove or let go p.2

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the Ceremony of Twelve. For children who turn 12 years old; always in December; they receive their Assignment for the rest of their lives; won’t get to hang out with friends as much p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jonas’s father brought home the newchild; he had light eyes like Jonas; Jonas remembered an incident where he got in trouble from taking home an apple when he shouldn’t have; he brought it home because as he was throwing it back and forth with Asher the apple changed p.20

Chapter 4

  1. What does this chapter tell you about this society? There’s a lot of rules; being Released is celebrated; there are rules about only seeing newchildren and The Old without their clothes on p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Describe what Stirrings are.  The feelings and thoughts you have when going through puberty p.35
  2. Why did Jonas’s mother treat him for showing signs of this? To make it stop or take them away p.37

Chapter 6

  1. Now that you know more about this society, list three positives and three negatives about living in this community. Listen to your child’s answer.

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jonas worry he had done something wrong? The Chief Elder skipped his turn during the ceremony, and she didn’t give him an assignment p.57

Chapter 8

  1. Describe Jonas’s new Assignment. The Receiver of Memories; he will need to feel real pain; have integrity, courage, intelligence, wisdom, be able to See Beyond; he will be alone and apart from the community p.62

Chapter 9

  1. Why were Jonas’s instructions disturbing to him? He was being told to do things that went against what he had been taught p.68

Chapter 10

  1. What memories is Jonas going to receive? The memories of the world and the Receiver from generations ago p.76
  2. Why couldn’t Jonas understand the sledding analogy? He’s never seen snow or gone sledding p.78

Chapter 11

  1. Describe Jonas’s first day of training for his new responsibility. The Giver put his hands on his back and gave him memories of snow, sledding, sunshine and being sunburn p.80

Chapter 12

  1. What tones can Jonas see if he’s not seeing color? Black and white p.94

Chapter 13

  1. Why is the Giver so alone? He can’t talk about his training with anyone; the committee of elders never comes to him asking for advice; he was required to hide all of his books and training from his wife p.104

Chapter 14

  1. Do you agree with Jonas that he shouldn’t tell the Giver he shared a memory with Gabriel? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.117

Chapter 15

  1. Why did the Giver ask for forgiveness after giving Jonas the war memory in this chapter? It was horrible, scary, and traumatizing p.120

Chapter 16

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jonas experienced family and love; he continued to share memories with Gabe to help him sleep; Jonas didn’t take his pill in the morning p.121 

Chapter 17

  1. Why didn’t Jonas want to play the game Asher organized? It was a war game and Jonas now knows what war is p.132

Chapter 18

  1. Why did the community struggle when Rosemary was released? The memories the Giver gave her were given back to the community when she was released, and they didn’t know how to deal with the feelings that came with them; they didn’t know how to deal with feelings p.144

Chapter 19

  1. What does it mean to release something? Why is Jonas so shocked? To murder; he thought those being released were taken somewhere, Elsewhere, but they were really being killed p.150

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize the plan. Jonas will hide away in a vehicle and he and the Giver will go to another community; Jonas will escape to Elsewhere and the Giver will return to help the community p.158
  2. Who is the Giver’s daughter? Rosemary; the girl who was the Receiver p.162

Chapter 21

  1. Explain why Jonas didn’t follow the plan and left earlier than anticipated? Gabriel was going to be released and Jonas couldn’t let him die p.166

Chapter 22

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jonas continued his search for Elsewhere; the landscape changed, and Jonas crashed on his bike; he was hurt but continued on and traveled during the day; he was not being searched for anymore; the weather became colder, and Jonas worried he couldn’t save Gabriel p.171

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Gabriel and Jonas were freezing and starving; Jonas continued to give Gabriel memories to help warm them; he found the sled and coasted down to a cabin with Christmas lights; he heard music; he thought he heard an echo from the past; they made it to Elsewhere p.175
  2. What did you enjoy about this story? Listen to your child’s answer.
  3. Would you want to live in this society? Why, or why not? Listen to your child's answer.

