Tag Archives: Novel

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 I

  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 II & III

  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 IV

  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 V-IX

  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 X-XII

  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 XIII-XV

  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 XVI-XIX

  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 XX-XXI

  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 XXII-XVII

  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 XVIII-XXXI

  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 XXXII-XLI

  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 – The Voyage of the Frog

The Voyage of the Frog

by Gary Paulsen

(this book has some swearing and contains the phrases "swimming nude" and "making love")

Grades 8-12; Genre - Fiction; GRL S; AR pts: 5.0

David thought he was alone, that the ocean around him was all there was of the world. The wind screamed, the waves towered, and his boat, the twenty-two foot fiberglass FROG, skidded and bucked and, each moment, filled deeper and grew heavier with sea water. But in fact, David wasn't alone at all. He'd had the FROG as a partner from the beginning.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is David, his uncle has just died of cancer, 14 years old, only child in his family, close to his uncle, who taught him to sail p.1
  2. Who gave David the sailing boat the Frog and why didn’t he want it? His uncle; he’d rather have his uncle p.2
  3. What did David’s uncle’s request of him? To have David take his ashes in the Frog so far out in the ocean he couldn’t see land, then spread them in the water p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Why was David so eager to know all about the Frog? The memory of Owen his uncle p.12
  2. What was in the small box David brought with him onto the boat? His uncle’s ashes p.13
  3. Why did David decide to sail that night instead of the next morning? He thought they were perfect sailing conditions; it was his uncle’s favorite time to sail p.15

Chapter 3

  1. What simile does the author use to describe the swells of water on page 19? A hand cradling and holding the Frog p.19
  2. How long did David need to travel to meet his uncle’s wishes? All night long p.20
  3. What beautiful path was David going to follow into the night? The golden light of the sun reflecting on the sea as it went down p.21

Chapter 4

  1. What did Owen want to spend his time doing when he was alive? Studying p.24
  2. What created the lights David saw in the water? small marine animals p.26
  3. What word did the author use to describe David’s feelings of being out of sight of land on page 29?  What does it mean in this context? Sober; marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor p.29

Chapter 5

  1. Why was David angry at the small box that held the ashes? It could hold his uncle p.33
  2. How did the thread hooked on the cabin save David’s life? Because of the thread he turned and saw the storm barreling in on him p.34
  3. What hit David in the head during the storm? the boom p.37

Chapter 6

  1. When David woke up what did he have to do to stop the boat from sinking? Close the hatch p.41
  2. Why did David have a hard time thinking clearly when he woke up in the night? He had a concussion p.42
  3. Describe how you would feel if you were injured, lost on the ocean, your boat’s heavy with water, and your all alone? Listen to your child’s thoughts p.48

Chapter 7

  1. Describe where the phrase “one hand for the sailor, one hand for the ship” came from and what it means. In the old sailing days when the sailors had to climb up high onto the wooden yard, they would be terrified to let go and take care of the sails. One hand is to take care of yourself and the other is to take care of the ship p.53
  2. Why did David tell himself, “one hand for the ship”? His life depended on the Frog and if he didn’t stop worrying about himself and take care of the ship, she would sink p.53
  3. How did David drain the water from the cabin? A water pump p.54

Chapter 8

  1. Explain why David felt some things were better not to know and to just let them be on page 58. Listen to your child’s answer p.58
  2. What woke David in the night?  A shark bumping and scraping against the boat p.60
  3. What did David have that helped him get through this situation? Knowledge p.65

Chapter 9

  1. Why was David surprised to see himself covered with so many cuts and bruises? He didn’t realize he’d been beaten up during the storm p.69
  2. Who could David relate to when he analyzed his hunger? A man in the store looking at the food on the shelves and not being able to eat it p.72
  3. How did David get the thoughts of hunger out of his mind? Distracted himself by getting to work p.73

Chapter 10

  1. Why did David call his boat the “rag boat”? Dishrags, cloth, cushions, drying sails, ropes, rags, and towels had been tied all over the boat to dry, and it reminded him of a Chinese boat in the harbor at Hong Kong with several families living on it doing laundry p.78
  2. Why did David decide to keep his trash instead of throwing it overboard? He realized it might come in handy p.79
  3. Why didn’t David want to keep reading the Frog’s log? It was a personal journal of his uncle and had intimate experiences in it. He felt like he was prying p.83

Chapter 11

  1.  What woke David in the night? A huge tanker plowing toward him p.86
  2. Why couldn’t anyone hear or see David as the tanker went by? The engines were too loud, and it was dark; no one was looking p.88
  3. How would you feel if you saw hope disappear like David did? Listen to your child’s thoughts p.91

Chapter 12

  1. What emotion was David feeling at the beginning of this chapter? Hate p.92
  2. What did he realize about that emotion? It didn’t help his situation, and it festered more hate p.95
  3. How did David know a change was coming? The swells were different p.97

Chapter 13

  1. What happened when David ate the other half of the canned stew? He got sick p.101
  2. Why did David call the wind “homewind” at the end of this chapter? This wind was taking him toward home p.106

Chapter 14

  1. What surrounded David as he sailed toward home? 4 killer whales p.108
  2. How did the whales show him they were friends? They didn’t hurt him, they stayed in a formation around his boat, like they were protecting him p.110
  3. Find a word or phrase to describe how David felt on page 111 when there was a good wind. Listen to your child’s answers p.111

Chapter 15

  1. What did David almost crash into while sailing in the dark? Land; a beach p.119
  2. How did he know it was land? He could hear the surf p.119
  3. How did he know it wasn’t California? There weren’t any city lights p.120

Chapter 16

  1. Why was David frustrated at finding land? The land he was expecting to find was California/home, this land was barren with no sign of life p.122
  2. Why did David feel safe in the bay? It was sheltered from the wind p.126

Chapter 17

  1. What woke up David as he slept in the bay? A strong stench from the whales blasting water out of their blowholes p.128
  2. Why couldn’t David stay in the bay after the whales left? He appreciated and enjoyed their company and didn’t want to be in the bay alone p.13
  3. When David realized the storm was coming, why didn’t he go back to the bay to ride it out? He didn’t know when the storm was coming, and he didn’t want to lose precious sailing time p.131

Chapter 18

  1. Why couldn’t David let the sea take the Frog again? The Frog was a part of who he was now, and he didn’t want to abandon her by going inside during the storm again p.134
  2. What did David see as the storm passed and what did it mean? Another boat coming his way; he knew he was saved and could go home p.136
  3. Why didn’t David let the researchers save him? The rescuers couldn’t take the Frog with them and he couldn’t leave the Frog behind after everything they had been through together; it had saved him p.139

Comprehension Questions – The Great Treehouse War

The Great Treehouse War

by Lisa Graff

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; AR pts: 5.0

Winnie's last day of fourth grade ended with a pretty life-changing surprise. That was the day Winnie’s parents got divorced and decided that Winnie would live three days a week with each of them and spend Wednesdays by herself in a treehouse between their houses, to divide her time perfectly evenly. It was the day Winnie’s seed of frustration with her parents was planted, a seed that grew until it felt like it was as big as a tree itself.

