Tag Archives: mystery

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Yellow Yacht

The Yellow Yacht

by Ron Roy

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

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose love visiting their friend Sammi, the prince of Costra. They swim, soak in the sun, and admire the bright yellow yacht that is moored just offshore. But the owners of the yacht are acting a little suspicious. And there's suddenly been a robbery on the island. Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose find out a connection between the robbery and the mysterious yellow yacht?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who were the kids going to visit and why? Their friend Sammi in Costra; it’s his birthday p.1
  2. How long did it take to fly to Costra? 15 hours p.3
  3. After Sammi greeted them on the plane, what type of transportation did they take to his castle? Helicopter p.6

Chapter 2

  1. What were people doing on the yellow yacht? Scuba diving p.14
  2. What structure is Sammi’s father building? An aquarium p.16
  3. What’s a marine biologist? A person who studies marine life p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Who did the kids recognize on the deck of the yacht? Dr. Skor the marine biologist p.21
  2. What’s missing from the bank? Sammi’s father’s gold p.24

Chapter 4

  1. How did the crooks get into the vault? Through a tunnel from the aquarium pit p.26
  2. How did the police know the boulders were fake? They were light and easy to move p.28
  3. What did the kids find in the tunnel? A note from Lees Baz to Riko, telling him to dump the gold over the wall p.32

Chapter 5

  1. What did the kids find on the backhoe? Gold scrapings p.36
  2. Who’s the mysterious man Dink had seen? Yondo, a magician the king hired for Sammi’s birthday party p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What did Sammi, his friends and family do for his birthday? Ate dinner, opened presents and had a magic show p.43
  2. Who did Yondo make disappear? Ruth Rose p.47
  3. Why did Dink think Yondo was a suspect? The gold disappeared right after Yondo arrived into town p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Who did Sammi’s family and friends eat lunch with? Dr. Skor on his boat p.56
  2. What were the kids going to do with Hugo at 3 o’clock? Go snorkeling p.57
  3. What did the kids get to do onboard the Sundown before lunch? Explore p.58

Chapter 8

  1. Why do you think the green stripe was missing from the yacht? Listen to your child’s answers p.63
  2. What did the kids see while they were snorkeling? Different colored fish; the sunken boat, other water creatures p.65
  3. Why were there rocks in the sunken boat? To hold it down so it doesn’t float away; it attracts fish p.67

Chapter 9

  1. Why is the green stripe missing from the yacht? the boat is heavy with the gold, so the stripe is now under water p.70
  2. What did Hugo see when he snorkeled under the Sundown? The king’s gold p.73

Chapter 10

  1. How did the king react when Sammi and the kids told him about what they learned? He told the police to meet him, then ran to the dock p.75
  2. How did Hugo and the kids catch Dr. Skor? Hugo threw an anchor at Dr. Skor’s dingy and it tore a hole p.79
  3. How did Sammi’s family and friends celebrate? They ate ice cream and cake p.84

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Lucky Lottery

The Lucky Lottery

by Ron Roy

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

Lucky O'Leary has never been very lucky - until his grandfather sends him a lottery ticket that turns out to be a million-dollar winner! But before Lucky can cash it in, someone sneaks into his house and steals it. Now it's up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to track down the thief and return the ticket - before Lucky loses out!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story and what are the main characters doing? In Ruth Rose’s yard having a snowball fight during Christmas break p.1
  2. Why did Lucky want to talk to Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose? Someone stole the lottery tickets his grandfather had sent them for Christmas p.7
  3. Why was it so important for Lucky to find the lottery tickets? His grandfather enjoys having his grandkids open the card with the tickets each Christmas morning; his grandfather called and said his lottery ticket won and it’s worth $7 million p.10

