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Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #7 The Last Battle

The Last Battle

by C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 7.0

Jill and Eustace join Prince Tirian as he tries to defeat the evil that has infested Narnia.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Shift. An ape; bosses Puzzle around; manipulative; gets what he wants; not a good friend; makes Puzzle feel guilty for telling him “no” p.3
  2. Why didn’t Puzzle want to wear the lion skin? He felt it would be wrong and disrespectful to Aslan p.9
  3. Why did Shift want Puzzle to wear the lion skin? To pretend to be Aslan so he could get what he wants p.14
  4. Do you think it’s a good idea? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 2

  1. Has Aslan shown himself in the land? No, it’s Puzzle in the lion skin p.17
  2. What tidings did Roonwit bring the king? There’s evil that hangs over Narnia p.19
  3. How did the king act rash in this chapter? He raced in with Jewel and killed the Calormenes instead of waiting for his army p.27

Chapter 3

  1. Why is everyone believing Puzzle is Aslan? That’s what Shift is telling them; They’ve never seen Aslan before; they don’t know what he looks like or what his nature is p.30
  2. What’s Shift doing in this chapter? Lying to the Talking Beasts to make them go along with his plan; being deceitful p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Compare Puzzle to the real Aslan? Stiff in stature; Shift speaks to the people for him; Aslan always shows himself and speaks for himself when he wants and he wouldn’t kill the trees or enslave the animals p.48
  2. What shoes Tirian do in this chapter? Calls out for help to Aslan and to the children/friends of Narnia p.50

Chapter 5

  1. Who’s sitting at the table Tirian saw? The Professor, Aunt Polly, Eustace, Jill, Peter, Lucy, Edmund p.57
  2. Where did Tirian take the children? The battlements p.60

Chapter 6

  1. Where had Jill gone and what did she find? To the stable; Puzzle in the lion skin p.74
  2. Why didn’t the group feel the need to whisper anymore? They had the false Aslan and could prove to everyone they had been tricked p.76

Chapter 7

  1. How did the dwarfs react when Tirian saved them and cheered for Aslan? They didn’t believe in Aslan and didn’t want a king anymore p.83
  2. Summarize the conversation Poggin overheard. The Cat and the Calormene Captain agreed to use the Ape to their advantage to make Narnia a Calormene province p.90

Chapter 8

  1. What news did the Eagle bring to Tirian and the others? Calormene ships attacked Cair Paravel and the dying Roonwit sent a message with Farsight that all worlds draw to an end p.103

Chapter 9

  1. How was the king’s plan ruined? Shift told the Beasts that a donkey had dressed up as Aslan, so now the Beasts want to kill Puzzle p.116

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. The Ape challenged Narnians to go into the stable; the Cat goes in and comes out unable to talk; a Calormene soldier goes in, but a different soldier comes out dead; the Ape threatens a Boar to go in and Tirian and his group come out with their weapons; Tirian invites the Narnians to stand at his side and fight the Calormenes p.117

Chapter 11

  1. Name something discouraging that happened in this chapter. The dwarfs shot and killed the Talking Horses; the Calormenes reinforced the enemy army; many Narnian Animals left and wouldn’t help fight; Narnians joined the enemy p.134

Chapter 12

  1. What did Tirian find inside the stable? Tash took Rishda away and 7 kings and queens stood before him, the same as in the dream he had when he called to them p.150

Chapter 13

  1. Why couldn’t the dwarfs be helped? They didn’t want to be p.169
  2. Who appeared in the stable? Aslan p.169

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize this chapter. The animals of the world all had to face Aslan; the world of Narnia ended; Emeth the Calormene was sitting against a tree p.174

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Emeth able to see Aslan? He believed in him p.188

Chapter 16

  1. What had happened to the children and their parents? There was a railway accident and they all died p.210

Comprehension Questions – The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux

by Kate DiCamillo

Grades 4; Genre - Fables; GRL U; AR pts. 5.0

This book tells of the adventure of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse of unusual talents, as well as the princess he loves, a servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a devious rat determined to bring them all to ruin. Text includes violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

Book the First

  1. Describe the introduction to this story. In a castle in France; Despereaux was born and received his name from his mother for all the despairs of their lives; he’s the only mouse of the litter and the last mouse born to his mother; his mother’s favorite word is, disappointment; he opened his eyes and looked at the sun, which his family knew was strange p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Despereaux; he’s tiny, has large ears and was born with his eyes open; he’s sickly, faints at loud noises; shows no interest in mouse things; he notices things that other mice didn’t care for p.17
  2. Predict what Despereaux could hear? Listen to your child’s answer p.18

Chapter 3

  1. What happened to Despereaux in this chapter? He learned to read p.22
  2. What did the author warn us about? Despereaux will run into rats and need to be brave p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did Despereaux hear and understand? Music p.26
  2. Why is it dangerous for a mouse to reveal itself to humans? Humans don’t like mice p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Predict what will happen to Despereaux. Listen to your child’s answer p.32

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Despereaux’s action of being revealed affect the entire mouse community in the castle? It showed the humans they were in the castle p.36

Chapter 7

  1. What does the phrase, “I honor you” mean? To act in a deliberate and respectable manner p.40
  2. Who is Despereaux in love with? Princess Pea p.41

Chapter 8

  1. Define perfidy. an act or an instance of disloyalty p.45

Chapter 9

  1. Predict Despereaux’s fate. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize the trial. Despereaux went before the Head Mouse; he admitted what he had done truthfully; he didn’t admit that he was wrong; he was going to be sent to the dungeon with the rats; he fainted p.54

Chapter 11

  1. Describe the interaction Despereaux had with the threadmaster. The threadmaster put the thread around Despereaux’s neck and told him to be brave for the princess p.61

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Despereaux leave to the dungeon hopeless? No one helped him p.65

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Despereaux think of the word “perfidy” as he tumbled into the dungeon? His brother, family and community weren’t trustworthy and cast him out p.71

Chapter 14

  1. Who do you think the loud voice belonged to? Listen to your child’s answer p.75

Chapter 15

  1. How does the rope save the jailer’s life? To guide him through the dungeon mazes p.78
  2. Why does Gregory want to be told stories? He feels like they’re light and he lives in darkness p.81

Book the Second

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Roscuro. A rat; Gregory caught him and showed him light so he now longs for it; thinks the meaning of life is light p.88
  2. What do “real rats” do? Torture prisoners emotionally and physically p.90
  3. How is Roscuro not act like a rat? He loved the light 

Chapter 17

  1. Summarize this chapter. A prisoner was sent to the dungeon; Roscuro was assigned the new prisoner, but saw the light from the door opening and closing; his friend told him to focus on the blanket that was given to the prisoners not the light p.92

Chapter 18

  1. Why did Roscuro decide he needed to go upstairs? The blanket didn’t give him happiness; he knew he needed to go to the light p.102

Chapter 19

  1. Who was born when Roscuro went upstairs in the castle? Despereaux p.103

Chapter 20

  1. What made Roscura realize he didn’t want to be a rat? Princess Pea saying “rat” and everyone’s reaction to him p.109

Chapter 21

  1. How did the Queen die? Roscuro fell in her soup and the shock killed her p.112
  2. How did Roscuro’s heart break? He saw Pea’s disgust and anger towards him p.113

Chapter 22

  1. Was it appropriate for Roscuro to seek revenge? Why, or why not? No; listen to your child’s answer p.116

 Chapter 23

  1. Define the word consequence. A result or effect of an action or condition p.117
  2. Why did Roscuro want revenge? For the way Pea looked at him p.120

Book the Third

Chapter 24

  1. Describe Miggory Sow. A girl who’s going to help Roscuro take revenge; a girl named for her father’s favorite prize-winning pig; born far away from the castle; her mother died when she was 6 years old; is the daughter of the prisoner Roscuro tortured and took the blanket from p.125

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Mig’s ears look like cauliflower? The man who purchased her, frequently hit her in the ears p.129
  2. Why is Mig’s life sad? She wasn’t able to hear anymore; she was never listened to; her owner hit her and didn’t love her p.129

Chapter 26

  1. What has been awakened in each of our main characters? Despereaux-love; Roscuro-light; Mig-hope p.134

Chapter 27

  1. Why couldn’t Mig be a princess? She’s not born into royalty p.137

Chapter 28

  1. Explain how Mig came to become a servant in the castle? The soldiers came to her hut to take away the soup supplies and Uncle and the soldiers took her with them since she was a slave p.141

Chapter 29

  1. Describe Princess Pea. Kind, happy, looks for the good in people and things; her mother died from Roscuro falling in her soup; patient p.147

Chapter 30

  1. What job did Cook give to Mig? Why, or why not? Take lunch to the jailer in the dungeon; she was lazy and not competent in the other tasks she was given p.154