By the end of fifth grade, Winnie decides that the only way to change things is to barricade herself in her treehouse until her parents come to their senses—and her friends decide to join. It’s kids vs. grown-ups, and no one wants to back down first. But with ten kids in one treehouse, all with their own demands, things get pretty complicated! Even if they are having the most epic slumber party ever.

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1

  1. Why was Winnie’s teacher, Mr. Benetto curious about Winnie? She comes to school happy and outgoing on Thursdays, but the rest of the week she’s quiet and reserved p.6
  2. What are Winnie’s parent’s names? Varun and Alexis p.17
  3. Why would Winnie think her parents were getting a divorce? They always fought p.14
  4. What are some other solutions Winnie’s parents might have come up with instead of having Winnie live in a tree house? listen to your child’s answers p.15

Chapter 2

  1. Why do you think Uncle Huck was so good to Winnie? She was his niece; he had a special connection with her p.30
  2. Why was Thanksgiving so important to Winnie’s family? That was the only holiday her family cared about and they had a huge feast p.34
  3. What was the first holiday Winnie’s mom decided to celebrate with her and why? Flag Day; to be better than Winnie’s father; to win Winnie’s favor p.35
  4. Can you answer Mr. Benetto’s inquiry about why Winnie comes to school so happy on Thursday now? Explain. Yes, because she’s in her tree house alone with no holidays or pressure from her parents p.38

Chapter 3

  1. How did Mr. B. start off his conversation with Winnie? He asked her if everything was all right at home p.49
  2. Why did Mr. B. talk to Winnie instead of her parents? Her parents were difficult and wouldn’t come to talk to Mr. B. if the other one was there p.52
  3. Why was Winnie failing 5th grade and what did she have to do to pass? She never had time to do her homework since her parents take all her time and celebrate holidays every day; she has to get an A or A- on a good local history report p.54

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Winnie want to tell her friends about her problems at first? Didn’t want to think about it and wanted to focus on happier things p.60
  2. Why did the friends wait to eat cupcakes at lunch? Squizzy wanted to wait for Winnie p.60
  3. Why was Squizzy grounded from reading books? She needed to get her grades up p.70
  4. Why would the next school year be so different than the previous ones? The kids are going to middle school p.74

Chapter 5

  1. Where was Winnie’s father planning on taking her for the summer? Kansas to study grouse feces p.90
  2. Why was Winnie upset about her mother’s idea of spending Wednesdays with her? That’s Winnie’s alone time and she loves it p.93
  3. Explain why Winnie’s parents aren’t doing the holiday celebrations for her, but for themselves. They don’t really care about Winnie’s feelings or grades and are more concerned about being the better, more fun parent p.94
  4. Predict what the letter stuck to the book said. Listen to your child’s answers p.96

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Winnie’s plan. Since the treehouse wasn’t a part of the U.S., Winnie didn’t have to follow the laws of the country or her parents and could do what she wanted. P.106
  2. Why did Winnie come up with this plan? To get her parents to stop being selfish and begin listening to her p.106
  3. Predict what Winnie’s parents will do when they read about her plan. Listen to your child’s answers p.108

Part II

Chapter 7

  1. Why do Winnie’s parents feel like everything has to be even? They don’t want the other parent to be better than them p.114
  2. What did Winnie demand since both of her parents wanted to talk to her? They both climb up the ladder and talk to her together p.116

Chapter 8

  1. Why wouldn’t Winnie want her friends to stay in the treehouse? She wanted to get her report finished p.125
  2. Who joined Winnie in the treehouse? The Tulip Street Ten p.126
  3. What did the kids in the treehouse write to their parents? Their demands; what it will take to get them to come down from the treehouse p.142

Chapter 9

  1. Why were there so many reporters and cameramen gathered around the treehouse? They were all curious and thought this story would make a great headline p.145
  2. What did Uncle Huck want when he came to visit? To check on Winnie and to show support p.149
  3. Do you feel Winnie’s demand for her parents is reasonable? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answers p.153
  4. How did other parents around the world feel about the treehouse war? They thought the kids were brats and that the parents should hold out and not give the kids what they want p.156

Chapter 10

  1. Describe what’s going on with the war at the beginning of this chapter? Parents aren’t giving in to the demands and the kids are confused p.163
  2. Create your own strategy of how the parents could get the kids to give up and come down. Listen to your child’s thoughts p.164
  3. Explain why the sleepover wasn’t as fun as when it first started? The kids are all tired and grumpy p.178
  4. Why couldn’t the kids just leave and go home when they wanted to? They wouldn’t have their demands met and they knew they’d lose the war p.178

Chapter 11

  1. Do you agree with Lyle or Squizzy? Explain. Listen to your child’s answers p.190
  2. Why couldn’t Winnie pick a side? She agreed with both of their opinions and didn’t want to hurt either of their feelings p.191
  3. What was the new war created in the treehouse? Squizzy supporters were against Lyle’s supporters and all were against Winnie since she wouldn’t choose a side p.194

Chapter 12

  1. Why was it important for Winnie to escape to Uncle Huck’s? she needed to finish her report and got to talk to Uncle Huck about everything p.203

Part III

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Winnie think she couldn’t communicate very well? No one listened to her p.209
  2. Why did Winnie need to fix everything quickly? Someone was hired to find a loophole in the law and stop the war p.212

Chapter 14

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. Winnie took her uncle’s advice, looked at her friends with her Artist Vision and realized what was really going on with her friends p.218

Chapter 15

  1. Who did Winnie write letters to and why? Her friends’ families and others they respect. She wanted to communicate to them what her friends needed and were interested in so they could reach out to them and help them come home p.226

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Winnie happy to be alone? It’s quiet p.244
  2. Why weren’t Winnie’s friends made at her? They got what they needed, and the demands weren’t important anymore p.248
  3. What favor did Lyle do for Winnie? Wrote notes to her parents p.256

Chapter 17

  1. How was Winnie able to get through to her parents? She respectfully kept talking and trying to explain until they started to listen p.260

Chapter 18

  1. How have Winnie’s parents grown and changed? They don’t fight anymore, aren’t competitive or selfish, and they respect Winnie’s wishes p.271
  2. What were the kids going to do with the treehouse? Make it fun for all kids and allow them to come hang out on Wednesdays p.280

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 August out quickly. Auggie’s dad ran after her dropping and breaking the video camera and the farting nurse held Auggie’s mom down and tried to wake the doctor; the farting 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. Why is Auggie worried about going to school? Everyone will stare at him 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, nervous and uncomfortable p.17
  2. What did Mr. Tushman have the three students do? Give Auggie a tour of the school 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 asked Auggie liked Darth Sidious. Julian was making fun of Auggie’s face since Darth Sidious has a face that gets 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 summer 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 do her own thing 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 to have bad days and that 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, but she couldn’t be August’s friend too. Summer had to decide between August and Julian p.122
  3. What did Summer do to get out of the party and who did she choose? She went to the bathroom and called her mom to pick her up and she left; August p.123
  4. How did Summer keep her promise to August and still help Jack know why he was mad at him? She gave Jack the clue, Bleeding Scream; it’s what August dressed up as for Halloween when he overheard Jack talking to Julian about him p.132