Chapter 2

  1. What did the kids find as they followed the footprints behind Lucky’s home? A small piece of tinfoil twisted into a bow p.14
  2. Where did the kids go to think about the unsolved mystery? Ellie’s p.16
  3. What was Dink going to do with his quarter? Use a pay phone to call Lucky p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Why did the kids go to the elderly-housing building? To talk to Lucky’s grandfather p.19
  2. What’s an atrium? a building that feels like a tropical rain forest: warm, moist, plants all over with birds p.21
  3. Who had Lucky’s grandfather told about the tickets? Everyone in the assisted living home p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Why did the kids disagree that Zelda could have been the thief? She would have a hard time tromping out in the snow behind Lucky’s house p.28
  2. Where did the kids decide to investigate and why? The supermarket; that’s where Hector bought the tickets p.29
  3. Describe Dorothy. She was the cashier that sold the tickets to Hector; people call her Dot; she chewed gum and blew bubbles; she was helpful and remembered the man who looked suspicious behind Hector p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What did Josh do as Dot described Joe? He drew a picture of him p.38
  2. Who did the kids go see after talking to Dot? Officer Fallen p.41
  3. Why did the kids want to find proof for Officer Fallen? So the thief couldn’t cash in the lottery ticket p.44

Chapter 6

  1. What information did the kids realize they may have to find Joe? The video camera at the supermarket may have a shot of his jacket with his bowling team name p.47
  2. Where did the tinfoil bowtie in Ruth Rose’s soup come from? Blue Boy put it in her hair at the Atrium p.49
  3. How were the kids going to get around town with all the snow? Cross-country skis p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Where did the kids go to see if they could find anyone who had seen or knew Joe? The fitness center/bowling alley p.53
  2. What did everyone say when Josh showed them the picture of Joe? That he looked familiar p.56
  3. Who does the picture look like? Josh, but with a mustache p.59

Chapter 8

  1. What did Pal find in the pile Eric was sweeping together at the supermarket? Tinfoil bowties just like the other ones the kids had found p.64
  2. What did the kids realize about Dot? She was the thief and made up the story about Joe to throw them off her trail p.65
  3. Why did the kids find a tinfoil bowtie at the Atrium? Dot had been there to ask where Hector’s grandkids lived p.65

Chapter 9

  1. What evidence did Dink realize they could gather if they caught Dot turning in the lottery ticket? Hector’s fingerprints to prove he bought the ticket p.72
  2. Why did the kids leave so early to the lottery headquarters? In case it was open, and Dot tried to turn the ticket in early p.72
  3. How did the kids get there? On their skis p.74

Chapter 10

  1. How did the kids know it was Dot’s car parked in front of the lottery headquarters? There were tinfoil gum wrappers twisted into a bowtie in it p.80
  2. What was Dot’s disguise? A man; she wore a wig, hat, mustache and big coat p.81
  3. What did Dot start to admit when the kids were accusing her of stealing the ticket? That she wore gloves to take the card, so her fingerprints won’t be on the mantle p.83

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Mystery Writer Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Mystery Writer Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades K-2; Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

There's a book fair at school. Cam Jansen and her friends are excited because the famous mystery writer Jim E. Winter will be there to sign books. When Danny's parents discover their car is missing during the signing, Jim E. Winter thinks he can solve the mystery. But will Cam-with her famous photographic memory-solve it first? Click! See if you can spot the clues.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Cam and her mom driving to the school that night? To go to the book fair and see Cam’s favorite author p.1
  2. Describe what a book fair is? It’s a fair that comes into the school a couple of times a year and exhibits and sells lots of books p.7
  3. What did Cam think about Jim E. Winter when she saw him in person? She was surprised he looked much older than his picture, but she wanted to meet him anyway p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What did Danny want to do while they waited in line to see Jim E. Winter? Tell jokes from his new joke books p.12
  2. What does Barry Blake do each time after he solves a mystery? Goes home and helps his mom make dinner p.15
  3. What went missing at the end of this chapter? Danny’s dad’s car p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Jim E. Winter think he was qualified to help solve the mystery of the missing car? He was once a police detective p.18
  2. Why did Jim E. Winter think Mr. Pace didn’t remember what parking space he parked the car in? because he couldn’t remember his license plate number, so how could he remember what number he’d parked in p.21
  3. How would clicking the remote button help Jim E. Winter find the car? When you push the button the lights flash and there’s a horn or beeping sound, so they could easily find the car in the parking lot p.22

Chapter 4

  1. What happened when Jim E. Winter push the remote button? Nothing, they couldn’t see the car p.25
  2. Where did Jim E. Winter go when he couldn’t find the car? Back to signing books p.27
  3. Did Jim E. Winter solve the mystery? No p.27