Chapter 31

  1. Why isn’t Mig afraid of being in the dark dungeon? She can’t hear anything p.160

Chapter 32

  1. Predict how Roscuro will get revenge? How will Mig help him? Listen to your child’s answers p.165

Chapter 33

  1. How did Roscuro know Mig’s name? She yelled it out when hollering for the jailer to come get his lunch p.169
  2. What’s in the napkin Gregory put on the tray? Despereaux p.171

Book the Fourth

Chapter 34

  1. What did Despereaux lose in this chapter? His tail p.179

Chapter 35

  1. Why did Despereaux weep in this chapter? He was sad about his tail, happy he was freed, happy he can save Pea p.180
  2. Predict who the knight is in Despereaux’s dream. Listen to your child’s answer p.182

Chapter 36

  1. What’s Roscuro’s plan to get revenge on the princess? Mig will take her to the dungeon to be stuck there forever p.187
  2. Do you think the plan will work? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 37

  1. What phrases does the author use to show that Pea was not afraid on page 193.  “She concentrated on containing the rage that was leaping up inside of her”; “…her eyes were defiant”; “She stared at the rat” p.193

Chapter 38

  1. How is Pea empathetic? She was thinking about Mig while she held a knife in her back p.198
  2. Has there been a time you’ve been empathetic? Listen to your child’s answer
  3. Why is empathy important? We’re more understanding and have compassion when we can think about other people and what they’ve been through

Chapter 39

  1. Why did Despereaux need to find the king? To tell him what happened to the princess p.203

Chapter 40

  1. Summarize this chapter. Despereaux was looking for the king and found the Mouse Council meeting; he went into them and they thought he was a ghost; his father asked for his forgiveness and Despereaux forgave him; he demanded the Mouse Council to repent, they didn’t p.204

Chapter 41

  1. Why didn’t the king listen to Despereaux? He thought all rodents are liars p.214
  2. Were you correct in your prediction? Who is the knight in Despereaux’s dream? He is p.215

Chapter 42

  1. How did Hovis help Despereaux in this chapter? Gave him the spool of red thread and a needle p.221

Chapter 43

  1. What word would describe Despereaux in this chapter? Courageous; determined; strong; hopeful, brave p.223

Chapter 44

  1. Why did Cook’s laughter hurt Despereaux? He felt like she was making fun of him p.230

Chapter 45

  1. How did Cook help Despereaux in this chapter? She didn’t kill him and instead gave him soup; she held the dungeon door open for him p.233

Chapter 46

  1. Summarize this chapter. Despereaux’s pushing the thread down the stairs and it rolls too far, down to a rat p.238

Chapter 47

  1. Why did Despereaux trust the rat? He didn’t have another choice p.244

Chapter 48

  1. Describe the dungeon now that Despereaux could see it? There were human and mice bones, thread, tufts of fur; rats p.247

Chapter 49

  1. How did Pea get through to Mig? Her compassion; asking what she wanted p.254

Chapter 50

  1. What do you think Mig cut? Listen to your child’s answer p.259

Chapter 51

  1. What word describes Pea in this chapter? Forgiving; compassionate; gentle; understanding p.263

Chapter 52

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this book. Despereaux and Pea are friends; Roscuro can go back and forth from upstairs to the dungeon; Roscuro told Pea about the prisoner with the table cloth and she had him released; the prisoner treated Mig as a princess the rest of his days; Mig, Roscuro, Pea, the king and Despereaux are eating soup at the table; Antoinette, Lester and the threadmaster are peeking out of the curtain watching p.266

Comprehension Questions – #5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

by J.K. Rowling

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 44.0

Fifteen-year-old wizard Harry Potter struggles with a threatening teacher, a problematic house-elf, the dread of upcoming final exams, and haunting dreams that hint toward his mysterious past. The plot contains mild profanity and violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why is Harry so anxious at the beginning of this story? Now that he knows that Voldemort is back, he’s waiting for something bad to happen p.10
  2. Who attacked Harry and Dudley? Two dementors p.16

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Uncle Vernon want Harry to leave and not come back? Voldemort is after him and Harry’s uncle doesn’t want his family to get hurt p.38
  2. Who changed Uncle Vernon’s mind to let Harry stay? Why? Aunt Petunia; She got a howler from an owl that made her feel like Harry should stay p.40

Chapter 3

  1. Who visited Harry at his aunt and uncle's house? Why? 8-9 wizards; to take Harry to safety p.56
  2. Where did they take him? London; the house where the Order of the Phoenix is meeting p.58

Chapter 4

  1. What’s the Order of the Phoenix? A secret society of wizards who previously fought against Voldemort p.67
  2. Why is a portrait of Sirius’ mother in the house? It’s the home Sirius’ grew up in p.78

Chapter 5

  1. What did Harry learn in this chapter? Harry thwarted Voldemort’s plans; Voldemort is secretly recruiting Death Eaters and working on a weapon; the Ministry doesn't believe that Voldemort is back p.92

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Sirius’ family? Share two examples. They’re Voldemort supporters; don’t like anyone who’s not a pureblood; Sirius’s brother was a Death Eater and Draco’s dad is married to Sirius’s cousin p.113
  2. What hearing is Harry worryied about and why? He’s on trial for using magic in the muggle world; he could be expelled from Hogwarts and be forced to return to live at the Dursley’s p.119

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Describes the Ministry of Magic building and Harry and Mr. Weasley's travels; the location and time of the hearing changed and Harry and Mr. Weasley run to get there p.121
  2. Why do you think the hearing was changed to the new location? Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 8

  1. How do we know Fudge didn’t expect Dumbledor at the hearing? He was surprised and flustered when Dumbledor arrived; didn’t set out a chair; changed the time and location of the hearing intentionally so Dumbledor wouldn’t be there p.139
  2. Who do you think told Dumbledor of the change? Listen to your child’s answer
  3. Why doesn’t Fudge want to believe dementors attacked Harry? It would prove that Voldemort is back p.148

Chapter 9

  1. What was Harry feeling when he didn’t make Prefect? Jealous and selfish p.166
  2. Why was Mrs. Weasley so upset when she saw the bogart? She’s scared someone in her family is going to die p.176

Chapter 10

  1. What did Draco Malfoy say to unnerve Harry in this chapter? Why? “I’ll be dogging your footsteps in case you step out of line"; Draco’s dad might have noticed Sirius dropping off Harry at the train station and know where he's hiding out p.194
  2. Why was Harry alarmed his friends couldn’t see the creatures pulling the carriages? He’s not been able to see them until now; Luna has been able to see them as well, which concerned him p.199

Chapter 11

  1. What did the Sorting Hat sing about? The different houses; warnings; advice p.207
  2. Why was that strange? The Hat hasn't given advice or warnings since Harry's been at Hogwarts p.207
  3. Why is Harry frustrated and grateful at the end of this chapter? Seamus’ mom doesn't believe Harry and Dumbledor and doesn't want him at the school; Neville believes Harry and stood up for him p.220

Chapter 12

  1. What’s Harry’s Divination class about? Predicting the future p.237
  2. Why isn’t Harry happy about keeping a dream journal? His dreams are about Voldemort and come true p.238
  3. Describe Professor Umbridge. Very short; sweet voice and but very strict; determined to put Harry’s accusations about Voldemort to rest and called them lies p.239

Chapter 13

  1. What pun did Professor Umbridge use on page 266? “Oh, as long as it takes the message to sink in” p.266
  2. Why is it a pun? When Harry used the quill, it actually carved the words into his flesh p.267
  3. Why doesn’t Harry want to talk to Dumbledor about his detention or his scar? Dumbledor hasn’t talked to him since the summer p.277

Chapter 14

  1. What concerns did Sirius calm when Harry spoke with him? Harry’s scar isn’t anything to worry about; Professor Umbridge isn’t a Death Eater; Hagrid's away on a mission and is fine p.302

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Hermione suggest Harry teach the Defense against the Dark Arts class? Why? Harry; he’s been successful in using the spells against Voldemort p.326
  2. What’s Harry’s reaction? He didn’t feel qualified p.328

Chapter 16

  1. Which houses are the students from who came to the Dark Arts meeting? Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffondor p.338
  2. Why were the students hesitant to sign their names? They didn’t want to be found out p.346
  3. Why was Harry noticing how beautiful the village is now? Cho likes him p.349

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Professor Umbridge ban student organizations, societies, teams, groups and clubs? To prevent the secret Dark Arts class p.351
  2. Why are the teachers upset with Umbridge? She has the power to get rid of them, is questioning how they teach and putting them on probation p.364
  3. What caused Sirius to vanish? Umbridge came looking for him in the chimney floo p.372