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 Will find challenging as he went back to school after being hitting Julian? His friends wouldn’t talk to him and they all ditched 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 got divorced and hate each other. Olivia’s parents pay attention, talk and laugh to their children and to each other p.191
  2. What wish do you think Olivia wished for on the ladybug? Listen to your child’s answers p.195
  3. What did Justin do for Jack when he saw Miles, Henry and Julian in the subway station? He scrunched up his face, looked mean as he held his violin case threateningly and told them in a Clint Eastwood voice to leave Jack 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 loves notes 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 didn’t want August to go since the kids at her new school don’t know about 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 matter anymore 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; they spread what happened and the girls asked if he was all right and everyone really seemed to care about August p.274

Pages 276-310 (Home-The Walk Home)

  1. What surprise did Via and August’s dad bring home? A puppy p.280
  2. What was found in Eddie’s locker? Auggie’s hearing aid headband p.284
  3. What happened to Auggie’s astronaut helmet? His dad threw it out since he missed seeing Auggie’s face p.290
  4. Name one characteristic that August demonstrated that helped him earn the Henry Ward Beecher Award? Give an example of why you chose that characteristic. Have your child list one of the following characteristics and an example of how August showed it during the story: Courage, kindness, friendship, character p.304

Comprehension Questions – The Outsiders

The Outsiders

by S.E. Hinton

(Contains gang violence and some swearing)

Grades 7-12; Genre - Fiction; GRL Z; AR pts: 7.0

Ponyboy can count on his brothers and on his friends. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up "greasers" like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect - until the night someone takes things too far.

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Ponyboy and he’s 14 years old; in a gang called the Greasers; parents were killed in a car accident; has two older brothers he lives with; Likes to watch movies alone and read books; has longer light brown reddish hair with greenish-gray eyes p.1
  2. How did Ponyboy get out of his tough situation with the Socials? He yelled and fought; Darry heard him and ran over p.6
  3. Why do you think Darry only gets after Ponyboy and has high expectations for him? Because Ponyboy is smart and can make something of himself; he has school smarts, but not street smarts p.13
  4. What did Soda say that Pony had a hard time believing? That Darry loved him p.18

Chapter 2

  1. Why did the girls invite Johnny and Pony to sit with them at the drive-in? they didn’t talk dirty and stood up to Dally p.26
  2. Why are the girls alone at the drive-in? their boyfriends brought beer with them and the girls didn’t want to have any part of it, so the boys left angry and the girls decided to stay and watch the movie p.27
  3. What did Cherry notice about Johnny? That he’d been hurt and scared by others p.31
  4. What did Cherry say about the Socs after Pony told her Johnny’s story? That not all Socs are like the ones that jumped Johnny and they have it rough too p.34

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Cherry and Pony feel comfortable talking about personal things? They could trust each other; they connected with each other p.38
  2. Who was in the blue mustang that drove by the kids as they talked? Socs Randy and Bob; Cherry and Marcia’s boyfriends; the guys who beat up Johnny p.41
  3. Why did Pony want to live in the country? There weren’t gangs and different social statuses to get stuck in p.48
  4. What made Pony decide to run-away? Darry hit him p.50

Chapter 4

  1. Who pulled up to the park while Johnny and Pony were hanging out? The blue mustang full of Socs p.54
  2. Why did Johnny kill Randy? They were drowning Pony and were going to beat Johnny up p.57
  3. What did Dally get for the boys to help them get out of town? $50 and a loaded gun p.60
  4. Where did the boys take cover and hide? In a church at Jay Mountain p.65

Chapter 5

  1. How did the boys disguise themselves? They cut each other’s hair and Pony put peroxide in his hair so he’d look blond p.72
  2. Why was Johnny upset when Pony talked about the previous night? Because he’d killed a guy and didn’t want to think about it p.74
  3. How did Johnny and Pony pass the time in the church? Reading Gone with the Wind, playing poker, talking p.75
  4. What are the two pieces of news Dally told the boys? There was going to be a war between the Socs and the Greasers, and Cherry is their spy p.83

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Johnny thinking about turning himself in? he doesn’t have a record and he killed the guy in self-defense p.87
  2. How did Dally feel about the boys turning themselves in? he was upset; he didn’t want Johnny to spend time in prison since it would change and harden him p.89
  3. Why was Johnny happy when they were saving the kids from the fire? He had purpose; he liked to do good and had an opportunity p.92
  4. What did Pony’s metaphor mean, “I had taken the long way around, but I was finally home. To stay.”? He had finally understood his brother and knew he accepted and loved him p.99

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Pony so upset about Johnny’s condition? Johnny might be paralyzed, and his family wouldn’t be good to him, and they wouldn’t be able to hang out like they used to p.102
  2. What made Pony worried that he and Soda might go to a boys’ home? The newspaper had talked about how the boys worked so hard to stay together p.108
  3. Why did Pony feel like he needed to clean his house? He wanted it to look like their family was put together, so he and Soda wouldn’t need to go to a boys’ home p.113
  4. What did Randy tell Ponyboy when he wanted to talk? That he wasn’t going to the rumble that night and that he was sick of things p.116

Chapter 8

  1.  Why did Johnny change and not want to die anymore? Now that dying was close, he realized he was too young and still had things he wanted to do p.121
  2. Why didn’t Johnny want to see his mom when she came to visit him in the hospital? She always made him feel bad and rejected p.123
  3. Why couldn’t Cherry go see Johnny in the hospital? She couldn’t look at the person who killed her boyfriend p.128

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Darry want Pony to fight in the rumble? He’d lost weight, wasn’t in shape and didn’t look very good p.134
  2. Why did Pony think Darry wouldn’t be a hood all his life? Because Darry wanted to make something of himself p.138
  3. Why was it such a big deal that Paul spoke up to fight Darry? They used to be buddies on the football team and in high school. Now they hated each other p.142
  4. What was Johnny referring to when he told Pony to stay golden? It was a reference to when they talked about gold in the sunset and in the poem p.148

Chapter 10

  1. Why had Dallas robbed a grocery store? He was upset Johnny had died and he wanted to die too p.153
  2. How had Pony been feeling all night and what finally happened to him? Sick; went unconscious for 3 days p.157
  3. Why was it bothering Pony that he might not have asked for Darry while he was sick? He didn’t want Darry to feel bad; he realizes he’s uncomfortable being alone with him p.158

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Ponyboy see in the yearbook and what did he think about? Bob, the Soc who Johnny killed; he thought about what he was like and that he was a real person p.161
  2. What did Randy say during his visit? He mentioned they were going to see the judge the next day and talked about how his dad wanted Randy to tell the truth p.164
  3. What did Pony say when Randy brought up Johnny? That he killed Bob and that Johnny wasn’t dead p.165

Chapter 12

  1. What was the result of the hearing? Pony was acquitted and the case was closed p.168
  2. How did Pony’s attitude change about fighting from the beginning of the story to when the Socs drove up to him at the grocery store? He used to not like fighting, he didn’t want to mess with the Socs; now he wasn’t scared of them and was ready to fight, he was tough and knew he had to be tough to not get hurt p.171
  3. What two things was Soda upset about? A letter he’d sent to Sandy came back unopened and he didn’t like to hear his brothers fight p.174
  4. What did Johnny explain being gold was? You’re gold when you’re a kid and everything’s new, like the dawn p.178
  5. How did Pony begin his theme paper? The same way this story began p.180

Comprehension Questions – The Trumpet of the Swan

The Trumpet of the Swan

by E.B. White

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 6.0

Louis, a romantic swan, is in love with the angelic Serena, but he can't tell her how he feels; he has no voice. When he meets eleven-year-old Sam Beaver, a human friend, he goes to school with him to learn how to read and write. Louis' father also helps out; he steals a brass trumpet for his son. In the end, Louis learns to play, wins Serena's heart, and repays the music shop owner for his stolen trumpet.