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Cam have to stay in the gym? The principal and her mother asked her to p.29
  2. Which police officer has been at the school before to help solve other mysteries? Officer Oppen p.30
  3. Who else’s car was stolen? Eric’s dad’s car p.32

Chapter 6

  1. What did Mrs. Jansen say when Cam asked her to help with the mysteries? Yes, but she wanted to come along to make sure she was safe and dry p.34
  2. How did Cam know the thief took the keys out of Mr. Pace’s pocket then returned them again? Mr. Pace is right-handed and puts his keys in his right pocket, but they were in his left pocket p.37
  3. What was missing on his keychain? The key to his car p.39

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Jim E. Winter writing down Cam’s explanation of how the thief stole the cars? He wanted to use it in a book p.41
  2. Why would the thief have parked the first car he stole close to the school? So he could get back to the school quickly and steal another car p.42
  3. Who does Cam think the thief is? The man they saw walking across the street as she and her mom drove up to the school p.44

Chapter 8

  1. Where were the cars being hidden? In a garage p.53
  2. What did the police officer ask Cam to do that made her mother nervous? Identify the man that walked across the street earlier p.54
  3. Why was Jim E. Winter going to put Cam Jansen’s name in a book? Because she helped him solve the mystery p.57

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Wedding Cake Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Wedding Cake Mystery

by David A. Adler

Grades ; Genre - Fiction; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

Cam and her friends are having fun performing in a talent show at the senior center and enjoying cookies from Ken's Bake Shop. But when a wedding cake goes missing from Ken's truck, it's up to Cam to solve the tasty case. Click! along with Came and follow the clues to catch the cake thief!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where was Mr. Jansen taking Cam and her friends? To the senior center p.1
  2. Why were they going to the senior center? To help with the talent show p.2
  3. Why was Lucy Lane taking a picture of Bob? So Bob can send the picture with a card to his friends and family for the holidays p.3

Chapter 2

  1. What did Danny do for the talent show? Tell funny jokes p.10
  2. What did Cam do for the talent show? She did memory magic where she took a mental picture of people, then faced the wall and gave the details what she remembered p.12
  3. Where did Lucy Lane and Ken need to go? to a wedding p.14

Chapter 3

  1. Why couldn’t Lucy and Ken go to the wedding? Ken couldn’t find the keys to his truck p.16
  2. Where were Ken’s keys? In the back door of his truck p.19
  3. What’s missing now? The cookies, cake and pastries that were in the back of the truck p.20

Chapter 4

  1. How did the seniors at the center feel about the mystery? They were excited p.22
  2. What clue did Bob find on the ground near the truck? A shopping list with broken cookie and cookie crumbs p.25
  3. What police officers came to help solve the mystery? The same ones that came to school and helped solve the case of the missing computers: Officers Oppen & Davis p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Danny think the thief was across the street? The house across the street has a large window the thief could have looked out and saw the opportunity to steal the desserts p.29
  2. Who lived in the house with the large window and what did they see? An elderly woman; she didn’t see anyone by the truck, but did say there were two trucks p.33
  3. Predict what clue Cam is missing. Listen to your child’s answers p.35

Chapter 6

  1. How did the young man in the bathrobe feel when he opened the door and saw the police officer? Worried that he was in trouble p.37
  2. What was the clue Cam, Eric and her dad were looking for on the ground near the truck? Cookie crumbs p.40
  3. Where did Cam find the cookie crumbs and where did they go? On the ground at the back of the truck; passed her car, passed the next car and on further down the road p.42

Chapter 7

  1. Who does Cam think stole the cake and other desserts? Mr. Fancy p.43
  2. Why does Cam think it was Mr. Fancy? He had a vehicle big enough to put a tall cake p.46
  3. What information did Cam remember from Mr. Fancy’s truck that will help the police find him? The name of his company, his phone number and email address p.49

Chapter 8

  1. What did everyone do while they waited for the police to find Mr. Fancy and call them? continue the talent show p.51
  2. What did Ken give to Cam as a reward for finding his cake and desserts? Lots of delicious muffins, cookies and breads at his bakery p.55
  3. How did Ken and the cake get to the wedding? He took it in Mr. Fancy’s truck and had a police escort p.57