Chapter 18

  1. Why weren’t the other elves picking up Hermione’s hats and socks? They were insulted p.385
  2. Describe the first lesson Harry taught. Harry was voted their leader; they call themselves the D.A., Dumbledor’s Army; they learned the Expelliarmus spell p.396

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the Quidditch match and what happened after. Ron missed three goals, Harry caught the snitch so they won; during the match Slytherin sang a mean song about Ron; Draco taunted Ron, Harry and George hit him; Umbridge banned Harry, George and Fred from playing Quidditch again; Ron left the field very discouraged p.406

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize this chapter. Harry and his friends went to see Hagrid; he told them how he went to the giants to gain their favor against Voldemort; the chief who liked them was killed and a new chief was put in, he was siding with the Death Eaters; Hagrid and Madame Maxine weren’t successful in convincing the other giants to join; Umbridge came to see Hagrid while the kids were there, but couldn’t see them due to the invisibility cloak; Hermione is worried Umbridge going to get rid of Hagrid p.424

Chapter 21

  1. Why was Harry so confused by Cho’s kiss? She cried about missing Cedric just before p.458
  2. What and who was Harry in his dream? A snake; Voldemort p.462

Chapter 22

  1. Why did Dumbledor remove Harry and the Weasley’s from Hogwarts? He didn’t want Umbridge to get involved; he wanted them to be able to see their father p.476
  2. Why didn’t Harry want to hear the conversation in the hospital room? He was disturbed Voldemort is possessing him p.491

Chapter 23

  1. Why was Harry so upset at the beginning of this chapter? He thought Voldemort was using him as a weapon p.493
  2. What helped Harry feel better? Talking to his friends; Ginny reminded him she’d been possessed by Voldemort too p.499
  3. Who did Harry and his friends see on the closed ward of the hospital? Why? Neville Longbottom; his mom and dad were cursed by Bellatrix Lestrange p.515

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Dumbledor want Harry to learn Occlumency? It would teach him to control and protect his mind from Voldemort p.518
  2. Why was Harry so sick at the end of this chapter? He’d had his first lesson with Snape and his mind was weakened and tired p.542

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Harry’s date with Cho go poorly? Harry didn’t want to talk about Cedric and then said he was meeting Hermione and that made Cho jealous p.562
  2. Why did Hermione want Harry to meet her? To tell Rita Skeeter the truth about Voldemort p.567
  3. How did Hermione convince Rita to do the story about Harry for free? She blackmailed Rita since she’s not a registered Animagus p.569

Chapter 26

  1. What was the reaction to the article written about Harry and Voldemort? Umbridge was angry and put up a new decree that students were forbidden to read it; the students believed Harry; Harry received lots of fan mail p.579
  2. How does Snape know that Harry dreamt of Voldemort? He can see Harry’s memories as they practice Occlumency p.593

Chapter 27

  1. Why was Harry taken to Dumbledor’s office? Umbridge caught him doing the D.A. Class p.611
  2. Why did Dumbledor take the blame for organizing the class? He didn’t want Harry to get expelled; he knew he could handle the consequences p.618
  3. What advice did Dumbledor give Harry before he left? To study Occlumency as hard as he could and close his mind p.623

Chapter 28

  1. Why was Snape so enraged to find Harry watching his memory? It was humiliating to him; it was about how Harry’s dad treated him when they were younger p.645
  2. Should Harry have looked into the Pensieve? Why, or why not? No; Snape’s memories were personal like a journal 

Chapter 29

  1. What did Sirius tell Harry about his father? That he was 15 years old and an idiot; that his father was a show off when Lily was around; he was his best friend and a good person p.671
  2. What diversion did Fred and George do so Harry to talk to Sirius? Made a swamp in the school p.675

Chapter 30

  1. What was Hagrid hiding in the Forbidden Forest? His brother, a giant p.690
  2. Why did Hagrid need Harry and his friends to visit his brother? He was worried Umbridge was going to fire him p.701
  3. Why did Harry and Hermione decide to wait to tell Ron about Hagrid's brother? Ron had just won the Quidditch Cup p.702

Chapter 31

  1. What event interrupted the astronomy test? Umbridge telling Hagrid to leave Hogwarts p.719
  2. Who was Voldemort torturing in Harry’s dream and why? Sirius; Voldemort wanted Sirius to fetch something p.728

Chapter 32

  1. Do you think Snape got Harry's message? Listen to your child’s answer p.745
  2. Predict the weapon Hermione and Harry are taking Umbridge to? Listen to your child’s answer p.748

Chapter 33

  1. How did Luna, Neville, Ginny and Ron escape? They used spells Harry taught them p.761
  2. Why were they so determined to go with Harry? They wanted to use the skills Harry taught them against Voldemort p.761

Chapter 34

  1. Why wasn’t Sirius where Harry saw him in his dream? It was a trap Voldemort planned to get Harry into the room with the orb p.780

Chapter 35

  1. Summarize this chapter. The kids were all fighting for their lives running from the Death Eaters when members of the Order of the Phoenix arrived to help them; Sirius fell through the veil and died p.781

Chapter 36

  1. What did Fudge finally admit? That Voldemort’s back p.817

Chapter 37

  1. Who took the blame for Sirius’s death? Why? Dumbledor; he should have told Harry everything long before p.826
  2. Who lied to Harry and betrayed the Order? Kreacher p.829
  3. Why did Dumbledor wait to tell Harry the prophecy? He would need to one day kill Voldemort or be killed by him p.844

Chapter 38

  1. What was Nicks response when Harry asked him about Sirius? Sirius moved on and wouldn’t come back as a ghost p.860
  2. What did Luna say that helped Harry feel better? That those who have died are just behind the veil, they’re not gone p.863
  3. Why was Harry confident going home with the Dursley’s? The Order stood up for him and told the Dursley’s they’d better be nice to Harry; Harry knew he had support from his friends p.870

Comprehension Questions – The Chronicles of Narnia #5 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

by C.S. Lewis

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 9.0

Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin, Eustace, are magically transported onto the ship, "Dawn Treader", where King Caspian is searching for the seven friends of his father.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Eustace. Doesn't have friends; collects bugs; enjoys reading non-fiction books; doesn't like his cousins the Pevansies; is bossy and a bully p.3
  2. Explain the port side and starboard side of a ship. Port means the left side when looking at the front of the ship; starboard is the right-side p.6
  3. How do the children travel to Narnia in this book? When looking at a painting of a boat driving forward in the sea, it came alive and swept the three children into the ocean p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Where are the voyagers going? To find the lost counselors of the king p.20
  2. What helped Eustace feel better? Lucy’s cordial p.24
  3. What sparked the conflict between Reepicheep and Eustace? Eustace swung Reepicheep around by his tail p.33

Chapter 3

  1. What mishap occurred when the group went to the Lone Islands? They were captured and were going to be sold on the market as slaves p.41
  2. Who purchased Caspian? Lord Bern; one of the Lord’s Caspian’s uncle sent to sea p.46
  3. Why did Lord Bern believe that Caspian was the real King Caspian? His voice, Caspian remembered Lord Bern’s name, Caspian spoke the same as his father p.47

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Pug call Eustace Sulky? Sulky means to be morose, bad-tempered, and resentful, refusing to be cooperative or cheerful. Eustace is all these things p.63
  2. Why does Duke Bern want Caspian to stay? He foresees war from Calormen p.65

Chapter 5

  1. Define what a poop is in this context. The aftermost and highest deck of a ship, especially in a sailing ship where it typically forms the roof of a cabin in the stern p.68
  2. Why was it a bad idea for Eustace to wander away from the group? He got lost p.78
  3. Why did Eustace think the ship would leave him? He thought Caspian and Edmund were out to get rid of him p.81
  4. Is this true? No p.81

Chapter 6

  1. Why is it a bother for Eustace to disappear? Everyone needed to take the time to find him p.89
  2. What made Eustace realize Caspian and Edmund weren’t his enemies? Turning into a dragon made him miss them p.92
  3. How did everyone realize the dragon wasn’t going to hurt them? He tried to communicate with them p.96

Chapter 7

  1. Explain how Eustace became a human again? Aslan came and helped him shed his skin p.107
  2. How did Eustace’s character grow when he was a dragon? He learned how to be helpful and to have a better attitude towards those around him p.112

Chapter 8

  1. Summarize this chapter. The ship was attacked by a sea serpent then landed on an island; after getting water, a group decided to explore; they came upon a lake that turned things to gold; they started getting greedy, but they saw Aslan who helped them come to their senses; they came back to the ship with the realization it was a Narnian Lord who was lost at the bottom of the golden lake p.116

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the invisible people threaten to kill the group who came on land? To get Lucy to read a spell to make them visible again p.141
  2. Why did Lucy need to read the spell? Only the magician or a girl could make the spell work p.141