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. Where was Sam camping and what was it like? Canada; a big wilderness.  Pg 2.
  2. Where was home for Sam and his father?  A cattle ranch in Montana. Pg. 4.
  3. Why did Sam want to return in thirty-five days? It takes that long to hatch swan eggs. Pg 6.
  4. What are baby swans called? Cygnets. Pg 7.

Chapter 2

  1. Describe a trumpeter swan? Large white, black bill, black feet, makes “Ko-hoh!” sound. Pg 12.
  2. Why was the nesting spot perfect? Surrounded by water. Pg13.
  3. What is a male swan? A cob. Pg. 14.
  4. How did the swans feel about their 6 foot nest? Proud and happy. Pg 16.

Chapter 3

  1.  What did the swans think boys do? Throw stones and sticks. Pg20.
  2. How did the cob think the swan felt about sitting on eggs? It was onerous or irksome. Pg 23.
  3. What happened when the swan got a drink of water? The Red Fox tried to steal eggs. Pg. 25.
  4. Who saved the swan? Sam Beaver with a stick. Pg 25.

Chapter 4

  1. What do baby swans have to break open the shells? A powerful neck muscle and a dagger tooth. Pg 30.
  2. What did Sam use to see the swans from a distance? Field glasses. Pg. 33.
  3. How do they swim? Cob first, cygnets in a line, mother last. Pg. 36.
  4. How did the last cygnet greet Sam? It untied his shoe lace. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. What did the parent swans never hear Louis do? Beep or burble. Pg. 42.
  2. Why did they think this was serious? He wouldn’t attract a mate. Pg. 44.
  3. What did the cob tell Louis about being dumb? Two meanings; not smart and not able to speak. Pg. 49.
  4. What was the advantage in not being able to speak? Makes you a good listener. Pg. 50.

Chapter6

  1. Where are the swans going for winter? South to Red Rock Lakes, Montanan. Pg. 54.
  2. What is special about Red Rock Lakes? Warm water from a hidden spring. Pg. 54.
  3. What are the three parts of flying? The takeoff, the ascent, and the leveling off. Pg. 55.
  4. What did Louis fear would happen if he couldn’t fly? Be left behind and starve. Pg. 58.

Chapter 7

  1. What did Louis decide he should do since he couldn’t use his voice? Learn to read and write. Pg. 62
  2. Who did Sam’s father need to check with for the swan to stay? The game warden. Pg. 67.
  3. Why did Mrs. Hammerbotham say swans don’t need to read & write? They don’t communicate. Pg. 68.
  4. How did Mrs. Hammergotham discover Louis name? He shook his head when asked. Pg. 71.
  5. What grade was Sam in and what lesson was he learning? Fifth, arithmetic. Pg. 75.

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the cob not go search for Louis? There were too many directions he could have gone. Pg. 79.
  2. How long was Louis gone? One year and a half. Pg 81.
  3. With whom did Louis realize he could converse with the slate? People not animals. Pg. 85.
  4. What did Louis mother see him do? Unable to talk to Serena that he loved. Pg. 88.

Chapter 9

  1. Where did the cob go to get a trumpet? A music store in Billings. Pg. 91.
  2. How did he get the trumpet? Dove into the glass window and took it. Pg. 92.
  3. How did the cob feel about stealing? Bad for his honor; good to help his son. Pg. 95.
  4. Why did the cob steal the trumpet? He had no money. Pg. 98.

Chapter 10

  1. Why did the young females start to notice Louis? Because he carried things around his neck. Pg. 99.
  2. Where did Louis go for help with the trumpet? To Sam Beaver at the Bar Nothing Ranch. Pg.103.
  3. What songs did Louis learn to play? Reveille, mess call, and taps. Pg. 107.

Chapter 11

  1. How did Mr. Brickle introduce Louis? Louis the Swan, a musician. Pg. 113.
  2. What did Applegate say? He didn’t like birds. Pg. 114.
  3. What does Kookooskoos mean? An Indian word for Great Horned Owl. Pg. 115.

Chapter 12

  1. Why was the skunk in trouble? He had a can from the dump stuck on his head. Pg. 120.
  2. How did Sam help the skunk? He used a fishing pole with a looped line. Pg. 123.
  3. Why did Applegate go out alone in the canoe? He was mad at the other boys for mocking his name. Pg. 125.
  4. Why couldn’t Louis fly out to help? His flight feathers fall out in summer. Pg. 127.

Chapter 13

  1. What is the difference between a trumpet and a bugle? A bugle has no valves. Pg. 134.
  2. Why couldn’t Louis play the trumpet valves? Because he had webbed feet. Pg. 135.
  3. What did Louis compose for Serena? A love song. Pg. 138.

Chapter 14

  1. How did the Swan Boat move? A paddle wheel by pedaling like a bike. Pg. 144.
  2. What song did Louis play in front of the Swan boat? Row, row, row your boat. Pg. 145.
  3. Why did Louis need money? Because his father was in debt for stealing the trumpet. Pg. 147.
  4. Why did the Boatman want Louis to stay at the Ritz? Because the park wasn’t safe at night. Pg. 148.

Chapter 15

  1. What did the boatman tell the clerk Louis was? A celebrity. Pg. 151.
  2. What convinced the clerk that Louis was a celebrity? The girls wanted his autograph. Pg. 152.
  3. What did the bellboy and the waiter want from Louis? A tip. Pgs. 158, 161.
  4. What did Louis send Sam in the letter? The newspaper clipping. Pg. 164.

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Louis go to Philadelphia?  He got a telegram job offer from Abe Lucky Lucas. Pg. 169.
  2. What surgery was performed on birds in the Lagoon and why? Pinioned, so they can’t fly. Pg.175.
  3. Why was Louis not going to be pinioned? He would give a free Sunday concert. Pg. 176.

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Serena fly to Bird Lake at the Zoo? A storm blew her off course. Pg. 182.
  2. Who stole Louis’ Trumpet? The Wood Duck. Pg. 187.
  3. What song did Louis wake Serena with? Beautiful Dreamer. Pg. 189.
  4. How did the swans show that they liked each other? They placed their necks over the others’ neck. Pg. 197.

Chapter 18

  1. What did Louis do to the keepers? Jabbed one in the behind and beat one with his wing. Pgs. 201, 202.
  2. What did Louis tell the Head Man about safety? “Safety is all well and good: I prefer freedom.” Pg. 206.
  3. What 2 favors did Louis ask the Head Man? #1 to leave Serena alone until Christmas, #2 to send a telegram to Sam Beaver. Pg. 206.
  4. What was Sam’s plan? For Louis to donate cygnets that need extra security to the zoo. Pg. 210.