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery

Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery

by David A. Adler

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

It's a very snowy day outside and Cam and Eric's class head to the computer lab. Cam, Eric and Danny can't do any work because three computers are missing! There are only two clues: footprints in the snow outside, and a locked window. This mystery seems impossible to solve, but with Cam Jansen on the case, the thieves don't stand a chance!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why are so many parents taking their kids to school? It’s snowing p.1
  2. Why did the bus driver, Mrs. Lane, turn off the engine to the bus before they got to school? There’s a long line of cars, that aren’t moving, leading to the school p.3
  3. Why do people call Jennifer, Cam? It’s her nickname for her photographic memory p.5

Chapter 2

  1. How did Beth feel about Danny’s jokes? She didn’t like them p.10
  2. What was missing in the computer lab? 3 computers p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why didn’t the thief take the new printer when he stole the computers? He couldn’t fit it through the window p.14
  2. Why did Beth write the clues on the chalkboard? To help them remember then and to help solve the mystery p.17
  3. Why was Eric so confident that Cam could solve this mystery? Because she’s solved other mysteries p.19

Chapter 4

  1. Why is Danny in the school office more than the secretary? Because he gets in trouble a lot p.23
  2. How does Danny think the thief stole the computers? Used a big magnet to unlock the window from the outside, climbed in, then took the windows out through the window p.24
  3. What’s Cam’s theory? That there are two thieves, one handing the computers to another outside p.25

Chapter 5

  1. How did Mrs. Bell feel about her computers being stolen? Upset; she didn’t care that kids were being loud p.30
  2. What two doors did Cam and Eric check to see if they could find where the thief entered the school? The gym doors and back door p.32
  3. Who’s also asking questions and trying to figure out the mystery? The two policemen p.33

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Eric want to go inside so badly? It was cold outside p.37
  2. Why was it easy for the thieves to get away? There were so many people at the school that morning p.37
  3. How did Mrs. Adams show kindness to Cam and Eric when they came back into the school? Let them warm up by her heater and gave them pretzels p.38

Chapter 7

  1. Who does Cam think stole the computers? A person in a blue car p.46
  2. How does she know? A blue car left from the back of the school during the morning drop off p.48

Chapter 8

  1. What did Beth say Danny was guilty of when the police came towards them? bad jokes p.54
  2. What’s the good news the police officers gave the kids? They found the car and computers were still in the trunk p.54
  3. What did Dr. Prell give to the class as a reward for finding the computers? Ice cream cups p.56

Comprehension Questions – Cam Jansen The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds

The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds

by David A. Adler

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

Cam and Eric are sitting in the mall when an alarm goes off. Cam jumps onto a bench to get a better view and sees a man race out of the jewelry store. Cam knows that she has to act fast, especially after the police arrest the wrong person. It's up to Cam and Eric to catch the real thief.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why is “Cam” the main character’s nickname? It’s short for Camera since she has a photographic memory p.6
  2. Why didn’t Eric want to play memory games anymore? He was tired of losing to Cam p.7
  3. Why do you think the alarm went off in the jewelry store? Someone might have stolen something p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Who came out of the store after the man ran out of it? A couple with a baby and two elderly women p.11
  2. How did Eric get his baby brother to stop crying when the alarm was going off? He fed him a bottle p.14
  3. How did the policemen know what the man looked like and which direction he went? He asked the people outside of the store who saw him p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Who told Cam and Eric about what happened in the jewelry store? The two elderly women who came out of the store p.20
  2. Who was yelling as Cam and Eric were talking to the elderly women? the police had caught the man and he was yelling, “I didn’t do it! You’ve got the wrong man!” p.23
  3. What did the elderly women say about the man the police had caught? They said he didn’t do it p.24

Chapter 4

  1. What did Cam think was strange about the couple who left the store with the baby? They didn’t have a baby bag or anything, just a baby in a blanket and a rattle p.28
  2. What direction did the man go when the police let him go? The same way the couple went when they left the store p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What did Cam and Eric do, when following the man, as he stopped and looked at them? kept walking right passed him p.33
  2. How did Eric keep Howie quiet while they were spying through the window at the man and couple? Rocked the carriage p.36
  3. What made Howie cry after Eric left to go get the police? an acorn that dropped out of a tree after a squirrel ran along a branch p.40