Chapter 10

  1. List two spells Lucy came across in the magic book. Beautification; how to hear what your friends say about you; how to make things visible; cures for warts, toothaches, cramps p.151
  2. What did Aslan mean when he said he’d been invisible this entire time? He has been there with her, but couldn’t show him to Lucy since she didn’t believe p.159

Chapter 11

  1. Did Lucy need to be afraid of the invisible people when they were made visible? No, they looked like dwarves with one foot p.166
  2. Did the Dufflepuds learn to appreciate who they were? Yes p.173
  3. Name two things the magician did for Caspian and his party? Fed them; gave them a place to rest; fixed the boat; created a map of where they had sailed; gave them treasures when they left p.173

Chapter 12

  1. What happened when Lucy prayed to Aslan for help? A beam of light shined on the ship, an albatross appeared and guided them to the sun; Aslan whispered courage to Lucy and breathed a delicious smell into her face p.186
  2. Was it purposeful to go into the darkness? Why? Yes; to find Lord Rhoop p.188

Chapter 13

  1. Why had the three Lords fallen asleep at the table? They began to fight over what they should do, and someone grabbed the dagger the White Witch used to kill Aslan p.200

Chapter 14

  1. How did Caspian persuade the sailors to sail to the end of the World? He made it sound like it was a privilege and that not everyone could go; by possibly taking away the opportunity they wanted it more and more p.215
  2. Predict what Caspian wanted to talk about with Ramandu’s daughter. Listen to your child’s answer p.217

Chapter 15

  1. Summarize this chapter. The ship sails and Lucy sees sea people; they can drink right from the ocean and can now handle looking at the sun; they don’t need to eat; the ship sailed without wind p228

Chapter 16

  1. Why do the shipmates travel without speaking? The closer they get to Aslan’s land its more sacred and reverent p.234
  2. Why aren’t Lucy and Edmund coming back to Narnia? They’re getting too old p.247

Comprehension Questions – Sarah, Plain and Tall Series #1 Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sarah, Plain and Tall

by Patricia MacLachlan

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL R; AR pts. 1.0

In this loving story of a motherless family, a tall, plain woman comes to stay with them.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does this story begin? Anna is telling Caleb about their mother who died the day after he was born; their pa said he put an advertisement in the paper for a wife and got a response p.3
  2. Who is telling this story? Anna

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Caleb read Sarah’s letters repeatedly? He was excited at the prospect of having a mother and liked what Sarah said p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why does Anna think Sarah wouldn’t like living on the prairie? It’s very different than living by the ocean; dusty and dry; no ocean or beach; away from her home p.20

Chapter 4

  1. What’s the significance of the words Caleb is pointing out that Sarah is saying? Sarah is using terminology that imply she’s staying longer than a month; he’s hoping she stays and marries his pa p.24

Chapter 5

  1. How did pa help Sarah feel at home in this chapter? He gave her a dune to slide down in the barn, like the dune by the ocean p.31

Chapter 6

  1. What did Sarah teach the children in this chapter? How to swim p.36
  2. Is Sarah being a good mother to them? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer. 

Chapter 7

  1. Give two examples of how Maggie is a good friend to Sarah. She helped Sarah know that she wasn’t alone; brought her flowers to plant and chickens to eat; helped her understand she needed to learn to drive a wagon p.40

Chapter 8

  1. What type of storm did the family experience in this chapter? A tornado p.47
  2. Why were the children happy when they saw their father hold Sarah like he had their mother? Their father was beginning to show love to Sarah; they wanted her to be their mom p.49

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Caleb so bothered that Sarah wanted to go into town by herself? He was worried she’d leave them and not come back p.52
  2. How does this story end? Sarah went to town and came back with three colored pencils, candles, flower seeds, and a book of songs to teach them; she marries their father p.57

Comprehension Questions – Heidi

Heidi

by Johanna Spyri

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fiction; Lexile 800; AR pts: 16.0

Heidi, an orphan, builds a strong bond with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. When she is sent into town to attend school and be a friend to a wealthy man's invalid daughter, Heidi becomes homesick for her Grandfather and home in the mountains.

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Part 1

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? In the Alps during the summer p.9
  2. Describe Heidi. 5 years old; mother and father died; Aunt was taken care of her; brave and happy; thinks for herself p.9
  3. Why did Heidi have on so many layers of clothes? It was easier to have her wear them then to carry them p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Share two examples that Heidi’s grandfather was impressed with her. When she made up her bed; when she set the table without being asked; when she guessed that he was making a stool for her p.21
  2. What nurturing action did the grandfather take at the end of this chapter? He was worried Heidi would be afraid of the wind, so went to check on her p.26

Chapter 3

  1. Why hadn’t Peter ever been able to say he had enough? His family was poor, and he didn’t get large portions to eat p.32
  2. Give two examples of ways Heidi helped the goats and Peter in this chapter. She said she’d comfort Schneehopli on the mountain each day so she’s not alone; when Distelfinck almost jumped off the cliff, Heidi stopped him from fighting Peter by giving him some herbs; She stopped Peter from beating him and every other goat by giving her cheese and a good part of her bread everyday p.34

Chapter 4

  1. How does Heidi help the grandmother? She brings her happiness when she visits; she brings her grandfather to fix up the hut p.49
  2. Why does the grandmother make Heidi sad? She’s blind and there’s nothing anyone can do to fix it p.50

Chapter 5

  1. What happened to Heidi in this chapter? Her aunt came to take her to Frankfurt to be a playmate for a girl who is lame and in a wheelchair p.54
  2. How did grandfather feel about this? He didn’t want Heidi to go; he was sad p.54
  3. How did Dete convince Heidi to go with her? She said she could buy soft rolls for grandmother and bring them back to her when she’d like p.57

Chapter 6

  1. What’s Heidi original name and who is she named after? Adelheid; her mother p.61
  2. Describe Fraulein Rottenmeier. She’s proper, mean, bossy, uptight, doesn’t like Heidi p.60

Chapter 7

  1. What three names is Heidi called? Heidi, Adelheid, Mansell p.69
  2. What view was Heidi expecting when she looked out the church tower? One of trees and mountains p.72
  3. Should Heidi have brought the kittens home without asking? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.73

Chapter 8

  1. Why did it give Sebastian pleasure to see Fraulein Rottenmeier in distress? It entertains him; he likes to tease her p.80
  2. When Fraulein Rottenmeier is so strict with Heidi, who protects watches out for her? Sebastian and Klara p.84

Chapter 9

  1. Describe Klara’s father? Busy with work; kind; cares about Klara; wealthy p.86
  2. What charge did he give Fraulein Rottenmeier concerning Heidi? That she always be kind to her and not let Heidi’s peculiarities be treated as sins p.90

Chapter 10

  1. How did the grandmamma change Heidi’s mind about reading? She told Heidi to believe her and not believe Peter when he said learning to read is too hard p.96
  2. Why didn’t Heidi tell anyone she was homesick? She might look ungrateful for everything the Sesemann’s have done for her p.96
  3. Who did Grandmamma teach Heidi will help her when she can’t talk to anyone else? God p.97

Chapter 11

  1. Why couldn’t Heidi cry when she read books? Fraulein Rottenmeier will take the book away from her p.102
  2. Give two examples of how Heidi’s struggling? She won’t eat and she’s getting thin; she covers her eyes, so she doesn’t see the sunlight and be reminded of Peter taking the goats up the Alm; she cries herself to sleep and cries when she wakes up p.102

Chapter 12

  1. What’s convinced Herr Sesemann to send Heidi home? The doctor: she’s so homesick she’s sleep walking and isn’t eating p.111

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Heidi thank the doctor when she left Frankfurt? He’s the reason why she’s going home p.117
  2. Describe the reunion between Heidi and her loved ones on the Alm? She and they were all delighted to be together again p.126

Chapter 14

  1. What did Heidi realize about her unanswered prayers? That God had blessed her by keeping her longer in Frankfurt than she had wanted p.132
  2. What was the change grandfather experienced and what was the cause of it? He turned to God again and looked truly happy; Heidi helped him understand that he could always turn back to God p.134
  3. What did the letter say at the end of this chapter? Klara and the grandmamma were going to come visit p.139

Part 2

Chapter 1

  1. Why was the doctor hesitant to let Klara visit Heidi? She has been so sickly during the summer and knew it wouldn’t be good for her p.143
  2. Why did Klara agree that the doctor should visit Heidi and how did she handle it? Because she was so sickly; Klara was so sad she couldn’t go, but knew her father was doing what was best for her p.145

Chapter 2

  1. How did Heidi receive the doctor? She was disappointed that Klara didn’t come, but was happy to see him p.150
  2. Why did the doctor the Alm would be good for Klara? The fresh air would give her an appetite and she would want to eat p.152