Chapter 19

  1. What did Sam say would happen to Louis in captivity? He would pine away. He would die. Pg. 215.
  2. Why did the Head Man think animals had it easier than men? They didn’t have to buy things. Pg. 218.
  3. Why were warning messages sent at the airport? Because there were swans on the airstrip. Pg. 221.
  4. Why would Louis be triumphant when he returned? He was famous, had money. Pg. 224.

Chapter 20

  1. Why was the cob’s wife worried about him going to the music store? It was dangerous. The storekeeper might shoot him again.  Pg. 227.
  2. Where was Alfred Gore going? To the candy store because he was thirsty.  Pg. 234.
  3. How did the doctor classify the cob’s wound and what did the cob think it meant? Superficial; He thought that meant very serious. Pg. 237.

Chapter 21

  1. Where did Louis and Serena go to nest? Back to the woods in Canada. Pg. 243.
  2. What did Serena like about Boston? The Ritz. Pg. 246.
  3. Did Sam ever tell his dad where Louis lived? No. pg. 250.

Comprehension Questions – When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Grades 5-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL V; AR pts: 6.0

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper: I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

Comprehension Questions

Chapters 1-3 pgs. 1-11

Ask your child to think about the names of the chapters and how they’re symbolic to the story. Tell them you’ll ask them at the end of the book to see if they’ve figured it out.

  1. What point of view is this story told in and who’s the main character? first person; Miranda p.1,5
  2. Why does Miranda’s mom need to win the game show? Because her mom’s hating work and if she wins, she doesn’t have to work anymore p.6
  3. What book is Miranda telling Belle about while waiting for her mom in the store? A Wrinkle in Time; If you child doesn’t know yet, don’t tell them, sections of this book come up through the rest of the story p.8
  4. What did Miranda and her mom hide in this chapter? A key to their apartment p.11

Chapters 4-6 pgs. 12-20

  1. How did Miranda meet Sal? She and her mom had just moved into the apartment and that same day they met Louisa holding Sal in the lobby. He was crying and stopped when he saw Miranda p.15
  2. Describe the crazy man on the corner? He showed up as school began and would do sudden kicks into the street, shake his fist at the sky, yell crazy stuff and throw his head back and laugh so everyone could see his mouth full of fillings. He sometimes slept with his head under the mailbox p.16
  3. Who is Miranda referring to when she says, “you”? listen to your children’s thoughts

Chapters 7-10 pgs. 21-31

  1. What’s the consequence of Sal getting punched? It ended Miranda’s and his friendship p.24
  2. How does Miranda deal with strangers that she comes across? She asks them if they have the time p.25
  3. How did Miranda deal with the bully who followed her and punched Sal? She turned around and asked him if he had the time; after their conversation realized she wasn’t scared of him p.30

Chapters 11-14 pgs. 32-53

  1. Why did Miranda ask Annemarie if she wanted to have lunch together? Miranda needed a friend and overheard Julia tell Annemarie that she wouldn’t eat lunch with her for the rest of the week p.35
  2. Why is it important that Louisa writes down notes from the game show? So Miranda’s mom can practice just how it will be when she gets on the show p.40
  3. Who was the last kid on the list Miranda picked up to the dentist and what did they have a debate about? Marcus, the boy who hit Sal; Miranda’s book p.47

Chapters 15-19 pgs. 54-66

  1. Where did Miranda, Annemarie and Colin get jobs and what was the pay? Jimmy’s; a soda and cheese sandwich p.55
  2. What was missing and what did Miranda find in her library book? The apartment key; a note that freaked Miranda and her mom out p.60
  3. Why was Miranda nervous to bring Annemarie home? They had to walk by the group of boys and the laughing man on the corner p.64

Chapters 20-25 pgs. 67-83

  1. What was in Jimmy’s bank in the back of the restaurant? Lots of $2 bills p.69
  2. How does Miranda feel about Colin? She has a crush on him p.74
  3. What did Jimmy do to Julia at the sandwich shop? He kicked her out p.83

Chapters 26-30 pgs. 84-99

  1. What had been stolen from Miranda’s apartment? Richard’s work shoes p.87
  2. Why shouldn’t Annemarie eat bread and drink soda? She has epilepsy and that type of food makes her seizures worse p.92
  3. What did Miranda learn from the third note? That whoever was writing the notes was watching her p.99

Chapters 31-34 pgs. 100-117

  1. Why did Marcus hit Sal? To see what would happen p.105
  2. Why had Miranda’s bread count at Jimmy’s come up short? Colin had taken two of the rolls and stuffed them in his knapsack p.109
  3. How did Miranda’s mom react when she found out Miranda gave the laughing man a sandwich? She was upset and thought Miranda put herself in danger p.115

Chapters 35-39 pgs. 118-136

  1. Why didn’t Jimmy let the kids into the restaurant? Someone had stolen his bank and he assumed it was one of them p.124
  2. Why does Jimmy think Julia stole the bank? She’s black p.130
  3. If you haven’t figured it out yet, what’s the book Miranda is always carrying and debating with Marcus? A Wrinkle in Time p.135

Chapters 40-43 pgs. 137-153

  1. Why did Miranda’s mom get scared when Miranda wasn’t home and she didn’t know where she was? She thought something happened to her; Miranda left and said she was going to bring back a bagel for her and never came back p.141
  2. What caused Miranda’s change of heart? She saw Julia’s face as she looked at Annemarie and realized she had the same face when she looked at Sal p.144
  3. Who was at the door when Miranda heard the strange knock and what did they want? Colin; he kissed Miranda p.153

Chapters 44-47 pgs. 154-170

  1. Why did Sal run away from Marcus into the road? Sal was scared of him because he had punched him p.158
  2. Who wrote the notes to Miranda and saved Sal’s life? The laughing man p.162
  3. Why did Sal want to take a break from being friends with Miranda? He wanted to have other friends because he didn’t have any p.169

Chapters 48-55 pgs. 171-197

  1. Explain what happened with Marcus’ brother and Marcus’ explanation of why he hit Sal. Anthony, Marcus’ brother got beat up and Marcus stood and watched. Anthony was upset that Marcus didn’t help him and told him he’d have to hit and be hit someday to understand. The next day Marcus hit Sal and instead of hitting Marcus back, Sal bent over and cried. When Anthony found out what Marcus did, he was mad at him for hitting a short kid p.177
  2. Who’s the laughing man? Marcus from the future p.189
  3. What did Miranda find under the mailbox and who’s the drawing of? Her missing apartment key and a drawing of Julia p.194
  4. Summarize this story. Miranda received three notes explaining she needed to write a letter telling the story of what happened between Sal and Marcus. The notes were from Marcus (the laughing man) from the future. Young Marcus needed the letter to know how to protect Sal.