Chapter 6

  1. What was inside the baby rattle? 81 diamonds p.44
  2. How did Cam trick the thieves while they were counting the diamonds? She slammed the door to the room and jumped behind a bookcase in the room they were in p.46
  3. Why was Cam worried about Howie crying? Someone would find them p.49

Chapter 7

  1. Who did Cam see in the window? A policeman p.51
  2. How did Cam and Howie get out of the house and away from the thieves? Cam ran to the open window and handed Howie to Eric, then climbed out herself p.52
  3. How did the police capture the thieves? A policeman called to them with a megaphone and the thieves came out with their hands up p.54

Chapter 8

  1. How did Eric’s mom feel when they weren’t in the mall with Howie when she was done shopping? Worried sick p.56
  2. Why did the elderly woman think the couple with the baby should know the thieves were captured? She was worried about them and didn’t know that the man and woman were the actual thieves p.56

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Missing Mummy

The Missing Mummy

By Ron Roy

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

It’s Mummy Monday at the museum, and Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are going to see a new Egyptian exhibit. It features a child mummy in an actual tomb! But then the mummy is stolen and the tomb robbed of its treasure. Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose unravel the mystery and return the mummy to its rightful resting place?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did the kids want to go to the museum? All week long they were having programs that looked fun p.2
  2. How did the kids earn money for the programs? They helped clean out Josh’s barn and his dad paid them p.3
  3. What’s the exhibit at the museum the kids went to? An Egyptian exhibit with mummies p.5

Chapter 2

  1. What’s an ancient Egyptian coffin called? A Sarcophagus p.11
  2. What’s each mummy wrapped in? strips of linen cloth p.13
  3. Where did Ruth Rose find the missing mummy? In the girl’s restroom p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what the kids thought the mummy snatcher might have done to get away? She might have disguised herself after taking the mummy in the restroom p.20
  2. Where did the kids go to look for the lady who took the mummy? Back into the tomb p.22
  3. Why are the kids trapped inside the tomb? While they were in there, the tomb entrance closed p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Describe what it was like for the kids when they were locked inside the tomb? Cold, creepy, quiet p.27
  2. What did the kids do to get more comfortable after sitting on the gravel/ground? Ruth Rose found carpet squares in a closet, so they spread them out in the closet and laid on them p.29
  3. What woke up the kids while they were sleeping in the closet? A huge blast that shook the closet p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Who appeared after the blast and what were they doing? two thieves; stealing the treasure p.33
  2. How did the thieves get into the tomb? They blew a hole into the building from outside p.35
  3. Who came by Dink’s house the next day and why? Officers Peters and Washington; to ask the kids questions about the thieves p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Why did the kids want to go back to the museum? It was Tyrannosaurus rex Tuesday p.43
  2. Why did the kids go sit at the back of the museum? They were early, it was hot, and they wanted to sit in the shade p.44
  3. What did Josh smell when the thieves broke into the museum? French fries p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Why did the kids decide to go check out Aunt Freda’s Fabulous Fries? Because Josh had smelled French fries during the theft, there might be a connection p.56
  2. Describe what the kids discovered at the restaurant? A woman with short hair works there; Ruth Rose realized she has short dark hair like the woman who came out of the restroom; Dink realized she walked like one of the thieves; Josh realized she smells like French fries p.62

Chapter 8

  1. How did the kids get the opportunity to go into the kitchen and look around? Ruth Rose told Aunt Freda that Dink wanted to know how to make her French fries p.63
  2. What evidence did the kids find in the kitchen? They saw a black gym bag and a black jacket that’s short enough to see a white line of an apron underneath; Josh found a pebble like the gravel in the tomb p.66

Chapter 9

  1. Explain Dink’s dream? He was trapped in the tomb alone and the mummies came toward him, he felt a cold hand on his shoulder and the mummy’s linen strips were wrapping around him p.69
  2. Where does Dink think the treasure is hidden? In the small sarcophagus p.73
  3. Why do the kids think Dr. Tweed was one of the thieves? Someone had to set the bomb inside the tomb and the treasure would have been too heavy to carry it far, so he hid it in the sarcophagus knowing he’d be able to get to it p.73