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Peter clench his fists at the doctor? He was taking Heidi’s attention away from him p.160
  2. Why did Peter stand on the hill with his hands open? To show he was repenting for being disrespectful to the doctor p.161

Chapter 4

  1. What was Heidi missing at their home in Dorfli? She couldn’t hear the wind p.168
  2. Why is Peter going to be more serious about going to school? He would rather go to school than take a beating for being unruly and missing school p.171

Chapter 5

  1. What’s the plan Heidi contrived at the end of chapter 4? To teach Peter to read so his grandmother could have hymns read to her everyday p.176
  2. How did Heidi convince Peter he should learn to read? She reminded him that his mother would send him to Frankfurt and described what going to school there was like p.176

Chapter 6

  1. On page 184, what’s the sofa grandfather is describing? The grass outside the hut p.184
  2. Why was Peter and the grandmother upset with Heidi’s company? They didn’t want them to take her back to Frankfurt p.186
  3. What was the grandmammas and Klara’s reaction to the Alm? They loved it and thought it was so beautiful; they both wanted Klara to stay up with a Heidi p.193

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Heidi’s grandfather have Klara stand every day? To strengthen her legs p.202
  2. What’s Heidi’s grandfather trying to accomplish encouraging Klara to stand? To help her walk again p.202

Chapter 8

  1. Peter has been angry with Klara her entire visit. What could you say to him to help him understand and learn that it was important for Klara to be there? Listen to your child’s answer p.204
  2. What had Klara accomplished in this chapter? She walked with the help of Heidi and Peter p.211
  3. On page 213, the author wrote that something lay in Peter’s stomach which gnawed and choked him with every mouthful he ate. What was it? His guilt from pushing Klara’s chair over the cliff p.213

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Peter so paranoid the beginning of this chapter? He had made a wrong choice and he was full of guilt p.217
  2. Why didn’t the grandmamma want to punish Peter? He had been punished enough through his guilt p.225
  3. How is Grandfather’s wish being granted? Herr Sesemann will take care of Heidi like she was his own and the doctor is moving to the area, and he’ll take care of her too so she can stay on the Alm p.229

Comprehension Questions – Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

By Lucy Maud Montgomery

Grades 4-8; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts. 17.0

Anne, an eleven-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm, and proceeds to make an indelible impression on everyone around her.

Vocabulary/Phrases

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Mrs. Rachel Lynde. A busy body; notable housewife; her work was always well done; ran the Sewing Circle, Sunday School, strong in the Church Aid Society and Foreign Missions Auxiliary; always sat in front window knitting “cotton warp” quilts (an impressive amount) p.3
  2. Why was Rachel Lynde against Matthew and Marilla adopting a boy? She’s heard horrific stories of couples who adopt p.8
  3. Describe Marilla’s and Rachel’s friendship. They’re very different; Marilla knows Rachel and is patient with her nosiness and is a good neighbor to her p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Anne. Skinny, freckles, red hair, 10-11yrs old, imaginative, talks a lot, can express herself very well, loves beautiful things, is excited to have a real home and be adopted, kind, personifies objects in nature p.11
  2. Did Matthew make the right decision to take Anne home with him? Why? Listen to your child’s answer. If yes, he couldn’t have let her sleep out in a tree alone all-night p.12
  3. Explain why Matthew was uneasy as they arrived at Green Gables? He knew the disappointment Anne would feel when Marilla told her she wasn’t what they wanted and would need to go back to the asylum p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the emotional ups and downs Anne has been through in this chapter? She was so thrilled to be at Green Gables to start with, but was severely disappointed when Marilla saw she was a girl and didn’t want her p.20

Chapter 4

  1. How does Anne deal with hard situations and disappointment in her life? She uses her imagination p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why didn’t Anne want to go explore outside in the morning? She knew she was going to be sent back to the asylum, so she didn’t want to fall in love with the beautiful things outside p.29
  2. Describe Anne’s background. Her parents died of the fever when she was a baby and went to an orphanage; Mrs. Thomas took her in and she baby sat for her; after her husband died Mrs. Thomas moved in with Mr. Thomas’ mother, so Mrs. Hammond took her in; Mrs. Hammond had 8 children, 3 sets of twins that Anne took care of; when Mr. Hammond died Mrs. Hammond split her children up and went to the United States; Anne went to another orphanage; she was there for 4 months when Mrs. Spencer came to request a girl for Matthew and Marilla p.32
  3. Compare Anne's life as an orphan to what she would have if she lived with Marilla and Matthew. As an orphan she jumped from house to house and was more of a slave than a child; with Marilla and Matthew she would be treated like a child, she would be loved and taken care of

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Mrs. Blewett. Would she be good to Anne? She’s shrewd; demanding; mean; no she wouldn’t be good to Anne p.37

Chapter 7

  1. Why didn’t Anne care anything for God’s love? She has never had it translated to her through the medium of human love p.41

Chapter 8

  1. How did Marilla feel about Anne’s day dreams? Impatient and frustrated p.47

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Anne get so angry at Mrs.Lynde? Mrs. Lynde said that Anne was skinny, red-haired as carrots, covered in freckles, homely p.51
  2. What consequence did Marilla give to Anne for being defiant to Mrs. Lynde? She needed to apologize p.54
  3. Have you ever had to apologize to someone for being rude? Explain. Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 10

  1. What finally convinced Anne to apologize to Mrs. Lynde? Matthew snuck into her room and asked her to p.55
  2. Compare and contrast Marilla and Matthew's parenting styles. Similarities: they both care for Anne and want her to be happy and have a safe place to grow up; Marilla is harsh, impatient, and uses strict discipline while Matthew is gentle, quiet and sensitive to Anne

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Marilla accuse Anne of being vain? Anne worries a lot about her looks and what people think of her p.61
  2. What was Marilla’s reaction to Anne’s thoughts about Mr. Bell’s prayers and sermons? She realized she felt the same way, but never expressed it p.65

Chapter 12

  1. Describe Diana. Black hair and eyes, 11 years old, excited to have a friend in Anne, plump p.67

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Anne so excited about the picnic? She’d never been to one and there was going to be ice-cream which she has never eaten p.71

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Marilla blame herself for pushing Anne to confess about the brooch? Anne didn’t take it but because Marilla thought she had; she couldn’t go to the picnic until she confessed p.80

Chapter 15

  1. What word would describe Anne in her response to Gilbert? Why? Listen to your child’s answers. 

Chapter 16

  1. What mistake did Anne make in this chapter and what was the consequence? She accidentally gave Diana wine instead of raspberry cordial; Diana’s mother wouldn’t let Diana see Anne anymore p.100

Chapter 17

  1. What initiated Anne’s desire to go back to school? Not being able to see or talk to Diana and at least at school she could look at her p.105

Chapter 18

  1. How did Anne think quickly in this chapter? Diana’s younger sister had the croup, but her parents weren’t home; Anne rushed up to help while Matthew rode for a doctor; Due to her experience with the Hammond twins, Anne knew what to do and saved Minnie May p.112

Chapter 19

  1. Define courage and give an example of how Anne had courage in this chapter. Doing something scary when you’re scared; she faced Diana’s aunt and told her jumping on the bed was her fault p.123

Chapter 20

  1. Who wouldn’t Anne accept Mayflowers from? Gilbert p.126
  2. Why is it such a problem that Anne imagined a haunted wood with Diana? Now she is scared beyond reason to go through the area to Diana’s at night p.130

Chapter 21

  1. What mistake did Anne make in this chapter and how was she comforted? She used anodyne liniment instead of vanilla, for a special cake she baked for Mrs. Allen, the minister’s wife, but the minister’s wife came to comfort her and told her it was a funny mistake then distracted Anne by asking her to show her the garden p.137

Chapter 22

  1. How did Anne’s visit to the manse go? It went well; she was invited to sing in the Sunday School choir; Anne shared her personal history with Mrs. Allen p.141
  2. What news did Mrs. Lynde share? A new female teacher named Miss Muriel Stacy was going to be teaching at the school p.141

Chapter 23

  1. How did Anne bring on the trial she faced in this chapter? She dared Josie Pye to walk the board fence and diminished the accomplishment when Josie did it; In defiance Josie dared Anne to walk the ridgepole on Diana’s roof; Anne accepted the dare but fell off the roof and broke her ankle; She missed the first day of school and was sad to miss the new teacher p.143

Chapter 24

  1. Why is Anne so excited in this chapter and how does Marilla feel about it? She’s excited to go back to school and really loves the new teacher; the class will be putting on a concert to help pay for a school flag; Marilla thinks it’s foolishness p.148

Chapter 25

  1. What was Matthew’s Christmas gift to Anne and what effort did he go through to get it? A dress with puffed sleeves; her tried to shop for it, but was shy around the girl at the store then he asked Rachel Lynde to take care of it p.152