Comprehension Questions – The BFG

The BFG

by Roald Dahl

Grades 5-6; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 6.0

Kidsnatched from her orphange by a BFG (Big Friendly Giant), who spends his life blowing happy dreams to children, Sophie concocts a plan with him to save the world from nine other man-gobbling cannybull giants.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Sophie. She’s an orphan; isn’t supposed to get out of bed but she did to close the curtain; couldn’t sleep; curious and looked out the window p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the thing Sophie saw. Very tall human like person that walked in the shadows, peeking in the second story windows; pale wrinkly face with huge ears, fierce and devilish eyes, wearing a black cloak and carried a thin trumpet p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Predict what will happen to Sophie. Listen to your child’s answer p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Describe the cave. The giant’s home; a gigantic rock blocks the opening; pitch black until the giant lit a light; gigantic with a high rocky roof; shelves on the walls filled with glass jars; a 12 foot table and chairs to match p.22

Chapter 5

  1. What good news did Sophie hear in this chapter? The giant who captured her doesn’t eat humans p.34

Chapter 6

  1. What did Sophie learn about giants in this chapter? They travel every night and eat humans p.40

Chapter 7

  1. What can the BFG hear with his marvelous ears? Dreams; plants, trees, spiders, butterflies, etc. p.50

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The BFG pulled out some food that he and Sophie thought was disgusting; giants aren’t born, they just appear and are only men; Sophie complimented the BFG and how he talks; he said he wouldn’t steal vegetables from gardens p.54

Chapter 9

  1. How is Sophie clever in this chapter? She hid from the Bloodbottler in the snozzcumber p.65

Chapter 10

  1. Describe frobscottle. A green fizzy drink; the bubbles go down instead of up; delicious; causes whizzpoppers (flatulence) p.72

Chapter 11

  1. Did the BFG have a good argument on page 91? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

  1. Describe how the BFG captures dreams? He uses his net like a butterfly net, puts them in jars with lids p.94
  2. Why is the BFG so excited and then so upset in this chapter? He’d caught a wonderful dream, but then he caught a nightmare p.96

Chapter 13

  1. How did the BFG put the nightmare to good use? He gave it to Fleshlumpeater; he dreamt of Jack the Giant Killer p.107
  2. Why did Sophie smile that Fleshlumpeater thought the beanstalk killed giants? Jack used the beanstalk to climb up to the world of giants, not as a weapon to kill them p.108

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize one of the dreams the BFG has captured. P.120-131
  2. How has the BFG learned to write? He borrowed a human’s book p.131
  3. Predict how Sophie and the BFG will stop the other giants from eating children in England. Listen to your child’s answer p.133

Chapter 15

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer 
  2. Describe Sophie’s plan. The BFG will mix a dream for the Queen of England; Sophie will be on her windowsill and when she wakes up, she’ll tell her giants are real; Sophie’s hoping the queen will send her army to defeat the giants p.141

Chapter 16

  1. Why did the dream given to the queen need to be a nightmare? Giants eating children is nightmarish p.151

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Sophie rode in the BFG’s ear to London; they saw the giants as they ran home from their feast and Sophie was resolved to go forward with the plan; Sophie guided the BFG to the palace p.157

Chapter 18

  1. How did Sophie and the BFG find the queen’s room? The BFG can hear the difference between men and women breathing; when they looked in the room, it looked stately and Sophie recognized the queen p.168

Chapter 19

  1. Did Sophie’s plan go as she hoped? Explain. Yes; there was an article in the paper about the children disappearing and bones below the windows that supported her and the BFG p.174

Chapter 20

  1. What did the queen do to verify Sophie’s and the BFG’s story? Called the countries the giants had visited recently p.202

Chapter 21

  1. How did the BFG help solve the issue of finding the giants? He said the soldiers in the helicopters could follow him p.211

Chapter 22

  1. Summarize this chapter. The BFG led the helicopters to the giants’ land; they drove to the sleeping giants and tied them up only waking up one; Sophie stabbed him with her brooch from the queen and the BFG pretended the giant has been bit by a snake and tied him up; they loaded up all the dreams and the helicopters came to pick up the giants p.213

Chapter 23

  1. What did the queen prepare for the giants when the helicopters arrived in London? A large pit they couldn’t climb out of
  2. How did the BFG solve what would be fed the giants? He brought snozzcumbers and snozzcumbers plants to be planted p.237

Chapter 24

  1. What did you like about the conclusion of this story? Listen to your child’s answer p.239

Comprehension Questions – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl

Grade 5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL R; AR pts. 5.0

In this timeless classic, Willy Wonka, a crazy chocolatier, opens his chocolate factory doors for the first time to five lucky children who have randomly purchased the coveted chocolate bars containing the golden ticket. Besides a lifetime supply of chocolate, the children get a chance to tour the mysterious factory with their guide, Willy Wonka.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Charlie. Lives with his parents and both sets of grandparents; they’re very poor; he loves chocolate and only gets it on his birthday; he walks by the largest and most famous chocolate factory on the way to school and wants to go inside to see what it’s like p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize this chapter. Grandpa Joe describes Willy Wonka and how amazing he is p.9