Chapter 10

  1. What did the kids and police officers find in the tomb? Dr. Tweed holding a gym bag p.78
  2. Where were Dr. Tweed and the woman from the restaurant flying to and why? Europe; to sell the treasures p.79
  3. Where did the officers take Dr. Tweed and the woman? To jail p.82

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The School Skeleton

The School Skeleton

By Ron Roy

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

It’s a bona fide mystery at Dink’s school. Some sneaky soul has stolen the skeleton from the nurse’s office! The principal promises free aquarium tickets to the savvy student sleuths who can track down poor Mr. Bones. Soon mysterious clues are showing up all over the school. It’s up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to follow the clues and put those old bones to rest.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Donald David Duncan go by Dink? When he first learned to talk, all he could say was Dink when he tried to say his name p.2
  2. Why did Dink need to go to the nurse’s office? He got a paper cut and needed a Band Aid p.3
  3. What did Dink notice was missing from the nurse’s office? Mr. Bones the skeleton p.7

Chapter 2

  1. What’s the reward for the class that finds Mr. Bones? Free tickets to the new aquarium in Hartford, CT p.13
  2. Why did Josh think Mr. Neater could be a suspect for the missing skeleton? He has keys to the doors in the school p.14
  3. What was the topic of the story Mrs. Eagle assigned the kids to write? The vanishing school skeleton p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the footprint Ruth Rose and Josh found in the corner where the skeleton usually hung?  It was in the dust and looked like it was made by a sneaker; it was the left foot and adult sized p.18
  2. What did the kids want to do with the footprint before Mr. Neater swept up the office? Draw and measure it p.21
  3. How did Dink know the nurse, office secretary, or principal didn’t take the skeleton? The bottom of their shoes didn’t match the print in the dust p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What size shoes does Dink think the skeleton snatcher is? A size 10 p.28
  2. How many teachers did the kids need to measure for their footprint? 8 p.29
  3. What did the kids plan to do the next day to figure out the footprint clue? They wrote a note to the 8 teachers to ask if they would talk with them, Mrs. Waters would put them in their boxes, then when they would meet the kids would measure the footprint against each of their shoes p.31

Chapter 5

  1. How did Mrs. Eagle respond to the kids needing to leave class to talk to the other teachers? She said it was ok p.35
  2. What were the results from measuring the teacher’s feet that were on the list? None of them matched Josh’s footprint p.38
  3. What happened to Mr. Palmer that proved he didn’t steal the skeleton? He slipped on ice and got a cast on his foot the day before and was in the emergency room when the skeleton was stolen p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What did the kids see on the ground on their way back to class? A footprint on the ground in white powder p.45
  2. Why did Mrs. Eagle want the boys to open their lockers? The footprint was in front of their lockers and she wanted to see what was inside p.47
  3. What was in Josh’s locker? A twisted white paper with a skeleton on it and a shiny key hidden inside p.49

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Mrs. Eagle ask Josh, Dink, and Ruth Rose to tell the class what they’ve been up to? So the class could help and be involved p.50
  2. Where does Ruth Rose think the powder on the floor came from? Mrs. Waters said her powder was missing and someone could have taken it p.55
  3. What does Ruth Rose think the message with the key, skeleton and the 2 means? Key to skeleton p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What was strange about the key and how did it differ from Ruth Rose’s? it looked brand new and didn’t have any marks on it yet; Ruth Rose’s had tiny scratches from using it frequently p.61
  2. Why did the kids decide to go see Mr. Neater? Because he has keys to everything in the building and he could have put the key in Josh’s locker p.62
  3. Who else came to visit Mr. Neater and why? Cory from fifth grade and Jane and Susan from second grade; they also had found a footprint by their lockers and a paper with a skeleton wrinkled up with a key hidden in it p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What clues points to Mr. Dillon as the skeleton snatcher? There’s a small door from his office to Miss Shotsky’s and he had easy access to Mr. Waters powder p.71
  2. What’s Mrs. Waters missing now? Her key to the closet p.73
  3. Where was Mr. Bones? Hanging in Mrs. Waters’ coat closet p.74