Challenge Question

  1. What did the chapter titles represent in this story? Subjects on $20,000 Pyramid

Comprehension Questions – Baseball Pals

Baseball Pals

by Matt Christopher

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

Jimmie learns an important lesson about the misuse of power when he is elected captain of his baseball team and makes decisions that are not in the team's best interests.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. On the ballfield; the characters of the story were gathered talking about which position everyone would play; autumn time p.3
  2. Who convinced everyone he was to be the pitcher and how did he do it? Jimmie; he was the new team captain, he said he’d been practicing all summer, and he found other positions for the team members to play p.3
  3. Why did Ervie make Jimmie feel unsettled? Jimmie didn’t know if Ervie was happy or not; Ervie looked at Paul in a certain way p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Why wasn’t Tiny playing with Jimmie’s team this year? The Red Rockets had already asked him to be on their team and gave him a jersey p.9
  2. Describe Jimmie’s experience while he was pitching in this chapter. He struggled getting it over the plate and walked two guys. Then he slowed down his pitches and the batters hit them p.15
  3. Why was Jimmie pleased with himself at the end of the chapter? He hit a ball way out in the field and made it to third base p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Who’s the team’s new manager? Mr. Nichols p.19
  2. After the game why did Ervie want to go home? He was hungry and it was getting late p.22
  3. How does Jimmie feel about Ervie? He wishes he didn’t have to bring him with him to the field; he’s impatient with him p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Jimmie lie to his mom about coming home on time? He didn’t want to come home on time and wanted to stay at the field p.26
  2. When Jimmie went to Paul’s after dinner, what did he find Paul doing? Practicing his pitching p.28
  3. What was the news Tiny told Jimmie at the end of this chapter? Paul wasn’t playing the Planets, instead he was going to play with the Red Rockets p.31

Chapter 5

  1. Summarize what happened in this chapter. Jimmie went home and to his room. He was upset about Paul joining the other team, and got angry to the point that he decided he didn’t care anymore, then he went to play with Ervie p.35

Chapter 6

  1. How did Mr. Nichols react to Paul leaving the team? He said it was ok and that Jimmie could become a good pitcher too with practice p.38
  2. Who went out to pitch after Jimmie continued to throw bad pitches during batting practice? Mr. Nichols p.41

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jimmie go to Mose’s house early Saturday morning? To practice pitching since Mose was going to be the catcher p.43
  2. How did Jimmie do while he was practicing? Not very well; he never threw to the mitt p.44
  3. Why did the umpire yell “Balk!” when Jimmie was winding up before a pitch? A pitcher can’t wind up if there are men on base, because after a pitcher winds up, he can’t stop and throw it to the base to get them out p.46

Chapter 8

  1. Find a simile at the top of page 52. Jimmie ran like a deer p.52
  2. Who won, the Mohawks or the Planets? The Mohawks p.53
  3. Why didn’t Ervie think the Planets were going to win any games in the league? He said they didn’t have a good pitcher p.55

Chapter 9

  1. Where did Jimmie go with his father? Fishing p.56
  2. What important lesson did Mr. Todd teach Jimmie while they were fishing? To be patient and to keep at something if you want it p.61

Chapter 10

  1. What was Jimmie’s plan so Paul would come and watch TV with him that evening? Have his mom invite over his parents and Paul would come over too p.63
  2. What did Ervie say that made Jimmie mad and run out of the room when the Karoski’s came over? that Paul was mad at Jimmie because they both wanted to pitch for the Planets p.66

Chapter 11

  1. Who did Jimmie see during their Sunday walk and how did he feel? Some boys playing baseball from his team and Paul was pitching; made him mad p.68
  2. Why did the praise, Jimmie’s dad said about Paul, hurt Jimmie? His own dad said that Paul had really nice form and was going to be a great pitcher one day when Jimmie struggled at being a pitcher p.71

Chapter 12

  1. What secret did Jimmie tell Wishy? That Jimmie doesn’t think he’ll be a pitcher and instead he should play infield p.75
  2. What did Wishy help Jimmie practice? Catching grounders p.76

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Jimmie feeling confident, like he could hit anything? He had decided not to be pitcher and felt good about his decision p.80
  2. What position did Jimmie play for the last two innings? First basemen p.85
  3. Whose name did Jimmie cry out when he was cheering for the pitcher? Paul’s name p.86

Chapter 14

  1. When does the team list need to be turned in? Before Thursday p.87
  2. Why was Mr. Nichols impressed with Jimmie as he practiced playing infield? He didn’t realize Jimmie was so good p.90

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Jimmie take Ervie along to see Paul? He didn’t want to be alone to talk to Paul p.91
  2. Why was Paul’s mom upset when Jimmie told her Paul left in a blue car? She was worried about him and sad that he didn’t tell her where he was going p.98

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Paul gone for four hours? His cousin asked him to go for a ride, but only thought it would be a half hour, then as they got to the lake the car stopped, and they had to get a ride home from somebody p.101
  2. How did Paul respond when Jimmie told him he could pitch for the Planets? He said he was already pitching for the Red Rockets p.103

Chapter 17

  1. Who was in the alley waiting to talk to Jimmie? Paul with team members from the Planets p.106
  2. How did Wishy convince Paul to come play for the Planets? He gathered other team members, took them over to Paul’s house, and they talked him into it p.108
  3. Why did Jimmie want Mr. Nichols to call the Red Rockets manager about Paul switching teams? He was worried what the other manager would say p.110

Chapter 18

  1. How did Jimmie feel as he played short stop? Confident; happy; had fun; enjoyed playing p.112
  2. Who won the game? The Planets p.117
  3. What was more important to Jimmie than winning the game? Having Paul on the team 117

Comprehension Questions – The Sign of the Beaver

The Sign of the Beaver

By Elizabeth George Speare

Grades 3-5; Genre – Historical Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 5.0

Until the day his father returns to their cabin in the Maine wilderness, 12-year-old Matt must try to survive on his own. During an attack by swarming bees, Matt is rescued by an Indian chief and his grandson. A Newbery Honor Book.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story? In Maine during summer of 1768 at brand new township; Matt and his father had built the first cabin p.2
  2. Why did Matthew’s father leave him alone at the cabin? He went back to their home in Quincy, MA to get Matthew’s mom, sister and new baby and bring them to the new cabin p.2
  3. What two things did Matthew’s father give him before he left and how will that help Matthew while he’s away? A watch- it will keep him company while he’s gone; a rifle- for protection p.4
  4. How old is Matt when his father leaves him? 12 years old p.6

Chapter 2

  1. How was Matthew feeling about living alone in the wilderness? He liked it; could do the chores and other tasks as he pleased and when he pleased; he filled his days up quickly p.7
  2. How did Matthew feed himself? He shot rabbits and ducks; caught fish; had flour to make cakes p.8
  3. What’s the advice Matt’s dad gave him about the Indians? Be polite if you should ever meet one p.9
  4. Why was Matt uneasy about the Indians? He could feel one was watching and around, but never got to see him p.10

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Ben and what happened in the town he left? Heavyset, stomach bulging, wearing a ragged blue army coat, tangled reddish whiskers, said the town was after him and he decided to go get some beaver pelts and live with the Indians p.11
  2. Why was Matt uneasy with Ben? He didn’t know how long he’d stay at the cabin, he didn’t know if he could trust him, didn’t’ know if he was dangerous p.17
  3. What was the consequence of Ben seeing the gun and Matt falling asleep? Ben stole the gun p.18

Chapter 4

  1. How had Matt been careless in this chapter? He didn’t bar the door well enough and a bear got in and scattered the flour and ate the molasses p.20
  2. How was Matt going to have to survive without flour, salt and molasses? On fish as long as he had a fishing line p.21

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Matt so anxious to get some honey from the bees? He was tired of plain fish and wanted something tasty p.22
  2. What’s Matt’s consequence for disturbing the bees? He got stung all over p.23
  3. Who saved him and how? Two Indians; they got him out of the water and pulled out the poisonous needles from the stings; carried him home and gave him medicine p.26