Chapter 3

  1. What shocking information did Grandpa Joe tell Charlie? There are no workers going in or out of the chocolate factory gates; the workers they can see in the windows aren’t ordinary p.14

Chapter 4

  1. Why is it so exciting that people will be able to go into the chocolate factory? It’s been closed to the public and factory workers for over 10 years p.16

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Charlie feeling discouraged about finding a golden ticket? His odds of getting one are very low, since he only gets one chocolate bar a year p.21

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Veruca need a spanking? She’s spoiled and always gets her way; she’s never been disciplined p.25

Chapter 7

  1. Choose a word to describe Charlie in this chapter. Why did you choose it? Listen to your child’s answer; kind, thoughtful, generous, sharing, selfless p.29

Chapter 8

  1. What do all the golden ticket winners have in common so far? They are all selfish and bratty p.34

Chapter 9

  1. Why are Charlie and his grandpa laughing at the end of this chapter? They had a special moment together, and in the excitement of possibly getting the golden ticket they nervously opened the bar, but didn’t find anything p.36

Chapter 10

  1. Why was it important that Charlie save his strength? He did not have enough food to eat and doesn’t have energy to waste p.40
  2. Why is he needing to do this? His dad lost his job and they didn’t have much to eat p.38

Chapter 11

  1. How is Charlie able to purchase the candy bars? What was the consequence? He found a dollar bill half buried in the snow; he received the golden ticket p.43

Chapter 12

  1. What instructions were given on the ticket? The ticket holder is to arrive at 10 am sharp on February 1st; they are to bring one or two family members to look after them p.50

Chapter 13

  1. Summarize this chapter. It’s February 1st and the lucky kids and their family members are waiting to go inside the chocolate factory gates while a large crowd has gathered to observe p.53

Chapter 14

  1. Describe Willy Wonka. A little man wearing a purple coat, green pants, gray gloves, carries a cane with a gold tip and a black top hat; friendly and kind; welcoming; lots of energy p.57

Chapter 15

  1. Describe the chocolate room. Underground; large and beautiful; consists of a valley with green meadows, a chocolate waterfall, chocolate river, enormous glass pipes that carry the chocolate to other rooms to make candy; the trees, flowers and grass are edible; has little men called Oompa-Loompas p.63

Chapter 16

  1. How did Willy Wonka convince the Oompa-Loompas to come work for him? He’d give them all the cacao beans they want to eat p.70

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Willy Wonka say the Oompa-loompas were joking? He didn’t want people to think they had purposely made Augustus go into the pipe p.80

Chapter 18

  1. What did everyone see as they went down the chocolate river? Storeroom doors with signs on them; creams, beans, whips p.86

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the Inventing Room. Secret room only Willy Wonka goes into; the most important room in the factory; where secret inventions are made; looks like a witch’s kitchen with black metal pots, kettles, pans, etc. filled with inventions p.87
  2. Describe one of the inventions listed in this chapter. Everlasting Gobstopper or Hair Toffee p.90

Chapter 20

  1. Who knew what the invention made in this chapter is? How? Violet; she loves gum p.94

Chapter 21

  1. What happened to Violet in this chapter? She took the gum that came out of the machine even though Mr. Wonka told her not to, and she swelled into a blueberry p.95

Chapter 22

  1. How does Mr. Wonka treat Mike Teavee when Mike asks him a question? He doesn’t answer it and tells him to stop mumbling or to stop interrupting him p.105

Chapter 23

  1. Describe Willy Wonka’s behavior in this chapter. He’s losing patience with everyone except Charlie and Grandpa Joe; he’s not very nice and is calling people names p.107
  2. What does Mr. Wonka mean, “the square candies look round”? The candies have faces on them and look around the room p.108

Chapter 24

  1. How was Veruca disrespectful in this chapter? She didn’t listen to Willy Wonka and went into the room to get herself a squirrel p.111
  2. What was the consequence? The squirrels threw her into the garbage chute; there’s an incinerator at the bottom that may be lit p.113
  3. Who is to blame for her disrespectful behavior? She and her parents p.118

Chapter 25

  1. Describe the elevator. Glass; covered in black buttons that travel all over the factory; goes very fast; on the same track as another elevator so they could crash; goes in all directions p.118