Chapter 26 

  1. What did the girls create in this chapter and why? A story club to cultivate their imaginations and get better at writing stories p.163
  2. Why is Marilla always telling Anne her ideas are foolishness? Marilla wants Anne to be a respectable, practical, and responsible person, so tries to discourage the things that take away from that p.164

Chapter 27

  1. Why did Marilla cut off Anne’s hair? She bought hair dye from a peddler and her hair turned green when she used it p.169
  2. Have you ever had to cut your hair when you didn't want to? Explain. Listen to your child's answer
  3. How did you react? Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 28

  1. Do you think Anne should have forgiven Gilbert Blythe? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answers p.176

Chapter 29

  1. List three things Anne and Diana did while visiting Miss Barry in this chapter. They went to the Exhibition, saw the horse races, went to a concert in the Academy of Music, had ice cream at 11pm p.182

Chapter 30

  1. Why doesn’t Marilla soften and show Anne more sympathy? Marilla has higher expectations for Anne and doesn’t feel like she can let her see her soft side or Anne won’t meet them p.186

Chapter 31

  1. Why did the Spencervale doctor prescribe that Anne have open air and no books during the summer? She was worn out from working so hard during the school year p.194
  2. Name two ways Anne is growing up. She doesn’t talk as much and doesn’t use big words p.198

Chapter 32

  1. How did the Entrance exam go? Anne and Gilbert tied for first p.204

Chapter 33

  1. What helped Anne come to her senses and be able to perform? She saw Gilbert Blythe in the back of the performance hall and was determined to be successful p.212

Chapter 34

  1. Who was in Anne’s class that ended up being a comfort to her at Queen’s? Gilbert Blythe p.216

Chapter 35

  1. What’s Anne’s attitude toward Gilbert now? She’s not bitter anymore and she sees him as a worthy opponent that drives her determination p.222

Chapter 36

  1. Why was Anne happy after exams? She won the Avery Scholarship p.224
  2. Why is it important that Anne took memory of Matthew’s smile at the end of this chapter? Matthew is getting old and may not be around much longer p.227

Chapter 37

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter? Matthew died; Marilla spoke of being good friends with Gilbert’s father but got angry at him and couldn’t forgive him p.228
  2. Do you think Marilla’s experience of not forgiving influenced Anne to help her forgive? Listen to your child’s answer.

Chapter 38

  1. How did Anne make amends with Gilbert? He gave up his school so Anne could teach close to home and when she ran into him, she told him thank you and that she had forgiven him; he was thrilled and wanted to be friends p.238
  2. Describe a theme found in this story. Example: love and friendship; reality vs. imagination; self discover and growth
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – How to Eat Fried Worms

How to Eat Fried Worms

by Thomas Rockwell

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 2.0

Because of a bet, Billy is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat fifteen worms in fifteen days. The worms are supplied by his opponent, whose motto is "The bigger and juicier, the better!" At first Billy's problem is whether or not he can swallow the worm placed before him, even with a choice of condiments from peanut butter to horseradish. But later it looks as if Billy will win, and the challenge becomes getting to the worm to eat it.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What started the bet? Tom wouldn’t eat his dinner the night before p.1
  2. What was the bet? Billy would eat 15 worms for $50 p.5

Chapters 2 & 3

  1. Why didn’t Tom think it was fair for Alan and Joe to get the first worm out of the manure pile? It wasn’t fair to ask Billy to eat a worm with manure on it; it’s unsafe and disgusting p.6
  2. What type of worm did Alan and Joe choose as the first worm Billy should eat? A night crawler p.9

Chapter 4

  1. What’s Billy’s motivation for eating 15 worms? He wants to buy a minibike p.15
  2. Why did Billy pretend to be crazy after eating the first worm? To tease and scare his friends p.17
  3. Would you bet eating 15 worms if you could get $50? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapters 5-9

  1. Why doesn’t Billy like eating the worms? He doesn’t like the thought of them p.27
  2. Is Tom being a good friend to Billy? Listen to your child’s response p.28

Chapters 10-12

  1. Why did Tom think Joe was lying about his dad and mom? He saw they were laughing when they were trying to fake sneeze p.39
  2. Does Billy believe Tom? Sort of p.40
  3. Why didn’t Tom want to eat the worm Billy challenged him to eat? It’s yucky and gross p.44

Chapters 13-15

  1. Why is Alan concerned about losing the bet? He knew his dad wouldn’t let him get his money out of the bank p.49
  2. Why did Billy’s father think Billy’s stomach was upset? He ate too much ketchup and mustard p.57
  3. What conclusion can be drawn from Billy’s father calling Poison Control? Worms aren’t poisonous or harmful to eat p.58

Chapters 16-19

  1. Why doesn’t Billy have any problems eating worms now? He’s not scared they’re going to hurt him anymore p.62
  2. How did Alan and Joe try to cheat? Glued two worms together p.64

Chapters 20-21

  1. Why did Alan and Joe come to visit Billy’s mom? They wanted to let her know about the bet (hoping it would ruin it) and asked her to referee Billy while they were gone p.70
  2. How did Billy’s mom cook the worms? His dad suggested using a French cookbook and she made Alsatian Smothered Worm p.75
  3. Did Billy’s family react the way Alan and Joe hoped they would? No p.75

Chapters 22-27

  1. How did Alan and Joe distract Billy? Taking him to Shea Stadium and filling him up with all sorts of yummy junk food until almost midnight p.80
  2. Who reminded Billy of the bet? His mom p.83
  3. Who found the thirteenth worm? Pete, Tom’s little brother p.85

Chapters 28-31

  1. What was the consequence of Alan and Joe trying to trick and distract Billy? They had to go to each neighbor and apologize for Billy waking them up in the middle of the night with the siren; no television or dessert for a month; no allowance for two weeks p.91
  2. What did the dads do after the boys got in a fight? Sat them down, made them talk things out, then took them for ice cream p.96
  3. What was the letter that was sent to Mrs. Forrester? A letter from their doctor saying he’d read that eating
    worms was bad for you p.98

Chapters 32-41

  1. How did Mr. Forrester know the letter was a fake? Alan and Joe used words with the wrong definitions p.101
  2. How did Billy know the 15th worm Alan and Joe gave him was a fake? He burped up beans instead of worm p.105
  3. Who gave Billy the fifteenth worm? Tom’s little brother again, Pete p.115

Comprehension Questions – Wonder

Wonder

by R.J. Palacio

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts: 11.0

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial difference that prevented him from going to a main-stream school - until now. He's about to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid, you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

Comprehension Questions

Part 1 August

Pages 3-16 (Ordinary-Paging Mr. Tushman)

  1. Describe the main character. His name is August (Auggie), he’s ten years old, his face is different than everybody else, has a family with a mom, dad and sister named Via, is homeschooled, has had 27
    surgeries since his birth, has friends named Christopher, Alex and Zach p.3
  2. Describe the night Auggie was born. His mom and dad knew there were some problems with Auggie’s face before he was born, but when he was born the doctor fainted and the nice nurse carried Auggie out of the delivery room quickly. Auggie’s dad ran after her dropping and breaking the video camera and the nurse held Auggie’s mom down and tried to wake the doctor; the nurse was also a nice nurse and she stayed with his mom; the doctors didn’t think Auggie would make it through the night, but he did; when his mom first saw him she thought he had pretty eyes p.6
  3. Is Auggie correct in his assumption that the other kids will make fun of him at school? Listen to your child's answer p.10
  4. What did Auggie’s dad do that helped convince him to go to school? He made fun of the principal’s name p.12

Pages 17-34 (Nice Mrs. Garcia-The Performance Space)

  1. What did Mrs. Garcia’s shiny smile mean to Auggie? She was fake; it made him nervous and uncomfortable p.17
  2. Why did Mr. Tushman have the three students give Auggie a tour of the school? to help Auggie get to know some students and help them get to know him p.22
  3. How did Auggie’s mom act as he left with the kids for the tour? Nervous p.22
  4. How was Julian rude to Auggie? He asked him questions about his face; mocked him for being home schooled; cut in front of him and made him stumble backwards p.28

Pages 35-50 (The Deal-Choose King)

  1. Why was Auggie’s mom now saying he couldn’t go to school? She felt sad Julian was mean and didn’t want him to be exposed to other mean kids; she wanted to protect him from bullies p.35
  2. Why did Henry put his backpack on his desk like a wall? To separate himself from Auggie p.39
  3. How would you feel if someone did that to you? listen to your child’s answers p.39
  4. Explain what Julian meant when he said Auggie looked liked Darth Sidious. Julian was making fun of Auggie’s face since Darth Sidious has a face that's deformed and looks like it’s melting p.44