Chapter 6

  1. How did Saknis help Matt when he saw he was awake? Checked his ankle to see if it was broken, left delicious food for him; gave him a crutch and moccasins to wear since Matt lost one of his boots p.27
  2. How did Attean respond to Matt? He looked like he despised him and the cabin along with everything in it; seemed to inwardly laugh at Matt p.28
  3. What did Matt give to repay Saknis for the kindness his gave him? A book; Robinson Crusoe p.29
  4. What are the signs Saknis is talking about? The writing in the book p.30
  5. Why did Saknis want Matt to teach Attean to read? So he could understand what the white man writes; the white man has fooled the Indians because the Indians haven’t understood their writing p.31

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Matt call Attean a savage? Indians were considered savages when the colonists first came to America; the colonists didn’t realize how intellectual and kind the Indians were p.32
  2. Find a simile on page 33. As rigid as a cedar post p.33
  3. Describe how the first reading lesson went. Attean could pick out the letter “a”, but got impatient and left p.35

Chapter 8

  1. What did Matt decide to do for the next reading lesson? He wanted to get Attean interested in learning to read, so he read a portion of Robinson Crusoe p.37
  2. How did Attean respond? He didn’t look at all interested but ended up making comments about the story p.37

Chapter 9

  1. What did Attean teach Matt to do? Make a snare to catch a rabbit p.40
  2. Give some examples of the offerings Attean would bring Matt. Meat, nuts, cakes p.41
  3. How did Attean feel about the passage Matt read to him? He said it wasn’t right; the Indian would never say he was a slave to a white man p.43

Chapter 10

  1. Explain how Attean taught Matt how to fish. Made a spear, got in the water and threw it at a fish p.46
  2. Why did Matt decide to fish his usual way? He made a fool of himself and thought Attean was mocking him p.47
  3. What else did Attean teach him after Matt lost his hook? How to make a hook out of a twig, how to make fire with a rock and how to cook the fish they caught p.48

Chapter 11

  1. What did Attean say when he saw Matt pulling weeds and what does it mean? “Squaw work”, the women do that work p.52
  2. Describe Attean’s dog. Mangy tail, thin, coat of coarse brown hair, whitish patches on his face that made him look like a clown, pointed nose with bumps and bristles, ears were beat up like they’d won lots of battles p.52
  3. Where did Attean take Matt? To a part of the woods he’d never been to; to a beaver dam p.55
  4. What will help Matt find his way to where he wants to go and not get lost? Making signs like the Indians p.57

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Matt want to make a bow? He was tired of eating fish and wanted something to shoot birds and other animals p.59
  2. Describe how Attean and Matt made a bow. Got a thick branch, took off the bark, used a stone to smooth it and shape it; used roots to make the string p.60

Chapter 13

  1. Why couldn’t Attean and Matt have the fox or let it go? It was on the Turtle Clan territory and the Beaver clan don’t take animals on the Turtle Clan territory p.64
  2. Why was Matt so confused and angry about leaving the fox? He couldn’t understand the Indian code that makes an animal suffer just because of a mark on a tree p.65
  3. What had Attean learned from Matt in the time they spent together? He could speak English more easily and picked up some slang words and phrases p.67

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Attean disappointed that Matt’s finished reading Robinson Crusoe to him? He likes to tell the adventures he hears to his brothers p.68
  2. What did Matt read from to share more stories with Attean? The Bible p.68
  3. What story did Attean tell Matt? A similar one to Noah building the ark and the rain flooding the earth p.69
  4. Who’s Gluskabe? A mighty hunter that came from the north who was very strong. He made the wind blow and made thunder. He made all animals and Indians p.70

Chapter 15

  1. What did Matt and Attean run into on the way to the beaver dam? A bear and her cub p.72
  2. Describe what happened between the boys and the bear. The bear looked angry, Matt threw a rabbit he had just shot at the bear and hit her in the nose. Attean then had time to shoot the bear two times and stab her with a knife. Matt stabbed too, but she was already dead p.72
  3. What did Attean say to the bear? That he was sorry he had to kill her, he didn’t want to p.74
  4. What will Matt have to show his father that he helped kill a bear? Attean’s praise that he moved fast like an Indian p.75

Chapter 16

  1. Where did Attean take Matt the evening they killed the bear? To his home to participate in the bear feast p.77
  2. How did Matt feel around the children and other tribe members after being alone so long at his cabin? Confused from all the noise; overwhelmed p.79
  3. How did Matt feel as he danced with the Indians? Happy, excited, relaxed, like he was one of them p.81
  4. Attean said he wouldn’t eat this dinner since he had killed it. Why? It’s their tradition to not eat what you kill; there was a pride there; he might not get another bear p.82

Chapter 17

  1. Where had all the men gone and why hadn’t Attean gone with them? Hunting; He couldn’t go because he didn’t have a gun p.86
  2. Why didn’t Attean’s grandmother want Matt to come to the feast? She doesn’t like white man; they shot Attean’s mother. Then Attean’s father went to find the man who killed his mother and never came back p.87
  3. What was Attean’s response when Matt said that Indians did the same thing to white settlers and that the white women were afraid to come out of their cabins? Attean asked why the white settlers built their cabins on the Indians’ hunting grounds p.88
  4. Why had Saknis invited Matt to the feast when his wife was opposed to it? Out of kindness or fairness since Matt had helped to kill the bear p.89

Chapter 18

  1. What did Matt find in a trap on the Turtle clan territory? Attean’s dog p.92
  2. How did Matt get into to see Attean’s grandmother? He spoke with authority to the girls who came out of the stockade p.94
  3. What did Attean’s grandmother do for Matt’s hand? She washed it and put a salve with a bandage on it p.96
  4. How did Matt get the dog out of the trap? He had gone for help at Attean’s home; Attean’s sister Marie came with Matt; she put a blanket over the dog’s head and Matt was able to get the trap open p.97

Chapter 19

  1. Why was Matt so curious and interested while watching the squaws work? He was interested to see how they did things since he had to do the same work at his cabin p.100
  2. What activities did the Indian boys let Matt participate in? A gambling game of sticks, a game of hitting the ball with sticks and putting it in the goal, swimming p.100
  3. How did Matt lose his shirt? By losing at the gambling game p.101
  4. Why didn’t Matt feel alone in the forest anymore? He had made a positive bond with the tribe p.105

Chapter 20

  1. What’s a manitou? A spirit that comes in a dream; all Indian boys need to have one p.107
  2. How was Attean supposed find his manitou? He had to make special preparations: bath himself carefully, take special medicine to make him clean inside and out, go far into the forest and build himself a wigwam of branches, he would stay alone for many days and wouldn’t eat anything, he could drink a little bit of water from the brook at night, sing sacred songs, repeat the ancient prayers of his people, and wait faithfully, then when he received it he could go back to his people p.108
  3. Why was it so important for Attean to find his manitou? He couldn’t hunt with the men until he received it p.109

Chapter 21

  1. Why did Saknis come with Attean to visit Matt? To ask him to come with the Indians up north on the hunt so he wouldn’t be alone during the winter p.111
  2. Why couldn’t Matt go with them on the hunt? He had to wait in case his father and family came; he was entrusted with taking care of the cabin p.112
  3. Why do you suppose Attean didn’t say good-bye? He was too proud; he would come back to see Matt before leaving p.114