Chapter 26

  1. What will “…change the world”? Being able to reach into a television and grab a chocolate bar p.129

Chapter 27

  1. What happened to Mike Teavee. He didn’t listen and became the first person to be sent by television, so he became tiny and will need to be stretched out p.130

Chapter 28

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mr. Wonka told Charlie he’d won since he was the only child left; they got into the elevator and shot through the roof of the factory; they saw the other children leave the factory p.142

Chapter 29

  1. What’s the result of each of the children’s choices that are going home? They will deal with the consequences of their choices for the rest of their lives p.148

Chapter 30

  1. Why did Willy Wonka invite children to come to the factory? To choose who he would like to give it to after he’s taught them all his secrets and how to run the factory p.151

Comprehension Questions – Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted

by Gail Carson Levine

Grades 4-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 8.0

In this novel based on Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s Ella’s curse and why can’t she get cured of it? To be obedient to commands; the fairy that cast it on her won’t remove it and she’s the only one who can p.3

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Char. The prince; friendly; smart; curly hair; polite; kind; sense of humor p.10
  2. Describe Ella and her father’s relationship. He likes formality, Ella doesn’t; he didn’t want her around and be in the way; she doesn’t want to be near him and was always glad when he was away p.10

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. There was a wake for Ella’s mother’s death; Dane Olga and her daughters came to pay their respects; Ella gave her daughters a tour and invited them to eat; Ella learned that Mandy was her fairy godmother p.16

Chapter 4

  1. What did Ella learn about fairies in this chapter? They don’t like to do magic in front of people; people only like the idea of fairies; they shouldn’t do big magic, it could have bad consequences; she’s of the Friends of Fairies line p.24
  2. Why is Ella and her father uncomfortable around each other? They don’t know each other very well; they haven’t spent a lot of time together p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What warning did Mandy give Ella in this chapter? To make sure her father never learns of the curse p.37

Chapter 6

  1. What danger is Ella and the little gnome in? The ogre commanded her to bring the child to him and he will hurt them p.44

Chapter 7

  1. How did Hattie figure out the curse on Ella? She and Olive were fighting over Ella’s necklace, and she saw Ella’s predicament of sharing it when she didn’t want to p.51

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the book Mandy gave Ella. It’s magic; shows scenes of what’s happening in real life; if someone else looks at it, it’s a boring book p.57

Chapter 9

  1. List three things that happened to Ella on her first day at finishing school. They arrived being chased by ogres; she hadn’t eaten for three days; the girls were all embroidering but Ella had never touched a needle; she met a friend named Areida and learned her language; the Sewing Mistress got angry at her for not sewing and sent her to her room without supper and breakfast the next morning p.60

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Ella thrive in each subject except penmanship? The mistresses of each subject would order her what to do except in penmanship p.72

Chapter 11

  1. What unfair command did Hattie give Ella? To end her friendship with Areida p.80
  2. Why is it unfair? Areida is Ella’s only real friend and comfort

Chapter 12

  1. What’s Hattie’s weakness? She wears a wig p.83
  2. What decision did Ella make that night? To leave finishing school and hopefully find Lucinda, the fairy who gave her the curse p.86

Chapter 13

  1. Who helped Ella in her journey? The elves p.90
  2. Describe Ella’s visit with the elves. They were kind to her and saw who she really was; she showed them her fairy book and they showed her some treasures; they gave her the wolf treasure, put her on a pony with food and sent her on her way p.91

Chapter 14

  1. How did Ella stop the ogres from eating her? She used their language on them and soothed them to sleep p.102

Chapter 15

  1. How did Ella and Char help each other in this chapter? He and his knights saved her from getting eaten by the ogres and she helped tame them so the soldiers wouldn’t get hurt p.103

Chapter 16

  1. Why is Ella excited to make it to the wedding on time? Lucinda will still be there to hopefully break her curse p.117

Chapter 17

  1. List two ways Ella knew she had seen Lucinda at the party. Her tiny feet; she bestowed a gift the giants didn’t look happy about; she disappeared and reappeared in front of people p.121

Chapter 18

  1. What command did Lucinda give to change Ella’s attitude? To be happy with her gift, so now she’s ecstatic to obey p.127
  2. What’s Ella’s father going to do with her? Marry her off so he can be rich again p.129

Chapter 19

  1. What snapped Ella out of being happy to obey? Mandy commanded her not to be p.140
  2. Why is Ella’s father marrying Dame Olga? The Earl lost much of his wealth in a fire so he is marrying Dame Olga for her money p.141