Pages 50-80 (Lunch-Names)

  1. How did Summer help Auggie feel accepted? She sat by him during lunch and talked to him about their names and who could sit at their table p.51
  2. Why did Auggie cry when his mom was reading The Hobbit to him? He was sad he was so ugly p.60
  3. Why does Auggie consider himself the old moldy cheese? No one will touch him and if they do, they hurry and wash their hands p.72
  4. What did Jack say to Julian on Halloween that upset Auggie? He made it sound like he couldn’t stand August and was forced to be his friend p.77

Part 2 Via

Pages 82-102 (A Tour of the Galaxy-Breakfast)

  1. Whose point of view are we hearing in the story now and describe them. Via’s or Olivia’s; August’s sister who’s in high school; she loves and defends August and never complains since his life is so
    much harder p.82
  2. Why does Via think Auggie needs to grow up? He’s 10 and shouldn’t be treated like a baby; he needs to learn to talk about things p.90
  3. Why was Via upset about her friends, Miranda and Ella? They were leaving her out p.94
  4. Why did Via want to ride the subway home instead of getting a ride? She wanted to be independent and act more grown up p.101

Pages 103-117 (Genetics 101-Time to Think)

  1. Who did Olivia begin to hang out with? Eleanor and her friends p.107
  2. Why didn’t August want to go trick or treating, or to the Halloween Parade? His mom would have made him go to school the next day since he was feeling better p.113
  3. How did Via help Auggie realize it was important to go to school and that everyone had bad days? She helped him understand that it was normal to hate school and that it is okay to have bad days. If he wanted to feel normal too, he needed to keep going and not give up p.115

Part 3 Summer

Pages 119-132 (Weird Kids-The Egyptian Tomb)

  1. What’s the Plague? Julian started it by saying if anyone touched Auggie they had to wash their hands within 30 seconds, or they would get the Plague p.120
  2. What did Savannah say to Summer at the party? She invited Summer to be in the popular group and that Julian liked her; however, she couldn’t be August’s friend too. Summer had to decide between August and Julian p.122
  3. Choose a word to describe Summer in this chapter. How do you feel about her actions? Courageous, strong, true, integrity. Listen to your child's answer p.123
  4. How is Summer a true friend? She doesn't care what others think and stands by Auggie and loves him for who he is

Part 4 Jack

Pages 134-157 (The Call-Detention)

  1. When did Jack first see August? On a bench in the street eating ice cream with his babysitter and little brother p.136
  2. Why did Jack agree to be August’s welcome buddy? He felt bad and knew August didn’t stand a chance at middle school p.141
  3. Why couldn’t Jack write about meeting Auggie for the English assignment? Jack was worried Mr. Browne would make them read them out loud or put them up on a bulletin board, and he didn’t want Auggie to see
    it p.148
  4. Why was Jack in detention? He hit Julian for saying mean things about August p.154

Pages 158-185 (Season’s Greetings-The Boyfriend)

  1. How did Jack get a hold of August and apologize to him? Facebook p.164
  2. What did Jack find challenging as he went back to school after being hitting Julian? His friends wouldn’t talk to him p.168
  3. Why is Julian’s mom trying to get August’s school application reviewed? She doesn’t want him in the school and is trying to get him kicked out p.171
  4. Describe the war going on between Jack and the other boys in fifth grade. Julian’s convinced the other boys that August is bringing down Jack and so they have stopped talking to him as well as hanging
    out with him. They’re hoping to wake him up and to get him to stop hanging out with August p.172

Part 5 Justin

Pages 187-204 (Olivia’s Brother-The Universe)

  1. Compare Justin’s parents to Olivia’s parents. Justin’s parents don’t pay attention or talk to him, they are divorced and hate each other. Olivia’s parents pay attention, talk and laugh to their children and to each other p.191
  2. What do you think Olivia wished for on the ladybug? Listen to your child’s answer p.195
  3. What did Justin do for Jack when he saw Miles, Henry and Julian in the subway station? He stood up for Jack and told the other boys to leave him alone p.199
  4. What metaphor does Justin use to describe Olivia on page 203? He compares her to a bird: how her feathers get ruffled when she’s mad, and when she’s fragile she’s a little lost bird looking for its nest. So he'll provide her a wing to hide under p.203

Part 6 August

Pages 206-219 (North Pole-My Cave)

  1. How did Jack and August respond to the notes Julian left in their lockers? They wrote love notes to him from a pretend girl named Beulah and left them in Julian’s locker p.208
  2. Why didn’t August want to wear hearing aids? He was already nervous about his ears and felt self-conscious p.211
  3. Why didn’t Olivia want to invite her family to her play? She was embarrassed to have Auggie go since the kids at her new school don't know him p.218

Pages 220-234 (Goodbye-The Ending)

  1. What happened to Daisy? She was sick and died p.220
  2. What did August wonder about heaven? What it would be like to not have his face be different p.227
  3. How did August feel about the play as it began? He liked it since it made him feel grown up p.230
  4. Why was it good that Olivia’s family came to see her? She ended up being the lead since Miranda got sick p.230

Part 7 Miranda

Pages 236-248 (Camp Lies-After the Show)

  1. Describe what Miranda did at camp that made her self-conscious to call Olivia? She smoked, snuck up to the boys' camps and hung out with them; she’d lied to everyone about having a little brother (August) who was deformed; her parents being in Europe, living in a huge townhouse and having a dog named Daisy; she changed her hair and makeup and changed her t-shirts into halter tops p.237
  2. Why did the drama teacher switch from doing the play Elephant Man to doing Our Town? Miranda lied to him, telling him that her little brother was deformed, and that Elephant Man would hit too close to home p.240
  3. Why did Miranda lie to the drama teacher about being sick and not being able to go on stage? She realized no one was at the play to see her and saw Olivia’s family in the audience and knew Olivia should perform p.244

Part 8 August

Pages 250-275 (The Fifth-Grade Nature Retreat-Aftermath)

  1. What made August feel comfortable about leaving Baboo home when he went to the retreat? He knew Daisy was with him wherever he went p.256
  2. Name 3 things August and his classmates did during the retreat? They went on a two-hour guided nature tour in the woods, hung out in the rec room playing ping-pong and arcade games, had a campfire cookout, rode horses, rappelled up trees, went to an outdoor movie night p.257
  3. Who came to help Jack and August, during the movie night, when they went into the woods for a bathroom break? Amos, Miles and Henry p.267
  4. What did Amos, Henry, Miles and Jack become after that incident? August’s emperor guard p.272
  5. What positive consequence resulted from Eddie and his friends bullying August and Jack in the woods? August showed courage; Amos, Henry and Miles hadn’t been nice to August all year and came to defend him and became his friends; everyone really seemed to care about August p.274

Pages 276-310 (Home-The Walk Home)

  1. What happened to Auggie’s astronaut helmet? His dad threw it out since he missed seeing Auggie’s face and didn't want him to hide from the world any longer p.290
  2. Name one characteristic that August demonstrated that helped him earn the Henry Ward Beecher Award? Give an example of why you chose that characteristic. Courage, kindness, friendship, character; Listen to your child's answer p.304
  3. Compare Auggie from the beginning of the story to who he is now. Auggie started out self-conscience, insecure and fearful of what other people thought. He hid from the world and was dependent on his family; at the end of the story, he had grown in confidence, become independent, and didn't want to hide any longer
  4. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – #2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

by J.K. Rowling

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL V; AR pts: 14.0

When Harry and his best friends go back for their third year at Hogwarts, an escaped mass murderer is on the loose, and the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been called in to guard the school. The plot contains profanity.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Find the simile on page five that the author
    used to describe how the Dursleys treated Harry now that he’s back home with
    them again.  “back to being treated
    like a dog that had rolled in something smelly”
  2. How was Harry spending his birthday? Doing
    chores     and in his room, making no noise and pretending he doesn’t exist
    p.6
  3. How did Dudley get Harry in trouble? He
    taunted him about not getting any cards on his birthday and asked if he had any
    friends at his school p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Dobby and the message he gave to
    Harry. Small creature with bat-like ears and bulging green eyes the size of
    tennis balls, a house elf; he warned Harry not to go back to Hogwarts because
    he’ll be in mortal danger p.12
  2. Why did Dobby come to warn him? Because Harry
    escaped Lord Voldemort twice, Dobby thinks Harry’s too great and too good to
    lose p.16
  3. What did Uncle Vernon do to punish Harry for
    ruining his deal and for not telling them that he couldn’t use magic outside of
    school? Put bars on his windows, locked him in his room, put food through a
    cat door, only let him out in the morning and evening for the bathroom, and
    told Harry he was never going back to school p.21