Chapter 22

  1. What did Matt do to finally earn Attean’s respect? Stay at the cabin and wait for his father instead of going with Attean and Saknis p.115
  2. What gifts to Saknis and Attean give to Matt before leaving? Snowshoes, a small basket of maple sugar and the dog p.116
  3. What gift did Matt give to Attean? The watch his father left with him p.118

Chapter 23

  1. What did Matt do with one of the blankets from his bed and why? He made pants because it was cold outside p.122
  2. How did Matt make his fur hat? He made a deadfall trap, caught an animal, scraped the skin clean, washed it, rubbed and stretched it smooth, then sewed it p.124
  3. What did Matt make for his family as he waited for them? new dishes for his mom, a cradle for the baby, a cornhusk doll with silk hair for Sarah p.125

Chapter 24

  1. How did Matt know it was going to snow? The clouds were dark gray, feeling in the air p.127
  2. What helped Matt feel free and happy with the winter ahead and why? The snowshoes; they gave him a freedom to move about the snow p.129

Chapter 25

  1. Who showed up at the cabin? Matt’s family p.130
  2. What had taken them so long to get there? They all got sick with typhus and were all too weak and sick to travelp.131
  3. Why was the baby with Matt’s family? It only lived five days and then died p.132
  4. Was Saknis right about more white men coming? Explain. Yes.  Matt’s mother heard from another couple that they were settling 5 miles from their cabin and three other families were coming and were going to set up a mill; they would have a town and maybe a school p.135

Comprehension Questions – Brian’s Hunt

Brian’s Hunt

By Gary Paulsen

(This book contains graphic scenes of animal violence and gore)

Grades 6-8; Genre – Fiction; GRL S; AR pts: 3.0

This story takes place two years after Brian had been stranded in the Canadian wilderness. When Brian finds a dog one night, a dog that is wounded and whimpering, he senses danger. The dog is badly hurt, and as Brian cares for it, he worries about his Cree friends who live north of his camp. His instincts tell him to head north, quickly. With his new companion at his side, and with a terrible, growing sense of unease, he sets out to learn what happened. He sets out on the hunt.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Brian’s dreams right after the accident of crashing in the lake and how they’re different now. They were more tarrying and traumatizing then and now they’re more fond memories and comical p.2
  2. How old is Brian now? 16 yrs old p.2
  3. Why did Brian decide against shooting the moose? It was a lot of meat to deal with and he didn’t want to waste any of it p.5
  4. Why did Brian think about Susan Smallhorn? She sounded interesting; pretty; brave; had a scar under her eye he thought of as a beauty mark; he’d never met her p.6

Chapter 2

  1. Why had school and studying become different after his airplane crash? He started to realize the things you could learn and know from books. Being in his life and death situation changed his perspective p.10
  2. Why did the world Brian’s parents live in look ugly to him? He didn’t like the sights, sounds and smells anymore. They focused on “things”, money, the right car, the right girls and the right clothes p.11
  3. Why did Brian take so long to move the canoe after studying the pike? He didn’t want to scare it p.14
  4. What lesson did Brian learn from the Inuit hunting seal? To be patient and not get frustrated p.16

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Brian check his equipment every day? To make sure it was in good shape; make sure it was all there p.21
  2. Why did Brian like to sleep in the canoe in the middle of the lake? Less mosquitoes, like a cradle rocking him to sleep p.24

Chapter 4

  1. How did Brian wake up in the middle of the night? He heard an odd sound and he’s very in tune with odd sounds out in the wilderness/bush p.27
  2. What was making the sound? A dog that was in his cooking spot p.30
  3. How did Brian know the dog he could approach the dog? It was wounded, it was female and a type of dog he had seen in Cree camps, whimpering and not growling p.30

Chapter 5

  1. Describe the dog’s condition. Its side was ripped open about 1.5 feet long, there was a torn back flap of skin on the shoulder that exposed muscle p.33
  2. How did the dog respond to Brian sewing up it’s shoulder? Moaned, looked him in the eyes, seemed to trust him p.36
  3. What Brian know about the dog? She was a female, she was a human dog, couldn’t hunt for herself, away from her people and wondered why so far away from them p.38
  4. What kind of thinking skills is Brian using to figure out what happened to the dog and what conclusion did he come to? Critical thinking, process of elimination; a bear attacked the dog p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What were the two reasons Brian gives of why the rabbit screamed when he shot it? It warned other animals there was a predator and other predators came to the area out of curiosity p.46
  2. What were the ingredients to Brian’s stew? Rice, rabbit meat, fish meat p.48
  3. How does the author describe how Brian felt about the dog? She was a friend in need p.50
  4. Explain why you think Brian felt a push to move and go north? He felt a pressing need to know where the dog came from and why it was injured p.50

Chapter 7

  1. How did Brian get over the beaver dams as he was traveling? He had to unload his canoe, lower it by hand, then repack it in the stream below p.54
  2. What does the phrase mean, “he saw inside things” relating to hunting? He saw a line of where the arrow should hit p.56
  3. Why did Brian say “thank you” to each animal after he had killed it? Because it cost the animals their lives to feed him and he was grateful to them p.49

Chapter 8

  1. What did Brian realize about having a dog? That he would never go without a dog again, there was a loneliness that was always there, until now p.61
  2. Why did Brian think the dog left his people? Something hurt them or the camp p.62
  3. How did Brian know he was in the woods where man lived? The animals were quiet and out of sight p.66
  4. How did the dog feel about drawing nearer to the island? She was up and whining and growling p.67

Chapter 9

  1. Who did Brian find and what condition was this person in? David Smallhorn; he was ripped up and dead p.72
  2. Why didn’t Brian grab the gun? He wasn’t as familiar with it and knew his broadhead could do good damage p.74
  3. Where did he find Anne’s body? Dragged off into the brush p.76
  4. What had happened to Susan? She was berry picking along the shore and saw what had happened as she came back and ran back to the canoe and was able to get away from the bear p.79
  5. Where did Brian find Susan and what condition was she in? down the lake 4 miles from the island; she was crazed and exhausted p.82

Chapter 10

  1. What was Susan’s reaction to finding out both of her parents are dead? Sobbed for hours p.86
  2. Where were the two small children? In Winnipeg with relatives p.86
  3. Why did Brian want to stay on the island and not fly out with the rescuers? He wanted to hunt the bear p.87

THE HUNT

  1. Why was Brian able to trust the dog? She could smell out the bear’s tracks even if Brian couldn’t see them; the dog would warn him if there was danger p.91
  2. How was Brian able to discern between the bear he was hunting to the other bears he saw? The other bears didn’t chase him or go after him; their claw prints were different since the big bear had a missing claw and broken claw p.93
  3. How did Brian feel when he first realized the bear was hunting him? Scared; coldness on his neck, no breath, everything stopped 94
  4. How did Brian fight the bear once his bow was knocked out of his hands and the bear attacked him? Picked up arrows that had been flung to the ground around him p.96
  5. Was Brian satisfied now that he’d killed the bear? Explain. No, he just felt sorrow for his friends that had died p.98