Chapter 20

  1. Do you agree or disagree that Lucinda’s gift was actually positive? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p147

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize this chapter. Char and Ella spent the evening together exploring the castle, dancing and sliding down the stair rail p.148
  2. Why would Hattie make Ella pay? She’s jealous Ella spent time and had fun with the prince p.156

Chapter 22

  1. How did the fairy book help Ella? It showed a journal entry from Char so she knew what he was thinking p.160

Chapter 23

  1. List two ways this story parallels Cinderella? Ella was sent to her room so she couldn’t see the prince; she became a servant to her stepmother and sisters; she had to cook and scrub the floor

Chapter 24

  1. Why are Char and Ella writing to each other in this chapter? Char has gone to Ayorthaian to live for a year p.172
  2. What did Char tell Ella in his letters? His strengths, weaknesses, that he loves her and wants to marry her p.173

Chapter 25

  1. What helped Lucinda learn her gifts were horrible? Having to be obedient and be a squirrel p.193

Chapter 26

  1. Why couldn’t Lucinda take back Ella’s curse? She renounced big magic p.196
  2. How did Lucinda help Ella in this chapter? She provided a coach with footmen and horses to go to the ball; gave her a necklace and tiara p.203

Chapter 27

  1. What’s the purpose of Ella going to the balls? To see and hear Char p.207
  2. What did Ella do that caught his attention? She spoke in Ayorthaian and sang with him; she was familiar to him p.208

Chapter 28

  1. Why has Char promised to never marry? He was so hurt by Ella p.219

Chapter 29

  1. How did Ella break the curse? Her determination to protect Char and her country; she loved them enough p.228

Epilogue 

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

Comprehension Questions – The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL U; AR pts. 13.0

After the sudden death of her parents in India, Mary Lennox is sent 'home' to England, and the Yorkshire estate of a distant relative. Sad and lonely, her only interest lies in a secret garden, abandoned after a tragic accident. With the help of Dickon, a local country boy, and Colin, her guardian's invalid son, Mary's spirit is reawakened as they bring the garden back to life.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character and how she became alone. Mary Lennox; disagreeable looking, spoiled, sickly, thin, yellow hair and face, born in India; was raised by a servant because her mother didn’t want her since she was a girl; her parents, Ayah and other servants died of cholera; she was alone and was going to live with her uncle p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Mrs. Medlock. Mary’s uncle’s housekeeper; short and stout; stern and would take no nonsense from children p.16
  2. Describe her uncle’s house. has a hundred rooms with doors that are mostly locked; gloomy; on the edge of a moor p.17

Chapter 3

  1. Define a moor. Miles of wild land without trees; used for animals to graze on p.21
  2. Summarize this chapter. Mary and Mrs. Medlock travel in the carriage for the last leg of their journey to her uncle’s house p.19

Chapter 4

  1. Describe Martha. Pleasant, good attitude, talkative, hard worker, has 11 siblings, strong p.24
  2. What does the following phrase mean, “give you some stomach for your meat”? Help her be hungry so she’ll eat p.29
  3. What did Mary learn about herself in this chapter? She’s lonely; she’s not pretty and has a nasty temper p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize why Mary’s uncle hates the garden. He and his wife used to tend the garden and spend time together in it; one day she sat on a branch which broke and she died p.40
  2. List two good things that have happened to Mary since arriving at Misselthwaite Manor? She understood the robin; she’s run in the wind until her blood ran warm, she was hungry for the first time in her life; she felt sorry for someone p.41

Chapter 6

  1. How did Mary amuse herself in the chapter? Wandered the house and explored p.45
  2. Why did Mrs. Medlock get angry with her? Mary heard crying and left her rooms p.48

Chapter 7

  1. How did Mary acquire the old key? The robin landed in a hole that had been dug by a dog p.53

Chapter 8

  1. What did Mary say for the first time in her life and why? Thank you; Martha’s mother had purchased her a skipping rope p.56
  2. How did Mary find the secret garden door? She was skipping rope and the robin landed on a vine that blew in the breeze and uncovered it p.59

Chapter 9

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mary goes into the Secret Garden and explores; she finds bulbs growing and digs around them to give them room to grow; she wrote to Dickon and sent him some shillings to purchase garden tools and seeds; Mary heard the crying sound again p.62

Chapter 10

  1. Describe Dickon. 12 years old; Martha’s brother; purchased seeds and tools for Mary and brought them to her; he has a way with animals; he’s kind; round blue eyes; wears clothes with patches; is trustworthy p.76