Chapter 3

  1. How did Harry become free from his room and the
    Durleys? Ron and his older twin brothers came to find out why Harry hadn’t
    written him all summer and broke him out of his room, ripping the bars from his
    window with their flying car p.25
  2. Why did they think Draco Malfoy could have sent
    the house elf to Harry? It wouldn’t surprise them if Draco wanted to stop
    Harry from going to school p.28
  3. What softened Mrs. Weasley’s anger when the boys
    arrived home with Harry? George told her the Dursleys were starving Harry
    p.34
  4. How did the boys get rid of the gnomes? They
    twirled them in the air to make them dizzy, then threw them over the wall p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Who was the author of the majority of the books
    Harry needed to purchase for his school year? Gilderoy Lockhart p.44
  2. Where did Harry land when using the Floo powder
    and who did he see? In a wizard’s shop on Knockturn Alley; Draco Malfoy and
    his father selling illegal items p.49
  3. Who did Harry see in Knockturn Alley? Hagrid
    p.54
  4. Who’s the new Defense Against the Dark Arts
    teacher at Hogwarts? Gilderoy Lockhart p.60

Chapter 5

  1. When Ron and Harry missed the train, how did
    they get to Hagwarts? Mr. Weasley’s flying car p.69
  2. What attacked the car after the boys crashed? The
    tree they hit into p.75
  3. What is Ron’s and Harry’s consequence for being
    seen in the flying car and crashing into the Whomping Willow? They had to
    miss the feast and detention p.81
  4. How did the other boys treat Ron and Harry after
    learning about the flying car? They cheered them on like they’d just won a marathon
    p.84

Chapter 6

  1. Explain what type of letter Ron received. It’s
    called a Howler and is a punishment letter; when you open it, the messenger is
    yelling at you and after the message is given, it burns up p.87
  2. What did Colin and Harry have in common? They
    both came from muggle homes and didn’t know how they could do the odd things
    they did. Hogwarts sent a letter to them both inviting them to wizardry school
    p.96
  3. What does Professor Lockhart think Harry’s doing
    when he arrives in a flying car and learns Colin wants a photo with him? Thinks
    he’s trying to publicize himself p.98
  4. What did Ron and Harry think about Professor
    Lockhart as he ran out of the room and left the three friends to take care of
    the pixies? That he doesn’t know what he’s doing p.103

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Wood so determined to win the Quidditch
    Cup this year? Because they lost it last year since Harry was in the
    hospital and they were short a player p.109
  2. Why did the kids go to Hagrid’s home? They
    needed help; because of Ron’s broken wand, he accidentally cast a slug spell on
    himself p.113
  3. Why were Hagrid’s pumpkins so large? He’d
    been putting an engorgement spell on them p.118
  4. What did Harry hear while in detention with
    Professor Lockhart and who do you think said it? “Come…come to me…Let me rip
    you…Let me tear you…Let me kill you…; listen to your child’s answers p.120

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Harry in Mr. Filch’s office and what did
    he read while waiting for Mr. Filch? He was in trouble for wearing his muddy
    and dripping wet robes into the building; a letter on Kwikspell to learn magic
    p.126
  2. Why does Hermione avoid the girls’ bathroom on
    the first floor? A ghost named Moaning Myrtle haunts one of the toilets,
    throws tantrums and causes the bathroom to flood p.132
  3. What did the kids find as Harry listened to the
    voice and climbed the stairs? Writing on the wall that said, “the Chamber of
    Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir, beware,” and Mrs. Norris, the
    cat, looking dead, hanging by its tail p.138

Chapter 9

  1. After analyzing the cat, what conclusion did
    Dumbledore come to? It’s not dead, but is petrified p.142
  2. Explain what a Squib is. It’s a person born
    into a wizarding family, but they themselves don’t have any magic powers p.145
  3. How did Professor Binns feel about the
    Chamber of Secrets? That it’s a myth and that there’s no truth to it p.152
  4. What’s Hermione’s idea of getting into Slytherin
    to question Draco Malfoy? Use the Polyjuice Potion to change their
    appearance to look like Draco’s friends p.159

Chapter 10

  1. What was the problem with the Bludger during the
    Quidditch match? Instead of going toward all players, it only went after
    Harry p.168
  2. How did Harry win the game for Gryffindor? He
    got the snitch p.171
  3. Who made the Bludger focus on Harry during the
    match and why? Dobby; so Harry would get hurt and be sent home p.177
  4. What happened to Colin Creevey? He was
    petrified on his way to visit Harry p.179

Chapter 11

  1. Why did the students trade talismans,
    amulets, and other protective devices? To protect themselves from the
    creature in the Chamber of Secrets     p.185
  2. What distraction did Harry cause to help
    Hermione sneak into Snape’s office? Lit a firework to land in a cauldron; Snape
    had to help those that got hurt p.187
  3. What did Harry do to stop the snake from
    attacking Justin? Told the snake to “leave him alone” p.194
  4. What did Harry trip over in the dark passage? Justin
    and Nearly Headless Nick who were both petrified p.202

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Harry happy most people were leaving
    for the Christmas holiday? He was tired of people skirting around him in the
    corridors and from hearing their hissing, pointing, and muttering p.209
  2. How were Ron and Harry supposed to get a bit
    of Crabbe and Goyle, as well as keep them out of the way while they talked
    Malfoy? Hermione filled two chocolate cakes with a sleeping potion p.213
  3. What did the boys learn when they interrogated Malfoy?
    That Malfoy didn’t do it and where his father’s hidden chamber was p.222
  4. What happened to Hermione and why couldn’t she
    go with the boys to the Slytherin common room? Her potion turned her into a
    cat p.225

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Moaning Myrtle so upset when Harry
    and Ron came into talk to her? Someone had thrown a book at her p.230
  2. What was the book and who did it belong to? A
    journal; Tom M. Riddle p.231
  3. What was odd about the journal? There wasn’t
    any writing in it. When Harry wrote in it, the ink disappeared, but reappeared onto
    the pages as Tom wrote back to him p.239
  4. What did Harry learn after following Tom Riddle
    in the book? That Tom turned in Hagrid for opening the Chamber of Secrets 50
    years before p.245

Chapter 14

  1. Why doesn’t Harry want to report the stolen
    journal? He didn’t want to expose Hagrid being expelled as a youth p.254
  2. Why was Harry more worried about what the voice
    said this time? He was worried someone would die p.255
  3. Why was the Quidditch cup match cancelled? Two
    students had been petrified, one of them being Hermione p.257
  4. What message did Dumbledore and Hagrid give the
    boys before they were accompanied off the school property? That Hogwarts
    will help anyone who comes asking for it; to follow the spiders and to feed
    Fang p.264

Chapter 15

  1. What made Ernie apologize to Harry? He
    realized Harry would never hurt Hermione p.268
  2. Where did the spiders lead Harry and Ron? Into
    the Forbidden Forest, p,272
  3. What did Harry and Ron find in the forest that
    had been lost? Ron’s family’s car p.274
  4. What saved Harry, Ron and Fang after Aragog was
    finished talking to them? Ron’s car p.279

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Harry want to speak with Moaning Myrtle?
    She might be the child that was killed the first time the Chamber of Secrets
    was opened p.287
  2. What did Harry see in Hermione’s hand? A
    paper torn out of an old book about a basilisk p.290
  3. Why do you think it was good that Harry and Ron
    found the paper before going to talk to Moaning Myrtle? They now knew what
    the monster was and how to get to it p.292
  4. How did Harry get the sink to open? By saying
    “open up” in Parseltongue p.300

Chapter 17

  1. Who did Harry see in the Chamber of Secrets? Ginny
    and     Tom Riddle who is Lord Voldemort p.307
  2. Who opened the Chamber of Secrets and how? Ginny
    Weasley; Tom Riddle had her in his power p.310
  3. How did Fawkes and the Sorting Hat help Harry
    defeat the basilisk and Tom? The phoenix poked out the basilisk’s eyes, the Sorting
    Hat gave Harry a sword to pierce the basilisk, the phoenix healed Harry with his
    tears, Fawkes dropped the diary in Harry’s lap and healed Harry p.319
  4. How did the children and Lockhart get back up to
    the bathroom? They all held onto each other and Fawkes flew/lifted them
    p.325

Chapter 18

  1. Why did the phoenix come to help Harry? He
    showed loyalty to Dumbledore p.332
  2. Why can Harry speak Parseltongue? Voldemort
    transferred some of his own power into Harry the night he gave him the scar
    p.333
  3. What did Harry do to show he belongs in the
    Gryffindor House? He chose to be there and wielded the sword from Godric
    Gryffindor p.333
  4. How did Harry free Dobby? Harry put the diary
    in his sock and gave it to Lucius Malfoy, Malfoy threw the sock and Dobby
    caught it p.338