Chapter 10

  1. What did the note read that was hanging from Mr. Bones? April Fools! P.77
  2. What day is it? April 1st; April Fools p.78
  3. Why did Mr. Dillon hide the skeleton and leave the clues? He loves April Fools Day and doing pranks. No one does pranks anymore, so he wanted to make it a memorable holiday p.82

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Vampire’s Vacation

The Vampire's Vacation

by Ron Roy

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

Grab your garlic, Green Lawn! There's a villainous vibe coming from the pale, dark-haired man Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose see in the supermarket. When they follow him into Ellie's Diner, the stranger vanishes! But there's a cut on Ellie's neck - or could it be a bite? Could there really be vampire in town? And could Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose be his next victims?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why were Josh, Dink and Ruth Rose at the supermarket? They had just hauled newspapers to the recycle bin and wanted a cold drink p.3
  2. Why did Josh think the man in line at the meat counter looked like a vampire? He had black hair, skinny lips, and pale skin p.6
  3. How did Dink feel when the man turned, looked, and nodded at them? he got goose bumps p.8

Chapter 2

  1. How did Ellie react when she saw the man out the window? She acted scared; she backed away and went behind the counter p.14
  2. What happens to the man when the kids continue to follow the him in the stores? He disappears and isn’t there p.15
  3. What did both Mr. Paskey and Ellie have on their necks? A small round Band Aid p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Is Dracula a vampire? No p.23
  2. How did Josh convince his friends to find the man he thinks is a vampire? He wanted to find out why he was disappearing, and he knew Dink wanted to find out what was going on with the Band Aids p.27
  3. What’s the man’s name and what do you know about him? Dr. A. Cula; he’s a doctor from New York City p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Who else had a Band Aid on their neck? Mr. Linkletter p.31
  2. What strange thing did Livvy notice when she took Dr. Cula up to his room? He laid on his bed and asked for the air conditioning to be turned up. He wrapped himself in a cape and feel asleep fast, like he was dead p.34
  3. What did Dink think Dr. Cula’s hobby could be since he disappears and wears a cape? Being a magician p.36

Chapter 5

  1. What did Josh gather from the vegetable garden and why? Garlic gloves; for protection, vampires don’t like garlic p.40
  2. What did Ruth Rose spell with the blocks after putting together Dr. A. Cula? Dracula p.41
  3. Who were the kids going to talk to at this end of this chapter? Police Officer Fallon p.43

Chapter 6

  1. What was Officer Fallen’s reaction when the kids told him what happened with Dr. Cula? He was surprised and wanted to talk with him p.49
  2. Why did Josh need to get back home? He told his mom he’d babysit the twins p.49
  3. How was Josh and Dink going to entertain the twins? Take them on a pony ride p.51

Chapter 7

  1. Explain what was strange about the Band Aids being all the same? People like to choose different shapes and colors of Band Aids if they need one p.54
  2. Who left a message on the answering machine and what did she say? Ruth Rose; she wanted the boys to meet her at the Shangri-la Hotel p.57
  3. What was strange about the Book Nook being closed as the boys were on their way to the hotel? Mr. Paskey never closes the store in the middle of the afternoon p.59

Chapter 8

  1. How was Mr. Linkletter acting strangely? He gave the boys Dr. Cula’s room number without looking, gave them permission to go up and see if he was there, and he acted nervous p.62
  2. Describe what the boys found when they went into room 202. No one was there, it was freezing cold, in the closet was a black suitcase and black cape, a note on the side table p.64
  3. Describe the note. It was written in purple crayon that smelled like jellybeans and had listed each of the names: Ellie, Mr. Paskey, Mr. Linkletter, Ruth Rose, Josh and Dink p.65

Chapter 9

  1. What does Dink think is going on? That Dr. Cula gave the Band Aids to everyone p.69
  2. Who opened the door when the boys were in the closet hiding? Ruth Rose p.71

Chapter 10

  1. Who’s Jimmy Jett? An actor from New York who’s going to play Dracula in a movie p.73
  2. Why did Ellie, Mr. Paskey and Mr. Linkletter have Band Aids on their necks? Jimmy Jett gave them to each of them to play a prank on the kids p.76
  3. Why did Mr. Linkletter give the boys the room number and permission to go to the room? All who were in on the prank were waiting for them to go to the room, then followed them up p.79