Chapter 11

  1. Summarize what Dickon and Mary did in this chapter. Explore the Secret Garden and look for plants that were alive p.82

Chapter 12

  1. Describe Mr. Craven. Mary’s uncle; kind and handsome; worried and distracted; miserable; tall with crooked shoulders; black hair with white streaks 91

Chapter 13

  1. Describe Colin. Mr. Craven’s son; sickly; said he’s going to die young; 10 years old; black hair; big eyes; delicate face the color of ivory; doesn’t like people talking about him p.97
  2. How did Colin feel about the Secret Garden and how did Mary stop him from telling others about it? He was curious and wouldn’t stop asking about it; Mary described it, pretending she hadn’t been there and said it was important to keep a secret p.102

Chapter 14

  1. Why does everyone want Colon to remember he’s sick? So he doesn’t get better p.115

Chapter 15

  1. How are Colin and Mary similar? Colin’s father doesn’t want him and Mary’s mother didn’t want her; they both have lived without love in their lives; they are spoiled, both have been given everything they want, p.124

Chapter 16

  1. Why was it good for Mary to stand up to Colin? He’s never had anyone stand up to him p.130

Chapter 17

  1. How did Mary stop Colin’s tantrum? She didn’t have sympathy and wasn’t scared of him; she told him to stop and that he didn’t have a lump on his back and that he wouldn’t die p.134

Chapter 18

  1. Choose a word that describes how Mary feels about Colin. Explain. Compassionate; trusting; love; friendship. Listen to your child’s answer p.139

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize Colin’s reaction to meeting Dickon and his animal friends. He was speechless and in awe p.151

Chapter 20

  1. Why did Colin feel stronger and healthier? He has something to look forward to, a reason to live; he was distracted from his illness p.158
  2. Why did he feel like he will live forever? He felt good and had hope p.160

Chapter 21

  1. Why were the children so joyous to see spring? Mary and Colin had never seen it blossom before p.161
  2. Why didn’t Mary and Dickon want to talk about the old tree with the broken branch? They thought it would be too sad for Collin to know that his mother died from the broken branch p.163
  3. Why did Ben Weatherstaff cry when he saw Colin stand? He was so happy p.169

Chapter 22

  1. Summarize this chapter. Ben Weatherstaff came into the garden and asked Colin what he could do for him; Collin told him to keep the garden a secret; Ben had been the one coming in to the garden; Colin planted a rose as a king in his new place p.170
  2. Why was this chapter so special? Colin is learning he is strong and will be healthy; Colin has people who love and support him p.174

Chapter 23

  1. Why does Colon talk of Magic? What is it to him? The Magic in the garden is what’s going to make him stronger like the sun and the flowers p.176

Chapter 24

  1. Explain Colin and Mary’s predicament and how it’s solved. They were eating so much food it was going to ruin Colin’s secret that he was getting strong; Colin wanted to show his father that he’s strong and walking; Dickon’s mother made buns for them and told Dickon to take a bucket of fresh milk for them; Dickon baked potatoes and carrots in a little oven he concocted in the woods near the manor; they didn’t need to request more food from the cook in the manor p.188

Chapter 25

  1. How did the children entertain themselves on rainy days? Exploring the house and using the empty rooms to do their exercises and run about p.198
  2. Why is Colin going to keep the curtain pulled back? So he can see his mother laughing and being happy for him p.201

Chapter 26

  1. List two names used to describe God in this chapter. Magic; the Big Good Thing; the Good Thing; the Joy Maker p.207
  2. How did Susan Sowerby respond when Colin said he wanted her for a mother. She gave him a hug and said his mother is in the garden p.208

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this story. Mr. Craven started to awake out of his despair and went home; he went to the Secret Garden; Colin ran into him and told him everything; Mr. Craven was joyous to see his son p.209

Comprehension Questions – #7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

by J.K. Rowling

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fantasy; GRL Z; AR pts. 34

Harry discovers what fate truly has in store for him as he inevitably makes his way to the final meeting with Voldemort. Text includes mild profanity, violence and self-harm.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction of this book. Voldemort is meeting at the Malfoy’s with his followers; Snape arrives and shares that Harry is being transported to a new place; another person contradicts what Snape has said; Voldemort must kill Harry himself and makes Lucius give him his wand; Charity Burbage is spinning in the air above the group and calls to Snape to help her, but he doesn’t; Voldemort feeds her to his snake p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize what the newspaper articles were about in this chapter. Dumbledore; one was a respectable obituary; the other defamed him p.16
  2. What did Harry see in the mirror? A flash of blue; one of Dumbledore’s blue eyes p.29

Chapter 3

  1. How did Harry convince his uncle to go with the Order? By reminding him of the wizards who’ve visited them explaining the danger; the Death Eaters attacking Dudley; Dudley wanting to go with them p.32
  2. How does Dudley feel about Harry? Grateful for him since he saved his life; cared about his welfare p.40

Chapter 4

  1. Explain the plan to get Harry to safety. Did it work? Used poly juice potion to make seven Harrys and all leave at the same time to hopefully throw off the Death Eaters.  No, the Death Eaters recognized him and Voldemort came after him p.43

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mad-Eye Moody was killed by Voldemort; Harry tells everyone he’s going to leave and that his wand fought off Voldemort of its own accord; he sees and hears Voldemort talking to Ollivander angry that Harry still had a connection to him even though he was using someone else’s wand p.63

Chapter 6

  1. Why is Mrs. Weasley keeping Harry and his friends so busy? So they can’t make plans to leave p.89
  2. How have Ron and Hermione prepared for accompanying Harry? Hermione put a spell on her parents to give them the thought to move to Australia and removed her memory from their minds; Ron’s prepared his ghoul to take his place when people realize he’s missing from Hogwarts p.96

Chapter 7

  1. Why did the Minister of Magic visit the Burrow? To give Harry and his friends the items Dumbledore left them p.123
  2. Predict why Dumbledore gave them these items? To help them on their quest somehow

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize the wedding. Harry disguised himself as a Weasley cousin to the with poly juice potion; Harry learned Dumbledore’s family lived in the same place his parents were buried; Aunt Muriel was sharing gossip of Dumbledore’s life while His friend was defending him; Krum came to the wedding and recognized Luna’s dad wearing a Grindelwald symbol; a Patronus was sent from Kingsley that the Minister was dead and the Death Eaters are coming p.137

Chapter 9

  1. Why were Harry and his friends nervous to go to Grimmauld place? They thought Snape had told Voldemort about the hideout p.168

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize Regulus’s and Kreacher’s experience. Voldemort took Kreacher with him to the cave and made him drink the water in the basin; Regulus called him back, which saved Kreacher’s life; Kreacher took Regulus to the cave and Regulus drank the potion and died; he gave the locket to Kreacher with instructions to destroy it, but he wasn’t able to; Mundungus took the locket from Kreacher p.193

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Harry get so upset at Lupin? He was going to leave his wife and child when he needed to stay with them p.214
  2. Who has the locket now? Dolores Umbridge p.222

Chapter 12

  1. Why was the man Ron was going to double in a hurry to get into the Ministry of Magic, and why didn’t he have on his blue robes? He was going to support his wife who had been accused of being a Mudblood p.243

Chapter 13

  1. Why is the Ministry so focused on getting rid of Mudbloods? The Ministry has been infiltrated by Voldemort and it is his desire to get rid of them p.249
  2. Summarize what happened in the court? Mrs. Cattermole was being interrogated and Harry saw the locket on Umbridge; he stunned her and Yaxley; he cast a Patronus to keep the dementors away; Hermione got the locket and they helped everyone escape who was arrested p.258

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Harry and his friends Disapparate to the forest? Yaxley grabbed onto Hermione as they Disapparated from the Ministry to Grimmauld Place p.270
  2. Why is Harry worried about the thief? Voldemort is after him and will kill him p.283

Chapter 15

  1. Why did the friends take turns wearing the locket? It affected them and influenced them to be angry or not be able to cast spells p.289
  2. Why did Ron leave? He was cold, hungry and frustrated; he was influenced negatively by the locket p.306

Chapter 16

  1. What did Harry and Hermione find at the cemetery? Dumbledore’s family’s and his parent’s headstones; the symbol in the book on a headstone p.325

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. Harry and Hermione left the cemetery and were followed; they thought out was Bathilda; she told them to follow her and they went to her house; she told Harry to come upstairs alone and he did; she turned into Voldemort’s snake and tried to kill Harry; Hermione came to help Harry and they escaped; Harry saw how his parents died; Harry’s wand broke p.330

Chapter 18

  1. What convinced Harry that Dumbledore wanted to conquer the Muggles? A letter Dumbledore wrote to Grindelwald when they were young p.357