Chapter 11

  1. What did Jimmy Jett invite the kids to? To New York City to watch his movie p.81
  2. Who appeared in the movie box next to Josh? Jimmy Jett dressed as Dracula p.83

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Haunted Hotel

The Haunted Hotel

By Ron Roy

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

A ghost has checked into the Shangri-la Hotel! It’s almost Halloween, and reports of strange sounds and even stranger sights are coming from Green Lawn’s only hotel. Every day, more and more guests are being scared away. Everyone else is getting scared, too! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose must figure out what’s going on and catch the ghost – before Green Lawn turns into a ghost town!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the setting of this story? Dink’s living room on Sunday, in Green Lawn, CT p.1
  2. What did the newspaper claim was haunted? The Shangri-la Hotel in Green Lawn p.2
  3. Why is it the biggest week of the year for the hotel? Many tourists come to see the fall colors p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Where did Mr. Linkletter explain to the kids what’s going on? In his office p.11
  2. Who’s Livvy? The hotel maid p.15
  3. Why did the kids want to help Mr. Linkletter? He’s their friend p.16
  4. What did the kids think they saw when the elevator door opened? The ghost p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Who did the kids meet after they pushed the black button on the elevator and ended up on an unknown floor of the hotel? Mr. and Mrs. Spivets; Mr. Linkletter’s Aunt and Uncle who used to own the hotel p.21
  2. What’s the ghost telling Mr. and Mrs. Spivets? To go away and leave the hotel p.24
  3. Why are the Spivets selling the hotel? There’s a real estate company that’s been wanting to buy it and with the ghosts they don’t feel they have another choice p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did the kids resolve to do since no one they talked to had seen the ghost? Find someone who had seen it p.30
  2. Who did the kids talk to that saw the ghost? Mr. and Mrs. Jeffers p.32
  3. What did Mr. Spivets want the kids to do that night? Sleep in the hotel so they can solve the mystery and maybe see the ghost p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Who’s the Casper Nate referred to when saying he wanted to see a ghost? Casper is from a cartoon called Casper the Friendly Ghost p.38
  2. Why is Dink able to stay up later than usual? There’s no school the next day p.41
  3. What’s Rose Ruth’s plan to see the ghost? Hang out until midnight p.42

Chapter 6

  1. Where did the kids stake out to see the ghost? In the cleaning closet p.44
  2. What did the ghost call out as it passed each of their family’s rooms? It called each of the kid’s names and said to leave, its dangerous, or go before its too late and to leave now p.46
  3. What clue did Ruth Rose find on the doorframe? A human hair p.50

Chapter 7

  1. What was the yucky smell Josh noticed in the hall the night before? The smell of Halloween make-up p.53
  2. What did Livvy find under the Jeffers bed that she thought was a rat? A wig p.57
  3.  What’s a dumbwaiter? Small elevator shaft used to lift small things up and down from one room to another p.58

Chapter 8

  1. What did the kids and Livvy find while searching the Jeffers’ hotel room? The wig, a tape with spooky music, a sword, Halloween make-up p.63
  2. Where did the kids find the Jeffers? At Ellie’s eating breakfast p.66
  3. How did the Jeffers react when they read the note from Ruth Rose? They waved the kids over to them and admitted it p.69

Chapter 9

  1. Why were the Jeffers wanting to scare the hotel guests away? They’re actors and had been hired by three men to scare them away p.72
  2. Why didn’t the Jeffers realize the hotel was closing? They were told the hotel was being used in a horror movie and that scaring guests away was huge for publicity, and the guests would get their money back and free tickets to the movie; the Jeffers would then have starring roles in the movie p.73
  3. Who hired the Jeffers’? the same men buying the hotel p.74

Chapter 10

  1. How did Eatch, Rail and Roock realize their plan had been found out? The Jeffers went up to them during the signing and asked about the movie. The reporter from the Green Lawn Gazette told them the entire town would learn about their plan to trick the Spivets and Mr. Linkletter p.80
  2. What did Mrs. the businessmen’s names become when Mrs. Spivets rearranged the letters? Cheat, Liar and Crook p.83
  3. What did the kids receive from the Spivets as a thank you for saving the hotel? Three airline tickets to Florida, three tickets to Disneyworld and three $50 bills p.86