Chapter 19

  1. Summarize how Voldemort’s Horcrux tried to defeat Ron? Why? They knew Ron’s weakness because he wore the locket p.375

Chapter 20

  1. Why is Mr. Lovegood nervous to see Harry? It’s dangerous to help him and he could get hurt p.402

Chapter 21

  1. Summarize this chapter. Hermione read from the book Dumbledore gave; Harry realized Luna wasn’t there and that something else was going on; Mr. Lovegood was stalling waiting for the Death Eaters; Luna has been captured due to what her father has been printing; he was hoping he would get Luna back if he turned in Harry; Harry and his friends got away p.405

Chapter 22

  1. What’s Harry obsessed with in this chapter? The Deathly Hallows and finding the Elder Wand p.428
  2. Predict who’s outside the tent. Listen to your child’s answer p.445 

Chapter 23

  1. Summarize how Harry and his friends were freed from Malfoy’s Manor. Harry saw Dumbledore in the mirror and told him he needed him help; Dobby showed up and took Luna, Dean and Ollivander to Bill’s house; Harry and Ron get out of the cellar and go save Hermione; Dobby comes to help again and loosens the chandelier, causing it to fall on Hermione and the goblin; Harry and Ron grab them and Disapparate p.463
  2. Name a tragic event in this chapter. Hermione was tortured; Dobby died

Chapter 24

  1. Who did Harry need to talk to in this chapter and why? Griphook - how to break into a vault at Gringotts to find a Horcrux; Ollivander - for information about the Elder Wand and if he can mend Harry’s wand p.487

Chapter 25

  1. Why is Bill’s warning to Harry important? Harry’s not being completely honest with Griphook about the sword and Griphook is going to hold him to his word p.516

Chapter 26

  1. What trouble did Harry and his friends find themselves in as they entered Gringotts? Running into a Death Eater that was also going to the bank; the goblins knew Hermione wasn’t the real Bellatrix; the treasure burned them and multiplied as they touched it; the goblins and wizards came after them; Griphook took the sword and didn’t help them get out of the bank p.526

Chapter 27

  1. Why does Harry feel the need to rush to the school? When Voldemort finds that Harry and Dumbledore have destroyed the other Horcrux’s, he’ll move the one in the school to another location p.550

Chapter 28

  1. Summarize how Dumbledore’s mother and sister died. His sister had gone mad and she accidentally killed their mom; Aberforth, Dumbledore and Grindelwald dueled and Ariana was hit by one of their spells p.564

Chapter 29

  1. Why did Harry have such a difficult time letting Dumbledore’s Army help him and what convinced him to let them help? Hermione and Ron convinced him to let them help p.580

Chapter 30

  1. Why is everyone gathering in this chapter and what are the heads of houses preparing for? A battle with Voldemort; trying to keep Voldemort out of the school long enough for Harry to find the last Horcrux p.595

Chapter 31

  1. Summarize the events in the Room of Requirement. Harry and his friends went in to find Ravenclaw’s Diadem; Draco were there and they fought; Crabbe cast a fire spell that turned into fire beasts; Harry and his friends rescued Draco and his friends; Crabbe died p.628

Chapter 32

  1. Why did Harry need to find Voldemort? To kill Nagini p.651
  2. What did Snape give Harry and why were they important? His memories; so Harry could see who Snape really was and what Dumbledore needed him to know p.657

Chapter 33

  1. What did Harry learn from Snape’s memories? His mom and Snape were good friends; Snape loved his mom; Dumbledore asked Snape to kill him so Draco wouldn’t have to; Snape gave Mundungus the idea to decoy Harry at the start of this book; Snape was trustworthy and did as Dumbledore asked; it was Snape’s Patronus that helped Harry find the sword; Harry will need to die for Voldemort to die p.674

Chapter 34

  1. Summarize this chapter. Harry walked to his death by finding Voldemort and didn’t pull out his wand p.691
  2. Choose a word to describe Harry. Why did you choose that word? Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 35

  1. Summarize Harry’s conversation with Dumbledore. Dumbledore explains the reason why he made it hard for Harry, so he wouldn’t get boastful about the Hallows like he did; Dumbledore expressed his regrets and pride with his sister, mom, Grindelwald and the Hallows; how proud he is of Harry p.705

Chapter 36

  1. What’s the secret Harry knew about the Elder Wand? Snape didn’t defeat Dumbledore, Draco did. The wand recognizes Draco as his master, so it won’t work for Voldemort p.742

Epilogue 

  1. What did you like about the conclusion of 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